CAT WhatsApp Group
Shambo Sinha Scores 99.54 Percentile in CAT 2024
Shambo Sinha emerged as a CAT 2024 topper by scoring an impressive 99.54 percentile in his very first attempt. A Chemical Engineering graduate from IIT Kharagpur, Shambo’s journey proves that even a late start, when backed by the right strategy and mindset, can lead to exceptional results.
Balancing a full-time job while preparing for one of India’s toughest exams, Shambo’s story is both inspiring and practical for CAT aspirants who feel short on time.
How Shambo Cracked CAT Despite a Late Start
Shambo began his CAT preparation around June–July 2024, much later than most aspirants. Instead of panicking, he focused on building consistency in the limited time he had.
“I started late, but I made up for it by being consistent and dedicated in the months leading up to the exam,” Shambo shares. He began by understanding the CAT exam pattern and immediately moved to sectional tests and mock exams to assess his level.
CAT Preparation Strategy Without Coaching Material
Unlike many aspirants, Shambo did not rely on expensive coaching material. His preparation was simple and focused.
He used sectional tests and mock test series to identify weak areas and worked specifically on improving them. According to him, understanding concepts clearly mattered more than solving too many questions blindly.
How Shambo Mastered Quant and VARC for CAT
Quantitative Ability and Verbal Ability were Shambo’s strongest areas.
For VARC, his habit of reading books, newspapers, and articles helped him immensely. Because of this, he did not need intensive preparation for Verbal.
For Quant, he revised school-level concepts like Time, Speed and Distance, Probability, and basic arithmetic. “I revisited my school notes and focused on fundamentals rather than advanced tricks,” he explains.
Handling LRDI Challenges in CAT 2024
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI) was Shambo’s weakest section. He openly admits that this is where he could have scored more.
“If I had focused more on LRDI, my score could have been even higher,” he says. Despite this, his strong performance in Quant and VARC helped him achieve an excellent overall percentile.
Balancing Full-Time Work and CAT Preparation
Managing CAT preparation alongside a demanding job was challenging. Shambo worked long hours on weekdays but made sure to use his time efficiently.
“I usually returned home by 5 PM and studied in the evenings. Weekends were reserved for longer study sessions and mock tests,” he explains. Time management and discipline played a crucial role in his success.
CAT Mock Test Strategy That Helped Shambo Score 99.54 Percentile
Mock tests played a major role in Shambo’s preparation. He started with sectional tests and gradually shifted to full-length CAT mock tests.
“M mocks helped me understand time pressure, my strengths, and my weak areas,” he shares. He always attempted mocks in a real exam-like environment and carefully analyzed his mistakes afterward.
How Shambo Stayed Calm on CAT Exam Day
On the day of the CAT exam, Shambo avoided unnecessary stress by isolating himself from external opinions.
“I didn’t read Slot 1 reviews or talk to anyone about the paper. I didn’t want my mindset to be influenced,” he says. This helped him stay calm and focused during the exam.
Facing Setbacks After CAT Results and Staying Motivated
Although happy with his percentile, Shambo felt disappointed when he did not receive calls from some of his dream colleges.
“Not getting calls from institutes like IIM Bangalore was disappointing,” he admits. However, instead of losing motivation, he treated it as a learning experience and decided to aim even higher next time.
Key Takeaways from Shambo Sinha’s CAT 2024 Journey
Shambo’s journey highlights three key lessons:
-
Consistency matters more than starting early
-
Mock tests are essential for CAT success
-
A calm mindset improves accuracy and performance
He believes focusing on strengths while steadily improving weak areas is the best approach.
Advice from a CAT 99.54 Percentiler to Future Aspirants
“Don’t get discouraged if you start late or face setbacks,” Shambo advises. “Stay consistent, practice regularly, and believe in yourself. CAT is as much a mental game as it is an aptitude test.”
What’s Next After CAT 2024? Shambo’s Future Goals
Shambo is already preparing for his next attempt, aiming for 99.9+ percentile and even 100 percentile. This time, he plans to focus heavily on LRDI to maximize his score.
His journey proves that with the right strategy, discipline, and mindset, even a late start can lead to CAT success.
