Junaid Taj Gives Tips For CAT And Tells How He Scored 99.53 Percentile | CAT Exam

Junaid Taj scored 99.53 percentile in CAT. This is a dream score for getting 99+ percentile means a lot in the coveted CAT exam. Common Admission Test high scorers set wonderful examples on how to prepare for CAT. Like many toppers, Junaid’s list of tips for candidates also starts with hard work and dedication. It is commendable how this boy from Delhi dreamt big and made his dreams come true. This interview will inspire you to be a CAT Topper.

About Junaid Taj

CAT Score card of Junaid Taj

Congratulations! How are you celebrating? Were you expecting this score?

Thank you! I wasn’t too sure if I’d do so well actually because the CAT paper this time was a bit tricky, especially quant and there was no way we could verify our answers post the test from any answer key as CAT does not release its question paper in the public domain.

What is your section wise percentile?

My overall percentile was 99.53. I got 99.97 in Verbal (which has always been my strong point), 96.9 in Quant and 95.9 in DI/LR.

How was your exam? Which were the toughest and weakest sections according to you?

My exam went rather smoothly and the first two sections were in line with most mock tests I had given. I personally found the quant section a bit tough and maybe I slowed down a bit in this last section.

How did you prepare for CAT? Did you opt for mock tests? How much time did you give for your preparation?

I had joined TIME coaching center in Delhi in August 2015, although my most serious preparation started only in June 2016. Since I am a college student, I had to divide my time accordingly for both college studies and CAT preparation. Although post June, I did devote disproportionately more time towards MBA entrance preparation. I had also joined Career Launcher test series. I gave around 30 mock CAT tests and by the time, I actually attempted CAT-it just seemed like a repeat of my mock tests. It definitely helped to calm my nerves and work on time management.

Did you take any other tests besides CAT?

I gave IIFT exam too where I got 99.42 percentile and I have been shortlisted for the next round there. Apart from that, I gave XAT exam and I am awaiting the result.

Which is your preferred business school? Which specialization are you interested in?

I am hoping to get calls from IIM Kozhikode, Indore, Shillong etc and I hope I can specialize in either finance. If not, then any of the top colleges where I can find good jobs in the consultancy field.

How is your preparation for the next rounds?

My coaching center is helping me to prepare for my GD-PI preparation. I have already started my IIFT second round preparation. I am giving mock interviews, participating in mock GDs, improving my writing skills for the essay(WAT )round and keeping myself abreast of current affairs.

Is there a specific reason why you want to pursue MBA? Do you think having work experience would help you during your programme?

The reason I want to pursue MBA is because I believe that in today’s competitive world, just technical knowledge is not enough. One must have managerial skills to climb up the ladders of success in the corporate world and techno-managers are in great demand today. I think work experience has its pros and cons. For me, as a fresher, I believe it would be easier for B Schools to mold me as freshers would probably be more flexible.

Tell us about your educational background?

I did my schooling from DPS Vasant Kunj and am currently pursuing B.Tech in ECE from Jamia Millia Islamia.

What are the tips that you would like to give those who plan to take up CAT in the coming year?

• My tips to future CAT aspirants is to get your concepts cleared and give a lot of mock tests to identify your weak areas.
• Once you find your weak areas, start focusing more on your weak areas because it is very important to clear all the sectional cutoffs.
• It is also important to do exceptionally well in at least one section. So, find your strong points-for instance, in my case, it was VA/RC.
• Also, I’d recommend everyone to read The Indian Express regularly.
• Most importantly, one must try and do well in college because there is a significant weightage to your past acads in IIM selection.

What are your hobbies? Do you enjoy any kind of sport?

I am an avid quizzer and a debater. I am also deeply interested in international politics and its close links with foreign trade.

Which is your favourite movie?

My favourite movie is Forrest Grump because it teaches us to pursue all our aims with loyalty and dedication.

Are you active on social media? Were you active during your preparation?

I am pretty active on Twitter. Twitter has often helped me shape opinions on current affairs more clearly and by following journalists/experts on twitter, we get a deeper perspective/insight.

We are sure that Junaid will set several milestones in his life.