The IIMs have been dialling down on the weightage given to CAT and have started focusing more on academics and work experience.
Is this a move in the right direction? While I believe that good academics do mean that you are hardworking but there is also the age-old argument that good marks in 10th or 12th don’t really measure your management capabilities.
It is possible that the IIM fraternity lost their faith in CAT ever since it turned online and now in order to ensure that only the Creme-de-la-Creme students make it to the IIMs they have started putting roadblocks other than CAT.
But the tragedy is that there are many people who realise the fire in their belly quite later in life, which would mean average board marks (As in my case) and a crappy or mediocre grad college (As in my case) and no real MBA field related work experience but just a desire to satisfy their oversized ego in front for their girlfriend/boyfriend (As in my case).
So, what should the average engineer do, who was not told by the nurse in the delivery room at the time was his birth that “life is a race, mug up and score marks because in the end critical thinking and the ability to rapidly solve problems in an efficient manner might not matter (referencing to CAT there)”.
Well, there is no use of looking and regretting at your past mistake, the only thing that you can really do is overcome those mistakes.
“We Cannot Go Back and Start Over, But We Can Begin Now, and Make a New Ending”
So here we go, how to get an IIM admit despite an average profile.
· Destroy CAT: By this, I mean score 99.50+, although for GEM (General engineer male) 99.75 is the new 99 but a score in the upper 99s will fetch you a call from at least some of the old IIMs and all the new IIMs. This will also fetch you a call from MDI, NITIE, FMS and you will have a very good chance of converting them.
· Do certifications: This might not help you in getting more shortlists but will help in converting whatever calls you get: -
Finance:
- CFA: This is the ultimate big bad certification consisting of 3 levels and many students do CFA level 1 or Level 2 even before joining a b-school. Being a CFA L1 will show the interview panel that you are serious about doing an MBA and clearly have both the analytical ability and persistence required to survive the b-school rigour.
- NCFM: NSE certification in financial markets. They have a range of modules, covering various aspects of Banking & Finance. These certification exams are easy. There is no training provided; you need to do a little study and pay just the testing fees and on clearing it (usually 50% marks) you will get a certificate about which you can boast about during the interview.
- FLIP: FLIP is a senior IIM alumni initiative; it provides online training and certifications. These online banking and finance courses are practical, easy to understand and job oriented, which makes them the best fit for an MBA finance student.
Operations:
- Six Sigma: The BSI group offers 4 different certifications – The Six-Sigma yellow best (customised price), green belt (₹ 28,000) and the lean practitioner (₹ 28,000). These certifications are for people interested in operations, process management, and quality control.
Marketing:
- Google AdWords: An AdWords certification allows individuals to demonstrate that Google recognises them as an expert in online advertising. It’s a free certification and has to be renewed every 12 months.
HR:
- SHRM: Society for Human Resource Management is also known as the CFA of HR enthusiast. The written examination covers 18 separate areas of HR. Three thirty day windows are available for attempting the exam throughout the world.
PS: This is not an exhaustive list and you don’t have to do them all, it would be best to take up these certifications in accordance with your interests, any one or two of these certifications will give you a talking point during the interview and you can drive the interview panel away from your bad profile.
· Get PORs (Position of responsibility) / join some NGOs: Show that you can take up additional responsibility apart from you academics or work commitments.
· Stand out from the crowd: Believe me when I say this that most of the 98+ percentile people have similar profiles apart from their academics, so if you can do Bharatanatyam or know how to play musical instruments, it will be a huge advantage during the PI round. It shows that you have a vibrant personality and that you are not just a maggu (a stereotypical reference to a person who studies and rote learns a lot).
· Develop written and verbal communication skills: MBA is a lot about developing soft skills, in fact during my time at IIMK many of the prominent professors told us that in the GD-WAT-PI stage, the one aspect that they focus on the most is communication skills. All the marks in the world will pale when compared to the magic that wonderfully written or spoken words can create.
Midnight Ruminations:
Since I am now a member of the InsideIIM student team, I will be writing quite regularly and in every one of my upcoming articles, I will have a section named Midnight Rumination which will mainly consist of motivating words or flashbacks from the time when I used to prepare for CAT.
"The supreme power that created the sun, the moon, the sky and all the wonders of this universe is also the same force that created you. Do you think it ever meant for you to be just average? You possess your own unique set of skills and abilities and the various experiences that you have had till now, good or bad, will only help you in reaching your destiny.”
People (including me) always have a long list of reasons as to why they cannot achieve something in life, I am not intelligent enough so I cannot clear CAT, I have bad acads, I cannot manage CAT prep with a job, IIMs take only IITians, I am too old for an MBA etc. But here’s the thing, these reasons are not reasons but excuses which can be overcome through sheer hard work and dedication.
So, till next time this is me signing off.
You can also read the story of how I cleared CAT here.
About the Author:
A die-hard Roger Federer fan, Karan is a singer and a musician who plays three percussion instruments. After spending the first 24 years of his life in Delhi he finally found solace in the beautiful city of Kozhikode. Known simply as Kakkar among his friends, he prides himself on having watched all the IMDB top 250 movies in a single summer long movie marathon. He loves helping out people and inspiring them to achieve their dreams.
