CAT 2025 Topper Interview: How Lakshay Gupta Scored 99.56 Percentile With Just 3 Months of Preparation

Quick Facts: CAT 2025 Topper – Lakshay Gupta

• CAT 2025 Percentile: 99.56

• Exam Slot: CAT 2025 Slot 3

• Strong Sections: VARC, Quant (Arithmetic)

• Most Challenging Section: DILR

• Academic Background: B.Com (Hons), Hansraj College, Delhi University

• Professional Experience: Decision Analytics Associate at ZS Associates

• Preparation Mode: Weekend-focused (alongside full-time job & family business)

• Exam-Day Strategy: Attempt doable questions first; RCs first in VARC

• Dream B-School: IIM Ahmedabad

Reaction to Scoring 99.56 Percentile in CAT 2025

Careers360: Congratulations on being one of the CAT 2025 toppers! What was your reaction? Were you expecting this?

Lakshay: I was completely stunned and overjoyed when I saw my CAT 2025 result—99.56 percentile—because I prepared for just three months while juggling a full-time job, making this feel like an absolute dream come true.

Academic Background and Professional Journey

Careers360: Tell us something about your background.

Lakshay: I come from a business family and have completed my B.Com (Hons) from Hansraj College, Delhi University. I’m currently working as a Decision Analytics Associate at ZS Associates. Before this, I gained experience in a Founder’s Office role, wealth management, and ESG research, and also led major student societies in college. With 3+ years of stock market investing experience, my background reflects a blend of business exposure, analytics, and leadership.

CAT 2025 Exam Day Experience and Slot Details

Careers360: How was your exam day experience? Which slot did you appear in?

Lakshay: My exam day experience was good. In fact, I was so anxious before the exam that I even had nightmares about forgetting the date or missing the paper, so I made a conscious decision to stay calm on the actual day. I appeared in the 3rd slot, and as planned, I stayed relaxed at the centre—I was probably the only one cracking jokes and laughing there while everyone else looked tense. It helped me stay composed and give my best.

Last-Minute Preparation Strategy for CAT 2025

Careers360: What was your last-minute preparation strategy for CAT?

Lakshay: My last-minute preparation strategy for CAT was to stay as calm as possible. On the final day, I didn’t study heavily—I just revised key formulas, refreshed important concepts, and focused on relaxing. I felt that maintaining a clear and stress-free mind right before the exam was more valuable than trying to cram, and it helped me stay confident and composed on the test day.

How Lakshay Tackled His Strong and Weak Areas?

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

Lakshay: In VARC, I balanced my attempt vs accuracy, which was my biggest mistake last year. In Quants, I only focused on doing arithmetic first, which is a strong area for every non-engineering student

Time Management Strategy While Working Full-Time

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

Lakshay: I was doing a job along with my preparation and also had a time commitment in my father's business, so I used to utilise weekends for the preparation. On the exam day, I was ready with my strategy to handle all the sections, but especially for VARC, I prioritised doing RC first, as it was my strong area

Role of Coaching vs Self-Study in CAT Preparation

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

Lakshay: Yes, I took coaching from MBA Wallah. It helped me to structure my time and preparation. It is difficult to prepare through self-study, as you will be lacking guidance.

Key Factors Behind Scoring 99.56 Percentile

Careers360: What are the factors behind your success?

Lakshay: I think the main factor was my exam day strategy of prioritising doable questions first and in VARC, knowing my strengths and weaknesses. CAT is a paper which can be cracked with a proper strategy

GD-PI, Dream B-School and More

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

Lakshay: Yes, I am slowly trying to start reading newspapers and be aware of the general affairs

Careers360: Which other MBA entrance exams have you appeared/appearing for?

Lakshay: No, I was determined towards CAT only.

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

Lakshay: This is, I think, an obvious answer. Every other aspirant is dreaming of IIM Ahmedabad.

Stress Management and Relaxation During CAT Prep

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

Lakshay: My go-to relaxation place was my father's grocery store. Wherever I was bored with preparation, I used to go there.

Careers360: What are your hobbies?

Lakshay: I like to play guitar in my free time. I also love to dance a lot. I also like to play badminton and basketball. I am a district-level basketball player and have won state-level certificates for dance

Message for CAT 2026 Aspirants

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

Lakshay: I would like to advise you to structure your preparation, know your strengths and make your strengths speak. Also, balancing your studies with a little fun is very important, as you are more likely to burn out in the CAT process. Also, keep calm and try not to compare with others.