CAT 2018 Topper Interview: IIM Calcutta declared CAT result 2018 on 5th January, 2018. Meet Utkarsh, an engineer from NIT Trichy, who scored 99.61 in CAT 2018. Read the full interview here to gain an insight to his cat 2018 preparation and success tips.
JagranJosh: Congratulations on scoring 99.61 percentile! What are your overall and sectional scores in CAT 2018?
Utkarsh: Thank you. My sectional scores are
VARC: 99.88
DILR: 98.65
Quant: 98.85
Also Check: CAT 2018 Result Declared: Download your Scorecard @ iimcat.ac.in
JagranJosh: When did you start your CAT 2018 Preparation? What is the ideal time required to complete the CAT syllabus before the exam?
Utkarsh: I started my preparation for CAT 2018 around the month of September. I do not think there is an ideal time to start preparing as it differs from individual to individual.
JagranJosh: What was your overall preparation strategy for CAT 2018?
Utkarsh: I think taking up mock tests was my main preparation strategy. Mock tests played a key role in helping to refine my preparation. The tests were crucial for self analysis and I worked accordingly on the areas as required.
JagranJosh: Was there any particular section/area that you were weak at? How did you overcome this challenge? What strategies did you adopt to master that section?
Utkarsh: Being from an engineering background, VARC was the section I found to be the toughest. I often scored negative marks in the section while practicing. I overcame the challenge with regular practice. My only strategy was to solve as many mocks as possible and try and ace in the subject.
JagranJosh: Were you a part of any coaching institute? Do you think coaching is necessary to ace CAT?
Utkarsh: I did not take up any coaching though I believe that whether or not to take up coaching is an individual’s choice. I practiced the mocks with sincere dedication which helped me obtain a fair score in the CAT 2018 result.
Also Read: CAT 2018 Topper Interview: Rounak Majumdar scores 100 Percentile
JagranJosh: Any particular book or study material that helped you gain an edge over other candidates?
Utkarsh: There is not a particular book that I referred to. I believe in clearing the basic concepts firsts and try solving questions from the previous year question papers.
JagranJosh: What role did Mocks play in your success? How many mocks did you attempt before the exam?
Utkarsh: Mocks played a major role in my success, especially in the VARC section. I went on from being a negative scorer to ace the section in the exam with grace.
JagranJosh: Please share your exam-day strategy for the CAT 2018. What was your last-minute preparation? How did you plan your CAT test taking?
Utkarsh: In the last minutes, especially the day before I tried to be as relaxed as possible and take my mind off preparation. I even binge watched Netflix on the previous day. On the exam day, I tried to distribute my time evenly. I solved the questions I found easy at first and with time permitting I solved the trickier ones later.
JagranJosh: Do you think academic background plays an important role in CAT Prep and Why?
Utkarsh: In my personal opinion, I do not think academic background can affect your result much if you have compensated the same with hard work. Sincere effort tops everything and matters most at the end.
Meet another Topper: CAT 2018 Topper Interview: Mayur Arora – 99.88 percentile
JagranJosh: Which institutes have you applied to admission and why did you opt for them particularly?
Utkarsh: I have applied to all the IIMS and also XLRI, and preparing for XAT 2019 at the same time.
JagranJosh: How are you preparing for GD – PI and WAT rounds of the selection process?
Utkarsh: I like to wait for calls as of now. Once I start getting some, I would go about my preparation. In all honesty, I plan to give my best on the day of GD – PI and WAT.
JagranJosh: What is your message for CAT aspirants? One crucial piece of advice that you would like them to follow and wish you had known.
Utkarsh: To the future aspirants, I would request you to rely on yourself and never lose hope. Keep practicing till you master and then practice some more.
JagranJosh: What is your dream career choice after completing your MBA?
Utkarsh: I would like to work in the IT sector in a top managerial position as a CEO or CFO.
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