For me, it was always the IIM dream. No other plans, no backup options, no doubts — just one unwavering goal: to get into an IIM and pursue an MBA. The image that kept me going was clear — me, walking confidently in a polished black suit, ready to take on the corporate world.
Life, up until a point, was unfolding just the way I had envisioned. I was a student with a strong academic background — a topper in Class 12, who secured admission in the college of my choice. The first two semesters of my undergraduate journey were exceptional. I qualified for the Entrepreneurship Cell and was selected for Leadership Training Service, a transformational internship aimed at building refined, responsible leaders. Everything I did was a strategic step towards strengthening my profile for MBA admissions.
Then came Covid. Colleges shut down. The vibrant campus life and all the opportunities for growth and exploration suddenly came to a halt. But my dream didn’t. I joined a CAT coaching institute and gave it my all. I studied hard, tracked my mock scores meticulously in Excel sheets, followed a structured plan, and absorbed every bit of advice I received. I was ready. Or so I thought.
When D-Day arrived, I sat in front of the screen, waiting for the test to begin. The moment the exam started, something unexpected happened. The pressure hit me like a wave. I froze. The ticking timer on the screen became the only thing I could focus on. Panic took over, and with it, all my preparation slipped away. The result was a poor performance.
That day shattered me. I had done everything right. I followed the plan, remained disciplined, and worked relentlessly. So what went wrong? And worse — what if I fail again?
As someone who had never experienced academic failure — never even failed a single subject — this hit me hard. I gave up on CAT. Not because I wasn’t capable, but because I feared failure.
A year went by. I didn’t attempt the exam again. I avoided it, convinced that I wasn’t meant for it.
Then, in March of the following year, something changed. My sister sat me down and gave me the push I didn’t know I needed. She reminded me of who I was. That unconditional support reignited my will to try again. And I will owe this to her!
Today, I’m here. At IIM Nagpur. Living the dream that once felt so distant.
Yes, life here can be overwhelming. The pressure, the competition — it’s intense. After all, the brightest minds from across the country gather here. The tight schedules, late-night submissions, the constant buzz of events and celebrations. It’s difficult. But is it worth it? Absolutely.
Every single day at IIM Nagpur is a reminder of how far I’ve come — not just in terms of distance or effort, but in growth. From facing failure for the first time to rising again with renewed determination, this journey has been more than just academic.
The challenges here are shaping me into the person I once only dreamed of becoming — someone who doesn't just wear the black suit but earns it, through grit, vulnerability, and courage.
And while the journey ahead may still be uncertain, one thing is clear: I no longer fear failure. I’ve lived through it, learned from it, and come out stronger. Now, it’s not just about reaching a destination — it’s about owning the journey, every single day.
Vidhi is a PGP1 student at IIM Nagpur and serves as an executive member of both the Media & PR Cell and the Admissions Committee. She enjoys writing poems and articles and has a keen interest in graphic designing. With a flair for storytelling and visual aesthetics, she blends words and design to create impactful content.
