2022 was when I first dipped my toes into the MBA world. I attempted CAT just to understand what the exam felt like — no prep, just curiosity. But it was in 2023, after finishing engineering, that I got serious about my B-school dreams.
Like many others, I started prepping for CAT the usual way, but the more I took mocks, the more I realized this wasn't clicking for me. The exam pattern didn’t play to my strengths, and instead of pushing through blindly, I paused and pivoted.
Switching Gears: GMAT, GRE, and NMAT ?
I discovered the GMAT and felt more in sync with its structure. I enrolled in YourGMATClasses (Rahul Sir was just amazing in verbal), a lesser-known yet conceptually strong platform. For mocks, I used Manhattan Prep, which really helped me gauge difficulty levels.
Though I didn’t reach my dream score of 700+ on GMAT despite two attempts, yet I didn’t give up. I shifted gears again but this time to GRE, and self-studied using Magoosh with its mock tests. That clicked, and I scored my ideal desired score and my confidence was finally back.
Meanwhile, I gave NMAT as well. In 2022, I attempted it without prep and still managed a decent score enough to qualify for interviews but not convert my dream campus. In 2023, I prepped harder:
- Quants: Followed MBA Wallah by Physics Wallah (Rahul & Vinit Sir were mind blowing)
- Mocks: Practiced via MBAZone
- GK & Current Affairs: Watched daily news, followed Newsline in Instagram (run by ISB alums), and regularly read Manorama Yearbook, The Economist, Wall Street Journal, and other editorial content.
In 2024, I hit a bang-on NMAT score and this time, aced the interviews too.
What Worked — and What Didn’t ?
✅ What Worked:
- Switching early from CAT when it didn’t fit — no ego, just clarity.
- Layered approach to prep: GMAT > GRE > NMAT — finding what resonated.
- Consistent mock analysis — knowing why I got something wrong.
- Curating current affairs daily via credible sources instead of bulk mugging.
- Not just preparing for interviews — preparing myself to speak authentically.
❌ What Didn’t:
- Relying too much on passive YouTube watching early on — improvement only started once I began solving actively.
- Comparing my journey with others — especially those who got Tier 1 admits earlier.
- Ignoring mental well-being during the rejection phase (big lesson learned).
Setbacks, Burnouts & Bounce Backs ?
The 2024 admission cycle was rough — barely any shortlists, even after effort. It stung. Watching others move on while I stood waiting felt like failure. But I wasn’t done.
➡️ I reminded myself: It’s okay to not be okay. And it’s even more okay to try again.
The smallest wins — a better mock, clearer concept — kept me afloat ✅
Interview Season: Real Conversations ?
In 2025, I had calls from NMIMS, BITSoM and few more reputed Bschools.
What stood out across every panel was their focus on authenticity. They weren’t looking for a picture-perfect topper — they wanted to hear about my real setbacks, rejections, and how I bounced back.
I eventually converted both NMIMS and BITSoM and few other Institutes. And I chose BITSoM — not because it’s traditional, but because it’s transformational.
Why BITSoM ?
Yes, it’s a newer B-school. Yes, it doesn’t have decades of alumni legacy yet. But it offers something different — a new-age curriculum, and a culture that champions individuality.
I also had the classic dilemma: India or Abroad?
I researched, evaluated my long-term goals, and realized that I want to build in India, grow here, and create value within the ecosystem I understand best. That clarity made the choice simple.
Sometimes, not following the herd is your biggest leap forward.
A Message to Fellow Aspirants ...
Not everyone’s MBA journey leads to IIMs, or XLRI and that’s completely okay.
➡️ It’s like skincare:
What clears one person’s acne might cause breakouts for another. Would you blindly follow someone’s skincare routine just because it’s trending? No! you look for what suits your skin type.
✨ Similarly, your MBA prep should fit you! ✨
Chase alignment, not just rank.
Whether you end up at a Tier 1 B-school or a something else, your journey matters. What counts is the growth, not just the logo.
If I Could Do It All Again ...
- I’d start mocks earlier — they show more than any book ever will.
- I’d stop fearing change — switching from CAT to GMAT to GRE and NMAT was my biggest strength.
- I’d track progress weekly, not emotionally — some weeks felt like failure but led to major breakthroughs.
✨ My Biggest Win?
From “no shortlists” in 2023-2024 to multiple admits in 2024-2025.
From CAT confusion to choosing BITSoM.
From self-doubt to self-trust.
➡️ If you're reading this and feeling behind, confused, or stuck, know that it’s never too late to find your right fit.
➡️ Your story is valid. Keep writing it in your own ink✒️
