This CAT test-taker scored 99.67%ile in the first attempt
Common Admission Test 2026 ( CAT )
CAT 2026 admit card download
6 Nov '26 - 29 Nov '26
Harsh Ranjan
Where numerous MBA aspirants appear for CAT, not all are lucky enough to obtain a great score in their first CAT exam attempt. With hard work and utmost dedication, Harsh Ranjan, a final year Mechanical Engineering student at Jadavpur University was fortunate enough to score 99.67 in his very first CAT attempt.
He believes that attempting mocks, and then analysing them play an extremely important role in CAT preparation. His hobbies include reading fictional novels and following esports. Here is his exclusive interview with Shiksha.
Q. How did you feel on seeing your result? Were you expecting this score?
I was quite happy and relieved to see the result. It was along the expected lines but there is always a sense of doubt whether we will get our expected score or not. So, it was a very pleasant experience seeing the results.
Q. Was this your first CAT attempt?
Yes, this is my first CAT attempt as I am in my final year of Engineering.
Q. What area of specialisation do you plan to opt for?
I have not yet planned which specialisation I would be choosing. Rather, I would like to join a B-School first and then decide upon the same after knowing about each of them in more detail. But surely I am more inclined towards Marketing at the present moment.
Q. Tell us about your preparation strategy.
My preparation fully revolved around taking mocks and analysing them. I took 25-30 CAT mock test and analysed them to find out my strengths and weaknesses.
Q. What was your weak area (s) and what did you do to improve the same?
I believed my weak area during preparation was LRDI section as it consists of questions that you don’t solve normally during your academics and in the last couple of years also it has been the toughest section in CAT. To improve in this section I solved different sets and past question papers to get an idea about different types of LRDI sets.
Q. Is it important to join a coaching institute?
It is not important to join a coaching institute to know the concepts and basics to solve CAT level question, but it is important to join a test series of any top institute as that will be the most important part of your preparation. Personally, I was enrolled in classroom program of CL in Kolkata and CL mocks helped me a lot in my preparation.
Q. What’s your dream institute?
My dream Institute is IIM Calcutta, and I have also been shortlisted for the institute.
Q. Any tips for future CAT aspirants?
My advice would be to work hard and take mocks religiously and never lose motivation even if you go through a rough patch in your preparation.
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 CAT scores are used for admission to 20 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. |
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“Got a question about top MBA exams? Ask students who have already made it to top B-Schools.” |
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 days 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 3 days 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 5 days 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 5 days 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 5 days 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 a week ago
Yes, for some of them. Bahra lists scholarships based on JEE Main marks and CLAT rank, along with BUSET, CAT, MAT, and CUET percentile scores. I am not sure about NEET, so confirm that with the admissions office.
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week 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 a week 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 a week 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
Answered a week ago
Yes. Candidates must preserve their admit card safely. It is a mandatory document required for identity verification during the Writing Ability Test (WAT), Personal Interview (PI) rounds, and final admission stages at the institutes.
J
Contributor-Level 7