Looking at a star, I realised that once I wanted to become an astronomer. Then I realised I have not looked up and around for last 2 years. CAT is the word, CAT is the disease and I am sure, CAT is the love.
I have been an avg student all through my school and IIT life. I still remember the day when I got selected in JEE. I was very sure of my selection. And nowtodayI was extremely nervous to enter my CAT detailsjust to find I have 11 in VA L
But hey! Coaching instis told me to be sure of 31+.looks like I have got the intersection of all the keys.I was very sure of few calls till Jan 1.this is CAT..
My CAT journey started in July 2005. I did everything what was supposed to be done. Once got an AIR 2.basically everything was on track. Was sure to do well on the D-Day.D-Day arrived. Got nervous (don't know why)did not use my set strategymessed up the exam in shortstill managed IIMB and FMS (FT). Then came FMS gd.messed up completelyhad a horrible extempore (spoke for 20 sec instead of 60 sec) thought I am gonebut I got selected (surprisingly). I went in IIMB gd/pi with full confidence.had a good gd and a very good PI..was sure on IIMB.but here againsurprise!!...IIMB said "No Entry".SoI had two choices, either to join FMS or join a consulting job. I chose the later and thought I will write CAT this year.
Life is afterall all about uncertainties. Here again I did well in mocks. CAT went well. Though made some stupid mistakesbut I thought I did what I had in my mind. I was satisfied with my performance. Was expecting a few calls this time.
But iim verbal keys proved me wrong!
It is all over for me.
Last year I learned to accept failure.what should I take home this time!! How to accept repeated failures?
I was wondering and cursing myself for having not filled up any other exam forms. But the next very moment I realised that MBA need not follow the graduation.
And if I keep feeling this, I am being a part of the rat race. Isnt it a rat race afterall! How many of the CAT takers know for sure why they want to go for MBA? No, the answers which we have to memorise during the GD/PI do not count. And for me, yes I do not have much idea as why MBA!
I think I just want to avoid the confusion about my job and dreams.and I assume that I will be happy forever after the MBA..which is wrong as there is nothing like that after IIT!!
I think now I have to work hard and see for myself what I really want to do..I was running away from all thisnow I think I have to.and deep inside I know that this will be better for long term
And afterall, it really doesn't matter if you are earning 50k or 70k pm.. if I think I'll be very happy having these gadgets n all.I bought an ipod 2 weeks agoand now its in the boxthe charm is no more there..
But I still remember the piece of help I did to a poor 2 months backit brings me a smilewhile the ipod doesn't..it does for a minute or two.not more than thatafterall we are not kids anymore!!
So, the money is not and should not be the driveand I guess many of us are interested in MBA just for the money.I am sure this is not the correct direction
I have a dream of free medical treatment for the poor.and I want to achieve this. I am an engineer from IIT Delhicurrently in a consultancybut still my dream is neither the engineering ..nor consultancy..and for sure, not the I Bank.
I was not born for earning loads of money..and there is no intention that I should be remembered for agesbut yes, it will be better if my life can be of some inspiration for the generations to come.
I am not sure what I will be doing for the livingbut yes, for sure, the extra time I'll be using to pursue my main dream. And if possible I will make a career in that onlymoney is no more a drive but yes, the dream is.
People might say "Whoever said, it's not whether you win or lose that counts, probably lost". But for me the game is not CAT for sure!
All the best everyone!
But give it a thought as why are you appearing for CAT..a clear and focussed mind gives more inspiration and drive...and when you know the reason...then think why you cant get into the iims...work on the obstacles if there are any...but I am sure there is no reason why u should not....Give it your best and leave the rest to God...trust me, God has decided something really good for all of us!
Cheers!!!
Edit: And 1 year later, I convert IIM Bangalore. PGP 2008-2010!!
Here comes a middle aged 30 year Old man with his own story behind CAT....
Well as most us here I hail from a rural Back ground, a very very small town in interior Tamilnadu where it is very hard to find even a Good State Board School..For most of my Townmates life till Standard 12 is confined only to my town & I was no exception...When I finished my Standard 12 believe me I didn't knew that there is something called as JMET, there is something called as REC...Those days all I wanted to do is an MBBS from Madras Medical College which I lost by just 3 marks...I still remember that day when I sat in a corridor of MMC & literally broke down to tears..My Ignorance costed me a lot..For REC other state quota during those days one needed 98 marks in Physics, Chemistry & Maths & I had a 99.5..& this I came to know after joining a DOTE II college..Alas, Time went by & I too finished Engg with 58.4% inspite of so many family issues...
