CAT 2016: How Avidipto Chakraborty scored 100 percentile with a 9-hour job

Pic courtesy: Facebook

Scoring a perfect 100 is not a cake walk but it is not impossible, either. CAT 2016 topper Avidipto Chakraborty proved it. He attempted over 80 mock tests in his 5 month preparation time alongside a 9-hour plus internship at a financial firm and scored an incredible 100 percentile.

The Kolkata lad, says the key to excelling in an exam like CAT is to attempt as many mocks as one can to familiarize oneself with the actual exam environment and prepare for the worst.

Shiksha spoke to the dual-degree holder from BITS, Pilani (Goa) about his preparation strategy. Here’s what he said:

CAT Result

My parents are super happy and super proud which makes it all the more special. The result was not expected and it is finally sinking in now.

CAT Preparation Strategy

I started CAT preparation in mid-May 2016. In May-June I had summer vacation which I utilized in revising the basic concepts of topics listed in CAT syllabus. Once my internship began, I changed my strategy. I would study for four and half hours (9:30 pm to 2 am) on weekdays and dedicated Saturdays and Sundays to mock tests.

I did not join any coaching institute but attempted over 80 mocks which kept me in the exam mode until the actual exam day.

Why CAT Mock Tests are Important

CAT is a random exam, in the sense that one wouldn’t know what questions will be asked. It is necessary to attempt mocks as they familiarize you with and prepare you for all kinds of scenarios-easy, moderate, difficult, lengthy, vague etc. If you’ve attempted good enough numbers of mocks, nothing will surprise you. It helps you keep your cool while writing the test.

Do Engineers Have an Edge Over Others in CAT exam?

I feel that having an engineering background does not make much of a difference as it is of no help in VARC section. The Quant section is class 10 level mathematics, hence engineers have no upper hand as such. Those who were good at maths in school and stayed in touch afterwards, can crack Quant section if they practice well.

My Routine During CAT Preparation

For five months my weekend routine was- watching a movie on Friday nights and attempting mocks on Saturdays and Sundays.

About Me

I have a dual degree in Economics and Computer Science at BITS Pilani (Goa). I like to play drums and running. I completed Goa marathon which was held recently. I like to participate in extra-curricular activities and was the sponsorship head of my college fest.

Tips for Future CAT Aspirants

• Start with CAT mock tests early.
• Don’t get bogged down by low scores in mocks. Mocks are not the actual exam. They are a means to prepare you for the actual exam.
• Mocks are the best tool to help you analyze yourself and make your own strategy because CAT is an exam in which a lot depends on individual strategy.
• Find people around you who are preparing to take the exam. Be it social media or your own friend circle, connect with people who are doing the same thing as you are, to keep the motivation going.
• Many students give up half way through, so it is really important not to lose focus and stay motivated.
• Motivate yourselves and each other for this is the only way to cover this long CAT preparation journey.

Next Move

I have already been invited by IIM Ahmedabad for the interview round. I hope to convert IIMA call after which I will decide whether I want join the course now or after two years.

Also read:

Winning against all odds

This 100%iler took CAT 2016 to test himself

CAT is more about aptitude: 100%iler

CAT scores are used for admission to 19 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and various other top B-Schools. Are you eligible for the IIMs? To know more, click on the image beside.