Right off the bat, I'm going to lay out some stats (and hence, a possibly gloomy introduction). My GPA mid-way through my engineering was 5.8 (5.33 & 5.38 in 1st and 2nd semesters respectively). And I do not come from a core or lucrative stream. I also do not possess any coding skills. However I had 10 CGPA in Class 10th and 95% in Class 12th (CBSE boards). This is going to be a detailed preparation guide from my side for anyone who is preapring to "bell the CAT".
The preparation for CAT began as an advice from a close friend, who cited that I have a penchant for human interaction and could also flourish in MBA (yet to test this statement *wink* *wink*). Also that I could give a shot at another 'All-India' exam if I had any fire within me after JEE 2 years ago. So there you have it folks, motivation or a start can come from anywhere and in this case, it was a passionate coder and a close friend (of course, the latter quality led me to take his advice and not his coding credentials :p)
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Adhishwar Adhishwar
You managed to get a seat at IIM-Indore though you scored only a 98.7 (which is low for the BLACKI IIMs. Otherwise its a fabulous score) percentile in CAT and with a very low GPA of 5-6~ . How did you manage this? Every blog/forum I read tells me that you need 99+ for a GEM candidate to get admission at BLACKI IIMs.
16 Jul 2020, 04.43 PM
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Sarthak Bhatt
PGPM at IIM Indore'22 | DCE'20 | CAT2019 - 98.7%ile (VARC - 99.13, Quant - 98.51)
IIM Indore does not consider GPA, and gives heavy weightage to 10th and 12th. Also, my interview went brilliant and it carries heavy weightage in final score and I just scraped in, in the recent lists. So, it was a very anxious wait and I too felt at times that I would not make it. Also, the difference between 98.7 and 99 is of about 3-4 marks, thereby not affecting your rank much in the final selection (once you receive the call). If I had 99%ile, my rank would only be slightly better and I would have converted perhaps 1-2 lists ago. GEMs have received calls from Indore at 98%ile as well, as have GEMs with work experience received Bangalore calls at 98. So just focus on doing your best and the rest will follow. 99 is usually a convenient "milestone" to name or say. A couple of marks here and there, and the call/conversion isn't much different.
16 Jul 2020, 04.46 PMEdited |
Adhishwar Adhishwar
Oh ok. Thank you. The fact that you got in in the third list clears things up. I hadn't considered that view point. Yes I understand that 98.7-99 shouldn't be much of a difference. May make it. May not make it. Thank you for your insights on CAT prep and all the best for your upcoming MBA program :D
16 Jul 2020, 07.27 PM |
Sarthak Bhatt
PGPM at IIM Indore'22 | DCE'20 | CAT2019 - 98.7%ile (VARC - 99.13, Quant - 98.51)
Actually for what it's worth, i converted in the 6th list (at margin), so yeah, a higher %ile would have lessened my anxiety. Thank you and best of luck to you for your attempt as well :)
16 Jul 2020, 08.01 PM |
Vivek Pratap Singh
Nicely written:) I wanted to ask if 10 CGPA in 10th, and 92.6% in 12th both CBSE, would invite an IIM I call (For say a CAT percentile of 99.5)? An honest opinion is required.
16 Jul 2020, 09.34 PM
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Vivek Pratap Singh
Considering GEM profile!
16 Jul 2020, 09.36 PM |
Sarthak Bhatt
PGPM at IIM Indore'22 | DCE'20 | CAT2019 - 98.7%ile (VARC - 99.13, Quant - 98.51)
I can't say for sure but chances seem average due to 12th. Also, criteria changes almost every year for each IIM, so they could change it this year as well. No one can precisely predict whether a call would come or not. I've seen people with 99.5%ile get no IIM call (GEM freshers ofc), despite 90+ acads, and I did not expect a call at my score. Thankfully my 10+2 got me a borderline chance and i got through. Do not fret over such things which are now outside your control. Instead divert your energy to your percentile and GPA (if you're in college).
16 Jul 2020, 11.11 PM |
Adhishwar Adhishwar
Did you manage to improve your CGPA towards the end of your undergrad? What was your CGPA at the end of 7th and 8th semesters? Also, do you think not having WAT as a component in the admissions criteria helped your case to get an admit?
17 Jul 2020, 06.26 PMEdited
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Sarthak Bhatt
PGPM at IIM Indore'22 | DCE'20 | CAT2019 - 98.7%ile (VARC - 99.13, Quant - 98.51)
I scored a higher GPA each semester. I graduated with 7 GPA this year and had a GPA of 6.5 overall during my interviews. And not having the WAT component hurt me as it went pretty well for me. I genuinely feel my rank would have been better if WAT had been included. I love writing and verbal has always been my strongest suite, be it writing or speaking (interviews, GDs). But no worries, the interview went well and it has the most weightage.
17 Jul 2020, 06.48 PM |