My Journey To IIM Raipur | Safal Baradiya

I always thought I was not the kind of person who would manage too many things at a time. Yes, Of course at my job I was compelled to do a lot of things at the same time. But now when I was preparing for CAT and working at the same time, I had to push my limits and stretch myself. Even during this period, I was selected for the internal leadership program of my company and was promoted. Still, I did not let that take my focus away from my dream of cracking the CAT exam. So, the lesson here is to have an unwavering focus towards your goal.

I have worked in a civil industry. There was a new project for which I was appointed, and which required me to relocate. I relocated to a different location a few months before CAT and kept studying. As the exam was approaching, I had a constant feeling of my work taking a toll on my preparation. I planned to apply for leave a few weeks before CAT. But my application for leave was rejected. I decided to quit my job a few weeks before CAT. This added to the pressure I already had. Then, the D-day came, and I appeared for the exam. I messed up in the very first section of Verbal Ability itself. Still, I managed to stay calm and approached the other two sections. I scored decent enough to get calls from newer IIMs but far from my target of 99+%ile. So, the lesson no 3 is things may not go as you have planned. Still, you must try to stay calm and do the best you can in the given situation.

Finally, the results came. I didn’t score what I targeted. I got calls from newer IIMs. I prepared well for the interviews. I remember my CAP interview was in the afternoon slot and I was the last candidate to be interviewed. This made me even more nervous. Still, I went in and managed to have a nice conversation with the panel. There were quite a few questions which I didn’t manage to answer well but the ones I answered I was honest. So, lesson no 4 is be who you are in the interviews. That is the only way to impress the panel.

So, in a way I made the best of opportunities I had even after scoring a bit low. Today, here I am. I have converted IIM Raipur and am writing on my journey to IIM Raipur. The orientation and preparatory sessions have started online. I am excited for the journey of the upcoming 2 years and eagerly waiting for classes at campus.

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