It’s that time of the season again.
The CAT buzz is picking up. Coaching centres are starting with new batches. Toppers from last year are sharing their success stories. And the most frequently asked question is back:
“When should I start preparing for CAT?”
There are many opinions around this. Some say January. Others swear by March or June. A few even claim that starting after August with an intense focus is enough.
But here’s the truth:
There is no such thing as a “perfect” time to start prep. The right time is when you're ready to commit to the process.
Starting Early Helps But…
Beginning prep in January or February offers an advantage:
- More time to practice and strengthen fundamentals.
- Ability to finish the syllabus early and get on with mocks.
- Flexibility to experiment with exam strategies.
However, starting early without consistency often leads to burnout or complacency. Many aspirants lose momentum mid-year because they peak too early or prolong the journey without structure.
Free CAT Mocks 2025: Daily Sectionals!
Starting Late? It's Still Possible.
Starting late doesn’t equate to beginning wrong. Many aspirants commence around July or August and still achieve 99+ percentiles.
What matters is:
- Having a smart plan.
- Making every hour count.
- Being relentless with mock analysis and revision
The trade-off is less flexibility, but a strong, focused sprint can still carry you across the finish line.
The “Mock-Only” Anomaly
“I just took mocks from Day 1 and scored 99+ percentile.”
No structured syllabus. No coaching. No gradual buildup. Just mock after mock - and a top score. Ever heard of it from toppers?
It sounds wild. And it’s true.
Some individuals commence their CAT preparation by directly jumping into mocks, and yet some still manage to score in the 99+ percentile. However, such cases are rare. For most aspirants, beginning with mocks without grasping the fundamentals can lead to confusion and frustration. It's like attempting to play a match without knowing the rules of the game. Just because it worked for a few doesn't imply that it’s the best strategy for you. Concentrate on what’s practical and sustainable, not what’s flashy and uncommon.
Coming to the question: So, when should you start?
Ask yourself:
- Am I serious about giving this my best shot?
- Can I dedicate regular, focused effort from now on?
- Am I ready to be consistent even when motivation fades?
If the answer is yes, start today. Even if it’s just one hour a day.
There’s no perfect time - only a committed one. Waiting for the perfect moment often becomes an excuse. The syllabus isn’t going to change. The competition isn’t going to disappear. And you won’t suddenly “feel ready.”
The best time to start is when you stop making excuses and decide to show up every day - even if it’s messy, even if it’s slow.
Whether you’re in college, working full-time, or restarting prep, your journey is your own. Don’t measure it against someone else’s timeline. What worked for them might not work for you.
Start small. Start now. And don’t stop.
Read More
- Online vs Offline Coaching: Pros and Cons
- DILR Strategies to Score a 99 Percentile
- Free Formula Book for Quants
- From a Failed UPSC Attempt to IIM-C
- From Journalism to IIM-K
- VARC Guide For Engineers
- Staying consistent with the 6-month-long CAT journey
- 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?
- Train your mind for the 2-hour Exam
