Never Give Up! How SPJIMR Student Srishti Vazirani Balanced Work and Cracked CAT 2024 with 99 Percentile

Now pursuing her MBA at SPJIMR Mumbai, Srishti interacted with MBAUniverse.com about her journey — how she built her day schedule around work, balanced mocks with mental breaks, and improved her weak areas. In addition to improving fundamentals, Mock tests analysis is key for cracking CAT. “I can’t emphasize enough how crucial mock analysis is,” she said. The most important learning from my CAT preparation journey was to never give up before trying. She also shares why she chose SPJIMR over many IIMs. Read this exclusive MBAUniverse.com interview with CAT toppers. 

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Q. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

A: I am a Computer Engineer from VESIT, Mumbai University. Before joining SPJIMR, I worked at Kotak Mahindra Bank for three years — two years as a Business Analyst and one year as a Software Developer. I come from a joint family of eight members in Mumbai. My father works in supply chain management, my mother is a homemaker, and my younger sister is pursuing BSc Finance.

Q. How did you perform in CAT 2024?

A: In CAT 2024, I secured an overall percentile of 99.00. My scaled score was 94.76. My sectional performance was balanced across all areas. I scored 98.04 percentile in Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, 98.85 percentile in Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and 94.59 percentile in Quantitative Ability. 

SPJIMR student Srishti Vazirani’s CAT Score Card 2024 

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Q. What was your overall preparation strategy for CAT?

A: I began my CAT preparation around late July, and got into proper preparation by September. My initial strategy was to ensure I could comfortably clear the sectional cut-offs in each area before aiming for higher scores. To do this, I first took a mock test to identify my strengths and weaknesses.

I realized that VARC would need the most effort, so I made it a daily habit to solve at least two Reading Comprehension (RC) passages and four Verbal Ability (VA) questions. For Quant, I understood that mastering Arithmetic and Algebra would help me comfortably clear the cut-off, so that became my focus.

In DILR, I initially solved sets without any time pressure just to build comfort with different types of problems. Once I developed that habit of structured thinking, I started solving sets within a 20–25 minute time limit and analyzed which types suited me best.

Mocks played a major role in my preparation; I took as many as possible and made sure to analyze each one thoroughly before attempting the next. This approach helped me track my progress, refine my test-taking strategy, and gradually improve across all sections. I also tried various strategies during mocks to understand which one is working better for eg. solving VA first or RC etc.

Q. How did you manage your CAT preparation along with your college studies or work commitments?

A: I’ve always been an early riser, so I made the most of my mornings for CAT preparation before work. Fortunately, my job followed a hybrid work model, which gave me a bit of flexibility to manage both commitments effectively.
I had joined IMS and regularly attended their classes from 7–9 or sometimes 7–11:30 a.m. To accommodate this, I requested my office for a 12–9 shift on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which was approved. My day typically began around 4 a.m. thanks to my mother for helping me stay consistent and I would study till 6 a.m. before classes.

During work, I tried to use lunch and coffee breaks productively by solving an RC or DILR set. After work, I’d dedicate time till around 10:30 or 11 p.m. to revise or practice any topic I wanted to strengthen. Balancing work and preparation were challenging, but maintaining a disciplined routine and smart time allocation along with an amazingly supporting family helped me stay consistent throughout the journey. It wasn’t easy there were days when I just wanted to give up and rest, and I had to cancel many plans with friends and colleagues, which did hurt. But I kept reminding myself of my goal and told myself that a few months of discomfort would make the rest of life easier. That mindset kept me disciplined and consistent throughout my preparation.

Q. Please share your sectional preparation strategy. How did you prepare for VARC?

A: Sectionally, I was fairly comfortable with Quant especially Arithmetic, Algebra, and to some extent Geometry so I was confident about clearing the Quant cut-off. With consistent practice, I also became comfortable solving at least one DILR set accurately before pushing myself to attempt more. However, VARC was definitely my weakest section.
There were mocks where I scored in single digits and others where I cleared the cut-off comfortably. This inconsistency was frustrating because I couldn’t immediately identify what was going wrong. I realized that VARC would require the most focused effort and consistency.

To improve, I made it a habit to solve at least two Reading Comprehension (RC) passages and four Verbal Ability (VA) questions every day. Alongside, I started reading regularly to strengthen comprehension and vocabulary. I began with an easy read like The Alchemist to build momentum and gradually moved to more complex materials like Aeon essays and long-form articles. Over time, this consistent practice helped me improve accuracy, stamina, and confidence in VARC.

