CAT WhatsApp Group
The journey to cracking the Common Admission Test (CAT) can often seem scary, but for Vaisakh, it was a journey of strategic preparation, and hard work. His remarkable improvement from a 60%ile in CAT DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning) to an impressive 99.83%ile in the 2023 exam inspires every CAT aspirant. Vaisakh's story is about mastering quantitative and logical skills and cultivating the right mindset and finding balance. In this blog, we'll dive deep into his journey, his strategies, and the lessons that every CAT aspirant can learn from his experience.
The Early Struggles: A Wake-Up Call in 2022
Vaisakh’s initial attempt at the CAT in 2022 didn’t go as planned. Despite scoring an impressive 98 percentile in Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), his performance in the DILR section was a shocker, he scored just 60 percentile. This result was a wake-up call for Vaisakh, as he believed that he is good at logical reasoning. The 60%ile score was not just a number; it was a clear sign that something important was missing from his approach.
Key Takeaway: Failure can be a powerful motivator. Vaisakh’s setback in 2022 sparked a deep analysis of his approach and he decided to change it in next attempt.
Strategizing for Improvement: A Detailed Plan for 2023
Vaisakh wasn’t just disappointed with his score; he decided to take charge of his CAT journey. Rather than giving up, he consciously decided to improve his weak areas and tackle the exam with a much more structured approach. He knew that improvement required more than hard work; it needed smart work.
- Importance of DILR
Recognizing that DILR was his weak point, Vaisakh dedicated much time and effort to this section. His plan was clear: practice regularly and work on solving multiple sets in a single sitting to improve speed and accuracy. By constantly revisiting and solving practice sets, he developed a deeper understanding of patterns in data interpretation and logical reasoning. - Mental Strategy for the Exam
Alongside academic preparation, Vaisakh realized the importance of a mental strategy. CAT isn’t just about solving questions; it’s about managing stress and maintaining focus under time pressure. To ensure he could peak at the right time, Vaisakh simulated exam conditions a week before the test. Every morning, he followed an exam-like routine, including getting up at 8 a.m., simulating the exam environment, and even eating the same breakfast he planned to have on the exam day.
Key Takeaway: A balanced approach that includes both technical preparation and mental conditioning can give you the edge you need during the exam.
Also Read, Meet The IITian Who Failed CAT Twice and Achieved 99.93 Percentile in CAT 2024
Overcoming Work Pressure and Personal Struggles
What makes Vaisakh’s story even more inspiring is the fact that he was balancing a full-time job while preparing for CAT. He worked as a project engineer at Saint-Gobain India in Palakkad, Kerala, and his job involved long hours and project-based tasks. In addition to his work schedule, Vaisakh also faced personal challenges, including his father’s accident, which made his preparation even more challenging.
Despite these difficulties, Vaisakh remained focused on his CAT preparation. He did not let work pressures or personal difficulties distract him from his goal. Instead, the structured approach provided by Cracku, the daily targets, mock tests, and the study material kept him on track even when time was limited.
Key Takeaway: Life will always throw challenges your way, but a well-structured plan can help you stay focused on your goals, regardless of external pressures.
The Big Day: Performing Under Pressure
On the day of the CAT exam, Vaisakh faced the true test of his preparation. The exam was tougher than he anticipated, with more challenging questions in both DILR and Quant. Specifically, the DILR section caught many students off guard, as there were no direct questions.
Rather than panicking, Vaisakh kept his composure. He immediately changed his strategy. He tackled one set at a time, focusing on accuracy rather than speed. Even though one set took him longer than usual (28 minutes instead of 15), he remained calm and ensured that he didn’t make any mistakes. By sticking to his strategy, Vaisakh was able to attempt all questions correctly in the DILR section.
In the Quant section, Vaisakh’s strategy was to solve as many easy questions as possible. Though he was uncertain about his abilities in this area, his strategy of selecting questions he was most comfortable with paid off. He was able to solve seven questions, and incredibly, all of them were correct.
Key Takeaway: Staying calm under pressure is key to performing well in high-stakes situations. Having a well-practiced strategy can help you navigate unexpected challenges during the exam.
The Role of Repeated Practice and Mocks
While many students focus solely on studying concepts, Vaisakh focused on the importance of repeated practice. He regularly took mocks, which allowed him to identify areas where he could improve. The CAT mock tests also helped him simulate actual exam conditions, helping him build endurance and test-taking strategies. Even when he couldn’t dedicate hours to studying, he made sure to solve at least one sessional or practice set every week.
The consistent practice not only helped him get better at DILR but also helped him build confidence in tackling difficult CAT questions. It was his repeated practice and smart time management that led to his breakthrough performance in CAT 2023.
Key Takeaway: Practice is essential for success. Mocks and repeated problem-solving are crucial for building confidence and improving time management.
The Final Result: A Victory of Resilience and Strategy
When the results were out, all of Vaisakh’s hard work paid off. He scored an overall percentile of 99.84, with sectional percentiles of 99.33 in VARC and an amazing 99.83 in DILR. This was a massive improvement from his 60%ile in DILR the previous year.
His success story is the result of the power of determination, strategy, and mental preparation. Vaisakh’s journey wasn’t just about raw intelligence; it was about creating a plan, sticking to it, and making adjustments when needed.
Key Takeaway: Success in CAT is not just about studying harder; it’s about studying smarter and having the mental toughness to stay focused during the exam.
One Mistake to Avoid: Procrastination
Looking back, Vaisakh shared one important piece of advice for future CAT aspirants: start early. Procrastination was one of the biggest mistakes he made during his preparation. Although he joined his preparation platform early, he delayed serious preparation until June, which he admits could have been a setback if not for his ability to adapt and strategize efficiently.
Key Takeaway: Starting early gives you ample time to practice and refine your skills, reducing the last-minute pressure and ensuring better results.
Final Words of Advice for CAT Aspirants
Vaisakh’s journey proves that anyone can improve their performance with the right strategy, consistent effort, and mental resilience. Here are a few key takeaways for all CAT aspirants:
- Stay Consistent: Dedicate time regularly for preparation and mock tests.
- Don’t Panic During the Exam: Remain calm and recalibrate your strategy if needed.
- Focus on Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Improve where you’re weak, but leverage your strengths.
- Mental Preparation is Key: Develop a mental strategy to stay calm during the exam.
By following these principles, Vaisakh transformed his CAT journey from a mere 60%ile to a phenomenal 99.83%ile, securing a coveted seat at one of the top IIMs. His story serves as a beacon of hope for all CAT aspirants, proving that with the right mindset and approach, anything is possible.
