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Shivang Kasana scored 99.85 percentile in CAT 2024 through a disciplined strategy, Rodha classes, consistent practice, and smart time management.
Wed Apr 9, 2025
Want to crack the CAT exam and get into your dream business school? It's a tough journey, but definitely achievable with the right strategy and mindset. We have brought the success story of Shivang Kasana, who scored an impressive 99.85 percentile in the CAT 2024 exam. He's sharing his detailed preparation methods, the hurdles he faced, and practical tips to help you succeed in CAT 2025. Shivang was also an active student in Rodha's live classes, and this is his story. Ready to learn how he did it?
If you're looking for a structured approach to your CAT 2025 preparation, check out the Rodha CAT 2025 complete course.
First, let's get to know Shivang. He's a 24-year-old from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. He completed his B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering from B.I.T. Mesra.
Here's a quick snapshot of his academic background:
10th Grade: CGPA of 10
12th Grade: 90%
Undergraduate: 92%
Before CAT, he worked as a software development engineer at Nasdaq in Bangalore for 2.5 years. Despite his demanding job, Shivang managed to ace the CAT 2024 exam, securing a fantastic 99.85 percentile in Slot 1 with a raw score of 111.4 marks. His sectional percentiles were equally impressive:
VARC: 99.6 percentile
DILR: 98.9 percentile
Quant: 99.3 percentile
Shivang began his CAT preparation in early April with a friend. Initially, they relied on free online resources. However, he soon realized that these resources had limitations, especially for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR).
That's when he discovered Rodha. He was impressed by the quality and variety of DILR and Quantitative Aptitude (Quant) videos on Rodha's YouTube channel. This led him to subscribe to the B4 batch in April. Despite his busy work schedule, Shivang was fully committed to the live classes. He often skipped lunch to attend the 5:30 PM classes and made sure he was present for the 10 PM sessions as well.
What motivated him to attend the live classes regularly? He had a competitive spirit and was always eager to see his name on the leaderboard after each class. Rodha's live classes provided a competitive environment with polls and leaderboards, pushing him to perform better.
Many engineers find the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section challenging. Shivang was no different. He gives credit to KD Sir's classes for his significant improvement in VARC scores.
Here’s what he did:
Focused on increasing reading speed: He made it a habit to read articles every day.
Practiced consistently: After July, he solved 4-6 RCs and 10-20 questions daily.
Tracked progress: He maintained a spreadsheet to monitor his progress.
Solved a lot of RCs: He solved around 700-800 RCs.
The transformation was remarkable. Before CAT, Shivang hadn't finished reading a single book. Yet, he scored 48 in VARC, proving that consistent effort can lead to significant improvement. Now, after CAT, he enjoys reading books regularly.
Are you struggling with VARC? The Rodha VARC course might be just what you need.
Balancing CAT preparation with a demanding 9-hour job was no easy task. Shivang admits that he often felt demotivated and overwhelmed. There were times when he scored single-digit marks in VARC and Quant in the mock tests.
How did he cope with demotivation? He focused on not getting disheartened by bad mock scores. He knew that having a "best day" on the CAT exam day is nearly impossible. Instead, he aimed to increase the number of "good days" during his preparation. He understood that bad days are a part of the process.
What kept him going? His lifelong dream of attending IIM Bangalore. The proximity of his home to IIM Bangalore served as constant motivation.
Shivang preferred attending live classes over watching recordings. Why? He valued the interaction with faculty and peers and the opportunity for immediate doubt resolution. Live classes also helped him maintain a schedule and stay on track with his preparation. He only used recorded lectures to solve questions on the side. His classes took 4 hours a day.
What advice does Shivang have for CAT 2025 aspirants struggling with VARC?
Adapt to the exam: Understand the skills the exam requires.
Focus on Critical Reasoning (CR): CR is crucial, especially for exams like XAT.
Practice Para Summary and Odd One Out Questions: These question types are often underrated.
Practice is Key: You can't improve without practice.
Although Quant was Shivang's strongest section, he didn't neglect it. He stresses the importance of being balanced in all sections. Ironically, he scored the lowest in Quant on the actual CAT exam.
What should you do when you face score fluctuations in mocks? Shivang's lowest mock score was 5. He advises focusing on your strengths and avoiding learning new things in the last month. Instead, revise your weaknesses to a level where you don't leave easy questions.
Remember, Quant scores are subjective and depend on the types of questions asked. Don't get demotivated by low scores in mocks.
Make the most of Rodha's resources. Finish all classes and topic tests on the Rodha platform and avoid letting classes pile up. For revision, note down difficult questions and revisit them later. If you still can't solve them, then revise the class.
Shivang joined Rodha specifically for LRDI. He appreciates the variety and uniqueness of the sets provided by Rodha. He didn't solve previous years' CAT papers. Instead, he solved approximately 650-700 sets.
His most important piece of advice? Stop watching video solutions. He emphasizes the importance of developing problem-solving skills. He recalls spending 3 hours on a Venn diagram set. The cracking point will stick to your mind if you struggle with it yourself. LRDI isn't about memorization; it's about practice and developing your brain. Forget the myth of "CAT-level" questions. Instead, expand your expertise in everything.
The Rodha LRDI course could be your secret weapon to conquer this section.
The CAT exam is known for its unpredictability. Shivang discusses the changing difficulty levels of LRDI in CAT over the years (CAT 22, CAT 23, CAT 24). The key is to adapt to changes. CAT authorities want to see how well you can adapt and react. Strategic thinking is essential.
Shivang used the 10 minutes of instruction time to analyze the number of questions per set. He formulated a strategy based on the information provided.
Motivation needs to come from within. You need to have goals. It's okay to take breaks when you're feeling burnt out. Learn from success stories and see the achievements of IIM graduates as a source of motivation. Don't ignore the market situation. Getting an MBA can help you navigate a tough job market.
Shivang's journey proves that with hard work, the right strategy, and a resilient mindset, you can achieve your dream CAT score. His insights into VARC, Quant, and LRDI, along with his tips on balancing preparation with a demanding job, provide a roadmap for CAT 2025 aspirants. Stay motivated, adapt to the unexpected, and remember that your dream business school is within reach.
Sambhavi Prakash