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CAT 2023 Topper Interview: “Utmost dedication in my preparation led me to success,” says Rounak Tikmani, 99.90
Edited By Sundararajan | Updated on Dec 27, 2023 06:01 PM IST | #CAT
Meet Rounak Tikmani, the CAT 2023 topper, who defied odds and secured a remarkable 99.90 percentile. Hailing from the quaint village of Teghra in Bihar, Rounak's academic journey began as a chemical engineer at IIT Delhi. He stumbled in CAT 2022 due to inadequate preparation, but that didn't deter his spirit; it ignited a fire within him to redefine success. Embracing online CAT coaching and immersing himself in various CAT mock test programs, he sharpened his skills, transforming setbacks into stepping stones.
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Know Raunak's CAT exam preparation journey from being a repeater to a winner in this exclusive CAT 2023 topper interview with Careers360.
Careers360 - Congratulations on being one of the CAT 2023 toppers! What was your reaction? Were you expecting this?
Rounak Tikmani - Thanks. It was certainly one of the happiest moments to have the result flash before your eyes and the screen shows a 99.90 percentile. For a moment, I was speechless and sat there in my chair, staring at my results. It took some time for me to get up and share the results with my parents.
Honestly, I was expecting something of this sort after the response sheet was released. Most of the percentile predictors were predicting a 99.9+ percentile for me. CrackU's prediction came closest. But still, there was a hint of uncertainty and a lot of restlessness before the response sheets were released.
Careers360 - Tell us something about your background.
Rounak Tikmani - I come from a small village in Bihar; it's in Begusarai District and is called Teghra. Most of my schooling was done in Muzaffarpur. For my undergrad, I went to IIT Delhi and graduated in 2021. Since then, I have worked at Zomato and am currently working at a startup remotely. Being a GEM, I needed to make sure I scored a very high percentile to be able to get calls from the top IIMs.
Careers360 - How was your exam day experience? Which slot did you appear in?
Rounak Tikmani - So it was slot 1 and honestly, I dreaded getting the first slot because it was difficult to wake up early. However, after admit cards were released, I developed the habit of waking up at 6:00 AM and giving mock exams at the exact time I was supposed to give the real exam.
On the exam day, I woke up at 5:00 AM and was anxious and excited at the same time. I reached the centre at 7:00 AM, and then it was a very long one-and-a-half hour wait for the exam to start.
I did not face any specific technical issues at the centre. However, when the CAT VARC section started and I started reading, the first RC announcements were being made on the mic and it was really disturbing and cost me getting all my questions wrong in the first RC. So I would say one should be prepared for such situations.
Anyway, I was luckily able to manage time and attempt the whole VARC section. Now came the DILR section, the nightmare of every candidate. This time I was fortunate enough to have identified the most difficult set and left it for good. But the first set I chose was the second most difficult one; it was the housing set.
I took 15 minutes to solve the set, and then I solved the professor voting set completely. I came to the easiest set, which was the mean, median mode set. I could have completed the set if I had 2 more minutes but with limited time, I went with intelligent guesses in the TITA questions.
Overall, I attempted 16/20 questions. My strongest section, Quant, came. However, something was weird because no question felt straightforward and I was wasting one minute and skipping the question. I was fairly disappointed with my quant attempt because I could only attempt some 12 questions.
It was my luck that I got 11 correct out of 12 attempts and the quant was the most difficult section this year. That wraps up my exam experience for the day.
Careers360 - What was your last-minute preparation strategy for CAT?
Rounak Tikmani - For the last-minute preparation, that is, in the last 2 weeks, I only attempted the CAT previous year's papers as mocks and then last week I stopped taking mocks and did not pick anything new. I just revised the formulas and revisited the concepts I was prone to forgetting. I kept it very light in the end so that I had a clear mind before the examination.
Careers360 - What according to you were the toughest and easiest sections?
