How to Get 95 Percentile in CAT: A Step-by-Step Journey to Success

Are you also thinking how to get 95 percentile in CAT? This is a challenging yet achievable goal that opens gateways to the top B-schools of India, such as IIMs, SPJIMR, FMS, among others. 

In this blog we will break down how to approach each section effectively and understand the scoring pattern and provide the strategic tips on how to get 95 percentile in CAT.

The CAT Exam Structure and Scoring Pattern

The CAT exam has been divided into three sections:

1. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
2. DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning)
3. VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)

The score is always scaled up to a 99 percentile or 95 percentile every year depending on the pattern of scoring. The common marks distribution with each section is as under:

Section-wise Strategies for how to get 95 percentile in CAT 

1. How to get 95 percentile in CAT Quantitative Aptitude (QA) strategy:

Quantitative Aptitude is one of the most important sections.  This section tests the mathematical concepts that a candidate needs to know and his ability to solve problems within a much shorter time frame.

Key areas to focus on:

• Arithmetic: Percentage, profit and loss, ratio and proportion, averages, time and work
• Algebra: Equations, inequalities, logarithms, functions
• Geometry and Mensuration: Lines, angles, triangles, circles.
• Number System: Divisibility rules, LCM, HCF, remainders.

Statistics : As such, Arithmetic and Algebra alone account for about 40% of the QA section in recent years, making them essential for those exploring how to get 95 percentile in CAT. 

Tips:

• Practice High-Frequency Topics: These are the building blocks for QA and seem to come up time and again across CAT exams.
• Accuracy as an Objective: Avoid any kind of guessing and aim at saving time on questions with which you are familiar.
• Regular Mock tests and even analysis: Identify your weak areas and focus on high yield questions. 

2. How to get 95 percentile in CAT DILR section:

This section tests the analytical and logical reasoning capabilities of the candidate. It includes data interpretation in the form of tables, graphs, charts, or solving puzzles presented under certain sets of rules.

Major topics to be concentrated on:

• Tables and Graphs: Data interpretation
• Arrangements and Puzzles: Seating arrangement, ordering, and complex puzzles.
• Venn Diagrams: Most logical deductions have Venn diagrams attached to them.

Statistics: According to statistics of previous CAT exams,  65% of the top scorers spend extra time practising these questions on tables, charts, and seating arrangement as they score more and appear more frequently with a high mark.

Tips:

• Time Management: Time plays a great role in DILR as often it is the most lengthy section.
• Practise Caselets Daily: Caselets are quite common in DILR. First, begin with simple caselets and gradually move to tougher ones.
• Timing Practice: Spend a specific time on each set of DILR during practice sessions to get used to the timing in the actual exam.

3. How to get 95 percentile in CAT, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section:

VARC section tests the candidate on reading speed, comprehension, and verbal reasoning. The common topics of VARC include reading comprehension passages, para jumbles, sentence correction, and summaries.

Key Topics to Concentrate Upon:

• Reading Comprehension (RC): This is the most weighted area in VARC. VARC generally comprises 70% of the RC part.
• Para Jumbles: It tests the logic arrangement of sentences.
• Odd Sentence Out and Sentence Correction: Emphasis on grammar rules and logical flow.

Statistics: The largest number of questions under VARC is usually devoted to reading comprehension, often accounting for 16-18 questions.  Top scorers aiming for how to get 95 percentile in CAT mainly focuses on developing reading comprehension skills.

Tips: 

• Read assorted materials: newspapers and journals – for speedy building of reading speed and comprehension.
• Practice Mock RCs: Preparing for Mock tests with diverse RC topics—science, philosophy, and arts—help you handle unfamiliar subjects.
• Brush Up on Grammar: Good command over grammar helps solve sentence correction and para jumbles effectively.
  

Also learn – Most Important Topics for 95 Percentile in CAT

Additional Tips on how to get 95 percentile in CAT: 

1. You must start with solving previous year question papers to identify the pattern.
2. You must take the CAT mock tests under timed conditions and then analyse your performance to identify what is a strong area and what is a weak area for you, and accordingly identify how to get 95 percentile in CAT.
3. The most important thing for you would be to concentrate on high weight areas and learn how to get 95 percentile in CAT. 
4. Refer only to the authentic and highly recommended study materials that should be used, such as Arun Sharma for QA and DILR or Norman Lewis’ Word Power Made Easy for VARC and so on.
5. Take sufficient time to revise the topics, take practice tests, and analysis sessions. For example, you can schedule particular days for sections exclusively, and certain days can also be scheduled for mixed-section practice and mock tests.
6. A high attempt rate may seem good but can play a trick against you in the case of negative marking. So,here accuracy plays a crucial role, as those who wish to know how to get 95 percentile in CAT must answer only when sure.

Conclusion

It is definitely possible to achieve the 95 percentile score in CAT with adequate preparation, judicious use of time, and practice on the right topics. Maintaining a focus on high-yield areas and carrying out constant checks on progress with the help of mocks would make all the difference. Sustained effort, accurate attempts at questions by applying all these you will have a solid approach to how to get 95 percentile in CAT and getting into the top B-schools.