I kicked off my CAT prep journey right after graduating from Jadavpur University in 2024 — I studied Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering (ETCE), in case you’re wondering. There was a bit of a lull in life post-college while I waited for my onboarding at Accenture, so I decided to make the most of it. That “gap” turned out to be the perfect runway for my CAT prep. I wasn't just buried in books, though. I spent a lot of time volunteering as a teacher at an NGO — something that kept me grounded and reminded me why I wanted to lead with empathy someday. Oh, and yes… I also managed to finish more web series than I care to admit. Balance, right? And the timing? Chef’s kiss. Two days after CAT, I got the call — time to join Accenture. It honestly felt like life had hit “play” at just the right moment.
Let’s get this straight — I wasn’t one of those “5 a.m. club” people with a color-coded study schedule. Nope. I studied when I felt like studying. No fixed routine, no bullet journals. Just vibes and a solid determination to not give up. VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) was hands-down my weakest section. I’d read a passage, and five minutes later wonder if I’d just read Sanskrit by mistake. On the other hand, QA (Quantitative Aptitude) was my comfort zone — it felt like home. My only real motto through all of it? Don’t quit. Highs, lows, mock scores that made me want to scream — I stuck through it all. I was consistent, even if my study timings weren’t. Mock tests became my best friends (and sometimes my worst enemies). But every time I sat down to analyze them, question by question, I felt a little more in control. Honestly, I loved the grind. Not just the idea of a big payoff — but the process itself. It was frustrating at times, but it was mine.
People often talk about burnout and breakdowns while preparing for CAT — and yeah, it’s real. But for me, the way I coped was simple: I treated it like a game. I knew CAT 2024 wasn’t the end of my life. If I cracked it, great. If I didn’t? I'd just try again. No drama, no doomsday thinking. But one thing was certain — I’d die trying. That mindset made everything lighter. It didn’t mean I wasn’t serious — it meant I didn’t let the pressure crush me. I gave it my all, but I didn’t let it steal my peace. And I think that’s what helped me stay steady. No big breakdowns, no dramatic “I can’t do this” moments — just this constant voice in my head saying: “Okay, next round.”
Let’s talk about mock tests — those chaotic little beasts that love messing with your mental stability. My scores? All over the place. One day I’d score 110 and feel like I was destined for greatness. Two days later? 58. Reality check unlocked. But here’s the thing — I didn’t let it define me. I kept going. Mock after mock. Analyzing every question, understanding where I messed up, and trying to not let the numbers toy with my brain too much. Some days I laughed it off, some days I sulked a bit. But I always bounced back. Mocks weren’t just practice — they were a lesson in emotional regulation.
Surprisingly, CAT day itself was… chill. I wasn’t freaking out, I wasn’t pacing around like a maniac — I was just calm. Maybe it’s because I had already maxed out my nervous energy quota over the past week. Seriously, I think I burned through every possible anxious emotion before the actual day. By the time I sat in the exam hall, I had made peace with it. I’d done my part. Now it was just time to play the final round of the game. And honestly, that calm helped me think clearly and keep my head steady through the twists and turns of the paper.
When the CAT results dropped, I saw 99.86 percentile on my screen — and I just froze. It was surreal. I got interview calls from the top biggies — CL, FMS, and more. In hindsight, I think I could’ve put in more effort for the interview phase. Balancing job responsibilities (those weekly assessments weren’t joking around) and prep was tougher than I expected. I ended up getting waitlisted at a few places. But life has a funny way of knowing where you truly belong. And now? I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be joining IIM Mumbai (formerly NITIE). I feel happy, fulfilled, and genuinely excited for what’s ahead. I’m confident these next two years are going to shape me into a sharper, stronger, and better version of myself.
This journey — from my mom’s startup stories to late-night mocks and my CAT-day calm — has been nothing short of transformative. I wasn’t the most “disciplined” aspirant. But I stayed consistent. I didn’t give up. I loved the process more than the destination.
The dream? To build something of my own. A startup that reflects who I am, and brings that same fire to others the way my mom’s journey inspired me.
For now, it’s time to step into B-school life, meet brilliant minds, and make the most of these two incredible years.
The game isn't over — it's just Level 2.
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