Rounak Tikmani - I felt the toughest section this year was Quants and the easiest section, in my opinion, would be VARC. Though I did not do very well in VARC, it was relatively easier. LRDI felt on a similar level as CAT 22.
Check out Careers360’s CAT percentile predictor
Careers360 - How did you tackle your strong and weak areas?
Rounak Tikmani - In my strong areas, I made sure I wouldn't make silly mistakes and kept a record of the mistakes I committed. I made sure I attempted my strong areas first in any mock and didn't make mistakes in those attempts. For my weaker areas, I made sure I started with basic preparation and focused on conceptual clarity in this area.
Then it was all about practicing well from ample sources. VARC was one section that bothered me quite a lot during my initial phase of preparation. I started by developing a reading habit through newspapers and then I enrolled in VARC1000 by GEJO. It was very helpful to get into the game.
Careers360 - What was your time management strategy for preparation and exam day?
Rounak Tikmani - Since I took a break and did full-time CAT preparation, I had ample time. My daily routine, primarily in the last phase, looked like this. Starting the day by reading the newspaper and the Aeon essay. Then take a mock test and analyse the previous mock properly (most importantly), then practice doing daily targets by CrackU and CL.
I also had a study buddy, my old friend. We would sit every day and discuss our VARC section of the mocks. It was really helpful. For exam day, I simply thought to give my best. For VARC, I had two philosophies, first, to follow your first instinct and not overanalyze; second, to try maximising your attempt; and third, to follow the BEAST method to eliminate options.
For DILR, set selection was the key and then it was attempting easier questions for each set. For Quant, I followed the idea of analysing the question in the first minute and then either skipping or doing the question in the next minute.
Careers360 - Did you take coaching? How helpful was your coaching institute for you? Is it possible to succeed through self-study?
Rounak Tikmani - Yes, I did take CAT online coaching. However, in my opinion, coaching is only helpful if you want some guidance to build your foundations. It is just helpful in the initial phase of your preparations to get you started. After that, the most important thing, according to me, is to appear in as many mocks as possible and analyse them well. Anyone with good foundations can ace this exam with self-study mock-taking and analysis.
Careers360 - What are the factors behind your success?
Rounak Tikmani - The major factor behind my success is the utmost dedication and consistency in my preparation. The most important thing, according to me, is discipline, not to mention that support from family and friends is always a crucial factor.
Careers360 - Have you started preparing for GD/PI/WAT?
Rounak Tikmani - Yes, I have started preparing for GD/PI/WAT. Currently, my preparation involves revising my undergraduate subjects, identifying myself, and working on HR questions. Then, it's about preparing for the world around me, which includes current affairs and general knowledge. One of the best mentors available for interview preparation is Malay Ray, so I intend to accept his offer.
Careers360 - Which other MBA entrance exam have you appeared/appearing for?
Rounak Tikmani - I was always clear about my goal to do an MBA from the best of college. So I only appeared for CAT and will appear for XAT. I have not taken any other MBA exams.
Careers360 - Which is your dream B-School? From which colleges are you expecting a call?
Rounak Tikmani - The dream B school for me, like every other aspirant, is IIM Ahmedabad. I am expecting calls from almost all the IIMs; let's hope for the best.
Careers360 - What are your hobbies?
Rounak Tikmani - I love following cricket, watching sci-fi, fantasy, and thriller shows and movies, and playing video games. I am a big Potterhead and a GOT fan.
Careers360 - What were the relaxation and recreation methods you followed during CAT preparation?
Rounak Tikmani - I feel it's important to stay connected with your surroundings. I used to go on walks in the neighbourhood and just observe the world around me. I loved spending time with family and friends and also keeping some time free for my other interests. I also made sure I had a healthy lifestyle so I recently added morning exercise and a gym to my schedule.
Careers360 - What is your message for next year's CAT takers?
