Devesh Bansal is currently studying in IIM Kozhikode, he completed his graduation in Economics Hons from Kirori-Mal College, DU with a CGPA of 7.78. He scored 9.2 CGPA in his 10th standard and 96% in the 12th. With a work experience of 8 months in an emerging startup, he managed to score 177.87 marks with 99.65%ile ( VARC: 96.87%ile; DILR: 99.5%ile; QA: 99.6%ile). Here is the entire experience of Devesh from his first attempt with 95%ile to finally achieving 99.65%ile.
There are many aspirants who will attempt for the second (or even third or fourth) time. What'd be your advice to them?
I would advise them to keep working with Consistency, Commitment, and Patience.
Learn from the failures. Don't regret them.
How did you prepare – Self-study or Coaching? Which one do you think is better?
I prepared myself by using the online resources and test series. Working professionals, if basic concepts are clear, then they should opt for self-studying and religiously follow a couple of test-series.
For those who want to learn from scratch should begin early by enrolling in a full-time course.
According to you, what is the most important aspect of preparation?
The most important aspect of the preparation is taking 'sufficient' mock tests. Now the key here is the word 'sufficient'. For me, it was 65+ mock tests, while for some students it may be as low as 20. However, after interacting with most 99%iler students, I reached a consensus that they took ATLEAST 30 mocks. Mock tests should be the textbook which would enable you to realize the strengths and weaknesses inter and intra sections.
Also Read: "The Process Is More Important Than The Result" - CAT Tips By Priyanshu Dhawan, IIM K '22
Which mock series did you enroll for?
TIME, IMS, Ankganit, iQuanta
How many full-length mock tests did you take?
65
How many sectional mock tests did you take?
30
What was your approach while taking mocks?
I always used one approach to solve a mock which I thought would work definitely well if I master it. My approach in all the sections involved solving doable questions first.
For VARC, I first had a glimpse of the section to identify doable RCs. After that, I proceeded to VA, again, I solved the doable questions right away. Then, there was another iteration, which meant to solve as much remaining portion as possible. Remember, without VARC, you can't reach the dream score. So try to maximize the score here.
For DILR: I always targeted a minimum of 4 sets and a maximum depending upon the level of the mock. Identifying the doable sets here is the key.
For Quant: This was my strong area. I divided the time in 1:1, where I solved the easiest and medium ones (at least 12 in the first half) and target another lot of 13-17 questions in the next half.
How do you think the mock tests helped you in your preparation?
Mock test was the major reason behind the score of 99.65 %ile. It involves sheer commitment to overcome your failed tests and sit again to calm the insatiable want of doing better and better. Capping any score created insecurity while ceiling it posed risks and intensified pressure as there was no standard level of difficulty.
Which section were you strong in? Since you were strong in that section, how did you focus on the other sections?
My strongest section was Quant. I started working on it from the very start so that I can focus just on practice after revision of concepts. This also helped to focus on weaker areas like VA and RC. I was able to analyze my performance in VARC so that I can cover up it in the Quant section as much as possible. This gave me some confidence which helped me in performing even better in weak areas.
Which section was your Achilles heel? How did you overcome that?
My weakest section was VARC where I scored anywhere between 40-50. I realized this threat of mine 2 months before CAT and started working on it in a more rigorous way. I read 2 articles daily, solved a couple of RCs, and practiced 10 VA questions religiously. Who says only investing in mutual funds requires patience for returns to show-up? I waited for a month-long to see my scores improving and getting to 60-75 in subsequent mock tests.
Unmissable: How I Scored 99.62%ile In CAT’19 And 99.56%ile In XAT’20 | Nishi Agrawal, IIM L
How much time did you devote to preparation on a regular basis?
Every weekend, I devoted around 8 hours (including mock tests). Every weekday, however, I devoted 2 hours every day.
Tell us about the lowest point in your preparation journey and how did you overcome that?
There was a point when I had to give 4 mocks in 3 working-days, that is, after completing my professional duty for 3 continuous days. My score in one of those mocks was low as 99 and in other mocks, I could not do my best. I realized that I may be comprising quality due to quantity. I took a break for a couple of days to revise the concepts and appear for a mock exam on weekend. Although I did lose a bit of confidence but the highest tip on the mountain kept me working even harder.
Do you believe that an engineer gets an added advantage in the management entrance exams?
As a non-engineer, I used to believe that engineers did have a great advantage. However, I realized that they had one important advantage, they had been through the rigor of preparation while preparing for tougher exams like JEE, etc. They don't have to adapt again to such an environment. While the ones who are consistent and patient, won't face a disadvantage due to this.
What resources would you suggest to 2020 aspirants?
ATLEAST 2 test series as mentioned above; iQuanta Facebook group to be in touch with a real competition; Websites and applications to follow news while building reading comprehension. This is sufficient.
Must Read: How CAT 99 Percentilers Attempt Mock Tests - 10 Strategies By 10 CAT Toppers
What according to you are the Dos and DON'Ts of CAT preparation?
DOs
- Work hard every single day. 'Strict during the day, humble at the night'
- Take a lot of mocks
- Discuss your doubts as soon as possible
- Have at least one person in with whom you can discuss your journey while you are into it. He/she should not be appearing for CAT.
DONTs
- Leave your job to prepare
- Settle with a low-ranked college if you think you can do better
- Give up till the D-day
Watch: CAT 2020 Strategy By Chirag Tibrewal | IIM A, 99.62 %iler
Which mock series would you like to suggest to CAT 2020 aspirants? Is one mock series sufficient or do you suggest a combination of 2 different mock series?
I took 4 mock series. IMS and TIME should be purchased together as one test series is never sufficient.
What would be your final advice to CAT 2020 Aspirants?
I would just reiterate that consistency is the key coupled with commitment. Don't compute the opportunity cost of missed parties, get-together as their time-value would be decided on the D-day. Don't lose your patience in case you score low for some time. Take a break and spend time with the loved ones. Remember, 'Itni jaldi mat kar uss shikhar tak pahunchne ki, kahaniya tere safar ki hi banengi'
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