CAT 2026 Preparation Tips: 7 Habits of 99 Percentile Toppers to Follow Before the Exam

1. They Focused on Weak Areas Instead of Studying Everything Equally

One common lesson from topper interviews is that preparation should respond to actual performance. Spending equal time on every topic may not be the best use of the final exam preparation days.

For example, CAT 2025 topper Maahee Goda, who scored 99.20 percentile in her first attempt, worked on Quantitative Aptitude despite considering it her biggest challenge. Her experience highlights why avoiding a weak section can limit overall performance.

In the final weeks, candidates should identify whether their main problem is a lack of conceptual clarity, slow calculations, poor question selection or careless mistakes.

What to do in the remaining weeks:

• List the five topics causing the most errors.

• Revise the concepts behind those mistakes.

• Solve 10-15 targeted questions before moving to mixed practice.

• Recheck performance at the end of each week.

The goal is not to master every difficult question. It is to stop losing marks on questions that can be solved with better preparation.

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2. They Analysed Mock Tests Instead of Just Counting Scores

Taking mock tests without reviewing them can lead to repeated mistakes. A mock becomes useful when candidates understand why they lost marks and what needs to change before the next test.

In her CAT 99.91 percentile interview, Riddhi Dugar emphasised building fundamentals before moving towards mock tests and analysis. Her approach shows the value of treating mock performance as feedback rather than simply chasing a higher percentile.

After every mock, review these four areas:

• Incorrect answers: Was the concept unclear, or was the calculation wrong?

• Unattempted easy questions: Were they missed because of poor time management?

• Time-consuming questions: Could a shorter method have worked?

• Sectional performance: Which section needs more targeted practice?

Maintain a simple error log and review it before the next mock. This helps turn each test into a clear action plan.

3. They Practised Reading for VARC, Not Just Solving Questions

Reading Comprehension (RC) requires more than finding keywords in a passage. Candidates need to understand the author's argument, identify the central idea and distinguish a valid inference from an attractive but incorrect option.

In his CAT 2025 topper interview, Sri Vallabha, the 99.94 percentiler's journey highlights how developing reading habits and improving comprehension helped him address a weakness in VARC.

During the final weeks, practise reading across subjects such as economics, science, philosophy and social issues. After each passage, summarise the main argument in two or three sentences.

A practical daily target:

• Solve 3-4 RC passages.

• Practise 8-10 Verbal Ability questions.

• Review why incorrect options fail.

• Note recurring mistakes involving inference, tone and the author's purpose.

Reading consistently can improve comprehension, but timed practice is also needed to apply those skills during the exam.

4. They Built DILR Set Selection Skills

In Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), solving every set is not necessary. Recognising which set is manageable and which one may consume too much time is an important exam skill.

The CAT 2025 topper interview compilation brings together preparation strategies, mistakes and section-wise lessons from high scorers. A practical takeaway for DILR preparation is to practise decision-making alongside set-solving.

During the final weeks, practise tables, arrangements, distribution, games and tournaments, Venn diagrams and mixed graphs.

Use this routine for each practice session:

1. Spend the first few minutes scanning the available sets.

2. Identify the sets with clear conditions and a manageable number of variables.

3. Solve the selected sets under a timer.

4. Review whether the initial set selection was sensible.

Start with two sets daily and gradually increase timed practice based on accuracy and available time.

5. They Used Timed Sectionals to Improve Speed

Knowing how to solve a question and solving it within the available time are different skills. Timed sectional tests help candidates identify where they are spending too long.

Vihaan Verma, who scored 99.99 percentile in CAT 2025 after around 2.5 months of serious preparation, shared how he used timed practice for DILR and QA. His experience is a useful reminder that speed develops through repeated, focused practice rather than last-minute rushing.

Candidates can use the following targets as starting points, adjusting them as their performance improves.

These are practice priorities, not guaranteed time limits for every question. Actual timing should be adjusted to the difficulty of the question and the candidate's accuracy.

6. They Kept Practising Even When Preparation Felt Difficult

A high percentile does not require every section to feel easy throughout preparation. The important part is to recognise a problem and work on it consistently instead of avoiding it.

In his CAT 99.26 percentile interview, Kunal Bohra, a B.Com graduate, discussed his preparation, mock-test approach and the challenge of handling DILR. His experience is relevant to candidates who feel less confident in a particular section.

A practical way to maintain consistency is to set a minimum daily target, even on difficult days. For example, candidates can revise one weak Quantitative Aptitude topic, solve one DILR set and practise a few VARC questions when a full study session is not possible.

Avoid comparing daily scores with those of other candidates. Track personal progress across several tests instead.

7. They Made the Final Weeks More Focused, Not More Complicated

The last several weeks are not the ideal time to keep switching books, courses and preparation methods. Candidates should use this period to improve what they already know and practise applying it under exam conditions.

In Sri Vallabha's interview on CAT 2026 preparation and IIM admission goals, candidates can explore his preparation insights alongside his CAT journey. The broader lesson is to build a focused routine around individual needs instead of following every new strategy.

Use this phase wise plan to organise revision:

Adjust the number of mocks according to CAT preparation level. In the final days, avoid exhausting study sessions and focus on revision, sleep and a consistent routine.

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