Every CAT student wants to score higher than the 99th percentile, an astounding 99.95 percentile. This blog offers a thorough analysis of his path, covering everything from his early setbacks to his eventual triumph. Please keep reading if you need inspiration, helpful study tips, and a glimpse into the mindset of a high achiever.
Who is Swaraj Pal Kesari exactly? A Technically Trained CAT Topper
Swaraj works as a software developer for Oracle. He was raised in Hyderabad after being born in Bihar. He attended NIT Kurukshetra to obtain a B.Tech degree, but he had always planned to get an MBA. Even though he scored in the 93rd percentile on his first attempt at the CAT in 2023, it was a big step away from his goal. Instead of giving up, he took it as a lesson.
The CAT 2024 Study Method That Got Swaraj into the 99.95%ile
Approach for the VARC Division:
In February 2024, Swaraj started the preparations. Because of his prior exam performance, he was already aware of his weaknesses. But instead of hiding from them, he faced them head-on and presented a clear plan for change.
The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) portion was the biggest challenge for him. His VARC section scores were initially very low, sometimes registering as single digits. Swaraj, though, remained hopeful. He started reading a range of materials every day to improve his comprehension. Additionally, he taught himself to read the passages without introducing his own ideas or knowledge, as the exam creators would have done. He noticed that when he knew too much about a subject, he often chose the wrong response.
He spent up to several hours carefully going over each VARC practice exam in order to understand his mistakes. Over time, this strategy worked well. He went from feeling uncertain to feeling confident. He finished the VARC section with a score in the 96th percentile.
Methodology for Quantitative Analysis Preparation
Given his JEE experience, he should have excelled at Quantitative Aptitude (Quant), but he struggled in his first attempt. But this time he changed his approach. Instead of trying to answer every difficult question, he focused on finding a more effective and clever way to solve problems. He avoided spending time on complex problems and instead learned shortcuts and techniques from instructional videos. He prepared for the test by practicing a great deal and choosing the right questions. Even though a few harmless mistakes kept him from getting a perfect score, this helped him turn Quant into one of his highest-scoring areas.
Method for Interpreting Data and Applying Logical Reasoning (LRDI)
Logical reasoning and data interpretation (LRDI) proved to be his unexpected strength. On his first try, he was only able to solve one set in mocks. But this time, he worked through a range of difficult LRDI problems from Cracku’s CAT study guide. DashCat mocks were also used by him for this. It was these new kinds of questions that helped him think faster and more efficiently. On the day of the test, he finished all of the LRDI sets in just thirty-five minutes, and he even got to check his answers. He has made considerable progress in this area, as evidenced by his raw score of 62 (scaled to 58.9).
specific information about the CAT Mock tests had a big impact on Swaraj’s preparation. They were not only used to track his development; he used them to learn. He would spend hours dissecting the mistakes made after every practice. He was driven to keep getting better rather than aiming for a high score. His discipline was what really set him apart. He kept to his daily goals in spite of his exhaustion or hectic schedule. For over 80 days in a row, he was able to hit those little goals. He was able to stay focused because of this daily routine.
Takeaways from Swaraj’s First CAT Attempt
Swaraj failed his first attempt at the CAT in 2023. He expected to succeed, especially in Quant, but was let down in the end. His weakest subject was quant, where he only scored in the 93rd percentile. Instead of placing blame on any one person or organization, Swaraj took full responsibility. He was aware that his practice had been improper.
He returned with a new, practical plan. His primary rule is to avoid making the same mistakes twice. His perspective on failure was one significant shift he made. His confidence was not undermined by low scores; rather, they provided him with feedback. Each incorrect response became an opportunity to grow. Every weak spot was turned into a practice area.
He had a straightforward daily schedule. These were manageable, small tasks rather than massive ones. But he developed a rhythm from doing them daily. He never skipped a study day, whether it was an RC passage or a couple of DI sets. He was able to maintain focus through doubts, distractions, and exhausting days thanks to that daily routine.
One of his biggest mental changes was to respect the test. He stopped trying to “win” over difficult CAT questions. Instead, he saw the test as a game that needed planning and strategy. He didn’t worry about small mistakes, let go of challenging questions when needed, and had faith that constant practice would produce 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 Study Advice for Upcoming Candidates
The following is Swaraj’s most insightful advice for students getting ready for the CAT:
- After a failed attempt, don’t give up; instead, take it as a chance to get better and learn for the next time.
- Don’t let poor performance on practice tests scare you. They help you grow.
- Aim for the stars. When Swaraj says, “Never restrict your ambition,” let your diligence tell you how much potential you have.
- Consistency is more important than studying at the last minute. Even on days when you don’t feel very energetic, do a little preparation.
- Just as important as the mock itself is the mock analysis. Examine the justification for each answer.
- Think of the CAT as a discipline rather than just a test that helps you understand your own strengths and weaknesses.
In conclusion, Swaraj’s CAT 2024 journey from the 93rd to the 99.95th percentile
There is much more to Swaraj’s story than just his academic success. It requires tenacity, steady work, and the capacity to bounce back from setbacks. His experience shows that even if one does not succeed on the first try, one can still accomplish their goal if they have the right mindset.
If you’re studying for the CAT, let Swaraj’s story remind you that planning is more important than speed, discipline is more important than talent, and maintaining focus is more important than short bursts of effort. Keep working hard; you might be the next person to reach a 99.95 score.