Vani Jha
Achieving a top percentile in the Common Admission Test (CAT) is a dream shared by thousands of MBA aspirants across India. For Naitik Singhal from Gwalior, that dream turned into reality when he secured an impressive 99.45 percentile in CAT, proving that sustained effort, discipline, and composure can outperform last-minute cramming.
Naitik’s success story stands out not just because of the percentile he achieved, but because of the mindset and preparation strategy he followed throughout his CAT journey. Speaking about his preparation, he credited consistency and mental composure as the two most important factors behind his performance.
A Journey Rooted in Discipline
Unlike many aspirants who intensify their preparation only a few months before the exam, Naitik followed a steady and structured approach. He focused on building strong fundamentals over time rather than rushing through the syllabus. According to him, CAT is not merely a test of knowledge but a test of decision-making under pressure.
By dedicating regular hours each day to preparation, Naitik ensured that his learning curve remained gradual and sustainable. This approach helped him avoid burnout, a challenge many competitive exam aspirants face. He emphasised that studying consistently, even on days when motivation was low, made a significant difference in the long run.
Importance of Composure in CAT
One of the key insights Naitik shared was the importance of staying calm during the exam. CAT is known for its unpredictable paper pattern and high-pressure environment. For Naitik, maintaining composure was as crucial as mastering quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, and data interpretation.
He believed that panic often leads candidates to make avoidable mistakes. By practising mock tests regularly under timed conditions, he trained himself to remain calm and focused, even when faced with difficult or unfamiliar questions. This mental preparedness allowed him to choose questions wisely and manage time effectively during the actual exam.
Smart Preparation Over Long Hours
Naitik’s preparation strategy revolved around quality over quantity. Instead of studying for excessively long hours, he focused on understanding concepts deeply and analysing his mistakes. After every mock test, he spent considerable time reviewing incorrect answers to identify gaps in his understanding.
This reflective approach helped him fine-tune his strategy and avoid repeating the same errors. He also stressed the importance of revising regularly, as consistent revision reinforced concepts and improved accuracy over time.
Learning From Mocks and Feedback
Mock tests played a critical role in Naitik’s CAT preparation. They not only helped him assess his readiness but also built his confidence. With each mock, he became more comfortable with the exam format and improved his speed and accuracy.
Naitik advised aspirants to treat mock scores as learning tools rather than performance indicators. Instead of being discouraged by low scores, he used them as feedback to improve weaker sections. This mindset helped him stay motivated and focused throughout the preparation phase.
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Advice for Future CAT Aspirants
Drawing from his own experience, Naitik offered valuable advice to future CAT candidates. He encouraged aspirants to trust the process and avoid comparing their journey with others. According to him, every student has a unique learning pace, and consistency matters more than short-term intensity.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining a balanced routine. Adequate rest, short breaks, and a positive mindset contributed significantly to his overall performance. For Naitik, CAT preparation was as much about mental strength as it was about academic readiness.
A Story of Naitik That Inspires
Naitik Singhal’s achievement of scoring 99.45 percentile in CAT serves as an inspiration for aspirants across the country, especially those preparing from smaller cities like Gwalior. His journey reinforces the idea that success in competitive exams is not reserved for a select few but is attainable through disciplined effort, consistency, and self-belief.
As CAT continues to be one of India’s most challenging entrance exams, stories like Naitik’s remind aspirants that staying consistent and composed can truly make all the difference.