CAT is one of the most popular exams among working aspirants. Since top MBA colleges, including IIMs and non-IIM institutes, design their selection criteria to favor both freshers and candidates with work experience, working aspirants often receive additional points for their job experience. However, many struggle to score well due to hectic work schedules, long hours, and job responsibilities that limit their preparation time. To address this, we’ve gathered practical, real-life advice and tips that working aspirants can use to maximize their CAT preparation, especially on weekends. Before we begin, remember, everyone has different jobs, responsibilities, and circumstances. Cracking CAT with a 99+ percentile will demand extra effort, smart planning, and discipline. We’ve focused on weekends here because weekdays, from Monday to Friday, are typically packed for most working aspirants.
Working Aspirants’ Daily Routine and Challenges
To truly understand the value of weekend CAT preparation, let’s be honest, do you actually get time to study on weekdays? Most working aspirants don’t. Your routine probably looks like this: wake up early, get ready, travel to work, complete your shift, travel back, freshen up, scroll through Instagram out of fatigue, make dinner, eat, manage house chores, and sleep.
Sounds familiar, right?
With such a packed schedule, regular CAT preparation often takes a backseat. But remember, CAT demands the right mindset, a solid strategy, and above all, consistency. And it’s this consistency that many working aspirants struggle with.
If not addressed, this can turn your IIM dream into job-related stress. That’s why weekend preparation is crucial. It’s your opportunity to catch up, plan smart, and stay on track.
Can Working Aspirants Crack CAT with 99 Percentile?
Even with all these challenges, many working aspirants still manage to crack CAT with a 99+ percentile and convert their dream IIM calls. They faced the same hurdles. But with the right guidance and a few smart changes in their daily routine, they succeeded.
Here’s how they did it:
Monday to Friday: To manage their CAT preparation, they used early mornings or late nights. In the mornings, they made a habit of solving Reading Comprehension (RC) passages from the iQuanta CAT course and practiced DILR and Quant on alternate days using iQuanta classes. If mornings weren’t possible, they watched recorded concept classes for DILR and Quant at night and read RCs during their commute.
Saturday and Sunday: They reserved their weekends for focused preparation. Each day began with reading articles and solving 3-4 RCs from iQuanta. After that, they attempted 4-5 DILR sets, followed by a minimum of 40 Quant questions. What set them apart was how they carefully analyzed their performance, reviewed solutions, and fully utilized all available resources like concept and application classes, 24/7 doubt-solving support, an active online community, and updated CAT-level practice questions provided by iQuanta.
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How to maximize weekends for CAT 2025 preparation?
Say goodbye to regular parties and hangouts
We’re not here to offend or mock anyone, but from experience, CAT demands consistent effort. You’ll need to prioritize your preparation over casual hangouts. Special occasions are fine, but for the rest, CAT prep should come first.
Finish your work on time
Many working aspirants lose their weekends finishing pending projects. Whether you’re in a hectic job or just delaying tasks, aim to wrap up your work before Friday. This ensures you have uninterrupted weekends for focused study without professional distractions.
Connect with peers
A simple but valuable tip — everyone aiming for CAT understands the career opportunities IIMs offer. Connect with like-minded peers online and study together over weekends. You can also join iQuanta’s Facebook and WhatsApp communities to stay motivated and exchange tips with fellow aspirants.
Buy CAT preparation books
Many working professionals experience digital fatigue after long work hours. To ease this, you can explore iQuanta’s CAT preparation books, delivered across India, so you can continue studying offline when needed.
Watch recorded classes
If you miss live concept or application classes, make use of the recorded sessions available for every topic. To support your preparation, iQuanta also offers 24/7 doubt-solving — you just need an internet connection and the will to aim for a 99+ percentile.
