Q: What was your overall preparation strategy for CAT?

I started my preparation in May 2023 and tried to keep my preparation strategy as simple as possible. Firstly, I made sure that I should cover all the topics which form part of the syllabus. Secondly, I identified the weaker sections. For me the weaker section was Reading Comprehension from the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Section. I devoted more time on these topics. Attempting sectional Mocks helped me gauge my preparation for that topic. Thirdly, I made sure to upsolve any sectional that I solved. This helped me move ahead in a systematic manner.

Q: How did you prepare for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)?

In this section it is very easy to feel intimidated trying to understand the passage. It is really important that you also focus on answering the questions. So I skimmed through the questions before going through the entire passage. This subconsciously helped me with the areas that I needed to focus on, while reading.

Q: How did you prepare for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)?

I practiced as much variety of problems as was possible. I always ensured go all-in at every set. If I couldn’t figure out anything within first 4-5 minutes, I just dropped that set and moved on.

Q: How did you prepare for Quantitative Ability (QA)?

Again, I focused on practice as much as I could. I kept revising the formulas. I also prepared a formula book and kept it handy. As the conceptual clarity for all the topics is extremely critical, so I ensured that it is achieved first.

Q: How did you overcome your weakness in VARC?

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) was my weak section. To overcome this, I made sure I read as extensive and diverse topics as was possible. Reading newspapers and keeping a tap on the current affairs also helped me prepare well for the final interviews.

Q: What role did Mocks play in your success?

I had attempted about 30 mocks. Attempting a healthy number of mock tests and previous Years question papers is extremely important. Attempting mocks gave me a very good idea of the kind of questions which appear in the exam. Based on my weak areas, I could then focus on taking section-wise mocks.

Q: Did you self-prepare for CAT Exam or prepared with a Coaching Centre?

I prepared with coaching. I was a regular student at a coaching institute throughout my preparation. Solving the study material and the mock series regularly helped me identify my weak areas and work on them.

Q: Which books did you refer during your preparation?

I mostly followed the modules and test series provided by my coaching institute. It was sufficient for me.

Q: Please share your strategy for the CAT Day.

I relaxed a day before the test. I didn’t attempt any mocks on the last day. As I approached the exam day, I reduced the number of mock attempts and focused more on revising what I had covered already. I was confident with my preparation, hence on the exam day I tried to stay as calm as possible.

Q: How did you prepare for GD/PI/WAT Rounds?

I went through some 5-7 mock Personal Interviews before sitting for my first Personal Interview. This gave me a reality check and a lot of time to fine-tune my answers and become confident while appearing for the final interview.

Q: You have work experience. Does it help in MBA?

Yes, I worked as a Software Engineer for 3 months before joining MBA at SPJIMR. A touch of corporate experience gave me a sense of what stakeholders are involved as part of the decision making. This also helped me experience a profession setting first hand.

Q: What motivated you to Join SPJIMR?

The most important pillar of SPJIMR was being given the opportunity to lead without power as part of different student committees. The institute stands tall for instilling a sense of social sensitivity in future leaders of the country which is unique to the institute. The third aspect was its location, being located in Mumbai, SPJIMR gives you a lot of exposure to interact and get in touch with business leaders and esteemed alumni.

Q: How has been your experience so far at SPJIMR?

It has been a great experience so far. Starting from the excellent cohort that I am part of. Everyone on the table has something unique to add.

Q: Whom you would like to give credit for your success?

Family and friends played a pivotal role in my success at CAT. This wouldn’t have been possible without their presence and constant motivation.

Q: What challenges you faced during your life, academics, preparation?

The urge to always remain at the top academically was something I had always focused on. This was possible during school. As soon as I stepped out, it became increasingly challenging to make peace with the fact that I was not the smartest around and I constantly needed to up my game. All this made me come out of the challenged faced by me.

Q: Do you think that MBA admission process is cumbersome?

I don’t think it is cumbersome in the first place. Rather I would urge colleges conducting online processes to move offline, because there is a shift in perspective when you access a candidate in-person versus assessing online.

Q: Finally, your message and tips for candidates preparing for CAT 2024

My message is - Always believe in yourself. Identify your weaker sections and work on them. Be consistent with the number of hours that you put into your preparation, that is what will keep you going.