Even with a paltry 58.4%, I could win myself a Job through Campus Placement & joined an IT company as Software Sales Executive..Believe me the 1st 2 years of my career were the impetus for what Iam today..Toiling in Hot Chennai Sun with a Hero Puch..Going as far as 50 Kms in that to do Sales Calls..Sometimes forced to take lunch sitting on the sordid roadsides of PetroChemical refineries...Cant describe much as every Sales Guy knows this....
In 2002 wanted to write CAT, but as my Sister was getting married I was forced to drop..
Then in 2003 I got married & became a parent in 2004...But those Dreams about CAT & IIM were still there in my mind & were searching for a reason to come out & I got the reason in July 2005, when I lost IBM intw to an IIMB guy...
There started my journey towards CAT...
It was never easy to compete with young & fresh minds.....
Many a times, I had to take my book late in the night after my daughter went to bed...
There had been days, when I was awake through out the night, Go to office the next day morning...
For about 1 & 1/2 years it was like an academic cum official life..........a focussed & targetted life...
Jan 2, when I saw my percentile I was almost broken with disappointment & it was my wife as usual who supported me by saying, wait u may get a call
Jan 3, her words came true..I got a call from IIMA....As many said it was for this moment I had fought hard for about 1 & 1/2 years...
Now I whole heartedly Thank my Wife without whom I wouldn't have reached so far, my parents who had been motivating, my friends who stood by me whenever i needed & still helping me in converting this call & most of all my Daughter who had been my inspiration & GOD's wonderful gift to me...
For people taking CAT 2007:-
I have seen so many posting in PG saying that Iam in college final year cant focus on CAT or Iam working in a MNC cant focus on CAT....Take this from me if you work hard & determined, nothing is impossible..At the age of 30, with loads of responsibilities & a family to take care when I can, why cant you??????????.
Thanks friend for such a wonderful inspiring story for people like us who scored poorly in CAT.It reminded me"Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall".Best of luck for future
Dear prem_ravi,
Unarguably the most inspiring journey towards CAT in this thread. I've always believed that any goal in this world is achieveable provided we persevere and work with a phenonmenol zeal towards achieving the goals. Your example has just strengthened my belief. Kudos to you for your efforts!
You personify what others may call "dogged determination to succeed no matter what the obstacles are", I've always yearned for stories like yours, today am priviledged to read a post from you.
I wish you the very best with your call.
May success touch you soon.
Best regards,
-Anupam will Return
Hear hear!!!
This coming from one who has been there and done that. We arent going to forget you in a hurry Anupam. Look back through the pages and peek into a certain post that you posted.
People looking up to folk who have stuck on like barnacles to their dreams, wouldnt have any better example than Prem Ravi. But the firmament holds other bright twinklers as well. Reaffirms your faith in human ability.
People have built lives having made it through. And then there are those who have built their pillars having not being able make it through. Its hard not to be awed by the lot.
cheers!!!
@ prem_ravi
Thats why they say nothing is impossible! Great job done prem_ravi..
But I request you to give your full effort to the next stage...as I am sure yours is going to be an inspirational story and a story which we can fall back on when in problems..
No doubt you have to convert this call for yourself and your wife...but please convert this call for puys as well...and be a role model for CATers to come..we are really expecting this one from you...
Wish you all the good luck!!
Thats why they say nothing is impossible! Great job done prem_ravi..
But I request you to give your full effort to the next stage...as I am sure yours is going to be an inspirational story and a story which we can fall back on when in problems..
No doubt you have to convert this call for yourself and your wife...but please convert this call for puys as well...and be a role model for CATers to come..we are really expecting this one from you...
Wish you all the good luck!!
prem_ravi SaysThanks friend..Hope GOD listens to all those wishes of such nice hearts & gives me that extra fuel to burn for the next 2 odd months & make this dream to come true as a reality & I will repay my woes to PG this way if I convert....
Prem_Ravi...
most inspirational post in PG....i was down after cat2006 results and all the subsequent rejects from all the A+ instis...
thought of searchin PG to get some tips and strategies from GODS...but this one post had given the reply for all my questions like a GOD.....
