To prepare for CAT, one needs a lot of determination, discipline, and proper planning. Among the many questions that have been posed by the CAT aspirants, there is one that has been asked often: How many hours do CAT toppers study? In this blog, we have tried to answer all the questions that may help you to understand the study pattern of those who crack the examination.
📌 How many hours a day should I study for CAT?
It varies, but most of the CAT toppers devote between 3 to 6 hours per day, depending on their baseline, concept clarity, and time constraint.
Here’s a table to help you understand how toppers typically divide their study hours:
|
Preparation Phase |
Recommended Study Hours |
Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
|
Early Phase (6-8 months) |
2–3 hours/day |
Concept Building, Reading |
|
Mid Phase (3–5 months) |
3–5 hours/day |
Sectional Practice, Topic Revision |
|
Final Phase (Last 2 months) |
5–6 hours/day |
CAT mock test papers, Analysis |
Read More: How Much Time is Required to Prepare for CAT for an Average Student?
📌 Do all toppers study for the same number of hours?
Not necessarily. Some of the toppers who have either a strong quantitative or a strong verbal section may study fewer hours but with more rigor. While those who are starting from the ground have more time to devote. This means that the quality of the study is preferred over the quantity of the study. Many times, students stress on active learning, solving the CAT previous years question papers, and regular mock test analysis more than the number of hours they spend in class.
📌 How important is a study plan for CAT?
Extremely important. It is always advisable for toppers to have a definite plan on what they want to do when they are studying. They divide the syllabus into sections, and they always revise the sections after some time. A sample weekly plan includes:
• 2-3 days for Quantitative Aptitude
• 2 days for Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI)
• 2 days for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• 1 day for solving the of CAT previous years question papers or attempting the CAT mock test paper.
📌 Do CAT toppers rely on books or online resources?
The majority of toppers apply both methods. While some opt for coaching material, some of them prefer the books available in the market known as the CAT books. These are conceptual in nature and are very useful for practice. But toppers also highlight the significance of online sectional tests and full-length CAT mock test papers in order to give the real pressure of the exam.
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📌 What’s the final tip from toppers?
Consistency is key. Instead of setting 10-12 hours a day from the beginning, it is wiser to develop a system of effective study sessions. Rest, review, and maintain the connection with your goals during the learning process. If you are planning for CAT, then it is advised to prepare yourself well by referring to the best CAT books and practicing with the CAT sample papers and CAT previous years papers.
