My Journey To IIM Bangalore After Two Failed CAT Attempts - CA Manan Sambdani, CAT'22 99.59%iler

After coming back home and I couldn’t help but reflect upon the entire journey of achieving this dream. I did my CA in 2019, by God’s grace, in first attempt and underwent articleship with KPMG. Post qualification, I joined Coca-Cola – FP&A team. However, the thirst to do more was not yet quenched. The next goal I wanted to achieve was to do an MBA from Tier-I college. And hence I started hustling my time between my job and preparing for CAT 2020. As the result came by, I managed to score a decent 98.32 %ile. I converted IIM Kozhikode (the only BLACKI call I had). Then began the dilemma, of whether to be or not to be. The conundrum began: whether to settle for IIM K or try yet again for The Holy Trinity? I consulted with don’t know how many people. Most of them suggested to go for IIM K, as CAT scores are as unpredictable as they can be, while a few suggested, go for another shot. After countless deliberations, it was settled to not settle for IIM K yet.

A year passed by, and I was sitting there yet again looking at my laptop screen flashing the CAT 2021 result. 96.26 %ile it was. I didn’t consult anyone this time. As you are rightly thinking, there was nothing for me to consult about. Didn’t convert any calls and I was left with nothing. Was thinking, were the first lot of people suggested right? Did I make a mistake by not seizing the best opportunity last year? Why is CAT conducted only once a year? One bad day and a year is lost?

But bygones are bygones. I decided to appear for CAT yet again, for one last time. Another year passed and again I found myself sitting in front of my laptop screen waiting for the CAT 2022 result to be loaded. It took a while, and then it flashed. 99.59%ile! I was like, what!? Is this for real? I literally downloaded the scorecard several times and across multiple devices to confirm what my eyes were seeing was not a dream but a reality. And indeed it was! Finally, it was happening! As I write this, I have converted IIM B & L so far, and am waiting for other results to come.

So, my dear folks, I only wish to tell you this. Don’t settle if your heart doesn’t speak the same language. Some risks are worth taking. As it is said, only those who seek, shall find.

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