Cracking the CAT exam while working full-time feels impossible to most aspirants. But Sujal’s CAT 2024 journey proves otherwise. Scoring 98.94% in CAT 2024, Sujal managed late-night study sessions after work and secured admission to MDI Gurgaon. His journey blends discipline, mindset, and unconventional strategies, shattering common myths about CAT preparation.

Balancing Work and CAT Exam Prep: The Midnight Hustle

The CAT exam lasts just 2 hours, but Sujal’s preparation spanned months of consistent effort. After reaching home from the office at 8:45 PM, he would dive into a late-night study session. He called this his “midnight hustle”, a routine built on daily targets and zero excuses.

For working professionals, his story proves you can crack the CAT exam without quitting your job. As he puts it: “It’s all about intent and execution on D-day.”

Why He Chose Solo Prep: No Groups, No FOMO

While most aspirants rely on study groups, Sujal deliberately avoided them. He avoided comparisons, peer pressure, and FOMO. Instead, he doubled down on self-study, proving it can be just as effective.

His advice: “You don’t need a study group. Do it alone. If you’re working, follow your own timelines.”

Overcoming Setbacks: From 53 Percentile to 98.94 in CAT

In September, just months before CAT, Sujal scored only 53 percentile in a mock. For many, that would be discouraging. But Sujal reminded himself of the bigger goal.

Here’s the truth: mock scores don’t always reflect the real CAT exam’s difficulty level. What matters is staying calm and adapting strategies on exam day. Sujal carried this mindset into the actual CAT exam and turned things around.

Section-Wise CAT Strategy That Worked

VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)

Instead of obsessing over details, Sujal focused on the bigger picture, the author’s intent, tone, and argument flow. This approach saved time and boosted accuracy.

DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)

From scoring negatives in CAT 2023 to hitting 99+ percentile in DILR in 2024, Sujal’s transformation was remarkable. He practised tough DILR sets for hours, believing that handling hard problems would make moderate ones feel easier in the exam.

Role of Mocks in CAT Prep – Rodha Experience

A big part of Sujal’s prep was the Rodha mocks, often tougher than the actual CAT exam. He says this helped him build resilience and speed. As he puts it: “If you can solve tough mocks, the actual exam feels easier.”

The Bigger Picture: CAT Exam Myths vs Realities

Many aspirants wonder how many students take the CAT exam each year. Registrations usually cross 2.5 lakhs, making competition intense. But Sujal’s story proves: it’s not about competing with others, it’s about competing with yourself

So if you’re preparing for CAT 2025, here’s the key takeaway: you don’t need perfect resources, study groups, or endless hours. What you need is a focused strategy, adaptability, and consistency

Sujal’s Advice for CAT 2025 Aspirants

• Mindset matters more than mocks. Don’t let a few bad scores define your prep.
  
• Consistency beats everything. Even 2–3 hours daily can compound into big results.
  
• Work on tough problems. Build stamina for unexpected exam twists.
  
• Trust your process. Results might be delayed, but they will come.
  

Final Thoughts

Sujal’s journey from late-night prep to MDI Gurgaon shows success isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing it your way. His 98.94% is proof that working professionals can crack the CAT exam with discipline, mindset, and strategy. For anyone asking “How to crack the CAT exam?”, the answer lies in stories like Sujal’s.

Watch Sujal share his complete journey here: 

Team RODHA