Careers360- Congratulations on being one of the CAT 2023 toppers! What was your reaction? Were you expecting this?
Shreemant- Yes, I am satisfied with my result. I was expecting more, but a slight fluctuation in the VARC section in CAT lowered my score. But yeah, overall, I am satisfied.
Careers360 - Tell us something about your background.
Shreemant- I am an electronics and telecommunications engineer from SGSITS, Indore. Completed my 10th from School St. Norbert school, Indore, while 12th at shri Krishna public school, Indore. My subjects for 11th and 12th were Physics, Chemistry and Maths. In my family, I have my father, who is a businessman and my two elder sisters who are married and working in the corporate world and my mother is a homemaker.
Careers360- How was your exam day experience? Which slot did you appear in?
Shreemant- Good. And 2nd slot.
Careers360- What was your last minute preparation strategy for CAT?
Shreemant- Revised all the notes that I have jotted down in my formula notebooks and kept myself calm.
Careers360- What according to you were the toughest and easiest sections?
Shreemant- According to me this year's paper was a little tough and the QA section of CAT had a lot of questions on algebra and as for CAT DILR section it was moderate to tough and varc was along the same line as of previous year.
Careers360- How did you tackle your strong and weak areas?
Shreemant- I started my preparation six months before the exam. I started focusing on all three sections, giving more time to the varc section as it was my weaker point. But it took around six months of dedicated preparation to get this score.
Careers360- What was your time management strategy for preparation and exam day?
Shreemant- The time management strategy was the same that I developed during my mocks. Use that strategy and don't come up with something new during the exam.
Careers360- Did you take coaching? How helpful was your coaching institute for you? Is it possible to succeed through self-study?
Shreemant- Yes, I joined Supergrads by Toprankers. It helped me immensely to prepare and strategize how to prepare for the exam. Every class was extremely well-structured and interactive. From preparation to revision, short tricks and study techniques, everything I learned in the classroom has helped me achieve this score. I must mention the key takeaways at the end of each class were extremely helpful as well!
Careers360- What are the factors behind your success?
Shreemant- The factors are Supergrads by Toprankers, my coaching institute, especially Bhushan Bapat sir (one of the faculty at the institute). They helped me in time management and building preparation strategies. And the rest all goes to my family and friends for motivating me from time to time.
Careers360- Have you started preparing for GD/PI/WAT?
Shreemant- Yes, I started my preparation for GD-PI just after the CAT, as I had a slight idea of how my CAT went.
Careers360- Which other MBA entrance exam have you appeared/appearing for?
Shreemant- I am also appearing for XAT.
Careers360- Which is your dream B-School? From which colleges are you expecting a call?
Shreemant- Dream B school is of course IIM A. I am expecting calls from SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, IIM MUMBAI, Lucknow and Kozhikode.
Careers360- What are your hobbies?
Shreemant- My hobbies are travelling and exploring new places, playing badminton, and watching web series.
Careers360- What were the relaxation and recreation methods you followed amidst CAT preparation?
Shreemant- I usually used to play badminton to keep myself relaxed as sports teach you discipline and spend some time with friends and family.
Careers360- What is your message for next year's CAT takers?
Shreemant- Have faith in yourself. Never lose hope throughout the preparation. And practice how your mentors guide you.