Determination - Persistence - Faith in oneself - Self Confidence are the key not only to CAT but also for the life after that...
Thank u very much n all the very best for ur GD/PI..
Well it's hard to follow up some truely awesome posts...written from the very bottom of the heart....
but here's a fresher's take on the "......" that is CAT...
CAT in every sense of the word to me was " a source to meaningful education"..but what i did not realise that how many important lessons i will learn just preparing for it...and just forget about the number of friends i made....Well in every sense of the word "IT's WORTH IT"..however hard it may sound..and the results might suck( as they do more often than not)...
It's more hard when a whole city has expectations from you and you top the mocks...but thats no guarantee.. It gives you an awful lot of confidence...but still...what really makes you a person is how to take on the bad ones..and the criticism that follows..
What matters is if you come out with more than what you went in with.... You learn to take on Disaster and Victory...and treat them both the same.... and thats probably the most important lesson you learn! atleast thats what i learned..and will cling to it forever!
CAT is something you should just jump headfirst into...but never worry about hurting your head...because its worth it..
cheers!
P.S. the post might just be too vague..well its 6 am!! what do u expect!
A must must read for all CAT aspirants...
'if' by rudyard kipling
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master,
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!
Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936)
Once I was interested in IAS. I talked to my uncle regarding prep for the exam. He had a terse answer. "Extract", he said.
What he meant over there was to make FULL use of the opportunities. He told me how many hardships he underwent while preparing for the exam as he came from a poor family. I thought about itbut left the prep as the prospects did not attract me.
I read this(see the attachment) article today only. This explains a LOT.
I get decent salary. Still, I complain. I complain about everything including my salary. According to me God is not fair because I could not make it to IIMs.
I still maintain that God is not fair after reading this article. My life is very simple. I get up at 9. Office timings are cool- 10- 6. Then I watch TV, internet, books, and phone calls. That sums up the day for me. I have this cool life. Still I complain!
People sleep for 4h a day. Travel 170Km a day. They do this 7days a week. They earn Rs.25-30 per day after all the work. They were born in a poor family- their fault? Is God fair??
Well, of course we can debate on this forever.
But the point is, are we doing justice to what God has given us? We have been given countless opportunities. For example, I have n no of booksbut I haven't read at least half of them.
We have resources for everything we want to do. There is no reason we can't. But we don't. And then, then we COMPLAIN. We are responsible for ourselves.
Look around, you will find you are very fortunate that you got all that you possess.
I know I can't change the way God wants to distribute the resources. But I can request you guys to please make a conscious effort to make full use of the resources. Not everyone is as lucky as you are. You get many times more than Rs. 25-30 per day. And we work less hard. Still we complain!
I do not believe in 84L lives as some ppl say. For me, this is the only life we have got. I want to experience as much as I can. Guys, I do understand that many of you may be feeling the same. I am not asking for much. I know not many of you have time to join NGOs and help ppl. ButJust don't waste the resources. And if you have got plenty, use them and move higher in the life. That's the way we can do our part well.Afterall success is nothing but giving your 100%. If you fail even after doing your best, you should feel good..not about the outcome, but for the effort,which was PURE. And surely, this attitude will take you higher in the life, if not in iims. Take it from me, this CAT fever will go in 2-3 years( irrespective of whether you make it to iims or not)....but the attitude wont.
I am sure you must have understood why I have posted in this forum.
Do justice to what you have got.
Cheers!
PS: Please take out 2 mins and read the attachment.Please dont ignore.
Chandoo ji, after goin' thru ur post, i look at u as determination-dedication-deligence personified ... keep us enlightened in the future as well :)
i was inspired chandu and i also got a lot of ideas
rajat wrote
ciao everybody...
I don't like the reservation criteria for disabled students...it should only b need-based...
i.e. as per reqmt , like GMAT....
Tk my example, I lost my right hand in Army....decide to call it shots!!...broke sweat.... prepared for GMAT (which gave me some more time since i used my modified left hand...) got well deserved 98 percentile...got thru into ISB...
Thn I gave CAT half-heartedly, n now...for obvious reasons even after geettin a casual 93, call from IIM A,C, et al...
doesn't mk sense, I didn't need a quota for it, I wud've studied if i wanted to join...newayz...
