CAT 2023 Topper Interview: 99.29 percentiler Akshat Agarwal shares his success journey

Akshat Agarwal, 99.29 percentiler in CAT 2023 shares his exam preparation journey. Know his preparation strategy and learn from his study tips to score above 99 percentile in CAT 2024.

CAT Topper Akshat Agarwal

Akshat Agarwal appeared in CAT 2023 as a personal challenge to evaluate his competitive edge and ensure that I remain at the top of my game and scored and impressive 99.29 percentile. Currently pursuing MBA from IIT Delhi DMS, Akshat is a computer science engineer. With experience in software quality assurance associate at FICO he aims to be a business leader in future. Apart from academics, Akshat excels in athletics. He has earned numerous medals at the school level and served as a captain of his school's cricket team.  

Having scored above 99 percentile in the CAT twice, Akshat has proved that focus and consistency can help you achieve great heights in every field. He shared his CAT preparation journey with Shiksha. Read on to know his study plan, preparation strategy and get inspired to crack CAT 2024. 

CAT score (overall and sectional):  

CAT 2023: 99.29 (VARC-92.37, DILR-98.09, QA-99.72)

CAT 2022: 99.44 (VARC-84.48, DILR-99.82, QA-99.17)  

Q: Congratulations! Are you satisfied with your CAT result? How much score were you expecting?

A: I am extremely pleased with my CAT score. In CAT 2022, I approached the exam with unwavering dedication and commitment, securing a remarkable 99.44 percentile. This outstanding result enabled me to gain admission to my dream institution, IIT Delhi, where I have been able to further my academic and professional aspirations.

This year, I decided to take the CAT once again, not out of necessity, but as a personal challenge to evaluate my competitive edge and ensure that I remain at the top of my game. The experience was both exhilarating and affirming, as I was thrilled to see that I still possess the capability and determination to excel. Achieving such an impressive score reaffirmed my confidence and motivated me to continue striving for excellence in all my endeavors.

Q: Was this your first attempt at CAT?

A: It was my second attempt.

Q: When did you start preparing for the CAT exam?

A: For my serious attempt, I started preparing in March 2022, giving at least 4-6 hours daily.

Q: What is a good CAT preparation strategy?

A: To crack CAT exam, one needs to focus on the following:

• Study Consistently: Regular, focused study sessions are key to CAT preparation.
• CAT Mock Tests: Take frequent mock CAT exams to gauge your progress.
• Time Management: Master time management to answer questions quickly.
• Concept Clarity: Understand core concepts thoroughly in math and verbal.
• Vocabulary: Build a strong vocabulary for the verbal section.
• Data Interpretation: Practice data interpretation for the quantitative section.
• Logical Reasoning: Hone your logical reasoning skills for the LRDI section.
• Revision: Regularly revise what you’ve learned to reinforce it.
• Stay Calm: Maintain composure during the exam for better performance.
• Adaptability: Be flexible with your strategies and adapt to different question types.

Q: Please share with us your section-wise CAT preparation strategy.

A: Here's my CAT preparation strategy:

VARC:

• Read Widely: Develop a habit of reading newspapers, novels, and diverse materials to improve
• comprehension.
• Vocabulary Building: Learn new words daily and use them in sentences.
• Practice RCs: Solve a variety of reading comprehension passages regularly.
• Time Management: Allocate specific time for each RC passage during practice.
• Elimination Technique: Use the process of elimination to answer questions in RCs.
• Grammar Basics: Brush up on fundamental grammar rules for sentence correction.
• Critical Thinking: Develop critical thinking skills for inference-based questions.
• Mocks Analysis: Analyse your performance in mock tests to identify weaknesses and improve.

DILR:

• Data Familiarity: Get comfortable with different types of data sets and formats.
• Practice Sets: Solve a variety of DILR sets from previous CAT papers.
• Speed and Accuracy: Focus on solving sets quickly while maintaining accuracy.
• Categorize Data: Learn to classify and organize data effectively.
• Logical Deduction: Enhance logical deduction skills for complex problems.
• Group Study: Collaborate with peers to solve DILR sets together.
• Mock Tests: Take full-length mock tests to simulate real exam conditions.
• Time Allocation: Allocate time wisely to different sets based on difficulty levels.

Quantitative Aptitude:

• Concept Mastery: Build a strong foundation in math concepts.
• Practice Regularly: Solve a variety of math problems daily.
• Formula Memorization: Memorize key formulas and shortcuts.
• Mock Tests: Take full-length mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
• Time Management: Manage your time effectively during the QA section.
• Focus on Strengths: Identify and leverage your strong math areas.
• Weakness Improvement: Work on improving your weaker math topics.
• Calculation Skills: Enhance mental calculation skills for quicker solutions.

Q: Which books did you refer to for CAT preparation?

A: Apart from study material and CAT mock tests provided by my coaching institutes, I referred to Arun Sharma books for QA, LR and DI and Aeon Essays for VARC.

Q: How many CAT mock tests did you attempt?

A: Around 50-60 mocks- initially once a week, then twice a week and during the last months 1-2 mocks.

Q: What was your exam day strategy?

A: My exam day strategy was comprehensive and designed to ensure peak performance. First and foremost, I focused on relaxation and ensuring a good night's sleep before the exam to be well-rested and mentally sharp. On the morning of the exam, I maintained a calm and composed demeanor, which helped in keeping stress at bay. I made plans for after the exam, providing myself with something enjoyable to look forward to, which helped reduce anxiety and kept my spirits high. Seeking blessings from my teachers and parents was an essential part of my routine. Their guidance and encouragement have always been a source of strength for me, and receiving their blessings instilled a sense of confidence and motivation.

Moreover, I carried a sense of spiritual reassurance with me, taking the blessings of God into the exam hall. This spiritual connection provided inner peace and a sense of protection, helping me stay focused and positive throughout the exam. This holistic strategy, combining physical rest, mental preparation, emotional support, and spiritual peace, ensured that I was in the best possible state to perform well in the exam.

Q: What will be your tips or advice to future CAT aspirants?

A: I would advise future CAT aspirants the following:

• Structured Study Plan: Create a well-structured study plan and stick to it. Consistent, daily
• effort is crucial.
• Concept Clarity: Build strong fundamentals in all sections - QA, VARC, and DILR.
• Take regular mock CAT tests to gauge your progress and improve time management.
• Identify your strengths and weaknesses in each section and allocate study time accordingly.
• Time Management: Practice solving questions within time constraints. Learn when to move on
• from a difficult question.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced lifestyle with proper sleep, diet, and exercise to stay
• mentally sharp.
• Stay Positive: Keep a positive mindset and don';t be discouraged by setbacks.

Read More:

• How to prepare for CAT 2024
• Best Books for CAT preparation 2024
• Previous years' CAT question papers PDFs for practice