Q. How did you prepare for DILR?

A: For DILR, I began by solving the sets provided in my coaching material and gradually moved on to mock papers. I always found DILR quite interesting—it felt like solving puzzles, so I didn’t mind spending extra time on it.
During the first month, I focused on understanding different types of sets rather than timing myself. I would take one set and try to solve it completely, no matter how long it took. However, I soon realized that this approach wasn’t sustainable, so I changed my strategy. I started giving myself a maximum of 3 hours to attempt a set if I couldn’t solve it within that, I would immediately refer to the solution, understand the logic, and then attempt another set with a similar pattern.

One key learning for me was to not let my ego come in the way of learning. Initially, I used to get stuck on unsolved sets, but over time I understood that it’s better to move on, learn from mistakes, and build pattern recognition. To strengthen my logical thinking, I also started solving Sudoku puzzles daily, which helped me stay sharp and approach DILR problems with better structure and patience.

Q. How did you prepare for QA?

A: For QA, I began with Arithmetic and Algebra, giving them maximum focus since they form the core of the section. Once I built a strong foundation there, I moved on to Geometry and Modern Math. I realized that Modern Math wasn’t really my comfort area, so I selectively studied chapters like Sets, which also helped me in DILR.

My main strategy for QA was consistent practice. I used every bit of available time like lunch breaks or short study slots to solve problems. I believe practice is the key for this section. After each mock or practice session, I carefully analyzed my mistakes, understood where I went wrong, and only then took the next mock to ensure improvement.

To track my progress, I created an Excel sheet listing all topics along with my right and wrong attempts. This helped me understand my accuracy topic-wise. Interestingly, I found that there were some topics I didn’t particularly enjoy but had a high accuracy rate it so I made sure to prioritize those during the actual exam. This structured and data-driven approach helped me make choices and improve my overall score in QA.

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Q. Was there any section or area you initially found challenging? How did you overcome it?

A: VARC was definitely the most challenging section for me. For a long time, I couldn’t figure out the right strategy even till around November. There were several mocks and practice sets where I scored in single digits, and it was frustrating because I couldn’t pinpoint what exactly was going wrong.

After some reflection, I realized that I was subconsciously avoiding RCs on topics I wasn’t comfortable with, which limited my exposure and adaptability. I discussed this issue with my IMS mentor, who suggested a few strategies that completely changed my approach. One key tip was to spend 10–15 seconds quickly skimming through all RCs before choosing which ones to attempt. He explained that passages with difficult language often have simpler questions, while those that seem easy can have trickier ones so the key was to make a smart trade-off.

I started applying this approach in my mocks, and gradually, my consistency improved. I also began reading diverse content from essays to editorials to get comfortable with unfamiliar topics. Over time, this combination of smarter selection, daily practice, and broader reading helped me overcome my initial struggles with VARC.

Q. What role did mock tests play in your preparation? How many mocks did you attempt?

A: Mock tests were immensely helpful in preparing for the real exam experience. I was advised to take one mock every week right from the time I joined my classes. One of the best pieces of advice I received from my mentors was that you’ll never feel completely prepared so avoiding tests won’t ever help. It’s important to start attempting mocks with whatever topics you know and keep improving from there.    

I can’t emphasize enough how crucial mock analysis is. Simply taking mocks without analyzing them doesn’t add much value. After every mock, I spent time reviewing my mistakes, understanding my weak areas, and identifying patterns in my errors. I undertook 30+ mocks throughout my preparation journey, which helped me refine my strategy, manage time better, and steadily build confidence.

Mocks also simulate the actual exam environment they test your focus, endurance, and composure under pressure. In many ways, mocks and their analysis formed the foundation of my entire CAT preparation.

Q. How did joining a coaching institute help you improve your scores? 

A: I joined IMS for my CAT preparation. I knew that, given my office schedule and work pressure, it would be difficult for me to maintain consistent preparation on my own. Having fixed class timings, especially in the mornings, ensured that I dedicated that time solely to studies without any distractions.

Joining a coaching institute also gave me a structured learning plan, regular mock tests, and constant mentorship all of which helped me stay disciplined and motivated. I realized that self-study can sometimes become irregular, but with classes, I had a set routine and accountability. Overall, IMS provided the structure and guidance I needed to balance work and preparation effectively.

Q. Which books or study materials did you refer to? How effective were they?

A: I mostly referred to the study material provided by IMS, which covered all three sections comprehensively. Apart from that, I regularly practiced from past CAT papers and analysed them in detail. I found the IMS material quite effective it had a good mix of conceptual explanations, sectional tests, and practice questions that helped me strengthen my fundamentals. IMS also had a feature of AI tests where the AI would examine my weakness from each mock attempt and then give AI-generated questions on the same topic to strengthen my concept of the topic.

