Breaking 4 Myths Around CAT Preparation: What Really Works?

As the Common Admission Test (CAT) approaches on November 30, 2025, thousands of aspirants are gearing  up for one of India's most challenging management entrance exams. The CAT isn't meant to be just a test of knowledge, it's a measure of strategic thinking, resilience and adaptability. However, amid the buzz of preparation tips and success stories, numerous myths persist that can derail even the most dedicated candidates. These misconceptions often paint CAT prep as an insurmountable grind reserved for the elite or those willing to sacrifice everything. Drawing from real experiences of high achievers, this article debunks these myths and highlights proven strategies that emphasize smart, balanced effort. If you're preparing for the upcoming CAT, remember that success is about consistent, informed action, not unattainable perfection. Let's explore what truly drives results, backed by insights from toppers who have walked the path.

One of the most pervasive myths is that CAT is only for individuals from top engineering colleges or those with impeccable academic pedigrees. This couldn't be further from the truth. Many successful candidates come from diverse backgrounds and prove that determination and strategy trump innate genius.

Take Anil Sharma, MDI Gurgaon, who scored 98.95 percentile in CAT after initial setbacks. From a banking job and a commerce background at SRCC, Sharma balanced preparation with work and sports. He emphasizes, "You know if you have it in you to break the barrier," underscoring that belief in one's potential is key, not a specific pedigree. Similarly, Noorpreet Kaur, a commerce graduate from Chandigarh, achieved over 95 percentile despite a non-engineering background. She notes, "CAT exam is not merely about solving questions. It involves experimenting and trying to create a near-perfect strategy that is not only best-suited to you but also flexible enough to change as per the exam pattern." Kaur's journey from a shocking 19 percentile in her first mock to consistent improvement shows that progress comes from adaptable strategies, not elite origins.

The idea that success demands marathon study sessions without breaks is a recipe for burnout, not high percentiles. Real toppers advocate for balanced, efficient routines that prioritize quality over quantity.

Anil Sharma prepared while holding a full-time banking job, proving that life balance is possible. He warns against overconfidence but highlights persistence without exhaustive hours, sharing, "The last few miles are always the hardest." Rohit scored 97.5 percentile in his first attempt and is a Hitbullseye alumni. He followed a simple routine starting in February: revise class topics daily, practice weekly and clear doubts promptly. He included daily sports or hobbies to stay "active and running," avoiding the pitfall of piled-up stress from inconsistency. This approach led him from 75 percentile in mocks to 97.5 in the actual exam.

In the 97+ percentile guide, the candidate started preparation early and stressed mental attitude with support from family and friends, instead of isolation. They advise, "Surround yourself with a supportive circle." 

Many believe coaching alone guarantees success or that last-minute cramming can salvage poor prep. In reality, coaching is a tool, not a crutch and consistency trumps cramming.

Samarpan Singh joined coaching late but excelled through self-driven daily rituals like reading The Hindu for 2 hours and practicing RCs with a stopwatch. He improved VARC from 20 to 45 marks by understanding essence, not memorizing, and states, "It doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down. The only thing that matters is how many times you get up," he says. Rohit chose his institute for comprehensive support but succeeded via personal discipline, warning against skipping classes which leads to "colossal stress."

Paarth Mehndiratta, however, learned the hard way! After three months without mocks, overconfidence set in. He shifted to iterative cycles of mocks, analysis, and improvisation, quoting, "In school you are taught a lesson and then asked to take a test. In life, though, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson," he said. The procrastination guide advises forming study groups for accountability and regular self-testing to track progress, avoiding last-minute rushes.

Noorpreet Kaur's early start allowed experimentation, rising gradually without cramming. She emphasizes, "There was no overnight change in scores and percentiles." Thus, it is time that you leverage coaching for guidance but build your own routine that includes regular mocks and group discussions, as it will build the edge needed.

The notion that high mocks guarantee success or that panic is inevitable ignores the role of mindset. Instead, the right approach calls for a calm and positive mindset on the exam day. 

Paarth Mehndiratta, drew wisdom from his panic, learned to stay composed and advised against the "overconfident hare" mentality. Similarly, Anil Sharma's initial failure stemmed from taking the exam lightly, but he rebounded by not easing up again. The 97+ percentile achiever used a motivational wallpaper that said, ‘Everything is possible with hard work and sacrifice,’ maintaining positivity with support networks.

Rohit, on the other hand, viewed low mocks as practice, not failure, building confidence for the real exam. Remember to cultivate a steady mindset through reflection and support as it's your greatest asset under pressure.

In debunking these myths, a clear pattern emerges that defines success along with the strings of consistency, self-awareness, balanced routines and a resilient mindset. Prioritize mocks for analysis, focusing on accuracy over speed, as advised in the 97+ and 99 percentile guides. Build habits to avoid procrastination, reflect daily, organize your schedule and do not hesitate to seek peer support.

In the end, take some time from this prep hustle to remind yourself that you've got what it takes to claim your spot at your dream IIM.