This CAT test-taker scored 99.67%ile in the first attempt
Common Admission Test 2026 ( CAT )
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Harsh Ranjan
Where numerous MBA aspirants appear for CAT, not all are lucky enough to obtain a great score in their first CAT 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 mocks 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.
 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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Student Forum
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Yes, you can join the PGPM+MBA programme at Amity Global Business School (AGBS) Ahmedabad without CAT score. Admission is based on graduation marks and performance in a personal interview. Scores of exams like MAT/XAT or an internal Amity test can be used, and high academic performers may be conside
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