CAT 2021 examination result was announced a few days back and a lot of candidates have aced this year’s entrance examination with marks close to 99% and 100% percentile. Days after the CAT 2021 result were announced we have been reading topper’s success stories. Aglasem has always strived to bring in the aspiring stories to our esteemed readers over time and this time, we got the opportunity to interview CAT 2021 topper Parth Sudesh Choudhary. He was amongst those students who managed to clinch 99.9 percentile marks in the CAT exam this year. Check out the sections below to know more about the tips and tricks shared by Parth that helped him acing the exam:
Ques: What was your first reaction to seeing your CAT 2021 scorecard?
Ans: I have received my CAT score sheet earlier and used some predictive tools to track down my score but yes when it came out I was overjoyed and it was the best feeling.
Ques: What was your sectional percentile i.e. VARC, DILR and Quantitative Ability?
Ans: I scored 99.98 percentile in QA, 99.72 percentile in DI &LR and 99.96 percentile in VA and RC.
Ques: Was this your first attempt for CAT? What is your academic background?
Ans: Yes, this was my first attempt at the CAT exam. I completed my schooling at DPS, Vadodara, and I was the 12th state topper in Commerce. Currently, I am in the final year of my BA Hons in Economics from Sri Ram College of Delhi University.
Ques: What’s your take on the myth that only Engineering students can ace the DI & LR section of CAT?
Ans: It is a myth and I am glad that I have shattered that myth as no particular education background but planning works for clearing the tough exams like CAT.
Ques: When did you start your CAT preparations? What was your strategy?
Ans: I started CAT preparations in 2021. There is no hard and fast rule for strategizing but yes appearing for entrance exams post-completing class 12th definitely helped in building a basic foundation for the examination. I was more focused to practice different levels of questions and identifying loopholes were the basic strategies.
Ques: Do you enroll yourself in online coaching? What’s your take on the part played by coaching classes for exams like CAT?
Ans: After completing my class 12th, I enrolled in IMS, Vadodara. I think mentorship and faculties offered by the coaching class shape the approach and correct strategy for candidates more than the resources and books.
Ques: How much time did you take to complete the CAT syllabus?
Ans: I think the syllabus can be broken down into subparts to ace the different sections for the examination in a better way. Initially, for 2.5 months I vested my time and focus on grasping the basics and then switched to intensive practice.
Ques: How many mock tests have you attempted before going for the CAT exam?
Ans: I attempted a total of 22 to 25 mock tests before going to appear for the CAT examination. These mock tests helped by providing the correct approach for each section.
Ques: What was the particular exam day strategy?
Ans: I had zero exam strategy for the CAT exam, straight 3 to 4 days before the examination I was relaxing with my friends and family. I relied on the idea that I have to prepare for the examination in advance to avoid any last moment emergency or hassle.
Ques: How did you overcome the most challenging section of the CAT exam?
Ans: For me, I was balanced regarding the different sections of the CAT examination since the beginning of my preparations.
Ques: How did you manage negative marking in CAT 2021?
Ans: The general strategy was to develop a good reading speed for the questions asked in the examination. I just read a question, got the idea of what was asked, and if that was something I could solve only then I pick that question and leave the one for which I was unsure.
Ques: What are your interests other than academics. Are there any activities that you take to relax?
Ans: Other than academics, I love reading books in my spare time to relax my mind.
Ques: What’s your plan for GD/PI round since now you have aced the CAT written exam?
Ans: In general, I have started preparations by being more aware of the things surrounding me.
Ques: Have you received any call from a particular B-School? Is there any favorite B-School?
Ans: No yet, but I am expecting a call from IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, and IIM Bengaluru. I am aspiring for IIM Ahmedabad owing to the deferment they provide to their candidates. I have an upcoming placement programme in my college and I am looking forward to joining a company and gaining work experience before taking up higher studies.
Ques: Who is the biggest motivation in your life?
Ans: For me, the biggest motivation in my life is my father.
Ques: What is the one piece of advice you would give to future aspirants?
Ans: One piece of advice is talking to seniors, getting ideas from them, and implementing personal experiences. Refrain from following a typical plan and stick to your own strategy.