With my exp, I wud go for ISB, but the sys is makin a mockery out of it...I didn't need this resvn, maybe 5mins more for such a case wud've been sufficient...
Newayz, hope my givin way will mk place 4 others...n hope tht in future, necessary changes will b incorporated
ATB ppl!!
hey Rajat.... simply great to read this post man....typical fauji...huh? trust me i luv that fighting spirit of yours...the level of self-respect....amazing stuff man!!!! thats how a real man is...long way to go!!!
last year, i had an IIM call....but i prefered joining Indian Army and didnt take the IIM-L call seriously...kinda topped the all india ranking for army...n joined it...unfortumately, during my training, i had to quit...due to certain technical problems...in the process, i could not fill CAT 2006 form...as i was undergoing training then...n wanted to concentrate on just army...i'm working now n will write CAT next year...this has caused an unwarranted delay of 2 years CAT is sth i qualified last year only...now i'll do it next year (if i do)....mushkil waqt...commando sakht...but then...everywhere there's sum learning...wateva time i spent with army...i learnt a lot...wateva am doing...am learning sth everyday..even if army couldnt happen...the motif still remains the same...to do sth big for the nation....thru sum other way now....and then...once a fauji...always a fauji...
keep up the spirit man....all the best!!!!
guys...three cheers for Rajat....hip-hip...harrah!!!
regards
i am lucky:smile: ...yes i am lucky....coz before cracking cat( hope i do it this year:smile: ) i had a chance to visit one of the top b-schools of India.....and i would like to share it with u......
I step into the lush green campus ........with me there was "person a", a man who has seen cat aspirants developing into MBA students......and even can distinguish them into different category....anyway .....the first man to appear was a commerce graduate...99.97percentile in his kitty..he is really rocking....nyway ...he came down to me and i ask him about how to crack cat....he asked me back about my profile...on hearing that i was an from technological background .....his reply was that "don't u think u engineers are bullshit...Unable to control anything in your personal life, you people are instead content to completely control everything that happens at your workplace"...........well no idea.. what was the cause of his anger....was it that only 5-10% of total students at iims are commerce graduate...or is it that 70% students are engineers at any iims......."person a" whispered into my ear " meet the first category of MBA students....MANAGING BY KNOWING NOTHING--------These managers don't really know anything at all. They let YOU give answers. Meanwhile they fill the time with nice anecdotes of irrelevant cases".......well i gave a laugh and looked up and found a person staring out of the window ....."person a" whispered again"meet the second category...MANAGING BY STARING OUT OF THE WINDOW--------These managers you usually meet with their backside faced to you with their hands in their pockets. When you talk to them, their thoughts keep staring out of the windows"....nyway we walked inside a big hall...and found 2 students having a chat in not so happy mood....as far as i can make out one was anil...and the other was ranjeet..
anil : whats the difference between this inst..and prison...the way we are living our life its bullshit.....IN PRISON...you spend the majority of your time in an 8x10 cell.
AT HERE...you spend most of your time in a 6x8 cubicle.....
ranjeet replied back: IN PRISON...all expenses are paid by taxpayers with no work required......AND AFTER GETTING A JOB FROM HERE....you get to pay all the expenses to go to work and then they deduct taxes from your salary to pay for prisoners......isn't it bullshit"....well not to my surprise these were the third kind of manager MANAGING BY HAVING A NON SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE----In an organization with a hopeless infrastructure, managers are really necessary. These managers will naturally prevent the organization from having a better infrastructure..........well before i could stop laughing i met another species....well this guy seems to be angry with one of his teachers.....he was muttering withing himself ---
"When I take a long time, I am slow.
When he takes a long time, he is thorough.
When I don't do it, I am lazy.
When he doesn't do it, he is too busy.
When I do something without being told, I am trying to be smart.
When he does the same, he's showing initiative.
When I please him, I'm kissing up.
When he pleases the head, he's co-operating.
When I do good, he never remembers.
When I do wrong, he never forgets.
But regardless of all else....
