This CAT test-taker scored 99.67%ile in the first attempt
Common Admission Test 2026 ( CAT )
CAT 2026 admit card download
4 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 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. |
|
“Got a question about top MBA exams? Ask students who have already made it to top B-Schools.” |
Also Read:
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
15 Jul '26 - 6 Dec '26 | XAT 2027 Registration |
Oct '26 | XAT 2027 Form Correction |
21 Aug '26 - 25 Nov '26 | SNAP 2026 Registration Process |
24 Sep '26 | SNAP 2026 Mock Test 1 |
20 Aug '26 - 10 Oct '26 | NMAT 2026 Registration Window |
20 Aug '26 - 22 Oct '26 | NMAT 2026 Scheduling Window |
17 Oct '24 - 5 Dec '24 | IIFT 2025 registration and app... |
20 Sep '26 | MAT September 2026 CBT |
17 Sep '26 - 20 Sep '26 | MAT September 2026 CBT Admit C... |
18 Jun '26 - 1 Dec '26 | IBSAT 2026 Registration Test 1... |
26 Sep '26 | IBSAT 2026 Mock Test |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
You cannot see a score or result for the practice mock test taken on the official CAT website because the official IIM mock portal is only designed to familiarize you with the exam interface and structure and it does not generate or save scores.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Yes 75 percent attendance is mandatory at RKDF University Ranchi. As per the official university guidelines and UGC norms students are expected to maintain regular attendance to remain eligible for mid semester and end semester examinations.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
To choose the best CAT coaching institute in Siliguri, evaluate centers based on faculty expertise, mock test quality, batch flexibility, and physical location convenience.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
As of September 2026, IIM Indore has not announced the CAT form correction dates. Past trends indicate that the application form correction window opens a few weeks after the registration window is closed.
Check: CAT Correction Window 2026
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
Yes, candidates are facilitated with a window to edit exam form once the CAT registration concludes. However, candidates will only be able to edit photo, signature, and test city preference using CAT correction window. IIM Indore will announce the dates for CAT form correction window once the regist
J
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
IIM Indore has not announced the last date extension for CAT 2026 yet. However, past trends indicate CAT registration extends by a few days. If CAT 2026 registration is extended, candidates will find an update on the official website.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
Yes, both Oral Extempore Presentation and PI round are mandatory for candidates who apply forAlliance School of Business MBA admission with CAT results.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, in recognition of outstanding performance in CAT, MSB awards special scholarships as follows:
- INR 1,50,000 for students securing a minimum 90 percentile
- INR 1,00,000 for students securing a minimum 85 percentile
- INR 75,000 for students securing a minimum 75 percentile
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Students pursuing PGDM from Jaipuria Institute of Management Jaipur and having 65% CAT score can get scholarship of INR 1.50 lakh. Students must have documents proving their eligibility to avail the scholarship benefit.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, you can strongly aim for interview calls from IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta if you have a stellar high school profile and a high CAT score. Top IIMs calculate interview shortlists using strict mathematical formulas. These formulas evaluate your CAT score, Class 10 marks, Class 12 marks
A
Contributor-Level 10