When I started my CAT preparation journey, I didn’t have a strict routine or a master plan — just a strong will to try, fail, learn, and keep going. Here’s how it all unfolded — with all the ups, downs, and some unexpected fun along the way.
I graduated from IIT Tirupati in July 2024, but unlike most of my batchmates, I walked out without a job. It wasn’t due to a lack of effort — I had been applying, skilling up, and trying everything I could in a tough job market. Still, three months went by with no results. I had attempted CAT 2023 while preparing half-heartedly, scoring 96.45 percentile, but I couldn’t clear the DILR cutoff. Back then, CAT had been my Plan B. This time, though, with no placement and no backup plan, I knew I had to give it everything I had. Either I’d make it to a top B-school, or I’d have to start from scratch.
For many of us, preparing for CAT is not just about studying, it's a journey of self-discovery and decision-making. And before I even thought about CAT, I had to answer a bigger question: Why MBA?
About a year and a half ago, I stood at a crossroads. With graduation approaching in June 2024, it was time to decide what came next—UPSC or an MBA. After days and nights of making pros and cons lists, researching, and reflecting, I finally chose to prepare for CAT.
How it started I completed my B.Tech. in Electronics and Communication Engineering from NIT Raipur, stepping into the corporate world with a strong technical foundation and an eagerness to build something meaningful. After graduation, I joined Accenture and spent over 26 months working in the cybersecurity domain, a space that intrigued me initially but gradually left me feeling stagnant. Despite being in a technically sound job, I couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't my true calling. I wanted to upskill, explore new domains, and most importantly, challenge myself in ways that felt more aligned with my ambitions.
Hi all, my name is Sparsh Maharshi, and here I am trying to share my journey from a tiresome core job to IIM Calcutta.
You all must’ve heard a saying, “DILR is the maker or breaker” – sahi kehte hai log!
I’m thankful for where I am in life now. A year ago, I thought this feeling would be impossible.