HE is always the teacher!..........fourth category MANAGING BY CONCEPTUAL THINKING----These people try to explain the present from a theoretical view of the far future. The idea that this never will work, completely satisfies them. They will always have something to talk about...............anyway......"person a" went inside a room and told me to wait outside......as i was waiting...a smart girl this time came up...she was wearing a nice suit...anyway i asked her about how she was gearing up for her placement.....she laughed .....as if what a silly question i have asked her....but the reply she gave indeed proved me silly.....her modest reply "getting a job from here is not a matter....but if u think that after getting a job our hard life starts ...then u are a fool....well yes when u are asked to recruit people for ur company..choosing right candidates is a problem...but i have my own formula for it.....my organization will never struggle with the problem of properly fitting people to jobs.... Here is a handy hint for ensuring success in job placement. Take the prospective employees you are trying to place and put them in a room with only a table and two chairs. Leave them alone for two hours, without any instruction. At the end of that time, go back and see what they are doing------.
If they have taken the table apart in that time, put them in Engineering.
If they are counting the butts in the ashtray, assign them to Accounting.
If they are screaming and waving their arms, send them off to Manufacturing.
If they are talking to the chairs, Personnel is a good spot for them.
If they are sleeping, they are Management material.
If they are writing up the experience, send them to Tech Pubs.
If they don't even look up when you enter the room, assign them to Security.
If they try to tell you it's not as bad as it looks, send them to Marketing.
And if they've left early, put them in Sales".........
"great idea"--- i replied.....she said come back if u have any problem on cat..........category no.5......
MANAGING BY SMILING AND WEARING NICE SUITS--------If you drink beer with them, lunch with them, smile to them and also wear nice suits, nothing can stop your career anymore..........well as she was leaving a guy came up to her.......and asked her if she has done the work or not?........well category no. 6.... MANAGING BY DELEGATION TO THE SECRETARY------These managers just delegate everything to the secretary. If He is good, He knows what she must do...........well......great..."person a" is back and we are moving for the exit....we passed the same big hall and we saw the 2 future managers still discussing ..."IN PRISON...there are wardens who are often sadistic.
AT WORK...they are called managers"........but yes it was not finished ......now i really met somebody impressive and i could call him a stress buster.....coz he gave me fundas of how to keep aways stress.....which i am sharing with all u puys......
1. Jam tiny marshmallows up your nose and try to sneeze them out
2. Use your MasterCard to pay your VISA bill.
3. Pop some popcorn without putting the lid on.
4. When someone says, "Have a nice day!", tell them you have other plans.
5. Get a box of condoms. Wait in line at the check-out counter and ask the cashier where the fitting rooms are.....
welll category no. 7MANAGING BY REORGANIZATION
If they think there is nothing more to organize, they reorganize
well that's all...just posted it coz some people said that this forum is all about giving gyan and that's sometimes gets boring.....anyway best of luck for cat 2007 to all the puys
How to tackle CAT?? a fresher's guide lies ahead...
Here's what i have learned in an year and a half...and though i havent made it to the IIMs..but XLRI seems good enough...or even better..
So how to go about it??
join a coaching institute! research maro...dont join just because of the brand...find out about teachers at the centre.. u can always take the test series...
As everyone suggests join atleast 1 of TIME/IMS...
For engineers especailly join a coaching class..we all know what goes on in the hostels..it gives a much needed direction to your preparation.
brush up the fundas... dont mug up the formulas! they rarely help..and take a lot of space in your mind...
One book which is must for brginners.. Think Without Ink. Its simply superb..it wll give u the intial push..as far developing a out of the box thinking...and will help you discover..the uncommon COMMON SENSE
Know Yourself i have seen a lot of people just competing against their peers.its the last thing that will help you in your pursuits... Help your peers... The bottom line is the RACE IS WITH YoURSELF AND NO-ONE ELSE
BELIEVE as cliched as it may sound..if you dont have the belief..rarely u will be there where u want to be....
There will be ups and downs.. there will be mocks (or real exams for that matters) where you will screw up big time! Just dont let go...
ANALYSE Again know yourself..where r your strengths..where r your weaknesses... Have strategies in place..and working.. analyse mocks...where you went wrong..
maintain a written record of all your mistakes..that helps enormously..
WORK HARD there is no substitute for it..
Remember ...If it is to be..It is up to you...
Aur phir apna PG to hai hi! USE IT!!
aur hum log ko PM karo koi bhi problem ho to!
And so goes my 300th post on PG!
How to tackle CAT?? a fresher's guide lies ahead...
Here's what i have learned in an year and a half...and though i havent made it to the IIMs..but XLRI seems good enough...or even better..
So how to go about it??
join a coaching institute! research maro...dont join just because of the brand...find out about teachers at the centre.. u can always take the test series...
