CAT 2025 Topper Interview: How Amaan Turned 95.94% to 99.47% with Consistency

Amaan Hussain, who secured 99.47 percentile in CAT 2025, shares how consistency, mock analysis, and a Quants-focused preparation helped him ace the exam. Read on to know Amaan's CAT preparation journey and advice for future aspirants aiming for IIM ABC and FMS.

CAT 2025 Topper Interview: Amaan Reveals How He Turned 95.94% to 99.47%

CAT 2025 Topper Interview: IIM Kozhikode released CAT 2025 results. Amaan Hussain, who secured 99.47 percentile in CAT 2025, got his name included in the CAT toppers list. He secured 99.38 in VARC, 98.04 in DILR, and 96.71 in Quants. With his CAT 2025 score, he plans to convert calls from IIM ABC, and FMS Delhi.

Shiksha got in touch with Amaan to know about his CAT preparation journey. He emphasised the importance of consistency over hard work or smart work. Scroll down to know what helped Amaan secure 99.47 percentile in CAT 2025, including CAT preparation advice for future aspirants, and CAT section-wise preparation strategy.

CAT 2025 Topper Interview: Candidate Profile

The table below mentions CAT 2025 score highlights of Amaan Hussain:

CAT 2025 Topper Interview with Amaan Hussain

Shiksha: Congratulations for CAT percentile score! Are you satisfied with your score? What were your expectations?

Amaan: Yes, I am happy with my CAT score. I worked really hard for the CAT exam and was expecting somewhere around 99.2 percentile but scoring 99.47 just added to my already existing happiness.

Shiksha: Was this your first attempt at the CAT exam?

Amaan: No it was my second attempt at CAT exam. I was really disheartened by CAT 2024 when I scored 95.94 percentile. But I picked myself up. With the support of my mother and a friend, I nailed CAT 2025.

Shiksha: When did you start preparing for the CAT exam? What was your overall prep strategy?

Amaan: I prepared for CAT for 1.5 years. My strategy was clear as I was weak in quants (71 percentile in CAT 2024) I dedicated 80 per cent of my preparation time to Quants. I was naturally good at VARC. As for DILR I practiced consistently. I believe consistency is the only thing that will get you far in life, not even hard work or smart work.

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Shiksha: What was your CAT section-wise preparation strategy?

Amaan: My section-wise preparation strategy for CAT was as follows:

• VARC: For the section, I only prepared using the sectionals of IMS and CL. Sectional mocks helped me with speed and making up my mindset.
• DILR: I practised hundreds of sets from sectionals and YouTube. One must never look at the solution before solving the set themselves, no matter how much time it takes. It will help sharpen your skills, specifically for DILR section.
• Quants: Only thing which could help in this section is practise. I only did Arithmetic and Algebra as it carries the maximum weightage. This strategy worked for me, it may or may not work for you. One must make their own prep strategy while taking mocks.

Irrespective of the section, one must prepare using CAT mock tests followed by their analysis.

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Shiksha: Any specific books that helped in your CAT preparation?

Amaan: I did not use any books. My CAT preparation strategy revolved around video lectures available on YouTube.

Also Read: Best Books to Prepare for CAT

Shiksha: Did you join any coaching institute?

Amaan: I took mocks from a coaching institute. I did self study using free video lectures from YouTube.

Shiksha: How many mock tests did you attempt, and how important is a mock test series?

Amaan: I attempted 35 - 40 mocks. As mentioned earlier, practising mocks followed by its analysis is 75 per cent of the preparation.

Shiksha: What was your exam day strategy?

Amaan: For the exam day, I was clear that I would attempt all questions in VARC, and at least 2 sets in DILR. For quants, my strategy was to attempt all questions which I am able to solve. Everyone has a different strategy for exam day. My strongest section was VARC so I capitalised on it and so should you.

Also Read: CAT Exam Day Tips

Shiksha: Any tips for future CAT aspirants?

Amaan: To all the future CAT aspirants reading this, I only have one thing to say - "DO NOT MISS A SINGLE DAY". You may put in all your efforts for 3 months, but someone who has been preparing normally for the past year will surpass you. CONSISTENCY IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS; I am not saying it because it is an idiom, but because I have experienced it myself.

Shiksha: Which IIMs /Institutes are you targeting?

Amaan: I am targeting calls from the following institutes:

• IIM Ahmedabad
• IIM Bangalore
• IIM Calcutta
• FMS Delhi

CAT Topper Interviews 2025

The table below mentions the CAT 2025 topper interviews:

Read More:

• IIM Admission Criteria
• CAT Cutoff Score