Every CAT student aspires to achieve a score that exceeds the 99 percentile.a remarkable 99.95 percentile. This blog provides a comprehensive examination of his journey, from his initial failures to his ultimate success. For those who require motivation, practical study advice, and an insight into the frame of mind of a high achiever, please continue reading.
Exactly who is Swaraj Pal Kesari? CAT Topper with a Technical Background
Oracle employs Swaraj as a software developer. He was born in Bihar and grew up in Hyderabad. He pursued a B.Tech degree at NIT Kurukshetra and had consistently intended to pursue an MBA. Although his initial attempt at the CAT in 2023 resulted in a 93 percentile, it was a significant departure from his objective. He interpreted it as a lesson, rather than surrendering.
The CAT 2024 Preparation Strategy That Led Swaraj to a 99.95 %ile
Strategy for the VARC Section:
Swaraj initiated the preparation process in February 2024. He was already aware of his weaknesses as a result of his previous examination performance. He did not conceal himself from them; rather, he confronted them and articulated a concise strategy for improvement.
His greatest obstacle was the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section. Initially, his scores in the VARC section were extremely low, occasionally registering as single digits. However, Swaraj maintained her optimism. In order to enhance his comprehension, he began to read a variety of materials on a daily basis. He also trained himself to read the passages in a manner that would not introduce his own thoughts or knowledge, as the exam makers would. He observed that he frequently selected the incorrect answer when he was overly knowledgeable about a subject.
He meticulously reviewed each VARC mock test, dedicating as many as several hours to comprehending his errors. Gradually, this approach proved effective. He transitioned from a state of uncertainty to one of assurance. By the conclusion, he achieved a score of 96 percentile in the VARC section.
Quantitative Analysis Preparation Methodology
He struggled in his initial attempt at Quantitative Aptitude (Quant), which should have been his forte due to his JEE background. However, this time, he altered his strategy. He prioritized the resolution of issues in a more efficient and intelligent manner, rather than attempting to address each challenging question. He acquired knowledge of shortcuts and techniques from instructional videos and refrained from devoting time to sophisticated problems. He conducted an extensive amount of practice and selected the appropriate questions for the examination. This helped him transform Quant into one of his highest-scoring areas, despite the fact that a few innocuous errors prevented him from achieving a perfect score.
Strategy for Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI)
His unexpected strength was logical reasoning and data interpretation (LRDI). He was only able to solve one set in mocks during his initial attempt. However, this time, he engaged in a variety of challenging LRDI problems from Cracku’s CAT study material. He also employed DashCat mocks for this purpose. He was able to think more quickly and more effectively as a result of these novel types of questions. He completed all of the LRDI sets in a mere 35 minutes on the day of the exam and even had the opportunity to verify his responses. His raw score of 62 (scaled to 58.9) demonstrates his significant improvement in this section.
information that is specific to the CAT Swaraj’s preparation was significantly influenced by mock tests. He did not merely employ them to monitor his progress; rather, he employed them to acquire knowledge. After each mock, he would devote hours to analyzing the errors that had occurred. He was not in pursuit of a high score; rather, he was motivated to continue improving. What truly distinguished him was his discipline. Despite his fatigue or busy schedule, he maintained his daily objectives. He managed to hit those small targets for more than 80 consecutive days. It was this daily routine that enabled him to maintain his focus.
Lessons Learned from Swaraj’s Initial CAT Attempt
Swaraj’s initial attempt at the CAT in 2023 was unsuccessful. He anticipated success, particularly in Quant, but was ultimately disappointed. Quant was his weakest area, and he achieved a mere 93 percentile. However, Swaraj accepted full responsibility rather than assigning blame to any individual or entity. He knew he hadn’t practiced the right way.
He went back and made a fresh, realistic plan. His main rule: don’t repeat the same mistakes. One big change he made was how he looked at failure. Low scores didn’t break his confidence, instead, they gave him feedback. Every wrong answer became a chance to learn. Every weak section became a practice zone.
He followed a simple daily plan. These weren’t huge tasks just small, doable ones. But doing them every single day gave him a rhythm. Whether it was an RC passage or a few DI sets, he made sure to never skip a day of study. That daily routine helped him stay focused through tired days, distractions, and doubts.
One of his biggest mindset changes was learning to respect the exam. He stopped trying to “win” over tough CAT questions. Instead, he looked at the test as a game that needed planning and smart moves. He let go of tough questions when needed, didn’t stress over small mistakes, and trusted that regular practice would bring results.
Swaraj’s CAT 2024 Section-Wise Percentile
| Section | Raw Score | Percentile |
| VARC | 29 | 96% |
| LRDI | 62 (58.9 scaled) | 99.99 |
| QA | 44 | 99.8+% |
Swaraj’s CAT Preparation Tips for Future Aspirants
Swaraj’s most valuable advice for students who are preparing for the CAT is as follows:
- Refrain from giving up after a failed attempt; rather, utilize it as an opportunity to improve and learn for the next time.
- Do not be intimidated by low scores in mock exams. They facilitate your development.
- Strive for the stars. “Never restrict your ambition,” as Swaraj advises. Allow your diligence to determine the extent of your potential.
- Last-minute study is less important than consistency. Do a small amount of preparation, even on days when you are feeling low on energy.
- Mock analysis is equally critical as the mock itself. Investigate the rationale behind each response.
- Consider the CAT as a discipline, not merely a test, as a means of gaining insight into one’s own strengths and weaknesses.
Conclusion: Swaraj’s Journey from 93 to 99.95 Percentile in the CAT 2024
Swaraj’s narrative encompasses considerably more than mere academic achievement. It is a matter of perseverance, consistent effort, and the ability to rebound from setbacks. His journey demonstrates that with the appropriate mindset, it is possible to achieve one’s objective, even if one does not succeed on the first attempt.
If you are preparing for the CAT, let Swaraj’s story serve as a reminder that discipline surpasses talent, planning surpasses speed, and staying focused surpasses brief periods of hard work. Continue your efforts; you may become the next individual to achieve a score of 99.95.