As everyone suggests join atleast 1 of TIME/IMS...
For engineers especailly join a coaching class..we all know what goes on in the hostels..it gives a much needed direction to your preparation.
brush up the fundas... dont mug up the formulas! they rarely help..and take a lot of space in your mind...
One book which is must for brginners.. Think Without Ink. Its simply superb..it wll give u the intial push..as far developing a out of the box thinking...and will help you discover..the uncommon COMMON SENSE
Know Yourself i have seen a lot of people just competing against their peers.its the last thing that will help you in your pursuits... Help your peers... The bottom line is the RACE IS WITH YoURSELF AND NO-ONE ELSE
BELIEVE as cliched as it may sound..if you dont have the belief..rarely u will be there where u want to be....
There will be ups and downs.. there will be mocks (or real exams for that matters) where you will screw up big time! Just dont let go...
ANALYSE Again know yourself..where r your strengths..where r your weaknesses... Have strategies in place..and working.. analyse mocks...where you went wrong..
maintain a written record of all your mistakes..that helps enormously..
WORK HARD there is no substitute for it..
Remember ...If it is to be..It is up to you...
And so goes my 300th post on PG!
good one buddy...anyway i would love to add something......its not about ur destination...its all about how u reach there.....the moment u know how to reach ur destination..u are through...best of luck
Simply a superb thread...
Me preparing for Cat 2007.... and this tread has given me all the more passion and zeal to kick-start my prep...
I would just like to say a word of thanks to all those people who have shared their cat experiences on this thread... You guys simply rock....
At last, I post here. Pardon me for digressing from the tradition of this thread which generally has success stories of people who have got into B-schools. I wanted to post here on a similar note since 2 years now, but I don't see a better time to post here than today. :)
The memories of a young lad in an engineering college, dreaming of making it to the IIMs, are still fresh in my mind. This goes back to December 2003, when I was as confused as anyone else on what would I do after graduation? I had my computer business running but with increased competition and decreasing margins, it was not very promising. Prospects of campus placements also looked bleak as I had a history of 2 backlogs. But I knew if I managed to qualify for an aptitude test or technical / HR interview, I would arguably beat anyone on a given day. I didn't want to risk it, decided to join the CAT race as a back-up plan. 
CAT 2004:
In January 2004, I joined the classroom course at IMS, Mumbai. Within 3 to 4 months, I was on friendly basis with the Quant faculty. He told me once that I was good at Quant and DI, and for CAT04 we should prepare together! I felt that was a good start. By August, I was done with the basic material and raring to take tests. A few SimCATs later it was clear that I was very good at DI. I was good at concepts in Quant but not at Quant test taking skills. VA was not up to the mark. Consequently, QA and VA were always on the edge. I decided to give it a final thrust, 1 month of only VA and QA preps. This was September, 2004. With vivas and Semester 7 exams drawing nearer, the emphasis gradually shifted to engineering studies. Meanwhile, the engineering exam schedule was declared. CAT was in between engineering exams and many drew out of the battle. I saw it as a chance and prepped harder forgetting the Engg. Studies again! Mom said, 'Yeh ladka pagal ho gaya hai!' But I was in no mood to pay heed. Exams as usual, were average.
CAT04: The first paper that started the trend of an ever-evolving CAT paper. Deferred marking was introduced the first time. I knew I was not a 99%ile material and if I wanted to make it, I needed to catch the big fish, 2 markers. Attacked them first, understanding that it could be a risky take. At the end of 2 hours, I felt confident of was performance, though, was a little dicey about RCVA section. On verifying with answer keys, DI was cent percent accuracy. QA and VA let me down. I forgot about it for the moment, got done with the remaining engineering papers. 21st December, 2004, CAT04 results were declared. I scored 95.11 with 99.70 in DI section. Other 2 sections were in 70s and 80s. I went to Mr. Prasan Kamat, Centre Manager, IMS. We had a discussion at length about what could be done next? This discussion was a turning point in my MBA plans. He convinced me to look high and target IIMs the next year. By then, I already had 2 job offers in hand, VLSI Research, Wipro, and Energy Automation, Siemens, Mumbai. Decided to go ahead with Siemens, Mumbai option and crack CAT05. By this time I was very clear, I had to phase out my company, take up a job and prepare for next CAT.
