Jitesh Kumar is a driven individual with a strong academic foundation and significant professional experience of 30 months as a System Engineer at TATA Consultancy Services where he worked as a Salesforce Administration and Platform Developer. He completed his 10th(75.20%) and 12th(74.20%) grades from the state board, demonstrating resilience and determination. Jitesh graduated from BIT Mesra with a degree in Mechanical Engineering(67.80%), where he honed his interpersonal and leadership skills by organizing workshops and managing events as a core member of the Techno Management festival. His internships at TATA Motors and Indian Railways provided valuable insights into mechanical engineering, operations, and product management.
Now, he aims to broaden his career horizons through a formal management education at NMIMS Mumbai, aligning his technical expertise with a holistic managerial approach.
Join All India Free CAT Mock Test by InsideIIM: 15th August-15th September and Earn Exciting Rewards
NMAT Score- 278
-
Can you walk us through your NMAT preparation strategy?
Taking mock tests helped me simulate the exam environment, manage time effectively, and identify areas that needed attention. Scoring a 278 in the NMAT exam is no small feat, especially with impressive sectional scores of 89/120 in Quantitative Skills, 99/120 in Language Skills, and 90/120 in Logical Reasoning.
Here is a detailed walkthrough of my preparation strategy for the NMAT exam:
-
Understanding the NMAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Initial Steps: The first step was thoroughly understanding the NMAT exam pattern and syllabus. This involved researching the types of questions in each section and the weightage given to different topics.
Resource Gathering: I collected various preparation materials, including NMAT guides, question papers from previous years, and online resources. I also joined online forums and study groups to stay updated on any changes or tips.
-
Creating an NMAT Study Plan
Time Management: I created a detailed study plan that allocated specific time slots for each section daily. I ensured a balanced focus on all three sections, dedicating extra time to my weaker areas.
Daily Goals: Setting daily goals was crucial. These goals were specific, measurable, and achievable, such as solving a certain number of questions or completing a particular topic.
- Quantitative Skills
Foundation Building: I started with the basics, ensuring a strong foundation in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. I used textbooks and online resources to clarify concepts.
Practice and Revision: Regular practice was key. I solved a variety of questions from different sources and revised them frequently. I maintained a formula sheet for quick revisions.
Mock Tests: Analyzing mock tests to understand mistakes and rectify them was a crucial part of my strategy.
- Language Skills
I cultivated a reading habit, focusing on diverse topics such as current affairs, editorials, novels, and academic articles. This improved his reading speed and comprehension.
Vocabulary Building: I made a consistent effort to improve his vocabulary by learning new words daily and using them in sentences. Flashcards and apps like Anki were helpful.
Grammar and Usage: I practiced grammar exercises and read extensively to understand sentence structures and usage. I also solved numerous practice questions related to error spotting, sentence correction, and para-jumbles.
Regular Practice: Solving reading comprehension passages and other language-based questions regularly helped me enhance my accuracy and speed.
- Logical Reasoning
Conceptual Clarity: I focused on understanding different types of logical reasoning questions, such as puzzles, arrangements, series, and critical reasoning.
Practice Variety: I practiced a wide variety of questions from different sources to cover all possible types of logical reasoning problems.
Timed Practice: Since logical reasoning questions can be time-consuming, I practiced solving them within a stipulated time to improve his speed and accuracy.
Analysis and Improvement: Post-practice, I analyzed my solutions to understand where he went wrong and how I could improve my approach.
Also Read:
-
Overall NMAT Preparation 2024 Strategies
Consistent Review: Regular review sessions ensured that I retained the information I studied and didn’t forget key concepts.
Health and Well-being: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle was essential. I ensured I had a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep to keep my mind sharp and focused.
Stress Management: Techniques like meditation and relaxation exercises helped me manage exam stress and stay calm and composed.
