With only 202 days left for CAT 2025, many CAT aspirants are worried about how they could crack CAT 2025 with the most effective strategies. Therefore, today we share the story of CAT topper Harshit Raghuvanshi, who scored an excellent 97.99 percentile in CAT 2024 from a disappointing 80 percentile in CAT 2023. Harshit is also unique since he scored a 99.53 percentile in SNAP 2024 and a 246 score in NMAT, which burst the myth that bad CAT leads to a wasted year. In a conversation with iQuanta, Harshit revealed a simple strategy that no one could see coming. This topper story is also important for first-time test takers who can boost their scores and confidence for the exam if they understand this strategy. The conversation will include Harshit’s reason behind an MBA, his CAT’23 preparation journey, and what changed in CAT’24 & SNAP’24 that led him to 97.99 & 99.53 percentile to receive interview calls from IIFT Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, XIM Bhubaneswar, CAP IIMs, IIM Raipur, SIBM Pune, SCHMRD, and NMIMS Mumbai.
Join this free whatsapp group to get the latest information about CAT exam along with the strategies by CAT experts
Tell us about yourself, Harshit, and why you chose to pursue an MBA
Hi, I am Harshit Raghuvanshi. I grew up in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and completed my bachelor’s degree in BBA, looking forward to my MBA admission calls to pursue an MBA this year.
My CAT journey started back in the final year of my BBA when I was looking for an alternative career path to get doors open to great roles and companies. After doing some research and connecting with my cousins, I found out how an MBA can give you a great headstart in your career with advanced knowledge of business & management. Understanding the opportunity and thinking about it. I set my goal to crack the CAT 2023 to get into an IIM.
How was your CAT 2023 experience and why did you score only 80 percentile?
Back then, when I started, I had zero knowledge of how to prepare for the CAT exam. But, after enrolling in an offline CAT coaching based on my parents’ advice. I started my preparation. However, the experience was not good. Offline coaching didn’t provide me with any doubt-solving team or sessions, and made me juggle around different class timings since our syllabus was not planned and followed.
Although I tried my best to keep up with my preparation, eventually, mental fatigue took over. After CAT 2023, I knew I couldn’t do my best, and patiently attempted other OMETs like SNAP & NMAT.
The result arrived and I only scored 80 percentile. I was not happy with this attempt. I knew where I failed, but I was confused about what to do next.
After taking a break, my parents encouraged me to try once more and get any necessary resources I want without any excuse. I decided to take a gap year and plan to appear for CAT 2024.
Join the Largest CAT Preparation Community in India
How did you prepare for CAT 2024? What was your secret strategy?
So, I knew that CAT 2024 was going to be difficult based on 2023 reactions. Therefore, first, I sat down and prepared a plan to follow rigorously without any excuses.
I searched for online resources, communities, and coaching since offline experience didn’t work out for me. After searching, I found the iQuanta WhatsApp group where many resources are shared and aspirants can talk about their preparation. Moreover, during this time, I also found a friend to accompany me during my prep in a library near my stay. In addition to the unlimited library access where I can sit for hours without any distractions.
I believe these three key factors helped me the most during my CAT preparation: a solid routine, the right guidance, and constant support from the people around me.
When it comes to strategy, the best advice I can give you is to build a routine and stick to it. During my CAT 2024 preparation, I followed a strict schedule. I would wake up around 9 AM and head to the library by 10 AM. I studied for 8-9 hours daily, covering all sections of the CAT exam with short breaks in between. Studying with a partner also helped me stay focused and motivated.
My preparation improved significantly after I joined the iQuanta May batch. The recorded classes, 24/7 doubt-solving support, and accurate mock tests were incredibly helpful. I didn’t feel the need to look for any other resources.
When I returned home around 8–9 PM, I had dinner and slept without distractions like social media. This consistent, distraction-free routine made a big difference.
Family support played a huge role. They never pressured me and always encouraged me to do my best. My study partner, a close friend, constantly motivated me to push beyond my limits. Having someone to talk to and share the journey with made it all much easier.
Months passed, but I never broke my routine. Eventually, I gave my all in CAT 2024 and scored 97.99 percentile. I knew I could do even more, so I also took SNAP and NMAT, scoring 99.53 percentile in SNAP and 242 in NMAT 2024.
In the end, I dedicate all my success to my family and my study partner. Their constant support and belief in me made the journey smoother and the results possible. I truly believe that the right people can change outcomes and take your efforts to new heights.
Harshit Raghuwanshi’s message:-
“EVERY SETBACK HAS A COMEBACK”
In cat 23 got only 80 prnctl after 1 year of hardwork and determination i got nothing but mujhe kabhi nhi lga ki m nhi kr skta in feb 24 i joined iquanta tabse aajtak iquanta team help in every possible way THANK U ALL MODERATORS
Jeet Singh sir aap inspiration ho , i never saw anywhere that a founder gave her all in small queries of student also aapke bina kuch nhi kr skta tha m thank u sir u are everything to me ,kabhi is gareeb s kuch kam hoto sir pls khiye .
Abhishek Leela Pandey THE MAN THE MYTH THE LEGEND sir u are genius sir kuch eisa hoga nhi sansar m jo apko nhi pata u are master of all sir thank u for everything sare method lecture hi the sir jiske krd yh aya h thank u .
Vikrant Kathuria hello there ,sir apki class k yh phle words s leke apki akhri din tak ki strategy all are perfect sir , thank u for everything sir without u i dont think i have done better ,
Kamal Lohia radhe radhe sir apki lrdi inception vdo m fist thumb wale style s hmesa smile aajati thi sir ,apki energy jabardast h sir thank u for everything.
Raj Kumar Jha sir apki seriousness apki comedy apke double meaning jokes sab yaad h sir rhegi hmesa or apki basics pr focus wali bat keep it simple wali batein sab bhot perfect h sir unhi k krd ho paya h kuch .
Prashant Chadha sir apke sath jitni bhi interaction hui h kabhi achi arhi sir thank u sir for each method and lecture Deepanshu OmerAyush ChakrabortyiQuantaJainam Shah
thank u to each and everyone who are behind, because of whole iquanta team i achieve this
pls ignore if you dont find interesting but jo dil m tha pua likh diya h english galat ho skti h emotion pure h 2000 lrdi sets in 2 year and dont know how many rc and qa with 60 mocks mhnat hogi to result ayega hi dont settle for less when u have ability.
Harshit’s story teaches us that setbacks are not failures, they are stepping stones to success. “If you work hard, the results will come accordingly. Don’t settle for less when you know you can achieve more’.
At the end of the story, Harshit thanks the iQuanta mentors and team gratefully. “Thanks for believing in me and supporting me at each and every step of the way,” he says.
So, here is how Harshit Raghuwanshi went from 80%ile to securing 97.99%ile. This clearly depicts the power of determination and the right direction. We feel proud for such success stories at iQuanta and we shall keep helping such students in achieving their dreams.
Congratulations, Harshit on this great achievement!!!!
Enroll for the iQuanta CAT Course
