For me, the equation was simple - IIM ABC or nothing. I wrote CAT 2017 with the sole purpose to join one of the top 3- IIMs (The ABC of Indian B-schools). Far from getting into the holy trinity, I didn't even get shortlisted by a single one of them. My dreams were shattered and I was frustrated. I converted my IIM Indore and IIM Kozhikode calls that year. I was in a dilemma - should I join IIM I/K or wait one more year and have one more shot at my dreams?
Everyone from my friends and family advised me to join one of IIM Indore or IIM Kozhikode, as they are among some of the best B-schools in the country.
"CAT is unpredictable and you don't know you would fare in your next attempt," they said. It would be foolish to let such an opportunity pass for an unsure future. But my heart didn't want to give up on my dreams. When I started preparing for CAT, like every other CAT aspirant, I dreamt of getting into one of IIM A, B or C. IIM Indore and IIM Kozhikode are amazing B-schools but my love for IIM ABC didn't allow me to join any other B-school in 2018. Since this was my first attempt at CAT and I was a working professional with just 6 months of work experience, I was in a position to take the risk.
Fast forward to September 2018, 2 months prior to CAT. I was going through the same feelings and emotions I went through last year. No matter how many times you write CAT, you can't be sure of your performance on the D-day. I can't say I never pondered over my decision to pass the opportunity to join IIM I/K. I was going through a mixed bag of emotions,
"What if I don't even get IIM I or K this year?" "How would I justify the decision I took last year?" But, somewhere in my mind, I knew that even if I fail, I've given my dreams a chance. Soon came 25th November 2018 - the day of the actual CAT. By this point in time, I had done everything I could to make sure that I got those coveted calls that I've always wanted.
Fast forward to 5th Jan 2019, a lazy Saturday morning. CAT results at 10 AM, followed by an interview call from IIM Calcutta. I was on cloud nine. Later, I got shortlisted by IIM Ahmedabad as well as IIM Bangalore. Yes, the wait was worth it! The first task was achieved, I had secured calls from all 3 of my dream B-schools. The next task in hand was to prepare for the interviews and convert those calls.
Fast forward to April 2019. The final results of IIM ABC are out. I made it to "The place I wanted to B". I'll be joining IIM Bangalore in June 2019. It had been one heck of a journey so far to get into IIM B. The journey inside IIMB is going to be............... To be continued............
Preparing for CAT? You can always contact me if you need any help. Prepare well and never give up on your dreams! Kudos!
I've attempted CAT twice and I've attended interviews of all the IIMs, SP Jain, and other B-schools. Posts at InsideIIM and seniors helped me a lot during my CAT journey.