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It was June 2021, and the grip of the Covid pandemic was strong, making job opportunities extremely scarce. Despite the challenging circumstances, I was one of the fortunate few to secure a job offer from my college campus. Initially, I felt happy as the profile seemed decent, and the compensation was on the higher side. However, my happiness was short-lived as I quickly realized the harsh reality of the corporate sector. Within three months, I made the decision to resign and returned home. The only positive aspect of my experience was my manager, who introduced me to management and CAT (Common Admission Test).
As someone from a humble background, my decision to quit came as a shock to my family and friends. Nevertheless, they provided unwavering support throughout. When I started my CAT preparation, I couldn't afford expensive courses. I relied solely on my laptop and a set of Arun Sharma books, coupled with a strong belief in myself. Fortunately, the CAT syllabus seemed intriguing to me, especially the chapters in Quantitative Ability (Quants) and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR).
In March 2022, I began my actual preparation and crafted a detailed game plan. To develop my strategy, I extensively researched online videos and blogs, gaining valuable insights. My plan looked as follows:
- March to May: Complete the Quants and DILR syllabus for the first time. - June to July: Revise the entire syllabus, focusing on high-level question-solving.While my game plan didn't explicitly mention a plan for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), it doesn't mean I disliked it. In fact, I enjoyed VARC and consistently scored well in it. However, I knew from the beginning that it was challenging to confine VARC to a fixed syllabus. Thankfully, a YouTube content creator shared a valuable mantra: reading high-quality content daily would naturally prepare me for VARC.
I dedicated an hour every day to reading. I explored various resources, including newspapers like Mint, The Guardian, and The Economist. I delved into blogs from a diverse range of business minds and followed platforms like Aeon, Psyche, and Quanta for thought-provoking articles. I even installed apps like Finshots and Inshorts on my phone.
With unwavering dedication, I followed this roadmap like a determined pilgrim. However, I must admit that it wasn't always easy. I encountered lows along the way when achieving my dreams seemed impossible. Especially during the first month of attempting mocks, when my scores were modest, I felt a significant gap between my preparation and the actual question levels. Yet, thanks to creators who continually motivated me, I managed to navigate through the ups and downs.
Finally, the day of the exam arrived. Since my exam center was far from home, I had to travel a day in advance. The external process at the center went smoothly, but the exam room was uncomfortably cold. I tackled VARC with intense focus and was content with my attempt. However, as I reached DILR, the cold began to affect me. It became increasingly challenging to concentrate, and I even pulled a nerve. At that moment, I thought it was all over. However, I reminded myself that I didn't have a plan B—it was either this or nothing. Gathering my strength, I persevered and tackled the remaining questions with whatever time I had left. Lastly, my performance in Quants was average. I survived the exam, and deep down, I knew that I would be joining a top B-school this year.
My premonition proved correct. I cracked CAT and received calls from several prestigious B-schools, with IIM Lucknow being the most coveted among them. Although I had cleared the cutoff for the call by a narrow margin, I knew converting the call would be challenging. I prepared myself to give my all in the interview. Lucknow was the last interview among the calls I received, granting me valuable experience for B-school interviews beforehand.
The big day arrived—the interview for IIM Lucknow. I traveled 300 km to reach the venue, utilizing the time to revise all the data I had prepared. The process commenced smoothly with documentation, and we were divided into groups and directed to separate interview rooms. First, we underwent the Written Ability Test (WAT) together, and then we were instructed to wait outside and enter the interview room one by one. I was the last to enter. As those who went before me came out with distressed expressions, including one person in tears, I tried my best to disregard what I had witnessed and entered the room with a confident smile.
The interview panel comprised a professor and an alumnus. The professor asked all the questions while covering an extensive range of topics. From current affairs to geopolitics, from exploring my educational background to technical inquiries and discussions about my goals, he left no stone unturned. After a rigorous 20 minutes, he concluded the interview, indicating that I could leave. I thanked them with a beaming smile and rose to depart. However, the professor surprised me with a smile and exclaimed that it was an excellent interview. His encouraging words lingered in my mind. He even inquired about my other calls and expressed his hope to see me on campus. I left the room, wearing a foolish grin that stayed with me throughout the day.
Although the results were delayed, I wasn't worried as I knew I had given my best. Then, on an auspicious morning, the email everyone, including myself, had eagerly awaited arrived. I was offered admission to IIM Lucknow in the first list itself, and without a moment's hesitation, I confirmed my acceptance.
This is my journey from nowhere to IIM L. For all the MBA enthusiasts reading this, I leave you with a few golden rules that took me a year to learn:
1. Only quit your job to prepare for CAT if it's absolutely necessary.
2. Don't merely watch videos or lectures; practice solving questions on your own.
3. Dedicate time to thoroughly analyze your mock exams.
4. Engage in exercise and meditation to maintain a strong mental posture, as the battle is more psychological than intellectual.
That concludes my story, and I wish you the very best in your own journey.