From CAT To Campus: Embracing The IIM Nagpur Journey – A Tale Of Dreams, Challenges, And Triumphs

I still remember the date it was November 27, 2022, I took the CAT exam. I didn't perform as well as I had hoped, but on December 21, when the results were announced, I was amazed to see my score. My dream of getting into an IIM was now within reach. On March 11, I received an email from IIM Nagpur inviting me for a personal interview. I was both excited and nervous. The interview was scheduled for March 30, and I couldn't sleep the night before. During the interview, I was asked questions about my work experience, why I wanted to do an MBA, and my graduation. The interview went well, and I felt confident that I had done my best.

On May 12, at 10:24 PM, I received an email from the admissions office of IIM Nagpur. The subject
line read: "Congratulations! You have been selected for admission to IIM Nagpur's Post-Graduate
Programme in Management." I couldn't believe my eyes. I had achieved my dream! It was a moment filled with happiness, and even now, I can feel the same joy when I recall it. I shared the news with my parents, and tears of joy filled my eyes. I finally felt that I had fulfilled my father's trust and his dream, which he mentioned in his last moments, and I could proudly call myself an IIM student. I started packing my bags the very next day. My excitement grew with each passing day. I had read and watched everything there was to know about IIM Nagpur on the internet, but I still gave it a few more reads. On the final day of packing, I packed my enthusiasm and energy along with my luggage.

I reached the campus on time on July 26, as I had also been selected for a three-day preparatory course. When I saw the IIM logo and Arjuna statue outside the campus, I got Goosebumps. I couldn't believe that I had achieved this goal. The first two days were amazing. I explored the campus, decorated my hostel room, and clicked pictures to post. My energetic side was still intact.
But the bright orientation days of the "dream come true" vibes quickly vanished. The IIM rigor kicked in. Tons of deadlines at 23:59:59 became commonplace. "Sacrosanct deadlines, proper decorum, no chit-chat in class" was all I heard from the seniors and the authorities at every session. So, I prepared myself accordingly for the very first class.

Things have been challenging, but when were they not? If my abilities have gotten me here, my
strength and willpower can also make me survive the MBA life. I can and I will. A week into it, and we all learned that the day actually starts after midnight! Cases, pre-reads, submissions, club and committee orientations, competitions, our informal zoom calls, and cold calls during classes too. It was an insane rush. No amount of excel sheet or calendar planning could assure me that I am not missing anything. And to deal with your neighbour for waking one another who wake up early in the morning, so we didn't miss our morning class. Now I have entered a hectic schedule to balance studies with perpetually chasing deadlines of assignments, various competitions, and club work. Within that time frame, the opportunity to learn with the country's best minds has been enormous for me. In addition to that, I have already been part of some memories which I will cherish forever, and looking forward to many more to come.

So for all those who think they are in the same boat as I was, the only things required are a burning desire to succeed, a steady implementation of your plan, self-belief, and the best time to start is now!  

---

Mayank is a PGP1 student at IIM Nagpur and an Executive member of Ummeed– Community Outreach Club of IIM Nagpur. He worked as a Digital Marketing Executive 18 months before joining IIM Nagpur . In his free time, he enjoys watching web series and learning about new technology.