CAT 2017: Scoring 99 percentile is easy; just put in your best every day, says Aabhas Mathur

Aabhas Mathur

Aabhas Mathur, 99.85 percentiler in CAT 2017, had set MBA as his goal in second year of B Tech (Material Science and Engineering). No wonder, he cracked CAT 2017, IIFT entrance exam 2018 and NMAT by GMAC 2017 with excellent scores. This IIT Kanpur student has been a topper since his school days. In Class 10^th he scored 95% and in Class 12 he scored 94.6%. A KVPY scholar, he has also cleared RMO, NSEJS and NSEA conducted by HBCSE.

That’s not all, Aabhas has trained in vocals for 7 years and has performed at various national level competitions as a vocalist. He’s also been the lead vocalist in IIT Kanpur's band.

Son of a mechanical engineer, Aabhas wears many hats at the same time. So wearing multiple caps, how did he manage to score exceptionally well in CAT 2017 in the very first attempt. In an interview with Shiksha, he shared his prep strategy. Here’s what he said:

Overall Percentile: 99.85

Sectional Cut-offs:

VARC: 85.35 percentile

LRDI: 99.88 percentile

QA: 99.96 percentile

CAT 2017 result

I was actually both happy and a bit sad the first time I saw my result as I expected a bit more. Though I am really glad now I could achieve this feat. Seeing the happy faces of family members was definitely worth it.

MBA plans

IIM Calcutta is my dream institute and I have got an interview call from them. Apart from that, IIFT calls have been declared and I have a call from there too.  I have also received a score of 228 in NMAT by GMAC and so hoping for a call from NMIMS as generally there the cut off is as low as 208.

I am still left to explore my best in all the specialisations though I do have an interest in Finance for now and love reading related blogs.

CAT 2017 preparation strategy

I had a motivation to do an MBA and prepare for CAT since my 2nd year in college. Though I didn't start my preparation exclusively until my 6th semester, I used to follow iQuanta Facebook group and used to solve questions and queries of aspirants then. I joined the coaching in the beginning of 2017 and started to follow Learn Quest coaching later. As far as mocks are considered, they are the most important part of an aspirant's journey. I took TIME and IMS mocks throughout the year. Analyzing one's mistakes from mocks is the best way you can improve in a section.

Working upon weak areas

My weakest area all throughout my CAT journey was VARC section (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension). Though I was quite sure I might not be a 99 percentiler in this section, I did manage to acquire the confidence to do decently in the end. I used to practice all types of RC's apart from mock RC's for the same. For mocks, it is most important to read the solution given by the coaching institute and then to analyze as to what mistake you made since in CAT generally the options are really close in this section. It is best to practice at least 5 RC's daily apart from mocks to get a command over the section.

Importance of coaching institute

I wouldn't say it is important to join a coaching institute but it definitely helps a lot, especially if you have doubts regarding the preparation. It is always suggested to at least take mock series of coaching institutes and follow some coaching groups where you can have your doubts clarified.

Hobbies and interests

I have training in vocals for 7 years and have performed at various national level competitions as a vocalist and also as lead vocalist in IIT Kanpur's band. I have also been the Coordinator at Music Club, IIT Kanpur for a year. I have a degree in Abacus, Mental Arithmetic from UCMAS and have also been National Runner up 2 in the same which got me a qualification for the International level (I didn't attend the same though). Since college, I have developed interest in Rubik's cubes and am now a Speedcuber and can solve different kinds of puzzles including solving a Rubik's cube blindfolded where I also rank among top 50 in India. I have a best time of solving a Rubik's cube in 8.51 seconds. I have also been the coordinator at Rubik's Cube Hobby Group, IIT Kanpur for a year.

Tips for future CAT aspirants

Put in your best everyday till CAT and it will seem rather easy to crack a 99 percentile. Polish your strong areas and analyze your mistakes in your weak areas and learn from them. Start reading whatever you like so that you develop an interest and a speed in reading. Start solving puzzle books like that of Shakuntla Devi or the one by George Summers so that you can build your aptitude. Keep giving mocks at regular intervals so that the flow is maintained all throughout. Apart from that, I'll just say love your subjects, have big dreams and you will surely be able to make it through!

Cheers and All the Best!!!

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