Cracking CAT is no small fest, especially for working professionals. Today, we’ll share the journey of CAT topper Rahul Sinha, who managed to scale up his CAT score from 90.7 percentile in his first attempt CAT 2023 to an impressive 99.49 percentile in CAT 2024—all while working full-time. His journey is a testimony to structured preparation, persistence, and the role of right mentorship, which he found at iQuanta.
In a conversation with iQuanta, Rahul 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. Let’s read on to know more about Rahul Sinha’s CAT journey.
The Beginning: A General Engineer Male (GEM) Dilemma
Rahul Sinha scored 99.49 percentile in CAT 2024. He belongs to GEM category i.e, a General Engineer Male and working as a Data Engineer at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). With a strong technical background, he attempted CAT 2023 with minimal preparation, scoring 90.7 percentile. But his aspirations demanded more, and so he began looking for a more a structured approach for his second attempt.
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Discovering iQuanta: The Game Changer
After CAT 2023 results, Rahul was looking out for a coaching platform which can provide him a structured study preparation, like what to study, which topics are important, and where to focus more.
Rahul gives a major part of his success to the structure and flexibility provided by iQuanta’s online CAT coaching. He mentioned that after being enrolled for iQuanta application classes initially he felt like what is happening, where to watch videos and how to solve the question, but as suggested by Mr. Indrajeet Singh (Founder of iQuanta), he trusted the process and after a week it was really very helpful for him when solving the questions.
He highlights:
- Application Classes: There were interactive and timed question-solving sessions that helped him simulate the CAT structure.
- Live + Recorded Sessions: Live + Recorded classes allowed him to study at his convenience. Even after long workdays, at night he catch up on classes at 2x speed.
- Customized Learning Support: Rahul mentioned that his VARC was very bad, also while solving LRDI he faced difficulties when the number of questions increased. iQuanta responded by launching the “Engineers’ VARC” & “LRDI Inception Videos” based on the student feedbacks on facebook community.
Rahul was highly impressed by iQuanta’s Engineers’ VARC, LRDI Inception videos and self-based course which are easily accessible, these are not mentor-driven; he just go at the dashboard and watch those modules which really helped him alot.
Balancing Work & Study
Managing a demanding job as an Analyst and rigorous CAT preparation wasn’t easy. Rahul admits that in early days at iQuanta, he found it hard to attend live sessions. However, soon he realized the importance of priortization and discipline.
Rahul reserved post-work schedule for CAT preparations i.e., after 5 or 6 p.m. every day. Also, on weekends he complete backlogs, practice mocks, and revise weaker areas, calling weekends as “gold mines” for working professionals. Being a working professional, he had a limited weekends, so he used them very diligently.
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Joining iQuanta & Leveraging its Resources
Rahul gave CAT 2023 without any structured preparation, after which he was looking out for best online CAT coaching. Rahul’s main concern was that he forgets things very easily, he was looking out for someone who can make him prepare and give focus on him. While searching he came across iQuanta’s dual pedagogy approach i.e application classes and live classes which attracts him more and he choose iQuanta for CAT 2024 preparation.
He mentioned that:
- Mock tests really helped him to prepare for both easy and tough exam scenarios.
- VARC & LRDI Inception videos was helped him in improving the weaker sections by provided the targeted content.
- Rahul found the volume and quality of assignments and practice materials ideal for someone who needed to be pushed.
- Mentor Accessibility: Rahul praised and emphasized how iQuanta’s faculty are accessible and supportive. He particularly credited Mr. Abhishek Leela Pandey sir, who responded on doubts late at night which aligns with Rahul’s study hours. This constent mentor access helped him stay motivated and guided.
Tips and Key Takeaways from Rahul’s Journey
Rahul shares:
- Start Early, Stay consistent: Despite enrolling in February, Rahul admits he wasn’t consistent at first. He advised future CAT aspirants not to repeat the same mistake.
- Practice Every Section: Rahul mentioned that he neglected Quant for a while which backfired him during final exams. He again advised the aspirants that don’t sideline any section while preparation, cover every topic whether you are good at it.
- Aim for the Stars: Rahul specifically mentioned the guidance given by Indrajeet Sir which says “Aim for the Moon and You will Fall Between the Stars”. He followed the mantra—aim for 100 percentile. Even if you fall short, you’ll land high.
- Flexibility is Power: iQuanta’s blend of live and recorded classes helped him balance job responsibilities while staying on track. He mentioned that practice as much as you can and cover every section.
Future Goals: Eye on Product Management
Rahul sees his future in Product Management, combining his technical background with managerial skills. He says that pursuing MBA is a planned and strategic goal towards achieving that goal. He desires to grow faster than his peers and want to start his own venture one day.
Rahul Sinha’s is not just one of success but a strategic transformation from under-prepared to fully-equipped, from struggling getting a guidance to scoring high. For CAT aspirants who is looking out for a structured, flexible, and responsive CAT preparation platform, Rahul’s journey proves that iQuanta might just be the right partner in your path to the IIMs and prestigious top B-schools.
