How Adrika Cracked CAT Using Only Cracku’s Free Resources

Meet Adrika Saha, a BBA student at NMIMS Mumbai, who turned her journey from missing entrance cut-offs to targeting top-tier MBA institutes by using only Cracku’s free resources.

Adrika’s Background and Early Exam Challenges

Adrika grew up in Singapore and the UK, where she spent her childhood and teenage years. In 2020, she moved to India during the pandemic, and had her first encounter with entrance exams in India, such as IPMAT. However, her experience wasn’t smooth, she missed the cut-off by just a couple of marks in Indore and Rohtak. This initial setback taught her an important lesson: in India, unlike in many foreign systems, the focus is not on hitting a specific target score, but on scoring as high as you can, since cut-offs can fluctuate drastically each year.

Why She Chose Cracku for CAT Preparation

After this realization, Adrika decided she would aim for a Tier-1 MBA college and take a fresh approach. She chose Cracku’s free resources to prepare for the CAT exam, as she wanted to follow a single, trusted resource. Despite struggling with Quantitative Ability (QA), where her early mock scores were dismal (single-digit scores), she was determined to turn things around. Her first mock score in August was only 60 marks, with most of the marks coming from Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). But instead of getting demotivated, she used this as fuel to work harder.

Also Read, CAT Study Material 2025, Questions, Test Series, Formula PDF

Adrika’s Section-Wise Preparation Strategy

QA Preparation: Strengthening Basics

Adrika’s weakness was in the Quant section, but she focused on strengthening her foundational knowledge. She tackled each topic one by one, dedicating daily time to practice, especially on Arithmetic and Algebra. Cracku’s structured video lessons helped her break down complex topics. The key strategy she followed was to practice consistently, starting with simpler questions and gradually progressing to harder ones. As time went on, her scores improved, and her accuracy in Quant soared.

VARC Preparation: Improving RC Skills

She realised that reading comprehension (RC) passages often deal with abstract concepts, so she dedicated herself to reading a wide range of texts, even those that didn’t interest her much. She also followed Cracku's VARC strategy, which involved summarising paragraphs after reading them. This method helped her handle the questions better and reduced fatigue during the exam. She also recommended Sayali Ma’am VARC video on youtube to future aspirants, where she explained how to tackle questions.

DILR Preparation: Smart Set Selection

In the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section, Adrika focused on solving past-year question papers and kept her calm during the actual exam. She practiced DILR sets daily, maintaining her focus on selecting the right sets instead of trying to solve every question. Cracku’s practice sets and time-bound mock drills helped her build this important decision-making ability.

Also Read, CAT Section-wise Preparation Strategy 2025, Study Material

Using Only Free Resources to Improve Mock Scores

Adrika credits Cracku’s free resources for her success. She made sure to stick to the video lessons, followed the strategies laid out in them, and practiced diligently. While many of her peers were distracted by multiple resources, she focused on her path, believing in the efficacy of Cracku’s materials. As her mocks progressed, she saw a consistent improvement in her scores, from the 60s to the 80s, and eventually, she started scoring between 90 and 100 marks regularly.

Mindset That Helped Her on CAT Exam Day

On the exam day, Adrika's mindset was her biggest strength. She entered the exam with confidence built over months of hard work and preparation. The biggest lesson she learned was to ignore external noise, such as advice from peers or social media. She followed Cracku’s strategies and focused only on what worked for her, maintaining a calm and collected approach throughout the exam.
Also Read, Major CAT Exam Pattern Changes over the Last 5 Years

Interview Calls and Final Conversion at FMS Delhi

Adrika’s diverse profile and international background certainly stood out during her interview rounds. She received interview calls from top institutes like FMS, IIM Lucknow, IIM Kozhikode, and MDI. While waiting for her final results, she was also waitlisted at some institutes. Her interview experiences were intense, with a lot of focus on her adaptability and international experience.

She particularly highlights an interesting interview experience at FMS, where the panel was intrigued by her overseas education and the fact that she had successfully adapted to the Indian competitive system. Her calmness and structured approach were evident during the discussions, and they were impressed by her ability to handle high-pressure situations and her clear thought process.

Note: She converted FMS Delhi.

Key Takeaways for CAT Aspirants

• Don’t wait for a “target” score early on. Focus on maximising your score and practice consistently.
  
• Stick to one trusted resource. Don’t spread yourself too thin.
  
• Daily practice is key. Set a routine, solve a variety of questions, and focus on improving weak areas.
  
• Mindset matters. Trust the process, ignore the external noise, and focus on your preparation.

Also Read, CAT Revision Strategy 2025, Revision Videos, Study Materials

How Adrika Cracked CAT Using Only Cracku’s Free Resources: Conclusion

Adrika’s journey to cracking the CAT is a testament to how discipline, focus, and a clear strategy can help overcome early setbacks. By following Cracku's free resources and sticking to a solid plan, she not only improved her exam performance but also stood out during the interview process. Her story is an inspiration for future aspirants, showing that with the right mindset and resources, anything is possible.