Completing my B.Com (Hons) in 2023, I took up a full-time job, believing I could manage CFA Level 2 preparation, CAT exam, and work simultaneously. However, juggling all three soon became overwhelming. After nearly two years of balancing these challenges, I made a crucial decision in November 2023 to quit my job and focus solely on cracking CAT and clearing CFA Level 2. This article shares my journey of how I achieved a 99.8 percentile in CAT 2024 and secured admission to IIM Calcutta despite the two-year gap and the demanding preparation for CFA.
Taking the Leap: From a Stable Job to the Uncertain World of Competitive Exams
I have always been someone who likes to plan — to have control over my processes and outcomes. Quitting a stable job without a guaranteed result was undoubtedly a major leap into uncertainty. But I realized that to give my absolute best to competitive exams like CAT and CFA, I had to prioritize and commit fully. Leaving my job was not easy, but it was a necessary step to chase my long-term goals of getting into a top B-school and building a career in finance.
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Understanding the CAT Syllabus: Strengthening Strengths, Tackling Weaknesses
One of the first things I did was to thoroughly understand the CAT syllabus and exam pattern. I knew that the Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) section would be my biggest challenge. On the other hand, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) was manageable but needed steady practice. Quantitative Ability (QA), especially Arithmetic and Algebra, was my stronghold given my academic background and affinity for numbers.
My strategy was to first consolidate my strengths — making sure I could maximize my scoring potential in Quant and gradually build confidence in DILR. Meanwhile, I worked steadily on improving my VARC skills, especially reading comprehension, which I knew would be critical on exam day.
Daily Time Management: The Backbone of My Preparation
Balancing CFA Level 2 alongside CAT preparation demanded rigorous time management. Every night, I planned my next day in detail — listing out clear goals for CAT preparation and CFA topics, and assigning dedicated time slots to each. This helped me avoid procrastination and ensured I made consistent progress. Some days I overachieved my targets, other days I fell short, but showing up daily was the key.
The discipline of planning ahead and tracking progress not only helped me stay on course but also made the entire preparation manageable despite the intensity of both exams.
Choosing the Right Study Material and Coaching Approach
For CAT preparation, I relied on the study materials from two coaching institutes, complemented heavily by Arun Sharma’s Quant books and countless YouTube tutorials. I also followed specific online resources for VARC and DILR to build my conceptual clarity. By May 2024, I had completed the entire syllabus, which allowed me to shift focus toward taking mock tests and revising core concepts.
The Importance of Crafting a Personalized CAT Preparation Strategy
From my experience, one important takeaway is that every CAT aspirant’s journey is unique. It is essential to design a study plan tailored to your strengths, weaknesses, and daily routine. Blindly following someone else’s strategy rarely yields results. The key is to stay flexible, adapt as you go, and keep the bigger picture in mind — why you started this journey and what your ultimate goals are.
Mock Tests: The Cornerstone of CAT Success
I started taking mock tests seriously from June 2024, beginning with one mock every 15 days. As the exam approached, I gradually increased this to two mocks daily during the last week before CAT. However, what mattered most was not the quantity but the quality of mock analysis. After each mock, I carefully studied my mistakes, identified weak areas, and adjusted my preparation accordingly.
There were mocks where I scored very high, boosting my confidence, and others where I performed poorly. This rollercoaster was natural. It’s important to remember that mocks don’t always reflect your final exam day performance. For instance, I was still scoring in single digits in VARC till late October but never lost hope. The motivation and practical tips I gained from Gejo’s YouTube sessions were instrumental in pushing me through this phase.
CAT Exam Day: Staying Calm and Flexible
When the day of the CAT exam arrived, I felt a strong sense of confidence. I stuck to my plan but reminded myself not to overthink or get bogged down by unexpected questions. Having a flexible mindset — a Plan B — was crucial because no matter how well you prepare, exams can throw curveballs. My advice to aspirants is to stay calm, trust your preparation, and adapt to whatever the paper throws at you.
Result Day: The Joy of 99.8 Percentile
Waiting for CAT results is nerve-wracking. On result day, I was anxious but hopeful. When the screen finally flashed my percentile — 99.8 — all the sleepless nights, sacrifices, and hard work suddenly felt worth it.
Interview Experience at IIM Calcutta: Lessons from the Unexpected
Although I missed calls from my first two preferred institutes by a narrow margin, institute C became my best call and the venue for my first interview. I prepared rigorously for the interview, but during my IIM Calcutta interview, I stumbled early on. The first questions were about my work experience — topics I had overlooked during preparation but should have known thoroughly. I honestly admitted my gap in knowledge and fumbled.
The interview turned intense with a heated discussion on a sports topic, leaving me unsure about my chances. So much so, that I did not even eagerly await the final results.
Reflecting on the Interview: The Value of Grit and Hunger
Looking back, I realize the panelists might have appreciated my honesty, feistiness, and hunger to learn. Sometimes, it’s not just about knowing everything, but also about showing the drive, determination, and confidence to face difficult questions. These qualities can leave a lasting impression beyond technical knowledge.
Final Thoughts: My Journey to IIM Calcutta
My journey to cracking CAT 2024 and securing admission to IIM Calcutta, while balancing CFA Level 2 and a two-year gap, taught me invaluable lessons in planning, perseverance, and adaptability. Success doesn’t come overnight; it requires consistent effort, strategic preparation, and the courage to take risks.
To fellow aspirants, I say — design your own path, stay disciplined, keep the bigger picture in mind, and never lose faith in your capabilities. With the right mindset and preparation, your dream B-school is within reach.
