Preparing for CAT can feel like stepping into unknown territory. The rules are different, the expectations are higher, and the competition is massive. But here’s the truth most people don’t realize, the earlier you start, the stronger your chances of cracking it in your very first attempt. Let’s break it down.
1.CAT is Not Your Usual Exam
Think about how you’ve handled exams so far, most of the time, you could get by with last-minute studying, solving past papers, or memorizing key notes. CAT doesn’t work that way.
- VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension): In school, you found answers written in the passage. In CAT, there are no direct answers. You have to infer what the author means, read between the lines, and make logical connections. That skill takes months of daily reading - articles, novels, opinion pieces.
- DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning): It’s not just about crunching numbers. It’s puzzles that demand pattern recognition and quick thinking. Solving one or two sets occasionally won’t help. You need regular practice to train your brain.
- Quantitative aptitude (Mathematics): It’s the same math you’ve seen in school, but under time pressure. The difference is speed and accuracy. Both come only after building a rock-solid foundation and practicing again and again.
So, if you treat CAT like a “study in the last 3 months” exam, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
2. The Competition is Brutal
Every year, over three lakh students appear for CAT. Out of those, only a few thousand make it to the IIMs and other top B-schools. Here’s the kicker: most students postpone their prep. They think, “I’ll start after my internship… after exams… when I have time.” That’s exactly why they end up struggling. If you want to stand out from the crowd, you can’t follow the crowd’s strategy. Starting early is your unfair advantage.
3. The Compounding Effect of Early Prep
This is the real secret toppers don’t talk about enough. Imagine this: you start with just one hour a day. After 200 days, that’s already 200 extra hours of prep before most people have even opened a book. By then, you’ll have:
- Finished your basics.
- Built a daily reading habit.
- Attempted sectional tests with confidence.
- Started revising while others are still learning formulas.
It’s like investing money early, your efforts compound over time. The result? When others are panicking, you’re calm and ready.
4. Skills Take Time, Not Just Effort
Some parts of CAT prep can’t be rushed:
- Reading speed & comprehension: Only daily practice sharpens it.
- Logical reasoning: Your brain needs time to get familiar with patterns.
- Math clarity: You can’t fake comfort with numbers - it builds slowly.
That’s why starting now isn’t just smart, it’s necessary.
5. How Aarambh Academy Gives You the Edge
Starting early gives you time. Having the right mentors makes that time count. At Aarambh Academy, you don’t just study CAT topics, you learn directly from some of the sharpest minds in CAT prep.
- Lokesh Sharma – A serial 99%iler in CAT VARC, Lokesh has guided thousands to top B-schools. He’s famous for his SAP technique, Lokeshism tricks, and the kind of legendary examples that make tough concepts feel like ABCD. Beyond VARC, his Decision Making & GDPI-WAT sessions are a game-changer for students aiming for the final selection rounds.
- Sameer Sardana – With 12+ years of experience and an MBA from UBS, Sameer simplifies DILR like no one else. His style blends logic with real-life examples, making even the trickiest sets approachable. Having led 250+ creative live sessions and mentored over 100 students to a 99+%ile score, his focus is always on making learning clear, relatable, and result-driven.
- Raman Tiwari – Revered by thousands as the “God of QA,” Raman Sir is the GOAT when it comes to Quantitative Aptitude. His students follow him with absolute trust for QA and DILR because he doesn’t just teach - he inspires. Despite his unmatched expertise, his humility and simplicity make him a student favorite year after year.
Together, these mentors bring
45 years of combined experience, and their proven methodology has already helped over
10,000 students achieve their dream MBA colleges. At Aarambh, we believe in preparation that feels
structured, not overwhelming. Instead of rushing you into mocks before you’re ready, our approach builds your foundations first, then gradually raises the bar. By the time serious mock season arrives, you’re confident, calm, and ahead of the pack.
Ace your CAT exam with Aarambh Academy - where early starters turn into toppers.6. Final Word
CAT isn’t just another test. It can shape your career, your network, and your future. The students who make it are rarely the ones who crammed at the last minute. They’re the ones who started early, built habits, and stayed consistent. So if you’re serious about CAT 2026, don’t wait for the “perfect time.” The perfect time is now. Start today, even if it’s just one hour. Trust the process, and when results come, you’ll thank yourself for taking that first step early. And if you want guidance on how to begin, Aarambh Academy is ready to walk with you through every stage of this journey.
