Preparing for the Common Admission Test (CAT) is a big decision, especially when it involves balancing a full-time job. If you are considering quitting your job to focus on CAT preparation, you are not alone. This blog will address some key considerations, weigh the pros and cons, and help you make an informed decision.
Balancing Work and CAT Preparation
One of the common apprehensions that candidates face is “Is it possible to prepare for CAT while working a full-time job”. It completely depends on the hours put in, travel time taken, and how strictly you adhere to a schedule. Many working professionals opt for CAT online coaching, which affords flexibility and helps in the proper utilization of time.
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Key Questions to Ask Yourself
1. Can I Manage My Time Efficiently?
- Evaluate your daily routine
- Consider the number of hours you can actually dedicate to CAT preparation realistically
2. How Demanding is My Job?
- If your job involves much traveling or irregular hours, then it may be tough to prepare alongside work.
3. Am I Learning Valuable Skills at Work?
- If the current job is adding considerable value to your profile, then it might be worthwhile to continue.
4. Do I Have Enough Work Experience?
- Most IIMs and top B-schools value at least 2 years of work experience.
The Impact of Work Experience on MBA Admissions
There is a three-fold effect from work experience on your journey as an MBA student:
- Shortlisting Criteria: At many B-schools, criteria for shortlisting will weigh the number of months’ work experience.
- Interview Advantage: During the GDPI (Group Discussion and Personal Interview) rounds, questions about your work are often easier to answer than technical queries from your graduation subjects.
- Post-MBA Opportunities: Work experience enhances your profile and opens doors to better roles during placements.
When Should You Consider Quitting?
If you feel that the job is getting in your way and you cannot find enough time for CAT preparation, consider the following:
| Situation | Recommendation |
| Working long hours with no flexibility | Quitting might help, but ensure you can explain the gap. |
| Valuable work experience and learning | Stay in the job and explore weekend or CAT online coaching options. |
| Minimal work experience (<2 years) | Quitting may not be advisable unless your CAT prep is excellent. |
Note: If you quit, ensure that the months that you will be missing out (e.g., April to July) are made up with good preparation.
How to Prepare for CAT Without Quitting
- Leverage Weekends: Keep the weekends as days of mock tests and performance review.
- Plan around the CAT syllabus: Areas to be focused on- Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability.
- Take Leave Before the Exam: A 2–3 month leave preceding the exam can drastically elevate your preparation.
Pros and Cons of Quitting Your Job
| Pros | Cons |
| Dedicated time for CAT preparation | Gap in work experience may require justification. |
| Opportunity to focus on weaker areas in CAT | Financial implications due to loss of income. |
| Higher chance of achieving a top percentile | Loss of skills or experience from not being in the workforce. |
A Suggested Timeline
| Months | Plan |
| April–July | Quit and focus on building strong fundamentals. |
| August–October | Practice mocks, refine strategy, and focus on completing the CAT syllabus. |
| November | Focus on full-length mocks, revision, and fine-tuning your time management. |
| December (Exam Day) | Execute your strategy confidently. |
Conclusion
It is a personal decision to quit your job for CAT preparation, depending on your career goals and the situation you are in. If you can manage time effectively and your job offers valuable experience, it would be better to stay in the job and make use of resources like CAT online coaching. However, if work significantly hampers your preparation, then taking a strategic break could be a viable option.
Review your circumstances and commit to a good preparatory plan while staying focused on cracking CAT. Best of luck!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Should I quit my job for CAT preparation?
A. This would depend upon your present circumstances. If your job is highly demanding with less time to study, quitting would be helpful. But if it offers some good learning and work experience, you should manage the preparation alongside the work with resources such as CAT online coaching. Experience in work will be of immense importance while shortlisting, in interviews, and post-MBA placements.
Q. Can I prepare for a CAT while doing a job?
A. Yes, it’s quite possible to prepare for the CAT while working. And all it requires is proper time management. Take your weekends as test days and study in the evening. Also, use all sorts of online coaching for CAT and manage all other things accordingly. Even a short-term leave of 2–3 months may prove useful before the test date.
Q. Is studying 2 hours a day enough for CAT?
A. Studying 2 hours a day can work if the preparation is consistent and focused, especially with a structured plan. However, on the approach of the exam date, it would be advisable to increase study hours and take mocks regularly to assess your weaknesses and performance.
Q. Is 1 year enough for CAT preparation with a job?
A. Absolutely. A year is more than sufficient for preparation for CAT while working. Begin with covering the syllabus of CAT in the first 6–8 months. The remaining months should involve intense practice and analysis of mock tests. It all depends on the schedule maintained and consistency of effort.
Q. Should I give CAT without work experience?
A. You can give CAT without work experience, but 1–2 years of work experience would strengthen your profile for MBA admissions. It affects shortlisting, GDPI performance, and post-MBA opportunities. If you are fresh out of college, focus on getting a strong CAT percentile to compensate for the lack of work experience.
