"Are you still working full time while preparing for CAT?” This was the question I was asked frequently by many people for the past year. And my answer was always yes. Because I didn’t quit my job, I didn’t take a sabbatical, and I didn’t rely on coaching full time. I cracked CAT and made it to IIM Kozhikode while working full-time in consulting and so can you. Here is what helped me in my journey to IIM-K
Today, I’ll be sharing my honest opinion about T.I.M.E (Triumphant Institute of Management Education) coaching materials. Quick heads-up — this article is focused solely on the study material provided by T.I.M.E and not on the in-class experience.
Every year all of us prepare for MBA entrance exams where we are convinced we are entering a fierce competition where only the smartest and most strategic survive. But here’s the uncomfortable truth that we often miss and that is these exams aren’t about winning but they’re about not losing. There’s a difference, and it’s massive. MBA entrance exams are not competitive in the true sense of the word. They’re eliminative and once we understand this, our approach and our expectations should shift accordingly.
It’s that time of the season again.
All those sleepless nights. Countless mocks. Hours of video lectures. Sitting in a chair straight for 6–8 hours, taking a break, and then pushing yourself for another 2–3.
This interview was conducted with Anas Ahmad(IIM-U 2025-27), who discussed his CAT journey and shared valuable insights for the current CAT aspirants.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the entry to prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools. Often viewed as an exam dominated by quantitative aptitude, CAT can be intimidating for non-engineers who lack a strong mathematical background. However, cracking CAT is less about being a math genius and more about strategy, practice, and leveraging our strengths. Non-engineers can not only succeed but also excel in CAT without falling into the so-called "quant trap."
Most of us aspirants treat the “Why MBA?” question like a final hurdle, something to prepare for right before the interview. But in reality, this question isn’t just an interview staple. It’s the foundation of our entire MBA journey. And the sooner we start answering it, the better our decisions and outcomes will be.
"Are you still working full time while preparing for CAT?” This was the question I was asked frequently by many people for the past year. And my answer was always yes. Because I didn’t quit my job, I didn’t take a sabbatical, and I didn’t rely on coaching full time. I cracked CAT and made it to IIM Kozhikode while working full-time in consulting and so can you. Here is what helped me in my journey to IIM-K
Today, I’ll be sharing my honest opinion about T.I.M.E (Triumphant Institute of Management Education) coaching materials. Quick heads-up — this article is focused solely on the study material provided by T.I.M.E and not on the in-class experience.
Every year all of us prepare for MBA entrance exams where we are convinced we are entering a fierce competition where only the smartest and most strategic survive. But here’s the uncomfortable truth that we often miss and that is these exams aren’t about winning but they’re about not losing. There’s a difference, and it’s massive. MBA entrance exams are not competitive in the true sense of the word. They’re eliminative and once we understand this, our approach and our expectations should shift accordingly.
It’s that time of the season again.
All those sleepless nights. Countless mocks. Hours of video lectures. Sitting in a chair straight for 6–8 hours, taking a break, and then pushing yourself for another 2–3.
This interview was conducted with Anas Ahmad(IIM-U 2025-27), who discussed his CAT journey and shared valuable insights for the current CAT aspirants.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the entry to prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools. Often viewed as an exam dominated by quantitative aptitude, CAT can be intimidating for non-engineers who lack a strong mathematical background. However, cracking CAT is less about being a math genius and more about strategy, practice, and leveraging our strengths. Non-engineers can not only succeed but also excel in CAT without falling into the so-called "quant trap."
Most of us aspirants treat the “Why MBA?” question like a final hurdle, something to prepare for right before the interview. But in reality, this question isn’t just an interview staple. It’s the foundation of our entire MBA journey. And the sooner we start answering it, the better our decisions and outcomes will be.