Rounak Tikmani - First of all, congratulations on deciding you want to take the CAT and pursue an MBA. Very few people in this world know what they want It is great that you have identified what you want to do. Now, coming to your journey, I would say it is very important to stay motivated throughout, no matter how many ups and downs you experience. Maintain a regular and consistent preparation journey, don't ever lose hope, and in front of your study table, write down a commitment to score a 100 percentile in the next CAT exam.
Also, paste a picture of your dream B school and manifest being there every day. From a preparation point of view, I would suggest developing fundamentals, starting to give mocks, and making sure you analyse each mock very well. Having given you some 100 mocks, I can say they are very integral to your preparation. All the best!
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Questions related to CAT
Have a question related to CAT ?
Hello,
achieving a 99.99 pecentile in the CAT exam significantly enhances your prospects for admission to JBIMS, which evaluates candidates using an application rating(AR) score, which includes
-entrance exam score (CAT/MH-CET/CMAT) : 60% weightage
-Past Academic Record (PAR) : 15% weightage (https://cracku.in/colleges/jbims/admission-process/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
-Extra-curricular Activities/Work Experience : 20% weightage (https://jbims.edu/uploads/announcement/Revised_M_Sc__Finance_Admission_Procedure_Batch_2024-26.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
-Diversity (Academic/Gender): 5% weightage
while ahigh CAT percentile is crucial, a lower academic record may impact your overall AR score. Nonetheless, exceptional performance in other areas, such as entrance exams and extracurricular activities, can help offset weaker academic credentials. it's advisable to review JBIMS's detailed admission criteria and consider strengthening other aspects of your application to enhance your chances
Riya Dhoot 10 April,2025
Greetings! Here's a detailed response to your query
Okay, so you're a bit confused about what to put in those CAT, FMS, DSE, and IIFT forms regarding your 12th scores. Since you did CBSE, they usually only consider your final 12th standard marks.
Even though you did great in 11th, scoring 495 out of 500, for these entrance exam forms, they're specifically asking about your 12th board exam marks .You mentioned you got 400 out of 500 in 12th, which comes out to 80%.
Therefore, when filling out the forms for CAT, FMS, DSE, and IIFT, you should enter 80% as your 12th percentage. The aggregate of 11th and 12th isn't typically what they're looking for in these sections. They want to know how you performed in your final board exams. So, stick with the 80% from your 12th results. Good luck with your applications!
SUKRITI GUPTA 05 April,2025
Greetings! Here's a detailed response to your query:-
Determination of the best time to start the journey of CAT examination is based on individual factors like your current skill level, knowledge ,potential, learning pace and availability. To give yourself the best chance of success on the CAT exam , which usually takes place in November, it's advisable to begin studying between January and March of that same year. This 8 to 12-month preparation window is widely recommended by experts. But if you're managing your college along with the CAT preparations make sure you start from 2nd year onwards. It will hep you manage stress and you'll have ample amount of time to get along with the syllabus , pattern and various practice and mocks .
You'll be able to build a strong foundation in each sections and be able to know your strengths and weaknesses in different topics. The CAT syllabus is extensive, and early preparation allows for thorough coverage. Assess your learning speed and adjust your preparation timeline accordingly.
Essentially, while the ideal start time is subjective, beginning your CAT preparation well in advance is generally considered the most effective strategy for achieving optimal results.
SUKRITI GUPTA 01 April,2025
The CUSAT CAT previous year question papers are available on the Careers360 website. You can find question papers from 2012 to 2023, which can be downloaded in PDF format HERE
Additionally, the official website of Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) also provides previous year question papers. To access them, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the CUSAT official website - admissions.cusat.ac.in.
- Click on the resources tab from the homepage.
- Select the previous year's question papers from the drop-down menu.
- Select the Common Admission Test (CAT) question papers link.
- Now click on the B.Tech course.
