Should I Quit My Job to Prepare for CAT 2026? [Pros & Cons] Explained here

Overview Preparing for the CAT exam is one of the most important decisions for any MBA aspirant. As this exam opens the doors to prestigious business schools such as the IIMs, the pressure to perform well is natural. However, for working professionals, the dilemma often arises: “Should I quit my job to prepare for CAT exam?”

Deciding whether to quit your job to prepare for the CAT (Common Admission Test) is a significant and personal choice. 

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The CAT is a highly competitive exam that opens doors to prestigious management programs in India. It requires dedicated preparation and focused effort.

Let us discuss some important factors to consider when contemplating quitting your job for CAT preparation to help you make an informed decision. If you ask yourself, "Should I quit my job to prepare for CAT?", how to prepare for cat with job​ Continue reading! 

Should I Quit My Job to Prepare for CAT Exam 2026? 

One of the most asked questions by working professionals while appearing for the CAT exam is, "Should I quit my job to prepare for CAT exam?" To tackle this condition, we have provided the following solutions, especially curated by our experts who train all categories of CAT exam aspirants. 

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1. Assess Your Commitment and Availability 

As a working professional, it isn't easy to spare time for preparation, especially for the CAT exam. 

• The exam is one of the toughest entrance tests and thus demands rigorous effort and time commitment.
• Also, before quitting your job, evaluate your willingness to dedicate sufficient time to study.
• Consider the demands of your job and whether it allows you enough flexibility to balance work and preparation effectively.
• If your job consumes most of your time, quitting may provide more flexibility to focus on CAT preparation. However, if you believe you can manage both efficiently, it may not be necessary to quit your job entirely.

Check | Can I Crack CAT with College?

2. Evaluate Financial Stability

The second thing to consider when answering "Should I quit my job to prepare for the CAT exam?" is to evaluate your financial stability.  Quitting your job is not easy, as it is equal to giving up on a regular source of income.

• Consider your financial stability and its impact on your lifestyle and responsibilities.
• Calculate your expenses, including rent, bills, food, and other essentials.
• Ensure you have sufficient savings to sustain yourself during the CAT exam preparation.
• Alternatively, explore part-time or freelance work that balances income and study time.
• Financial stability is crucial to alleviating stress and maintaining focus during CAT preparation.

Check | How many attempts are there for CAT Exam? 

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3. Analyze the Need for Intensive Preparation

While finding an answer to "Should I quit my job to prepare for CAT exam?" it is important to analyse the need for intensive preparation.

• Preparation is a must for taking the CAT exam with a good percentile. Assess your current level of preparation and the intensity required to crack the CAT.
• If you feel that your current job leaves you with limited time and energy to devote to preparation, quitting may be a viable option.
• CAT preparation often demands dedicated study hours, solving numerous previous year CAT practice questions, and taking mock tests regularly.
• However, if you believe you can manage an effective study schedule alongside your job, quitting may not be necessary.

Check | What to do after CAT exam?

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4. Look for Some Flexible Job Options

• Consider whether your current job can provide flexibility to accommodate your CAT preparation along with work.
• Speak to your employer or supervisor about the possibility of reduced working hours, a temporary leave of absence, or working remotely.
• Some companies may support employees pursuing higher education and offer flexible arrangements.
• Balancing work and preparation without quitting may be the ideal scenario, as it ensures financial stability and professional continuity.

Check | How many times CAT exam is conducted in a year?

5. Consider the Impact on Your Career

Quitting your job for CAT preparation can have implications for your career. Reflect on the value and potential growth your current job offers.

• Leaving a stable job without a clear backup plan can affect your professional trajectory and create gaps in your resume.
• Consider whether the management programs you aspire to join highly prioritize work experience.
• Relevant work experience can be an advantage during admissions in some cases. Consider how quitting your job aligns with your long-term career goals.

Check | How much time is required to prepare for CAT exam?

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6. Seek Advice and Counsel

Before deciding, seek advice and counsel from trusted mentors, family members, or CAT experts.

• Discuss your aspirations, current situation, and concerns with individuals who can provide different perspectives.
• They may share their experiences or offer insights to help you make an informed decision.
• Ultimately, the decision should align with your goals, circumstances, and ambitions.

Also Read: WAT Topics for CAT

Role of Work Experience

• Work experience can be a double-edged sword in the MBA admission process. Its significance varies across different IIMs.
• IIM Bangalore and IIM Lucknow place considerable weight on work experience. They value candidates' practical insights and professional maturity from their work backgrounds.
• Other top-ranking IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Calcutta balance work experience with other factors. While they appreciate the value of professional experience, they do not let it overshadow academic excellence.
• Newer IIMs like IIM Jammu, IIM Mumbai, etc., and some other top B-schools take a different approach to work experience. They place less emphasis on it and focus more on CAT scores, academic records, and Personal Interviews.

Work Did Not Stop Her to Ace CAT Exam 2026

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How to Prepare for CAT while doing Job?

Preparing for CAT while working demands strategic time management. Create a realistic study plan allocating 2–3 hours daily and use weekends for intensive revision.

Focus on high-yield topics and take regular mock tests to track progress. Leverage online resources like SuperGrads for flexible learning. Stay consistent, motivated, and maintain a healthy work-study balance.

Read more: CAT Preparation for Working Professionals

Conclusion

Coming to the conclusion of Should I Quit My Job to Prepare for CAT exam? Deciding whether to quit your job for CAT preparation is a deeply personal choice. Consider your commitment, availability, financial stability, and the need for intensive preparation.

However, it is not highly appreciated if someone leaves their Job for CAT preparation, even for a year. It shows a lack of time management and an inability to handle pressure situations. 

Check | Apply for CAT Exam Preparation with SuperGrads CAT Online Coaching