Q. What was your approach and mindset in the CAT week and exam day? 
A: One of the best pieces of advice I received from my mentors was to stop studying two days before the exam and take things light and that’s something I consciously followed. Another useful tip was to simulate the 20–30 minutes of idle time between verification and the actual exam start. I practiced this during a couple of my mocks and used that period for box breathing, a simple technique that helped me calm my nerves and stay focused.

My family also reminded me that once you’ve worked hard, it’s best not to worry about the results that mindset really helped me stay relaxed. I also told myself that even if I hadn’t covered everything, I would give my best with whatever knowledge I had.

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Q. Tell us about your CAT exam test taking strategy?

A: In terms of my test-taking strategy, I had finalized my approach by early November after several mock analyses and strictly followed it on exam day. My focus was on smart question selection and maintaining composure throughout. Earlier, I had a tendency to get stuck on tough questions especially in QA and waste 7–8 minutes trying to solve them out of ego. To fix this, I started scanning the entire section first, marking the easy ones, and then moving on to the more difficult questions. This approach helped me manage time better and stay composed during the test.

Q. Looking back, what was the most important learning from your CAT preparation journey?

A: The most important learning from my CAT preparation journey was to never give up before trying. When I started my preparation in late July, I honestly wasn’t sure how I would manage everything alongside work. To make it more challenging, I had just transitioned into a new role at my office, which required me to spend additional time understanding my responsibilities while also keeping up with classes and self-study.

There were moments when I doubted whether I could balance it all, but I kept reminding myself that if we don’t even try, we’ll never know what we’re truly capable of. Once I started putting in consistent effort, things slowly fell into place. This journey taught me the value of discipline, perseverance, and believing in one’s own potential, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

Q. How did you manage stress and stay motivated throughout your preparation journey?

A: Managing stress and staying motivated during CAT preparation was definitely a challenge. The exam is unpredictable there were days when I scored really well and felt confident, and then in the very next mock, I wouldn’t even clear the cut-off. During such times, self-motivation became the most important factor. I often reminded myself of my past good performances and told myself, “If I could do it once, I can do it again.” This small self pep-talk helped me stay grounded and focused.

My family and mentors also played a huge role in keeping me positive. My family constantly reminded me that results are secondary what truly matters is giving your best effort. My mentors, on the other hand, helped me look at every mock objectively, reminding me that one bad score doesn’t define my preparation.

Overall, I learned that consistency and belief in yourself are far more important than momentary outcomes. The journey taught me how to handle pressure with patience and to keep pushing forward, even on difficult days.

Q. If you could change one thing about your CAT preparation, what would it be and why?

A: If I could change one thing about my CAT preparation, I would take more topic-wise and sectional mocks, especially for areas I thought I was already strong in specially QA. For example, topics like Logarithms were something I had studied thoroughly back in 12th grade, so I assumed I was comfortable with them and didn’t practice much. During mocks, I sometimes didn’t attempt these telling myself that this I would be able to solve in exam, today I’ll try another question.

However, on the actual exam day, when I faced a Logarithm question, I couldn’t solve it and it genuinely surprised me. That moment made me realize the importance of consistent revision and practice, even for topics you think you’ve mastered. So, if I could go back, I’d ensure I give equal attention to every area and keep revisiting older concepts regularly through sectional tests.

Q. How did you prepare for the GD/PI/WAT rounds?

A: After getting my provisional scores, I began preparing diligently for the GD/PI/WAT rounds. The first thing I focused on was staying updated with current affairs — I made it a habit to read newspapers and editorials daily. I also prepared detailed answers around my work experience and academic background, since I knew those would be key discussion areas during the interviews.

I spoke to a few seniors and mentors to understand the process and expectations, which helped me structure and refine my responses. For WAT preparation, I practiced two essays daily, focusing on content, structure, and clarity of expression.

Mock practice was another crucial part of my preparation. I took around five mock interviews, participated in 2–3 group discussions, and wrote over 20 WATs before my first interview in early February. These sessions helped me identify my weak areas, manage nervousness, and improve delivery.

Lastly, I made it a point to practice important personal questions, like “TMAY”, “Why MBA” multiple times often in front of a mirror to observe my body language and expressions. This exercise helped me appear more confident and composed during the actual interviews.

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Q. If you have work experience, how do you think it will help during your MBA?

A: My work experience will definitely add a lot of value during my MBA journey. Working in a corporate setup has helped me develop strong stakeholder management and communication skills coordinating between teams, clients, and managers to ensure smooth delivery. It has also given me valuable domain knowledge in my field, which I believe will help me connect classroom learnings to real-world business scenarios.

Being in a fast-paced environment also taught me how to handle pressure and tight deadlines. There were several instances where I had to take on last-minute tasks or put in extra hours to meet critical goals. These experiences built my resilience, time management, and problem-solving abilities, which I believe will be extremely useful in managing the rigor of an MBA and contributing meaningfully to group projects, case discussions, and leadership opportunities.

