A Classic GEM To IIM C Journey - Atharva Bais, CAT 2022 99.8%iler

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Skipping the CAT in 2020 was a good decision, the new format was something that threw a lot of serious aspirants off their path. After spending a good year being away from CAT, I resumed my journey in July 2021, aiming to give a non-serious attempt for CAT 21. This strategy of testing the waters has been used by many and I too would recommend it to anyone who has time on their side. Nothing beats the experience of giving a real CAT. I did join a mock test series and did go through the entire syllabus, but I knew in the back of my mind that this would be a trial attempt. I ended up getting a 94 percentile, and the only interview call I got was CAP, after a bad interview for which I had done no preparation, I did not convert any of the CAP IIMs.

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Now it was time for round two, or what I would refer to as my first ‘Real’ attempt. I had already gone through all that had to be studied once, and knew exactly how important each topic was. And I knew that making a strategy was as important as preparing for the topics. I took up a mock test series from a well-reputed institute and took the exams very seriously. After each mock, I would spend 2-4 hrs analyzing my strengths and weaknesses. I ended up making a very positive feedback loop which made my mock scores improve (with a few exceptions) as the real CAT neared. My percentile in the mocks was going up as the exam date approached, which really boosted my confidence.

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The actual CAT exam day was a story for which I can write an article of its own. I had a plan A, plan B, and plan C for reaching the centre on time and ensuring that I give my CAT with a peaceful state of mind. When I was giving the CAT, it was just me and the questions. I have always been a God-fearing person, and the line from Bhagwad Geeta ‘Do your best, and leave the results in the hand of God’ is something I always abided by. At the end of the exam, I knew this was the best I could do. And the result was a 99.80 percentile.

But CAT is only part 1 of the journey to a top IIM. The situation is like some popular south Indian movies like Bahubali, Ponniyan Selvan, or Pushpa, a lot depends on how good is part 2. After taking a good two-week break, and a much-needed pondi trip, I started preparing for my interviews.

I had received calls from all Top B-Schools in the country, except IIM A (low 12th score of 81% ?). I set my sight straight on IIM B and C, and made sure nothing came in the way. I did not give XAT, and I did not go to give my FMS interview as the date was too close to my IIM C interview date and I had to make a choice. A very important decision was joining InsideIIM for mock interviews. I also got help in writing my SOP for IIM B. After giving around 10 mocks and 20 practice WATs, the real IIM interviews were quite smooth. I ended up answering some factual questions incorrectly in my IIM B interview, which I believe was the reason I could not convert B. I learnt a very important lesson, learn to say ‘I do not know’ in the interviews. I used the learning and sailed smoothly through the IIM C interview. I even showcased my photography in my IIM C interview.

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I have a few suggestions for aspirants,

Have focus, and know why you are giving CAT. Parental/peer pressure is a bad reason to give CAT
Be humble, there have been many 100 percentilers who have failed to convert IIM calls
MOCKS are the most important tool to bell the CAT.
Join reputed prep courses which have a proven track record.
Have faith, in the process, in your journey, in your God, and most importantly, in yourself.

All the best!