Continued here:
Post 2
Post 3
CAT 2005:
January 2005 was the first time I received an offer from IMS for a Quant and DI faculty. Two of my Quant faculties had recommended my name and I directly got a call from the Head of Mumbai Region, IMS. I rejected it because I was busy winding up my business, and attending to prior commitments. It was this month I joined PG!
I started with RCVA preps in March. I knew mugging up a word-list was beyond me and that left only one option, voracious reading. I was ready for it. Started with fiction and gradually moved to non-fiction. I also figured out that I was good at the reasoning based or inferential questions; CR, syllogisms, inferential questions in RCs, sentence completion etc. Started to strengthen it and simultaneously. During this phase, I used to attend all PG meets, and made some really good friends, Aarav, anupam will return, estranged_gnrs etc. (Later did I know they were friends for a lifetime). With these highly motivated individuals, it was natural that I was pushed to match them. On 4th July, I started with Siemens and on the same day I again got a call from IMS, for a Part-time faculty position for QA and DI. This time, I accepted it. Teaching further strengthened the basics in Quant and DI practice was on. I felt I was going to make it big this time. I applied only to IIMs, S P Jain and XAT-XLRI combine. With the onset of SimCATs, I realized my performance was not as expected. I was not yet ready for the ruthless Mock CAT season. This is when this forum played a vital role. The atmosphere out here is such that even a 70%iler can post his score and discuss his strengths and weaknesses with a 99%iler without any hesitation. On a personal front, estranged_gnrs played a crucial role as a critic and motivator alike. We used to sit after every SimCAT and analyse how the paper was? Why did we attempt a particular question, why didnt we attempt a particular question? Even Aarav and anupam will return were in touch. Through the forums were Euphria, shrutz, Apple, amongst others whom I fail to recollect. We had a very healthy competition amongst us. CAT drew nearer, Siemens declared a 9-day Diwali holiday and I was elated. Thats when I decided to defer Diwali celebrations and headed to estranged_gnrs place for a week. Euphoria also came in from Baroda. We had 7 days of Marathon preps. At the end of it, we didnt feel the need to touch any other material, just take the weekly SimCAT.
CAT 2005: 20th November, 2005 brought another surprise; drastic reduction in the number of questions from 123 in CAT04 to 90 (30 per section). I knew from the onset that this was an accuracy game. I was very slow and cautious in attempting RCVA section as it was tricky. Close options further slowed down the progress. After tackling RCVA and DI, as I moved to the Quant section, I was totally blank. I knew if I did well here, I could be done with this exam for once and for all, only if I could change those last 30 minutes. At the end of 2 hours, I was really tired. Look around and there was pin-drop-silence. Junta look shocked and still coming to terms with the RCVA onslaught. But, everyone had high attempts as a savior. I was feeling insecure with only 64 marks attempt. Called Aarav and his attempts totaled to106. Estranged_gnrs had in 70s or 80s and so also with anupam will return. Then began the grueling evaluation, answer keys of coaching institutes were released. DI show continued from where I had left it last year, 23 attempts, and 23 corrects. In RCVA I was scoring in between 20.33 and 23 from 30 marks worth of attempts, which at that time was considered a good score. But, just 10 marks worth of attempt in QA was the killer. I was scoring 6 there.
Results declared in the first week of Jan 2006, I had scored 97.81 in CAT05. The scorecard read 98.90 in RCVA and I was on Cloud-nine! 1 year of hard work had paid off. But, DI - 90.xx? I couldnt believe it. QA was 78.xx, as expected. I knew it was all over after the test itself and was just confirmed from the result. Next was CAT06. I then took XAT06 after 2 days with a relaxed mind. I didnt feel at all that it was as difficult as CAT05. But the junta opinion was otherwise. Coaching institutes predicted 33 marks as 99 percentile!! I had 48 marks attempt and knew I was in the race. But heck, I had already prepared myself for CAT06. XAT results were declared and I had proved to myself that I was amongst the best in India. XAT Scorecard read 99.81%ile. I had 99+ in QA and DI but 87.75 in RCVA. I was surprised at that! Just a couple of months back I had a 99 in RCVA in CAT and now I have 99 in the other two sections!! So, what is my strength and what is weakness? Before I pay heed to this anomaly, a day later, XLRI PI calls were declared, and I didnt get a call!!!! I then decided to raise this issue. After a series of sweet verbal exchanges, they issued a call letter! Albeit, by then I decided not to waste 2 years studying management from them! I also go on record confessing, I couldnt convert that call too, despite the willingness to convert and then chuck it!