By practicing with these previous year question papers, you can get familiar with the exam pattern, identify important topics, and improve your time management skills.
sadafreen356 28 March,2025
Hey Shathvika, that's a great question! So, you're wondering about MBA entrance exams besides the CAT , right? Absolutely, there are quite a few others you can consider in India. Here's a rundown: Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) : XLRI Jamshedpur runs this one, and over 150 B-schools across India accept it. You'll usually find it in January. What's cool about the XAT is that it often includes sections on Decision Making and sometimes even an Essay Writing part. Management Aptitude Test (MAT) : This is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA). A lot of schools – over 600 in India – take MAT scores. The best part? You can take it four times a year: February, May, September, and December. Plus, you can choose between Paper-Based (PBT), Computer-Based (CBT), and even Internet-Based (IBT) options. Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) : If you're eyeing a Symbiosis institute for your MBA, this is the one. Symbiosis International (Deemed University) conducts it, and it's usually in December. SNAP's also known for having a somewhat unique way of scoring. Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) : The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the CMAT. AICTE-approved institutions all over India will accept it. This one's also typically held in January. It checks you on things like quantitative skills, logical thinking, how well you understand language, and your general knowledge. NMAT by GMAC : The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is behind this exam. NMIMS and quite a few other management schools accept it. What’s interesting is that you have a 75-day window, usually from October to December, to take it. And, you can even retake it up to three times if you want to improve your score! Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Exam : NTA also conducts this one. If you are keen on IIFT Delhi and Kolkata, this is your ticket. Expect to take it in December. This exam puts a little more weight on questions about international business and trade. MICA Admission Test (MICAT) : MICA Ahmedabad uses this for its PGDM-C program. They hold it twice a year, generally in December and January. MICAT looks at how creative you are, how well you write, and your general abilities. Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) : GMAC runs the GMAT as well. Many B-schools in India, and even more worldwide, accept GMAT scores. You can take it pretty much any time of the year. People often go for the GMAT if they're thinking about executive MBA programs or schools with a focus on international business. Lovely Professional University National Entrance and Scholarship Test (LPUNEST) : LPU conducts it for admissions into its undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It's held multiple times throughout the year. It also works as a scholarship test, so doing well can get you some financial aid. So, there you have it! Each of these exams has its own quirks when it comes to structure, who can take it, and the scores you need. It’s worth digging into each one a bit to see which one fits best with what you've studied and where you want to take your career. Good luck!
Aditya .V. 27 March,2025
Popular CAT Questions
Directions for question :
M/s Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, one of the top four audit and accounting firms in the world with headquarters at London, UK, and with an operational presence in 153 countries, hires Management Trainees (MT) from all the premier management institutes of India thrice every year, in the months of January, May and September.
Each new group of Management Trainees (MT) have to go through a four month rigorous training schedule, after which they have to pass through a test consisting of a written assessment and a case-analysis. The top hundred ranked Management Trainees (MT) based on the performance in the test are confirmed as Management Executives (ME). The rest are given the opportunity of undergoing the training for four months one more time along with the next batch of Management Trainees (MT) and then passing through the subsequent test consisting of the written assessment and case-analysis. The Management Trainee (MT) who fails to get confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) the second time is fired.
The scatter-graph below depicts the number of Management Trainees (MT) at Deloitte taking the tests from January 2020 till May 2022, and the vis-à-vis hired Management Trainees (MT) at Deloitte who were fired :
It is also known that for the month of September 2019 at Deloitte, 96 hired Management Trainees (MT) failed to be confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) the first time, and that 36 hired Management Trainees (MT) were fired.
Question :
In which test did the minimum number of Management Trainees (MT) get confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) in the second attempt ?
Option: 1
September 2020
Option: 2
May 2021
Option: 3
January 2021
Option: 4
January 2022
Directions for question:
The bar-graph given below shows the foreign exchange reserves of Nepal (in million Rupees) from 2014 to 2021. Answer the following questions based on the graph :
Question:
What was the percentage increase (rounded to the nearest integer, if deemed necessary) in the foreign exchange reserves in 2020 over 2016 ?
Option: 1 None
Option: 2 None
Option: 3 None
Option: 4 None
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