Why CAT Coaching

CAT is one of the most important milestones (if not the most important) for every serious MBA aspirant. There are several success stories of people who have cleared CAT without any CAT Coaching. This influences several aspirants to think about tackling the CAT Exam without assistance (especially if someone close to them has done the same). However, these aspirants overlook that these stories are the exception rather than the rule. There are several benefits of signing up for CAT Coaching that are enumerated below:

• Structured Preparation Schedule: The CAT Coaching will allow the aspirant to go about their preparation in a structured way. The experience they garner through their many students allows the CAT Coaching Institutes to understand the topics which most students find challenging and accordingly schedule the classes. With the CAT Coaching schedule, the preparation becomes easier for the aspirant as it will complement their preparation at home.
• Discipline: One thing necessary for all the candidates appearing for CAT is discipline. It is even more essential for candidates who wish to prepare for CAT without the guidance of any CAT Coaching Institute. In truth, very few people have the necessary discipline to manage their time well enough for proper CAT Preparation. This is where the importance of CAT Coaching comes in, as it guarantees that the candidate prepares for a minimum number of hours per week through their classes and maintains the preparation time required for the classes.
• Doubt Clearing: Let’s say that the candidate does decide to prepare without the aid of a CAT Coaching Institute; the doubts that the candidate will have about the concepts are difficult to clear through reading the books or scouring the internet. Thus it is always beneficial to have a teacher to guide you. The concept clearing skills that a good teacher possesses is one of the biggest things that candidates would miss out on without CAT Coaching.
• Peer Learning: It is difficult to measure the impact of peer learning; however, it is unanimously agreed upon to have a positive impact. This is another benefit that candidates will have to forego if they decide to prepare without any CAT Coaching Institute. In addition to this, the other aspirants in the CAT Coaching would give the candidate a fair idea of their competition and areas that require improvement.
• Study Material: The Study Material for CAT Coaching Institutes is carefully curated to ensure that the student is able to solve any problem from the topic with enough practice. In addition to the books and modules, the mocks and sectional tests that the CAT Coaching provides are necessary milestones for every CAT aspirant.

These are some of the benefits that make CAT Coaching a must for most candidates. While there may be exceptions to the rule, the majority of the candidates require the guidance that CAT Coaching can provide.

How to choose the best CAT Coaching for you?

Students thinking to prepare for CAT and the other MBA entrance exams often find it tough in the beginning to choose a CAT coaching program that is best for them. This problem happens at multiple levels. Firstly, students are often confused about whether to take an Online CAT coaching program or an Offline CAT Coaching program.

While we will not be able to answer which is the best CAT coaching program for you without being biased (obviously), we can always help you understand the parameters that make a CAT coaching program truly great.

Therefore, here are a few guidelines to help you evaluate the CAT coaching programs.

1. Past Results

It is a parameter that is directly proportional to the success of the CAT coaching program. What have been the results of that CAT coaching program in the past? If a CAT coaching program has consistently produced exceptional results, you can be sure that you are at the right place.
However, you must be cautious when you are looking at such claims. Always enquire and ensure that the results presented are audited by a trusted third-party audit firm. All such claims made by CL are audited by such firms.

2. Faculty

This is one aspect that, if ignored, can make all the difference. Here you need to ensure that most of the faculty in the CAT Coaching program that you choose is from the best of the B-Schools such as IIMs, MDI and XLRI.
But that is not where the search ends. Is the faculty taking the CAT themselves year on year? Because if not, then you are likely to encounter faculty that are good but not relevant.
It is also important for the faculty to be approachable. The faculty at the CAT Coaching centres is always ready to help you understand concepts and practice relevant questions for CAT. You can also get your doubts cleared by the CAT experts in your CAT Coaching.

3. Mode of Study (Online vs. Offline)

Various programs are available for CAT Coaching in offline as well as online modes. Those living near the centre and can attend weekday/weekend classes during the day should opt for a Classroom CAT Coaching program, while the working professionals or those who cannot travel and attend classes during the day should opt for Online CAT Coaching programs.
There are various online CAT Coaching options also available that an aspirant can choose from, such as an early morning batch (7:00 am-9:00 am) or a night batch (9:30 pm-11:30 pm) as well as Mid-day online batches. Depending on your time constraints, you can pick a program that suits your schedule best.

4. Fees

The fees of various CAT Coaching programs varies between 20,000- 65,000/-. You should pick a program that compliments your needs and the price of the program should not be a deterrence or hindrance to your CAT Coaching as the returns would be higher.

5. Your Comfort Level

Finally, ensure that the CAT Coaching program suits your comfort level. It should be at an easy travel distance. You must visit the centre and take a demo class to get a feel of the pedagogy and faculty at the CAT Coaching centre.