CAT 2024 Topper Interview: Here's How Gourav Agrawal Aced CAT With a 99.83 Percentile

CAT 2024 Topper Interview: Here's How Gourav Agrawal Aced CAT With a 99.83 Percentile

Ongoing Event

CAT Admit Card Date:12 Nov' 25 - 30 Nov' 25

Himanshu ShekharUpdated on 30 Dec 2024, 12:57 PM IST

CAT 2024 Topper Interview - Gourav Agrawal, a BBA graduate and a non-maths commerce student, has achieved an incredible 99.83 percentile in CAT 2024. While thrilled with his overall performance, Gourav candidly admits that his VARC section, where he scored 75 percentile, was a bit of a surprise. Reflecting on his journey, Gourav shares, "I was confident about my performance when I saw my CAT response sheet. I had a feeling my score would be around 99.83 percentile, so it was a goal I worked hard for."

CAT 2024 Topper Interview: Here's How Gourav Agrawal Aced CAT With a  99.83 Percentile
CAT 2024 Topper Gourav Agrawal's Journey: 99.83 Percentile with Smart Strategies

Having appeared in the first slot of the CAT exam, Gourav had mixed emotions during the test. Gourav said "I felt confident about the LRDI section, as I had practiced it thoroughly, but I did have some doubts about VARC and QA," he recalls. For future CAT exam aspirants, Gourav emphasizes the importance of consistency. "In November, it's critical not to lose touch with your preparation. Keep practicing what you've learned, as it helps you stay sharp and confident for the big day."

Gourav’s journey is a testament to perseverance and smart preparation, inspiring many aspiring candidates aiming to conquer CAT in the years to come.

Careers360 - What according to you were the toughest and easiest sections?

Gourav - LRDI was easiest as there were sets based on simple calculations, and I found VARC the toughest as the passages were lengthy.

Careers360 - How did you tackle your strong and weak areas?

Gourav - I allocated maximum time to algebra as I wasn't confident about it. Also, I was strong in arithmetic so I left it to do at the end.

Careers360 - What was your time management strategy for preparation and exam day?

Gourav - By attempting various mocks I defined my strategy, I used to take an overview of all sections and then analyze them to solve them in best effective manner. Also, I set times for 12-15 minutes for each set of LRDI at the time of practice.

Careers360 - Did you take coaching? How helpful was your coaching institute for you? Is it possible to succeed through self-study?

Gourav - Yes I took coaching from Unacademy, it was really helpful for me as I needed some material for practice and a plan to study but it is possible to score a good score without coaching, if the student is good with maths and continuously scoring Good with self-effort it is Good.

Careers360 - What are the factors behind your success?

Gourav - Factors I can say are consistency, a positive mindset, never sticking to a question, and never getting too tense about studying.

Careers360 - Have you started preparing for GD/PI/WAT?

Gourav - I am self-preparing for GD/PI now and will join Unacademuy in January 2025.

Careers360 - Which other MBA entrance exam have you appeared/appearing for?

Gourav - I appeared for Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) and Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test (NMAT) as I kept them for backup.

Careers360 - Which is your dream B-School? From which colleges are you expecting a call?

Gourav - My dream is to get IIM Ahmedabad converted, also I expect a call from IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Kozhikode, CAP, FMS, IIM Shillong, and IIFT.

Careers360 - What are your hobbies?

Gourav - I play badminton professionally and I also read self-help books.

Careers360 - What were the relaxation and recreation methods you followed amidst CAT preparation?

Gourav - I used to meditate daily and whenever I felt low I wrote something in my daily diary also I used to go to the gym.

Careers360 - What is your message for next year's CAT takers?

Gourav - I would suggest preparing as soon as possible and focusing on weak areas first after completing the syllabus you can practice and revise them. All the best for CAT 2025.

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Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

Hi there,

You have to apply separately for each symbiosis college, like SIBM Pune, as they as not automatically included. The CAT form automatically includes many IIMs, but the SNAP exam is a separate test that is given for admission to Symbiosis Institute, which requires its own separate application and fee.

Hope it helps!!!

Toppers usually study 3–6 focused hours a day, but it’s not just about time — it’s about smart preparation and consistency. Focus on quality practice, regular mocks, and targeted revision.

Check this complete guide to learn how toppers plan their day and reach 99 percentile: Read Now

Hello,

To get admitted to the Institute of Management Studies (IMS), BHU, for an MBA in 2026, you must clear the CAT entrance exam. For that you need to fill out the application form of the CAT in August 2026, which you can get on the Official CAT website

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello

You can get all the papers on the Careers360 website. To access the paper and download it for practice, just visit here:

https://design.careers360.com/articles/nift-cat-2024-question-paper-with-solutions

Hope it will help you!!

Hello dear candidate,

Yes, you have a very good chance of getting a BPT seat with 488 out of 600 and TS EAMCET rank of 14,000 under the ST category.

As the cut off of BPT for ST category students are generally between 25,000 to 45,000 ranks, depending upon the college and you have TS EAMCET rank of 14,000.

Thank you.