Why PW Works Best for CAT Preparation: Haridas’ Journey from UPSC to 99.1 Percentile

What happens when your plan A something you’ve spent 5 years on—doesn't work out just 19 days before the biggest MBA entrance exam in the country? Most people would give up. But Haridas, an Urban Planning graduate from SPA Bhopal, decided not give up.

On November 11th, Haridas learned he hadn't cleared the UPSC Mains. On November 30th, he sat for the CAT and scored a staggering 99.1th percentile. This isn't just about luck; it's about a solid foundation, a fighting spirit, and a highly focused 20-day sprint powered by specialized resources of PW.

UPSC to CAT in 2 Weeks: How Haridas Made the Transition with PW

Transitioning from a vast syllabus like UPSC to a high-speed aptitude test like CAT seems impossible, but Haridas found the common ground using PW’s targeted approach. He realized that while UPSC had taught him how to plan, PW provided the specific framework to apply those strategies to the CAT format.

"The UPSC preparation itself is a big booster towards the MBA preparation... You know how to plan, how to strategize for exams, how to attempt any exams."

For Haridas, the journey wasn't about starting from scratch but about molding his existing knowledge with the help of PW’s expert guidance. Since his VARC was largely 'sorted' due to his UPSC reading habits, he used PW’s resources to dedicate his limited time to the technicalities and speed required for CAT."

Mastering CAT Sections in 20 Days -  Haridas’ Strategy with PW

With only 15-20 days on the clock, Haridas couldn't afford to waste time on bulky textbooks. He needed a "crunch" strategy.

Haridas focused entirely on Previous Year Questions (PYQs) to understand the examiner's mindset. When he needed to learn concepts quickly, he turned to YouTube.

"Due to time constraints, I couldn't enroll into any courses, but your YouTube series by PW was very helpful... the marathon courses to make crunch studies, crunch notes—they were very helpful."

While most aspirants give 30+ mocks, Haridas only had time for one. He used that single mock strategically by PW to get used to the interface and time management. He believes that focusing on PYQs can compensate for a lack of mocks if you are short on time.

Solving the DILR and Quant Puzzle Using a Logical Approach

DILR is often the nightmare section for CAT aspirants. Haridas applied his UPSC CSAT logic here but noticed a significant difference in difficulty.

DILR Strategy: He focused on identifying patterns. 

"There is a fixed number of patterns you can make questions out of... if you have completed the entire pattern, I think you will recognize the models."

Quant Strategy: He acknowledged that CAT Quant is much tougher than CSAT, requiring a lot more logical depth, which he refined through MBA Wallah’s marathon sessions.

Preparing for the Next Step: Why GDPI Support is Crucial Now

Cracking the exam is only half the battle. Haridas, despite his high percentile, felt he had "low level" knowledge about the MBA admission process and interview stages.

"I am very grateful that I have joined MBA Wallah courses; I think it would be really helpful in my GDPI preparation."

He is now aiming for General Management or Marketing, with a long-term goal of joining the Tata Administrative Services (TAS), a role he feels mirrors the impact of the IAS.

Haridas’ Actionable Advice for CAT 2026 Aspirants

Haridas’s story is inspiring, but he and his mentors warn against trying this "stunt" at home without a solid background. For those starting their journey, here is his takeaway:

1. Prioritize PYQs: Don't just solve them; use them to build your entire strategy. They show you exactly what the examiner wants.

2. Identify Strengths Early: Haridas knew his VARC was strong, which let him pivot his 20 days toward DILR and Quant.

3. Use "Crunch" Resources: When time is tight, use marathon sessions and one-shot videos to create concise notes.

4. Mental Resilience: Treat your "Plan B" (MBA) with the same respect and dedication as your "Plan A." A failed attempt in one field (like UPSC) isn't a failure—it's a "fighting spirit" you carry into the next. 

From facing the setback of UPSC Mains to scoring a staggering 99.1 percentile in just 20 days, Haridas’s journey shows that with the right guidance from PW and a resilient mindset, extraordinary success is possible even in the shortest timeframe.