From UPSC To IIM Calcutta| CAT 99.96 Percentile

To say I was at a crossroads would be an understatement. I felt stuck, wondering if I had wasted some of the most important years of my 20s. I questioned my worth, my abilities, and my future. It was hard not to. Our world often glorifies linear success stories—go to a good college, land a good job, and move steadily upward. But what about those who took detours? Or those who tried something difficult and didn’t succeed?

I decided to give myself one more shot—this time at the CAT. Hi, I am Saloni Baweja, and this is my CAT Jouney.

Profile: 10/9/7, IIT Delhi. Work Experience- 7 months

Entrepreneurial Experience- 2 years (Not accounted in CAT application)

Starting Over

I began my preparation in July 2024. Unlike most of the toppers you hear about, I didn’t have months of structured coaching behind me. I was starting late, and I was starting with baggage. Not just academic rust, but emotional weight. The biggest hurdle wasn’t relearning math or brushing up on reading comprehension—it was rebuilding confidence.

The first step I took was to research how shortlisting and selection happen for these top colleges.(If you have not already done that, do it right now!)  What are the criteria. Just like you, I went on the internet and read a lot of stories to convince myself it was still doable– it was not too late for me to try.

Once I was convinced that one thing, that would get me the chance to tell my story, was a CAT score, that was my sole target for the months to come. I had my eyes set on 100 percentile and nothing less than that.

Remember: CAT isn’t just a test of aptitude. It’s a test of self-belief.

The Journey

I had learned discipline, structure, and how to work relentlessly in my years of UPSC Prep. I had learned how to navigate ambiguity and build resilience in the face of uncertainty during my entrepreneurial stint. I had also developed a stronger understanding of what I truly wanted: to grow as a leader, to contribute meaningfully to organisations, and to keep alive my passion for problem-solving and public impact—this time through the path of management and administration.

That clarity became my north star. It guided my preparation and eventually became the core of my story.

The Result

On CAT day, I gave it my all—but without attachment to the result. I walked out not knowing how well I had done, but knowing that I had faced my fears and shown up.

When the results came out, I had scored 99.96 percentile.

I was overjoyed, but cautious. I knew the real challenge—the interviews—was still ahead. And as expected, that phase tested me in ways I hadn’t imagined.

I received calls from IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode, Indore, and FMS Delhi.

More Rejections. But This Time, I Was Ready.
I was rejected by IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore.

Was it disappointing? Of course. But this time, the rejection didn’t break me.

I wasn’t seeking validation anymore—I was just looking for a platform. A place that would see the value in my story and my potential to grow.

And thankfully, IIM Calcutta and FMS Delhi did. They saw through the gaps, beyond the detours, and chose to believe in me.

I will always be grateful for that.

 

What Helped Me (And Might Help You Too)

If you’re someone in a similar situation—starting late, carrying baggage, doubting your worth—here are a few things that helped me:

• Talk to people who’ve walked this path. Reach out to those already in B-schools. You’ll find stories like yours. You’ll realise you’re not alone.
• Ask for help. Whether it’s mock interviews, prep tips, or emotional support—ask. It’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of wisdom.
• Own your story. Take time to reflect. Don’t downplay or over-glorify anything. Just be honest—and learn how to connect your past to your future.
• Don’t self-reject. The world might question your choices. Let them. Each panel is different. All you need is one yes.
• Redefine rejection. Being rejected by a top B-school doesn’t mean you weren’t good enough. It just means it wasn’t your fit. Wear every rejection like a badge of courage—it shows you tried.
• Trust the process. No exam can fix your past—but it can open doors to your future.

Final Thoughts

There’s a quote I held on to during tough times:

“Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth.”

Your journey is your strength, not your liability. You’re allowed to fail. You’re allowed to change direction. What matters is that you keep showing up—with honesty, effort, and belief.

To those who feel like they’re starting from behind—remember: your story isn’t over. Sometimes, all it takes is one door to open. For me, that door was IIM Calcutta. And I’m walking through it with pride.

Read More

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