"Are you still working full time while preparing for CAT?” This was the question I was asked frequently by many people for the past year. And my answer was always yes. Because I didn’t quit my job, I didn’t take a sabbatical, and I didn’t rely on coaching full time. I cracked CAT and made it to IIM Kozhikode while working full-time in consulting and so can you. Here is what helped me in my journey to IIM-K
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I was working in the Application Security team at Deloitte, handling critical deliverables, often overlapping with US time zones. The workload was real, and the pressure was non-negotiable. But somewhere between daily reports and client syncs, the idea of doing an MBA kept growing stronger. I knew that waiting for the “perfect time” to start prep was an illusion. So I just began.
Here’s how I approached it, and how you can too, if you’re juggling work and CAT prep:
1. Build a Sustainable Routine, Not a Rigid One
I started small, just two focused hours a day. Started with PYQs of Quant and LRDI, and small breaks for reading editorials or brushing up RCs. After work, I didn’t aim for long hours. I revised or analysed mocks. The goal wasn’t to study more, it was to study smart and stay consistent.
2. Make Weekends Your Mock and Analysis Zone
Mocks are the most important part of CAT prep, especially for working professionals. I took one full-length mock every weekend. I dedicated the next day to analysing it in detail. My scores didn’t jump overnight, but my understanding did. Focus on learning from every mock, not just on the percentile.
3. Don’t Let Work Break You - Adapt Around It
There were hectic days when I couldn’t touch prep. Instead of guilt-tripping myself, I planned better for the next day. Flexibility and patience are crucial. You don’t need to study every single day. You need to show up consistently over the long run.
4.Focus on Mock Analysis, Not Scores
To optimize your preparation, schedule one mock test every weekend, followed by a dedicated day for in-depth analysis. During this analysis, focus not only on the accuracy of your answers but also on tracking key performance metrics such as decision-making time and your question selection process to identify patterns and areas for improvement.
5. Interview Prep is About Storytelling, Not Just Answers
Clearing the CAT is only half the battle; it’s an elimination process, while the GDPI is the true selection phase. I began my WAT-PI preparation by introspecting on my personal journey - my professional experiences, challenges, successes, and reasons for pursuing an MBA. Staying genuine during interviews made me stand out far more than any scripted response could. Never bluff.
6. Use Your Experience as a Strength
Your work experience is a powerful asset for CAT and GDPI preparation, so don’t let it lead to burnout, instead use it to gain an edge. Leverage your job to build discipline and sharpen time management, skills that are critical for both the exam and interviews. View your professional background as a key strength that not only enhances your selection chances but also provides a competitive advantage during placements and Summer Internship Programs (SIPs). Balance your CAT and GDPI prep while capitalizing on this advantage to stay resilient and focused.
If you’re a working professional dreaming of an IIM, remember — it’s not about having more time. It’s about using your time better. It’s tough, but not impossible. Plan well, stay disciplined, and trust the process.
Read More
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- Alternative Options to the CAT Exam
- Avoiding Exam Burnout
- Is this the right Time for an MBA
- Quitting a Job for CAT: Is it the right thing?
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