Read the article below to know how Vinay Kotwal secured the 99.4 percentile in CAT 2021.
Vinay Kotwal, a Computer Science engineer from Punjab University, secured the 99.4 percentile in CAT 2021 exam. He is working as a Business Technology Solutions Associate in one of the leading firms. He hails from Kolkata and made it to the 99 percentilers club. With an interest in data analytics, he wishes to pursue MBA in Business Analytics. Shiksha got to talking with Vinay and he shared his CAT success mantra. Read the article below to know more.
Also Read: CAT 2021 toppers list
CAT 2021 score:
Overall: 99.4 Percentile
Sectional Percentile:
VARC: 97.24
DILR: 99.81
Quant: 95.96
Q: Congratulations! Are you satisfied with your CAT result? How much score were you expecting?
A: Well, I was expecting this score as the Quant section did not go very well. I was expecting around 110. But I am satisfied with my score.
Q: Was this your first CAT attempt?
A: This was my second CAT attempt. I also appeared for CAT 2020 exam where I scored 97.95 percentile.
Q: When did you start preparing for the CAT exam? What was your overall prep strategy?
A: I started my CAT preparations in February 2020, since I also appeared for the CAT last year. Being from a mathematics background, I had a hold over the Quant section. I mainly focused on the VARC section. I referred to Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis. I also used to read the newspaper daily to improve my English. I practiced Quant questions every day but I also focused a lot on the VARC section.
Q: Please share with us your section-wise strategy.
A: For VARC, I used to read newspapers daily and a lot of editorials. Because I think reading is very important as it helps you with the RC questions and the approach to these questions gets better.
For DILR, I think it is better to practice all kinds of questions so that you can choose which questions to attempt on the exam day. So I prepared and practiced various combinations of the questions.
For QA, I used to practice a lot. This section was a little easier for me, but I made sure to practice QA questions every day.

News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
15 Jul '26 - 6 Dec '26 | XAT 2027 Registration |
6 Dec '26 | XAT 2027 Last Date for Applica... |
21 Aug '26 - 25 Nov '26 | SNAP 2026 Registration Process |
7 Dec '26 | SNAP 2026 admit card session 1... |
17 Oct '24 - 5 Dec '24 | IIFT 2025 registration and app... |
14 Dec '26 | MAT December 2026 PBT Registra... |
17 Dec '26 | MAT December 2026 PBT admit ca... |
18 Jun '26 - 1 Dec '26 | IBSAT 2026 Registration Test 1... |
21 Nov '26 | IBSAT 2026 Mock Test |
Student Forum
Answered 2 days ago
Parul University considers valid scores in national management tests like CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, or GSET/university-level criteria for admission in MBA.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
No, candidates who have secured a valid score in AILET or CLAT do not need to appear in AmLAT to apply for Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore. These candidates can appear in counselling rounds. Selection will be based on scores submitted from aforementioned exams.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, you could potienally get into FMS Delhi with a CAT percentile of 98 but your chances of admission depends heavily on category, section scores, and profile. FMS Delhi shortlists students based on different factors expect just CAT percentile. Students are judged on Class 10 and 12 academic perfor
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Admission in IIM Calcutta depends on multiple factors such as: CAT scores, past academic records, gender diversity, and performance in the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). Candidates can check below minimum required CAT score for getting shortlisted at IIM Calutta:
- OPEN / Gene
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, IBS Mumbai considers top scorers in national exams like CAT, NMAT, or GMAT for tuition fee waivers. Students who secure a high percentile are eligible for these merit-based awards during the first year. The continuation of this financial aid in the second year depends strictly on maintaining a
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
No, national entrance exams like JEE, CAT, or MAT are not strictly mandatory in all cases for admission to IILM University, Greater Noida. National level entrance exam scores are preferred for direct shortlisting and merit scholarships.
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
In case of mistakes in the fields mentioned on the CAT admit card, candidates must contact the official CAT helpdesk via email or phone to get it rectified before the exam date.
R
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Candidates need to log in using their CAT User ID and Password to download CAT admit card. These login credentials are generated at the time of registration.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
No, the Common Admission Test (CAT) admit card cannot be obtained offline. Candidates have to download CAT 2026 admit card from the official website.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Saumya Jain is an English Literature graduate from the University of Delhi. She has over 8 years of editorial and content writing experience. At Shiksha.com, she has spent more than six years creating research, stud
Read Full Bio