MAT 2019 Topper Interview: Know How Shubham Khule Scored 99.99 percentile

Everyone wishes to score 99+ percentile in MAT. Nevertheless, only hard work pays off and this is what helped MAT 2019 topper Shubham Khule. Know more.

With MAT 2020 exam round the corner, all aspirants appearing for the upcoming exam will be eager to know the tips and tricks adopted by past MAT toppers to score high. Scoring 90+ percentile will surely be on the wish-list of all the aspirants who are working hard for this test MAT 2020 exam, Shiksha spoke with Shubham Khule, who cleared MAT May 2019 exam, scoring as high as 99.99 percentile in first attempt.. Born and brought up in Pune, Shubham completed B.E. in IT from Pune Institute of Computer Technology (PICT) in 2017. Currently, he is pursuing MBA from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS). Read below to know Shubham’s MAT preparation strategy for 99.99 percentile.

Q: Are you satisfied with your MAT result? How much score were you expecting?

A: Yes. I am satisfied with my MAT result. To be honest, I did not have many expectations from this test, as it was my first attempt. 

Q: When did you start preparing for MAT exam? What was your overall prep strategy?

A: I started preparing for the exam very late in April, barely one month before the exam. I was already preparing for other B-School entrance exams since last year. Therefore, my basics were pretty much covered. That gave me an edge over other aspirants. My strategy was to solve as many problems and as many mock tests as I could, which were similar to MAT pattern. 

Also read: MAT 2020 Pattern  

Q: Please, share with us your section- wise strategy?

A: I was good in Mathematics. So, I was quite prepared for both “Mathematical Skills” and “Data Analysis and Sufficiency” sections. For Language comprehension, I focused more on my vocabulary. I studied “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis. Last section deals more with puzzles and critical reasoning. For which I referred various Bank PO preparation websites.

Also read: MAT 2020 Syllabus

Q: Which books did you refer to for MAT preparation?

A: I wanted to build on my vocabulary in order to easily excel at reading comprehensions. That is why I studied “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis. MAT is a speed-based exam. It checks your efficiency of solving a problem within a limited time. Speed is achieved only by constant practice. I solved as many problems, as many exercises from “Face To Face MAT 22 Years Solved Papers” by Arihant Publications.

Also read: MAT 2020 Preparation

Q: Did you join any coaching institute? How does coaching institute help in exam preparation? 

A: I did not join any coaching institute for preparing for MAT. These days, you can easily find a lot of stuff online, which can be more than enough for your preparation. If you want that “classroomexperience”, wherein you get motivated by competing with your peers, then you should definitely join a coaching. Otherwise, it is best to prepare at home.

Also read: MAT Sample Question Paper

Q: How important is practicing MAT mock test series?

A: For any MBA entrance exam, mock test series is of utmost importance. It helps you strategize your D-day strategy. You can solve thousands of problems, but you will not be able to crack the exam until you solve enough mock tests to fine-tune your strategy.

Also read: MAT 2020 Mock Test   

Q: What was your exam day strategy?

A: I started with my strong sections “Mathematical Skills” and “Data Analysis and Sufficiency”. Initially I solved maximum number of questions at a very fast speed. Those which were a little difficult, I chose to use my guesswork on them.

After that, I started with the English section. I took enough time to read all the RCs and to attempt the questions carefully. Later, I did the same thing with LR section. I solved as many easy questions as I could and the remaining difficult questions I guessed the answered.   

Q: Which other MBA entrance exams did you take or are planning to take?

A: I gave CMAT exam in 2018 in which I had 99.81 percentile. I also appeared for MBA-CET  and ATMA  in May, 2019 in which I scored 99.57 and 99.91 percentile, respectively.  

Q: How did you deal with your strengths and weaknesses while preparing for the exam?

A: Maths has always been my forte. However, I wanted to prepare more on RCs, grammar and Logical Reasoning parts. Initially I faced a little difficulty with comprehending the passages, as I was not able to maintain my focus throughout the lengthy passages. Later on, I started giving more time to RCs. I planned two stages for RCs: In the first stage, I would go through the RC in a very hurried manner in order to understand the topic superficially. In the second stage, I would jot down the important things while going through the RC again. For LR, as I previously mentioned, I practiced a lot from various bank PO sites.

Q: Any tips for future MAT aspirants?

A: Practice as many mock tests as possible. Try to avoid mistakes in subsequent mocks. Constant practice and perseverance are the keys to succeeding at these tests. Also, try to keep options with these MBA entrance exams. You might not know which one will give you great results.   

Q: Which Institutes did you join/aim to join?

A: I have joined Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai. I was trying for this college since last 2 years. When MAH CET results were out, all my dreams of getting into JB were shattered. However, MAT was my saviour in the end. Currently, I am a member of Corporate Relations Committee in JB.  

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