Cracking the CAT exam in the very first attempt is a dream that aspirants like you wish to turn into a reality. The competition of the CAT exam grows exponentially, making consistent preparation a non-negotiable rule. From understanding the exam pattern and syllabus to properly analysing the mocks, each stage builds the foundation that CAT aspirants need to crack this prestigious exam. This blog highlights the importance of the same through the story of an IIM Lucknow as well as IIM Kozhikode convert and CAT topper Raman Khudia, who cracked the CAT in the very first attempt with an overall score of 99.49%ile with pure dedication, hard work and iQuanta’s guidance.
Let’s dive into his story and take up some of the learning that you can incorporate in your Common Admission Test preparation.
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CAT Topper Success Story: Raman Khudia’s CAT Result Overview
Raman sat for the CAT and secured 99.49%ile in his very first attempt. His hard work, dedication, and 9 months of consistency landed him straight into IIM Lucknow & IIM Kozhikode. The CAT topper’s success story from being an aspirant to a converted student at IIM Lucknow & IIM Kozhikode was not smooth. He had his own share of unfortunate mishaps and responsibilities.
CAT Topper Preparation Journey
Raman Khudia started on this journey in March 2025, allowing him only nine months to reach the end goal. What we normally think is a very short time was enough for him with the right guidance and proper utilisation of the preparation clock.
Also, along the way came its fair share of turbulence. Medical issues slowed him down. College work pulled his attention away. There were days when preparation felt like a distant priority. Yet, Raman kept coming back to his study table, his notes, and his practice sets. Not because every day was productive, but because he refused to give up on the process.
Where Others Fail, But CAT Topper Raman Didn’t!
That consistency, though imperfect, interrupted but persistent, is what eventually made the difference.
CAT Topper Scoreboard, Detailed Overview
| Sections | Scaled Score | Percentile |
| DILR | 23.86 | 96.83 |
| VARC | 44.67 | 99.17 |
| QA | 24.39 | 98.34 |
| Overall | 92.93 | 99.49 |
Topper’s Takeaway to the CAT 2026 Aspirants
If we analyse the CAT topper’s scoreboard, DILR was his weakest section with 96.83%ile, however, his overall score was 99.49%ile. This highlights that if you score a little less in one section, it will not decrease your overall percentile, given that you have a strong hold in the other two sections.
The biggest takeaway is that you don’t need to score 99+%ile in every section. Crossing 96 – 97%ile in your weakest section while pushing 98 – 99%ile in the other two is a perfectly viable path to 99+ overall.
Estimated Targets for 99%ile in CAT 2026
| Sections | Estimated Safe Scaled Score |
| DILR | 22 – 25 |
| VARC | 42 – 45 |
| QA | 23 – 26 |
| Overall | 88 – 95 |
CAT Topper Preparation Strategy
VARC: Raman found his edge in one key technique that is POE, or Process of Elimination. In a section where RC passages can feel overwhelming and answer choices deliberately confusing, POE helped him cut through the noise.Â
DILR: There were no shortcuts. Daily practice was his strategy. Showing up every day, solving sets, and building the mental stamina to handle complex puzzles under time pressure. The 96.83 percentile he scored is a direct result of that grind.
Quantitative Ability: Raman went back to basics. No rushing into advanced problems, no skipping the fundamentals.Â
Overall: Raman focused on revision and mocks.Â
What Every CAT 2026 Aspirant Must Know?
- You don’t need a flawless one-year run to crack the CAT with the right guidance.
- You need the right techniques for VARC and the patience to grind through DILR.
- The patience and motivation to start QA from scratch.
- The discipline to revise and take mocks seriously.
The table specified below covers the summary of the CAT 2026 preparation strategy across the sections.
| Section | Strategy |
| VARC | Do not chase the “right” answer from the start when in doubt. Eliminate those which do not clearly align with the question. |
| DILR | Practice without fail; give and analyse mocks. Understand the importance of time management when opting for complex questions. |
| QA | Clear the basics. Once your foundation is strong, work on speed and accuracy. |
The Role iQuanta Plays to Make You A CAT Topper
Raman is clear about acknowledging the support he received. iQuanta’s content and faculty made a huge difference in his preparation journey. In a landscape crowded with coaching options, having the right guidance, the right material that actually addressed his weak areas, and faculty that could explain concepts clearly gave his preparation a sense of direction.
iQuanta’s CAT 2026 early batch starts soon. Get your CAT 2026 strategy personalised based on your preparation style, 24*7 doubt solving, over 8000 practice questions, 35 full mocks, 45 sectional mocks and many more! Click on the below link for more details.
