Should I Take a Year Off to Prepare for the CAT?

Many students with a 67.3 percentile score without any preparation might consider taking a year off to prepare for the Common Admission Test (CAT). This article explores whether such a year off is necessary, focusing on the perspectives and experiences of different individuals.

Personal Experience

Case Study: I, a current third-year student, scored a 67.3 percentile in the CAT 2019 without any preparation. My ultimate goal is to secure a position in the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Grade B, but I am debating whether to take a year off specifically to prepare for the CAT.

From my experience, taking a year off to prepare for CAT seems imprudent and impractical, but it can also be a savvy strategy. For some, a year's break might be a significant drawback, while for others, it might not be a concern at all. Factors such as your academic background, work experience, and personal goals play a crucial role in determining whether a year off is beneficial.

When Should You Take a Year Off?

Academic Background: If your academic performance has been steady and without any gaps, a one-year break for CAT preparation might be acceptable. Many interviewers and peer reviewers might not notice or comment on such a gap.

Work Experience: If you have gained substantial work experience over two or more years, a 12-18 month break for CAT preparation should not be a major hindrance.

As for my personal experience, after taking a year off to prepare for the CAT, I scored a remarkable 99.57 overall with a 99.95 percentile in the Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section. I received admission offers from many decent colleges, and none of my interviews highlighted my break in education.

Breaking the Myth of Educational Gaps

In India, an educational gap is often viewed negatively, seen as a violation of some sacred ritual. However, in today's job market, interviewers understand that taking a break can be beneficial for personal and professional growth. If you can justify your break with meaningful activities such as part-time work, online courses, or skill development, an educational gap might not affect your prospects significantly.

Self-enrichment and self-development are vital, but do not equate this with a three-year break. A 12-18 month gap can be manageable if you have a clear plan for what you want to achieve in that time.

A Balanced Approach

While a year off for CAT preparation might not be the best use of your time, there are many other ways to utilize your break:

Work part-time at a non-profit organization Learn a new language Write blogs Take online courses to develop new skillsets Read books that will enhance your knowledge and critical thinking

These activities can enrich your life and make you a more attractive candidate for both MBA admissions and future job interviews.

Conclusion: If you are confident in your abilities and have a plan for enriching yourself during the break, taking a year off to prepare for the CAT can be a rational move. However, if you have no concrete plan or there are financial or family pressures, it might be better to use that year to gain practical experience or further your education in another way.

Final Thoughts

As the saying goes, life is a continuous process of learning and unlearning. Use your break wisely and focus on self-enrichment. Whether your goal is to secure a position in an organization like the RBI or to pursue higher education, a well-planned break can be an excellent opportunity to give yourself an edge in achieving your goals.

Best wishes for the CAT!