Sections <\/strong><\/td>Highlights <\/strong><\/td><\/tr>| VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)<\/td> | Read diverse articles and explore different reading zones to grasp the author\u2019s intent.Practice RCs, para jumbles, and option elimination carefullyAvoid relying on luck; focus on understanding why options are right or wrong.<\/td><\/tr> | | DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)<\/td> | Use past CAT questions and mock tests as primary study materials.Practice a wide variety of sets, especially those shared by peers.<\/td><\/tr> | | Quant (Quantitative Ability)<\/td> | Break the syllabus chapter-wise; identify strong and weak areas.Focus on weak chapters using shortcuts and tips provided by mentors.Track progress regularly with mock tests.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Challenges Faced by the CAT Topper<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAyush:<\/strong> That, I think, is one thing that would be really useful for all the aspirants preparing for CAT. So, Churchill, what were the challenges you faced while you were aiming for CAT?<\/p>\n\n\n\nChurchill:<\/strong> \u201cSo, one of the challenges was the timing at my office \u2014 it was from around 12 noon to 12 midnight. After I came back home, it was around 1 in the night, so it was very difficult for me to prepare after that. I used to prepare for two to two and a half hours in the morning daily, and the main part of my preparation was on weekends, when I attempted mocks and analyzed them. Time management with work life was one of the toughest parts during my preparation.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Key Highlights<\/strong> <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Worked a demanding office schedule from 12 noon to 12 midnight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Limited study time, only 2 to 2.5 hours available in the mornings on weekdays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Relied heavily on weekends for mock tests and detailed analysis.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Managing time between work and preparation was the biggest challenge.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Approach Towards Mocks by the CAT Topper <\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAyush:<\/strong> So, coming to the marks, as you mentioned, what do you think is the importance of mocks, and what is the ideal number of mocks that an aspirant should appear for?<\/p>\n\n\n\nChurchill<\/strong>: \u201cSo, mocks are the most important thing because only theoretical preparation is not enough for CAT. You have to decide how you should attempt the mock or test within the three hours of time. I attempted around 30 to 35 mocks. After that, you must focus on each section and figure out how to ace it. If one of your sections is not good, for example, in the last CAT, VARC was a bit tough, when you move on from VARC, you should have a fresh mindset. You cannot let one section affect the other two sections as well. So, that\u2019s the mindset.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nAyush:<\/strong> What is the ideal number of mocks that the person should appear for?<\/p>\n\n\n\nChurchill:<\/strong> \u201cI think everyone should give 30 plus mocks because, in some mocks, our scores are not that good. We have to identify our mistakes, and after that, we need to improve in the other mocks. So, at least after 10 to 15 mocks, we identify our weak sections and all that. After that, we can prepare again and give 5 to 10 more mocks. So, it comes to around 25 to 30 mocks.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Key Highlights<\/strong> <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Mocks are crucial.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Attempted around 30- 35 mocks for thorough preparation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- After each mock, analyze each section to improve weak areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep a fresh mindset: don\u2019t let a tough section affect the rest of the exam.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ideal number of mocks: at least 30 to identify mistakes, work on weaknesses, and improve steadily.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Is 5 Months Enough for CAT Preparation?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAyush:<\/strong> So, I think you mentioned that you started preparing somewhere in the month of June last year. Do you think that a span of five months is sufficient for a person to crack an exam like that?<\/p>\n\n\n\nChurchill:<\/strong> \u201cYeah, I definitely feel it is more than sufficient because CAT generally tests our basic knowledge of all three sections and how we can manage our stress on the D-day. It\u2019s not about reading all the books or completing all the material; it\u2019s just about the basic concepts we follow and how we manage our time and stress on the D-day.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Key Highlights<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Five months is definitely enough to crack CAT.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- CAT mainly tests your basics across all sections.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Success depends more on mastering core concepts and managing stress on exam day than on completing every book or material.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Time and stress management are key to performing well.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span> | | |
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.iquanta.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-05-08-at-2.51.45-PM-1024x475.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n