Comments
Nipunn Vepakomma
I am a student of NMIMS Mumbai batch of 2017-19. I intend to specialise in marketing. My interests other than marketing are lawn tennis, modeling, dramatics and singing.
Nice article. P.S. I am a Roger Federer fan too! Do you also play tennis or just follow Federer?
19 Apr 2017, 01.11 AM
+Read Replies (1)
karan kakkar
A die-hard Roger Federer fan, Karan is a singer and a musician who plays three percussion instruments. After spending the first 24 years of his life in Delhi, he finally found solace in the beautiful campus of IIM Kozhikode. Known simply as Kakkar among his friends, he prides myself on having watched all the IMDB top 250 movies in a single summer long movie marathon. He served as one of the student team members/writers of insideIIM.com, representing IIM Kozhikode.
I just watch tennis a lot man and since roger federer is practically the god of tennis I like to follow him religiously, what abt you?
19 Apr 2017, 11.13 AM |
Saurabh Kumar Sharma
I am Saurabh, massive sports fanatic. Pursuing an MBA in analytics from DU. Everyone out there who loves imagine dragons, is my friend!
I am enamored by Nadal since he blitzed onto red clay in 2005 season. On a more related. I am hoping to get into MBA(HR) in DSE, DU. Can you help me to learn how to utilise the pre joining months, regarding summer internship in mind?
20 Apr 2017, 05.12 AM
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karan kakkar
A die-hard Roger Federer fan, Karan is a singer and a musician who plays three percussion instruments. After spending the first 24 years of his life in Delhi, he finally found solace in the beautiful campus of IIM Kozhikode. Known simply as Kakkar among his friends, he prides myself on having watched all the IMDB top 250 movies in a single summer long movie marathon. He served as one of the student team members/writers of insideIIM.com, representing IIM Kozhikode.
For HR like I mentioned in the post you can do the SHRM certification, apart from that regularly read about the HR polices of various companies related to different domains.
21 Apr 2017, 02.16 AM |
Aniruddha Kolge
NA
Is FRM certification valuable?
20 Apr 2017, 05.12 AM
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karan kakkar
A die-hard Roger Federer fan, Karan is a singer and a musician who plays three percussion instruments. After spending the first 24 years of his life in Delhi, he finally found solace in the beautiful campus of IIM Kozhikode. Known simply as Kakkar among his friends, he prides myself on having watched all the IMDB top 250 movies in a single summer long movie marathon. He served as one of the student team members/writers of insideIIM.com, representing IIM Kozhikode.
It is mostly related to Risk Analysis and Management, so yes if you want to make a career in Credit risk or any finance related field it will be great. It is a great CV point so of course it is valuable.
21 Apr 2017, 02.19 AM |
A J
Is there a criterion of min. 60% in graduation to get an admit in all the top colleges and even if you manage to get into one somehow, then in placements ??
20 Apr 2017, 05.22 AM
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Thunder Strom
#
20 Apr 2017, 06.39 AM |
Dolna Ray
Is there any way one can make up for a not so great graduation marks? Will work experience and certifications count here?
20 Apr 2017, 06.45 AM
+Read Replies (1)
karan kakkar
A die-hard Roger Federer fan, Karan is a singer and a musician who plays three percussion instruments. After spending the first 24 years of his life in Delhi, he finally found solace in the beautiful campus of IIM Kozhikode. Known simply as Kakkar among his friends, he prides myself on having watched all the IMDB top 250 movies in a single summer long movie marathon. He served as one of the student team members/writers of insideIIM.com, representing IIM Kozhikode.
Of course like I mentioned in the post if you have low acads you can compensate for that using certifications, work experience and other extracurricular activities. You can show the interview panel that you have other competencies apart from academics.
21 Apr 2017, 02.36 AM |
Karan Jaswani
My Name is also Karan, Even I am a Tennis Fan, RaFa in my case,
20 Apr 2017, 10.13 AM
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karan kakkar
A die-hard Roger Federer fan, Karan is a singer and a musician who plays three percussion instruments. After spending the first 24 years of his life in Delhi, he finally found solace in the beautiful campus of IIM Kozhikode. Known simply as Kakkar among his friends, he prides myself on having watched all the IMDB top 250 movies in a single summer long movie marathon. He served as one of the student team members/writers of insideIIM.com, representing IIM Kozhikode.
Haha great, fedal is the best rivalry/friendship in tennis.
21 Apr 2017, 02.37 AM |
Somya Mba
Stumbled on this article written by you. Great Article Karan !!
21 Apr 2017, 02.15 PM
+Read Replies (1)
karan kakkar
A die-hard Roger Federer fan, Karan is a singer and a musician who plays three percussion instruments. After spending the first 24 years of his life in Delhi, he finally found solace in the beautiful campus of IIM Kozhikode. Known simply as Kakkar among his friends, he prides myself on having watched all the IMDB top 250 movies in a single summer long movie marathon. He served as one of the student team members/writers of insideIIM.com, representing IIM Kozhikode.
