CAT Preparation Tips: MBA Students - Alumni

How I Scored 99.8%ile In CAT 2024 And Made It To IIM Calcutta With 2 Gap Years Ft. Kunal Goel

Completing my B.Com (Hons) in 2023, I took up a full-time job, believing I could manage CFA Level 2 preparation, CAT exam, and work simultaneously. However, juggling all three soon became overwhelming. After nearly two years of balancing these challenges, I made a crucial decision in November 2023 to quit my job and focus solely on cracking CAT and clearing CFA Level 2. This article shares my journey of how I achieved a 99.8 percentile in CAT 2024 and secured admission to IIM Calcutta despite the two-year gap and the demanding preparation for CFA.

Kunal Goel19 Jun 2025

From IIM Indore To IIM Calcutta: Akash Deep, CAT 99.7%ile, IIM C'27

May 2024. The air was thick with excitement, internships, and the comfort of college life. Most of my peers at IIM Indore, where I was pursuing the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM), were immersed in their internships and case competitions. But for me, the month marked something more profound. I had decided to take a shot at the Common Admission Test (CAT). The goal wasn’t just a score; it was to push myself, to see how far I could go, and perhaps, to see if I could walk through the gates of one of India’s most prestigious institutions.

Akash Deep18 Jun 2025

My Detailed CAT Preparation Journey That Led Me To MDI Gurgaon | Amol Jain, MDI' 27

Profile: 9/9/8, 2 years of work-ex, CAT score 98%

Amol Jain18 Jun 2025

My Voyage From The Merchant Navy To IIM Lucknow | Nikhil Shahani, 99.4%ile, IIM L'27

The sea had been my home, my identity, and my classroom. Over the years, I’ve sailed across the vast Atlantic to the shores of Africa, maneuvered oil carriers through the bustling ports of Dubai, and docked near the palm-laced harbors of the United States. From stormy midnights to sunrises over still waters — life at sea was nothing short of cinematic. But even amidst that vastness, there was always a quiet whisper in the back of my mind:

Nikhil Shahani18 Jun 2025

I Wrote 240 Mock Tests Over 3 CAT Attempts | Journey To IIM C. Ft. Harshvardhan Shewakramani, 99.81%ile, IIM C' 27

In 2024, after three rigorous years and over 240 mocks, I finally made it — I’m joining IIM Calcutta this year with a 99.81 percentile in CAT. This was my third attempt. The journey wasn’t linear, but every setback shaped the comeback.

Harshvardhan Shewakramani18 Jun 2025

My Journey From Clinic To IIM Indore - Ft. Dr. Arushi Chandra, IIM I' 27

IIM Indore | Class of 2027 | Dentist Turned MBA Aspirant If someone had told me a year ago that I’d crack CAT and join an IIM, I probably would’ve smiled politely and gone back to my dental notes.

Arushi Chandra18 Jun 2025

5 Months Of Preparation Took Me To IIM Indore Ft. Aditya Paul, IIM I'27

When you grow up surrounded by the best engineering talent, all you can hold on to are tech and mechanics. Witnessing my parents excel at IOCL, I was naturally drawn to a career in engineering. But my ambitions extended beyond what was in front of me. I painted. I sang. I acted. I played different sports.

Aditya Paul18 Jun 2025

How I Converted IIM C On My 3rd CAT Attempt- Swagat Subhakanta Das, CAT 2024 99.85%ile

Meet Swagat Subhakanta Das, a determined three-time CAT taker who secured the 99.85th percentile in CAT 2024 and made it to IIM Calcutta. Hailing from Puri, Odisha, and a Chemical Engineering graduate from NIT Rourkela, Swagat brings with him 18 months of work experience at Groww and Uni Cards. Despite facing setbacks in VARC in previous attempts, he bounced back with a focused strategy and aced all three sections this time (VARC - 97.11%ile, DILR - 99.91%ile, QA - 99.34%ile). His journey is a testament to resilience, structured preparation, and introspective learning, making him an inspiration for every serious CAT aspirant. Read his story below!

Harish N S12 Jun 2025