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Satabdi Jena scored 99.74 percentile in CAT 2024, proving determination, strategy, and confidence can overcome academic hurdles.
Tue Apr 22, 2025
Have you ever felt like your past academic performance might define your future? Meet Satabdi Jena, a CAT 2024 topper who proves that your past doesn't have to dictate your future success. Scoring an impressive 99.74 percentile, Satabdi is here to share her story, strategies, and advice for all CAT 2025 aspirants. Her sectional scores are equally impressive: 99.6 in VARC, 99.56 in DI LR, and 96.46 in Quant, culminating in an overall score of 112. Let's dive into her journey!
Satabdi Jena's achievement isn't just a number; it's a testament to her hard work and dedication. Her success in CAT 2024 showcases her strategic approach and determination. Throughout this post, we'll break down the key elements that contributed to her outstanding performance, offering you actionable insights to boost your own preparation.
Satabdi's academic journey is quite interesting. Born and raised in Bhadrak, Odisha, she completed her 10th standard at Kendriya Vidyalaya Bhadrak with a CGPA of 10, equivalent to 95%. For her 12th standard, she attended Sri Chaitanya Techno School, Visakhapatnam, securing 76% in PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths). She holds a BSc Agriculture Honors at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and is in her fourth year.
Many students believe that a lower score in 12th grade can ruin their chances of cracking the CAT. Satabdi's success demolishes this myth! She admits that she was initially nervous about how her 12th grade score might affect her chances of getting into top B-schools. "I was very scared to start preparing due to it," she said. She had been preparing for medical exams, which impacted her performance in Maths. But she didn't let that hold her back. Instead, she focused on her overall profile and strengths.
If you're worried about your past academic performance, remember that B-schools consider your overall profile. Focus on what you can control and showcase your strengths in other areas. Don't let one hurdle define your entire journey!
When did Satabdi start preparing for the CAT? Surprisingly, she started relatively late, around the end of May 2023, leaving her with approximately 3.5 to 4 months for preparation. She also faced distractions due to her semester exams. However, she put forward the importance of intensive preparation during that limited time.
"It's not just about the time you spend but how you spend it," she noted. Discipline and consistency are essential, regardless of your preparation timeline. Even if you're reading this in June 2025, it's never too late to start! Rodha offers complete CAT courses to help you learn from scratch.
How did her family react to her achievement? Like many Indian middle-class families, Satabdi's family wasn't fully aware of the CAT exam's significance. It was a pleasant surprise for them! It highlights that success can come from unexpected places, and sometimes, those closest to you may not fully grasp the magnitude of your accomplishments.
Identifying your strengths and weaknesses is a crucial part of CAT preparation. For Satabdi, Quantitative Aptitude, especially Arithmetic, was a strong area. She enjoyed it and practiced with interest. On the other hand, she was intimidated by LRDI and practiced it less due to time constraints. VARC was her comfort zone, thanks to her long-standing reading habit and fast reading speed.
Confidence plays a huge role in your performance. Satabdi's friend, Sumit, advised her to approach the exam with confidence. This can significantly impact your performance, especially in sections like LRDI. Even if you feel underprepared, believe in your abilities and give it your best shot!
Remember:
What are the common pitfalls to avoid while preparing for CAT? Satabdi highlights three major mistakes:
Over-Consuming Content: Relying on too many resources and mock tests can be detrimental. Focus on focused practice and completing the syllabus.
Blindly Following Others' Strategies: Develop a personalized strategy based on your strengths and weaknesses. What works for one person may not work for you.
Over-Stressing and Burning Out: Maintain a balance between studying and resting. Avoid all-nighters and sacrificing sleep for studying.
Also, avoid relying on quick tricks and tips from social media. Minimize social media usage to maintain focus.
Mock scores can be demoralizing. Satabdi admits she scored low marks in mock tests, even close to the exam date, around 40. So, how do you stay motivated? She recommends focusing on the fact that this is a unique time in life that you should make the most of.
How can you improve your accuracy in VARC? Consistent practice is key. The CAT exam this year was comparatively easy, but you should be prepared for tougher scenarios. Be patient and carefully analyze each option in the Reading Comprehension section.
If you have a Maths phobia, start with the basics and focus on strengthening arithmetic. Practice to improve your accuracy. Memorize tables, squares, and cubes to speed up calculations. Interestingly, Satabdi didn't use the calculator during the exam!
If Satabdi's CAT journey were a movie, it would be "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara." This analogy emphasizes that this is a unique opportunity that won't come again, especially for women in India.
How many mock tests should you take? Satabdi took around 20 mock tests. She recommends taking 30+ mock tests if you have sufficient time. But remember, analysis is more important than just taking a lot of tests.
What activities can you do to relax during CAT prep? Reading, listening to music, meditating, and practicing yoga are all great options.
How many hours should you study? The number of study hours depends on your individual capabilities and intelligence. Satabdi aimed for 10-11 hours of study during rigorous preparation but realistically managed around 9 hours. If you're working, you might need to work a bit harder to keep up with those who have the time to study full-time.
It's also important to find a good space to work, such as a library, to minimize distractions.
How do you start your CAT journey today? If you have 11-12 months, take it slow and start consistently with 1-2 hours per day. Develop a reading habit and strengthen basic concepts, especially in Maths. You could even consider solving NCERT books. Solve puzzles to train your brain.
What about GDPI preparation? Follow newspapers and current affairs, seek guidance from alumni, and consider RODHA's course for GDPI preparation.
Satabdi Jena's journey is truly inspiring. Her story teaches us that hard work, discipline, and a positive attitude are essential for success in the CAT exam. We wish her all the best for her GDPI rounds and future endeavors! Will you follow in her footsteps?
Sambhavi Prakash