I started my CAT preparation around March–April 2024 with Rodha’s free YouTube videos. Those videos helped me build my basics and gave me the confidence to begin seriously. Later, I took the paid subscription for Rodha’s online coaching.With that, I began watching in-depth classes regularly and attempted topic-wise tests to check my understanding. I also practiced from the study materials provided by Rodha, which were very helpful. Around June–July 2024, I took my first mock test. It showed me where I stood and what I needed to improve. From that point onward, I stayed consistent with practice, learned from my mistakes, and kept pushing myself.After giving the CAT exam, the next challenge was the GD-PI process. It was intense and required focused preparation. With proper guidance and support, I gave my best in every interview. And today, I feel proud and excited to share that I’m finally joining IIM Lucknow—a dream come true!A big thank you to Ravi Sir and the Rodha team for being a constant support throughout this journey.
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The structured guidance and classes from Rodha Coaching really helped me improve my problem-solving skills.Their in-depth classes explained every concept in a very clear way, which made even tough topics easier to understand. I regularly practiced with their topic-wise tests and study materials, which helped me build a strong foundation.The Booster Classes gave me extra push during the final phase of my preparation, and the Mock Tests helped me understand the actual exam pattern and improve my speed and accuracy. After the CAT exam, Rodha’s support continued with their GDPI (Group Discussion & Personal Interview) preparation, which helped me express my thoughts clearly and confidently during the interviews. All of this together helped me achieve my dream of getting into a top B-school. I’m truly thankful to Ravi Sir and the entire Rodha team for their constant support and excellent guidance.
There was a lot of pressure and difficulty during my preparation. I didn’t have many resources or a positive competitive environment around me. On top of that, my family was also facing financial problems, which made things even more challenging.But during these tough times, one thing that kept me going was the motivation to not give up. I kept reminding myself of the mantra – “Don’t give up.” No matter how hard the situation was, I stayed focused and continued to work hard every single day. It was this unconditional hard work and self-belief that helped me overcome all the obstacles.Looking back now, I feel proud that I didn’t stop, and that’s what helped me reach where I am today.
As an introvert, preparing for Group Discussions (GDs) and Personal Interviews (PIs) was not easy for me. It meant stepping far outside my comfort zone.Every mock GD and mock interview felt challenging at first. But I treated each one as a learning experience. I faced every panel and every difficult question with the aim to learn and improve.After each mock interview, I made sure to take feedback seriously. I worked hard to fix the mistakes and improve my answers. Slowly, I started becoming more comfortable and confident.During the actual interviews, I focused on staying calm, positive, and confident. I also practiced stress management so that I could think clearly even under pressure.After every real interview, I used to write down the questions I couldn’t answer well or felt I could have done better. Then I would work on those areas so that I could improve in the next one.This process of reflecting and improving after each interview helped me grow, and eventually gave me the confidence to perform well in the final interviews.
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As Ravi Sir said in one of his videos, “Whatever percentile you have got, you should go through the GDPI process, give your best to convert the calls, and then decide whether to repeat or accept the offers you receive.” This advice really stayed with me.On 4th January 2025, I received one of my best shortlist calls — IIM Lucknow. At that moment, I made up my mind: no matter what my percentile or profile was, I would give my 100% effort in the WAT-PI (Written Ability Test & Personal Interview) process.I started preparing seriously—working on my answers, practicing mock interviews, and learning from feedback. I stayed consistent and focused during the entire journey.And today, I feel incredibly happy and proud to share that I have converted my IIM Lucknow call, along with other great converts too.This journey taught me that with the right mindset, hard work, and guidance, you can achieve your goals—no matter where you start from.
You can never get an MBA from an IIM!
If someone had told the 15-year-old version of me that I'd pursue an MBA from an IIM, I would've laughed it off as impossible
Coming from a middle-class family, with both parents uneducated and no one in my family having ever stepped inside a school - I am proud to say I'm the first-generation education seeker in my family.
From high school topper and best student award to earning my B.E. degree from Jadavpur University, to working as a Consultant at Protiviti every step was a milestone. Protiviti wasn't just my first job - it was the foundation. Watching the leadership there operate with structured thinking and deep business insights sparked something in me. That's when the MBA dream began to take shape - not from childhood fantasies, but through experiences, reflection, and growth.
A few months ago, I was just another aspirant buried in mocks, self-doubt, and sleepless nights. The pressure. The silence. The fear of failing after giving it everything.
As an introvert, even preparing for GDs and Pls meant stepping far outside my comfort zone. Every mock. Every panel. Every question fought and learned from.
And today, I'm excited to share that I will be joining the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow to pursue my MBA.
Other Colleges Converted:
✅ Indian Institute of Management Mumbai
✅ Indian Institute of Management, Shillong
✅ Convertible Waitlist at IIT Bombay - Shailesh J.Mehta School of Management
✅ All CAP Calls
✅ Indian Institute of Management Raipur
✅ Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam
As the Bhagavad Gita reminds us:
"कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन। मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि ॥ 2.47
You have a right to perform your actions, but not to the fruits of your actions."
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