CAT 2021 Topper Aditya Bansal scored a total of 99.95 percentile with an overall score of 132.33. In his interview with us, Aditya talks about self-study and practicing solving problems. As for general tips, he talks about practicing to skim by reading a lot of books and magazines. He also talks about solving mathematical problems with speed and accuracy.

As part of VARC preparation, Aditya spends a lot of time reading The Economist and other magazines. He talks about having inclinations towards Maths and English to ace CAT Exam.

To know more about CAT Topper Aditya Bansal’s preparation strategy, read his interview with us to implement it for CAT 2022 Exam.

Ques: Do you have any work experience?

Ans: No

Ques: What were your overall and section-wise percentile scores in CAT exam?

Ans: I scored a total of 99.95 percentile with a score of 132.33 marks. In respect of sectional scores, I scored 57.17 with a 99.92 percentile. IN the DILR section, I scored 30.94 with a 98.44 percentile. In the Quantitative Aptitude section, I scored 44.22 with a 99.76 percentile.

Ques: Why did you think of appearing for CAT Exam, and what are your future goals?

Ans: During the final year of my graduation, I was contemplating post-graduate studies and exploring options. Since I wasn’t inclined towards working in Tech, I was looking into more business aspects of it. After researching, I found CAT exam to be a good fit.

Ques: Did you join any CAT coaching institutes? If yes, which one? If not, why did you go for self-preparation?

Ans: No, during my CAT 2021 Preparations, I did not join any coaching institute.

Ques: What was your preparation strategy for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension sections?

Ans: As part of CAT VARC Preparations, I regularly read the Economist and other online newspapers which helped me get accustomed to reading long paragraphs fastly. I also focused on learning to skim paragraphs so that I can understand and complete the questions faster.

Ques: What was your preparation strategy for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning sections?

Ans: During CAT, I tried to structure each DILR question in a tabular format and fit in the data given. The on-screen calculator is not needed for the DILR section as the questions don't demand intensive math. In CAT 2021, the DILR section was difficult in Slot 1. Since time management was important, I had to prioritize the easily solvable questions over harder questions.

Ques: What was your preparation strategy for the Quantitative Aptitude section?

Ans: My previous experience while preparing for JEE helped me significantly in solving quant problems faster. Also, I regularly solve puzzles and have a natural inclination towards maths. I also found hacks that can help arrive at the answer without solving the question algorithmically by elimination, fitting values etc.

Ques: How were the last days before CAT exam?

Ans: I tried to keep myself calm and not to fret too much about the exam. I didn't think any preparation in the last few days for an exam like CAT will help significantly, so just tried to revise and keep my cool before the exam.

Ques: Which mock tests helped you crack CAT 2021?

Ans: I did not attempt any mock tests before the exam day. But in hindsight, giving mocks would have helped me understand the pattern better, especially in DILR, which I struggled with on CAT exam day.

Ques: One mistake which you think you should not have made (During CAT or preparations)

Ans: While solving CAT DILR section during the exam, I got fixated on one specific question and spent more than 20 minutes because I felt I was very close to arriving at the answer. However, in hindsight, skimming through the questions first to understand the easier questions would have saved a lot of time.

Ques: How did you feel when you first saw your CAT result?

Ans: Based on CAT Score vs Percentile calculators on CollegeDunia and many other websites, I was expecting anything above the 99.9 percentile. When the results were published, I was surprised to see that I scored 99.95 percentile.

Ques: What are your long-term goals?

Ans: I want to build something of my own where I can use my people skills as well as logical skills.

Ques: What should be an ideal 6-month preparation strategy to equip for CAT?

Ans: My preparation plan mainly consisted of self-study and practice. CAT exam tests the candidate’s speed and accuracy rather than wit.

• As the first step of CAT Preparations, you should give a diagnostic mock test as soon as you decide to take the exam, to test your knowledge.
• Based on your performance your preparation plan must include working on your weaknesses and building your strengths.
• If you want to study in a structured environment, you can also join a coaching institute.
• For the VARC section, you should prepare by reading a lot of books and newspapers and practice skimming through sections.
• For both DILR and QA sections, you should practice enough solutions that you can attempt questions with speed and accuracy under the pressure of the exam.

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