Q. SPJIMR requires applicants to choose specialization when filling application form. Which specialization did you choose and why? 

A: I chose Information Management as my specialization at SPJIMR owing to my background in Computer Science and my work experience as a Business Analyst and Software Developer. Additionally, I’m deeply interested in this specialization because it’s a rapidly evolving and budding field that sits at the intersection of technology and business offering immense opportunities to leverage data, analytics, and digital transformation for strategic decision-making.
My advice to aspirants would be to choose their specialization based on both interest and alignment with their long-term career goals, rather than just market trends. It’s important to understand what excites you whether it’s working with people, numbers, or systems and see how your past experiences or skill sets connect to that area. Speaking to seniors, professionals, or mentors in each specialization also helps in gaining practical insights. Ultimately, your specialization should feel like a natural extension of your strengths and curiosity.

Q. What motivated you to choose SPJIMR? What were your top three selection criteria?

A: What motivated me to choose SPJIMR was its unique combination of academic excellence, value-based learning, and real-world exposure. My top three selection criteria were value-driven education, non-classroom learning, and peer diversity. SPJIMR’s strong focus on ethics, empathy, and socially responsible leadership deeply resonated with me. Programs like Abhyudaya and DOCC, which allow students to apply management concepts in real-world and social contexts, made the learning experience both practical and meaningful. I was also drawn to SPJIMR’s emphasis on profile-based admissions, which ensures a diverse peer group with varied professional experiences. Hearing from my cousins, both SPJIMR alumni, further reinforced my belief. They spoke highly of the institute’s culture, holistic growth, and the transformational journey it offers.

Q. How has your experience at SPJIMR been so far? Please share some highlights.

A: My experience at SPJIMR so far has been nothing short of a rollercoaster - intense, fast-paced, and deeply enriching. The first few months went by so quickly that I barely got time to pause and reflect. But in that time, I’ve had the chance to learn from some truly inspiring faculty members and interact with an amazing set of peers from diverse backgrounds.

I’ve also begun to understand firsthand why SPJIMR places such a strong emphasis on values it’s not just spoken about, it’s something we experience in every interaction and initiative here. I recently started my Abhyudaya course, and it’s been an eye-opening experience that’s teaching me empathy, social awareness, and the importance of grounded leadership.

Another major highlight was the SIP (Summer Internship Placement) process. It was one of the most intense yet unifying experiences, everyone supported each other until the very last person was placed. The kind of guidance, resources, and peer collaboration we received during that period truly reflected SPJIMR’s culture of collective growth and support.

Overall, it’s been a transformative journey, one that’s helping me push my limits, understand my true capabilities, and master the art of multitasking and prioritization. Every day here challenges me to step out of my comfort zone and become a more balanced, empathetic, and capable professional.

Q. Whom would you like to credit for your success? What role did your family and friends play?

A: I credit my family, especially my mother, for my success. She was my constant source of motivation—waking me up at 4 a.m., helping me stay disciplined, and reminding me to trust the process even when results fluctuated. My friends also played a key role, keeping me positive and grounded through their support and encouragement. This journey was not mine alone—it was built on the patience, belief, and strength of the people around me.

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Q. What were some key challenges you faced during your academic journey or CAT preparation, and how did you overcome them?

A: One of my biggest challenges during CAT preparation was managing time alongside a demanding job. Balancing office work, classes, and study sessions was tough, especially after taking up a new role. I built a strict routine—waking up early, attending morning classes, and using short breaks to revise. Another hurdle was fluctuating mock scores, which often tested my confidence. I learned to treat CAT as a test of mental endurance, focusing on analyzing mistakes and improving steadily. Moments of fatigue and self-doubt were inevitable, but support from my family and mentors kept me grounded. Ultimately, this journey taught me that consistency, patience, and faith in the process matter far more than short-term results.

Q. In your view, how can B-schools make the MBA admission process more applicant-friendly?

A: First off, all B-schools should have a unified timeline for applying to their respective programs. Similar to how applications for all IIMs are covered on a single platform, I believe all colleges having a similar timeline for application can help relieve the stress for students undertaking the application process. Furthermore, I believe B-schools should focus on greater transparency about the reviewing a student’s application. I believe there should be clarity in communication about what each stage of the process truly values, whether it’s academics, work experience, or personal traits, would help applicants prepare and present themselves better.

Q. Finally, what message or tips would you like to share with CAT 2025 aspirants?

A: Worry about the controllables, give your best rest keep on your faith.

Read CAT 2025 Exam Overview and CAT Preparation; Take Free CAT Mock Tests 2025 on MBAUniverse.com.