Sitting in my Infosys office one late evening, buried under a mountain of deliverables, I glanced at the CAT preparation book lying unopened on my desk. That moment encapsulated my journey—a delicate balance between the relentless demands of a corporate job and my burning aspiration for an MBA. Scoring a 99.17 percentile in CAT, with sectionals of 93.12 in QA, 97.61 in VARC, and 99.43 in LRDI, wasn’t just a number. It was a testament to my resilience, discipline, and ability to overcome challenges.
At Infosys, my role was demanding. As a Senior Associate, I spearheaded Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) projects, mentored teammates, and ensured delivery quality under tight deadlines. There were days when I would barely have time to breathe, let alone prepare for an exam as competitive as CAT. But the goal was clear—I wanted to pursue an MBA to bridge the gap between technical expertise and strategic decision-making, and that vision kept me going.
Tackling Each Section, One Step at a Time
Quantitative Aptitude (QA): Numbers weren’t always my strong suit; the initial mocks reflected that. After long work hours, I dedicated an hour to revising foundational math concepts each night. Weekends became problem-solving marathons. My approach was simple: tackle weaknesses head-on and focus on efficiency. Slowly, my confidence grew, and even though QA remained a challenge, I learned to manage it smartly during the exam.
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI): This section showed my strengths. I dealt with complex automation frameworks at work, often deciphering patterns and solving logic-based issues. Translating those skills to CAT LRDI was natural but not without effort. I practised tirelessly, ensuring I could handle even the most convoluted puzzles. The 99.43 percentile in LRDI resulted from endless nights spent cracking mock sets.
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): Having always enjoyed reading, I thought this section would be smooth sailing, but the initial mocks humbled me. The challenge was comprehension under time pressure. I started a routine of reading editorials and solving timed RC sets daily. I also learned to eliminate options logically, a strategy that eventually paid off.
The Struggles and Motivation
Balancing CAT preparation with a full-time job in a dynamic corporate environment was challenging. There were moments of self-doubt—when mocks didn’t go well or deadlines at work consumed my energy. I remember a particularly tough month when a crucial project at Infosys overlapped with my CAT prep schedule. I worked late nights and travelled on weekends for client meetings, leaving me physically and mentally drained. But I reminded myself of why I started this journey: the desire to grow, to challenge myself, and to reach greater heights.
Support came from unexpected places—mentors at work who encouraged me to push my boundaries and friends who lent an empathetic ear. I also found motivation in small victories, whether it was solving a problematic quant problem or improving my mock test scores. Slowly but surely, those small wins built up.
Coping Mechanisms and the Bigger Goal
To avoid burnout, I adopted a structured schedule. I prioritized tasks, delegated at work where possible, and created a realistic study plan. Early morning hours became my sacred preparation time, free from distractions. Exercise and meditation helped me stay grounded, and I made it a point to take breaks to recharge.
What drove me most was the vision of beyond CAT. In this world, I could combine my technical expertise with business acumen, contribute meaningfully to organizations, and create a broader impact. That vision was my north star.
Conclusion
The journey to a 99.17 percentile in CAT tested perseverance, time management, and self-belief. It taught me that success isn’t about avoiding challenges but embracing them head-on. If my story inspires even one person to chase their dreams despite the odds, I will consider it a victory beyond numbers.