Thanks, glad you liked it :)
22 Apr 2017, 02.12 AM |
Mohit kumar Singh
Sir, I want to pursue MBA in finance.Can you please tell me any good certifications for it with less time period about 3 months max? How about FLIP?Is it worth ?
5 May 2017, 11.44 AM
+Read Replies (1)
karan kakkar
A die-hard Roger Federer fan, Karan is a singer and a musician who plays three percussion instruments. After spending the first 24 years of his life in Delhi, he finally found solace in the beautiful campus of IIM Kozhikode. Known simply as Kakkar among his friends, he prides myself on having watched all the IMDB top 250 movies in a single summer long movie marathon. He served as one of the student team members/writers of insideIIM.com, representing IIM Kozhikode.
NCFM and FLIP will suit you, yes of course FLIP is worth it.
15 May 2017, 04.18 AM |
mihir bathia
Sports above all guy, good books and good music key to a good life. Religious. Workhorse. Trying to make way against the strong tide known as CAT.
This was the third article written by you that I just read ever since I woke up this morning. Good writing man! RF fan too and will be forever! (Plus Man United!)
15 Aug 2017, 11.53 AM
+Read Replies (1)
karan kakkar
A die-hard Roger Federer fan, Karan is a singer and a musician who plays three percussion instruments. After spending the first 24 years of his life in Delhi, he finally found solace in the beautiful campus of IIM Kozhikode. Known simply as Kakkar among his friends, he prides myself on having watched all the IMDB top 250 movies in a single summer long movie marathon. He served as one of the student team members/writers of insideIIM.com, representing IIM Kozhikode.
Thanks!
16 Aug 2017, 02.12 AM |
Biswadeep Ghosh Hazra
Hi! Awesome article! I am interested in Marketing, along with Google Adwords will certifications from Courseera or Edx help? Also I am an aspiring author having published several anthologies with other authors and have my experimental eBook published on Amazon. I also play chess but don't have any major certificates to show for that. I have 6+ years experience in Content Writing having written web content, marketing promos, articles, promotional brochures, daily life, viral news and so on and so forth. Have a couple of certificates as well from the companies where I worked. Do I need to involve myself with any other activities? Thanks :)
5 Sep 2017, 04.20 PM
+Read Replies (2)
karan kakkar
A die-hard Roger Federer fan, Karan is a singer and a musician who plays three percussion instruments. After spending the first 24 years of his life in Delhi, he finally found solace in the beautiful campus of IIM Kozhikode. Known simply as Kakkar among his friends, he prides myself on having watched all the IMDB top 250 movies in a single summer long movie marathon. He served as one of the student team members/writers of insideIIM.com, representing IIM Kozhikode.
Hey, I believe your profile would be great for marketing domain. You have already done enough so no need as such for more certifications, just focus all your attention on belling the CAT! All the best!
6 Sep 2017, 07.20 PM |
Biswadeep Ghosh Hazra
Thank you so much for the reply! My morale is boosted now :) :D
8 Sep 2017, 12.21 PM |
Neelesh Saxena
Do graduation marks really matter for pursuing PGDM/MBA.....If yes than what is the difference between a person getting 51 percent and the other person getting 49.65 percent.. Perhaps the person having low marks have a gud practical knowledge..But is abortive to get into gud B-school. I am totally amused
26 Dec 2017, 01.01 PM
Samikshya Samanta
Hi..liked this post n got motivated so i thought u might give me best suggestions.... I am pursuing BBA from ravenshaw university (now in 2nd year.) how can i make it to the iims...me too an average student... Haven't joined any coaching classes yet.... And don't have any talent of singing n playing musical instruments.... How to start preparing for CAT?? Please help.......
27 Dec 2017, 10.41 AM
Tar Mohammed Munshi
Nothing much great about me
You being from delhi... How much do you rate MBA(HR) from DSE? Will it be good option for a fresher?
28 Aug 2018, 10.14 PM
Gaurav Kumar
Can u plzz... provide ur academics details so as to help me....
10 Jul 2019, 11.31 AM
Aniket Nikam
Such a nice & motivational article one needs during his/her journey towards b-school.
12 Jul 2019, 01.25 AM
Nidhi gupta
Want to explore the the life.
How and Which NGOs I can join if I want to get into TISS?
1 Sep 2019, 02.09 PM
Surya Pathak
I have 9 years of experience in civil engineering . I want to further pursue MBA in finance
Hi, I just saw your post. I was also pretty average thought my life .also have a work experience of 9 years in commercial as civil engineer. And I want to pursue 2 years of MBA finance . Can u help me ??
1 Sep 2019, 06.06 PM
Aditya Chakrabarty
One of the most motivating article I read on InsideIIM.Really made me happy.Thanks a lot Sir...
30 Apr 2020, 12.31 AM
Suchna Das
I just love how you write. ❤️
5 Apr 2021, 04.49 PM