Pranshav Shah

Pranshav: Yes, I am happy with my CAT result. I fumbled big time in Quants and could definitely have done better there, but you always have to keep a margin of error on D-Day.

Pranshav: Yes, this was my first attempt at taking the CAT exam.

Pranshav: I started my CAT preparation in January 2025. Every day, I solved 4 RCs, 4 DILR sets and 30–40 Quant questions, and I timed myself on all of them. My primary focus was on attempting as many mocks as possible and analysing each one of them.

Pranshav: For VARC, I developed a reading habit, starting with the newspaper. I knew I had to improve my reading speed, because completing 4 RCs in under 30 minutes was difficult for me. While solving RC questions, my strategy was to eliminate three options and then mark the remaining one. This improved my accuracy and reduced the risk of negative marking. For DILR, selecting the right sets on exam day is the main job. I spent the first 4 to 5 minutes selecting sets. My main criterion was familiarity: whether I had solved similar sets before. I always avoided conditional sets. Getting stuck on a set is very real, so my advice is this: if you feel you can crack the set, give yourself 2–3 more minutes; otherwise, move on to a different set. For Quants, the key to success is solving as many questions as possible. While preparing, I started solving questions from a chapter only after I had conceptual clarity, and then tested myself using practice papers and mocks.

Pranshav: I relied on the books provided by my coaching institute. I did not refer to any external material.

Pranshav: Yes, I joined IMS for CAT preparation. I believe CAT coaching institutes are helpful for exams like CAT because they give you a tailored plan for what to study, what material to solve and when to take mocks. They also help with doubt-solving sessions.

Pranshav: I took around 55–60 mock tests during the year, which included past papers. I solved all the CAT papers from 2017 to 2024. I also prepared using the test series conducted by my coaching institute. A mock test series is very important because it gives you a reality check on where you stand. You will not score well in every mock, but a bad score should not stop you from taking mocks. Good and bad scores are both part of the journey. What matters is analysing every mistake thoroughly. I used to solve all the unattempted questions in Quants and DILR before looking at the answers.

Pranshav: My exam-day strategy was simply to keep my composure throughout the exam and to believe strongly that I could ace it. I treated CAT as just another mock test that I had to take at the centre.

Pranshav: There is no substitute for hard work, and consistency will take you far in life. Completing your daily targets, however you feel on a given day, is very important. Boredom will definitely come, but understand that it is part of the journey.