- Support and Resources
Mentorship: Guidance from mentors like Moinack Shaikh and the InsideIIM team played a pivotal role in my preparation. They provided personalized feedback, especially in areas like the VARC section, and helped refine my interview skills.
Mock Interviews: Participating in mock interviews and group discussions helped me prepare for the GDPI process, boosting his confidence and performance.
- Final Preparations
Revision: The last few weeks were dedicated to revising key concepts, practicing mock tests, and going through previous errors to ensure they were not repeated.
Simulated Exams: Taking full-length simulated exams helped me get used to the exam’s timing and pressure, making me more comfortable on the exam day.
- Which mock series did you enroll for?
InsideIIM, CatKing, iQuanta
- How many mock tests did you take?
10 mocks.
- Which section was your Achilles heel? How did you overcome that?
For many candidates, including myself, the Quantitative Skills section can be particularly challenging. Here’s a detailed look at how I identified this section as my Achilles heel and the strategies I used to overcome the challenges associated with it:
Early in my preparation, I took several diagnostic tests to gauge my strengths and weaknesses. The results consistently showed that my performance in the Quantitative Skills section was weaker compared to the other sections.
Analyzing Weaknesses: A deeper analysis revealed specific areas within Quantitative Skills where I struggled the most, such as complex arithmetic problems, advanced algebra, and data interpretation.
Self-Assessment: I realized that my difficulty stemmed from a lack of foundational understanding of some mathematical concepts and insufficient practice with high-difficulty questions.
Strategies to Overcome the Challenges
I revisited basic mathematical concepts, ensuring I had a solid understanding of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. Khan Academy and specific NMAT preparation books were particularly helpful. I dedicated a portion of my daily study time specifically to Quantitative Skills. This included solving a variety of problems to cover all possible question types.
Starting with easier problems to build confidence, I gradually moved on to more difficult questions, ensuring a thorough understanding of each topic before progressing. To improve my speed and accuracy, I practiced solving questions under timed conditions. This helped simulate the actual exam environment and reduced the pressure during the real test.
Taking full-length mock tests regularly helped me track my progress and adapt my strategies based on performance. These tests also helped me build stamina and get accustomed to the exam format.
Professional Feedback: Seeking feedback from mentors and peers was crucial. They provided insights and different approaches to problem-solving that I hadn’t considered.
- What was your lowest point in your preparation journey?
My lowest point in my preparation journey came during a particularly challenging phase when I was consistently scoring poorly on mock tests. This period was marked by frustration, self-doubt, and a strong temptation to give up on my MBA dream. Here’s a detailed account of that experience and how I managed to overcome it:
Initial Excitement: At the beginning of my preparation, I was enthusiastic and optimistic. However, as I progressed, my mock test scores were far from satisfactory. Despite my efforts, I was unable to see significant improvement.
Repeated Failures: Over several weeks, I noticed a disturbing pattern—my scores were not only stagnating but sometimes even declining. This was particularly disheartening as I had expected to see gradual improvement.
Self-Doubt and Frustration:
Questioning Abilities: Consistently low scores led to intense self-doubt. I began questioning my abilities and whether I was cut out for the rigorous MBA journey.
Comparisons with Peers: Seeing peers excel in their mock tests added to the pressure. I couldn’t help but compare my progress with theirs, which only exacerbated my feelings of inadequacy.
Fear of Failure:
Impending Exam Date: With the exam date approaching, the fear of failure loomed large. The thought of not performing well in the actual exam despite months of preparation was terrifying.
Dreams on the Line: The fear of not making it to a top B-school, and the impact it would have on my career aspirations, made this period even more stressful
- Which B-School interview calls did you have? How many of them did you convert?
NMIMS (all campuses) converted NMIMS Mumbai, MBA Core
Quick Links:
Preparation Strategies and Time Table for CAT 2024
List of Books for CAT Exam 2024
Free online cat exam coaching by ARKSS
CAT VARC Previous Year Question Analysis 2024-2021
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Topic-Wise Weightage Analysis 2021-2023