Continued here:
Post 1
Post 3
January 2005 was the first time I received an offer from IMS for a Quant and DI faculty. Two of my Quant faculties had recommended my name and I directly got a call from the Head of Mumbai Region, IMS. I rejected it because I was busy winding up my business, and attending to prior commitments. It was this month I joined PG!
I started with RCVA preps in March. I knew mugging up a word-list was beyond me and that left only one option, voracious reading. I was ready for it. Started with fiction and gradually moved to non-fiction. I also figured out that I was good at the reasoning based or inferential questions; CR, syllogisms, inferential questions in RCs, sentence completion etc. Started to strengthen it and simultaneously. During this phase, I used to attend all PG meets, and made some really good friends, Aarav, anupam will return, estranged_gnrs etc. (Later did I know they were friends for a lifetime). With these highly motivated individuals, it was natural that I was pushed to match them. On 4th July, I started with Siemens and on the same day I again got a call from IMS, for a Part-time faculty position for QA and DI. This time, I accepted it. Teaching further strengthened the basics in Quant and DI practice was on. I felt I was going to make it big this time. I applied only to IIMs, S P Jain and XAT-XLRI combine. With the onset of SimCATs, I realized my performance was not as expected. I was not yet ready for the ruthless Mock CAT season. This is when this forum played a vital role. The atmosphere out here is such that even a 70%iler can post his score and discuss his strengths and weaknesses with a 99%iler without any hesitation. On a personal front, estranged_gnrs played a crucial role as a critic and motivator alike. We used to sit after every SimCAT and analyse how the paper was? Why did we attempt a particular question, why didnt we attempt a particular question? Even Aarav and anupam will return were in touch. Through the forums were Euphria, shrutz, Apple, amongst others whom I fail to recollect. We had a very healthy competition amongst us. CAT drew nearer, Siemens declared a 9-day Diwali holiday and I was elated. Thats when I decided to defer Diwali celebrations and headed to estranged_gnrs place for a week. Euphoria also came in from Baroda. We had 7 days of Marathon preps. At the end of it, we didnt feel the need to touch any other material, just take the weekly SimCAT.
CAT 2005: 20th November, 2005 brought another surprise; drastic reduction in the number of questions from 123 in CAT04 to 90 (30 per section). I knew from the onset that this was an accuracy game. I was very slow and cautious in attempting RCVA section as it was tricky. Close options further slowed down the progress. After tackling RCVA and DI, as I moved to the Quant section, I was totally blank. I knew if I did well here, I could be done with this exam for once and for all, only if I could change those last 30 minutes. At the end of 2 hours, I was really tired. Look around and there was pin-drop-silence. Junta look shocked and still coming to terms with the RCVA onslaught. But, everyone had high attempts as a savior. I was feeling insecure with only 64 marks attempt. Called Aarav and his attempts totaled to106. Estranged_gnrs had in 70s or 80s and so also with anupam will return. Then began the grueling evaluation, answer keys of coaching institutes were released. DI show continued from where I had left it last year, 23 attempts, and 23 corrects. In RCVA I was scoring in between 20.33 and 23 from 30 marks worth of attempts, which at that time was considered a good score. But, just 10 marks worth of attempt in QA was the killer. I was scoring 6 there.
Results declared in the first week of Jan 2006, I had scored 97.81 in CAT05. The scorecard read 98.90 in RCVA and I was on Cloud-nine!
1 year of hard work had paid off. But, DI - 90.xx? 
I couldnt believe it. QA was 78.xx, as expected. I knew it was all over after the test itself and was just confirmed from the result. Next was CAT06. I then took XAT06 after 2 days with a relaxed mind. I didnt feel at all that it was as difficult as CAT05. But the junta opinion was otherwise. Coaching institutes predicted 33 marks as 99 percentile!! I had 48 marks attempt and knew I was in the race. But heck, I had already prepared myself for CAT06. XAT results were declared and I had proved to myself that I was amongst the best in India. XAT Scorecard read 99.81%ile. I had 99+ in QA and DI but 87.75 in RCVA. I was surprised at that! Just a couple of months back I had a 99 in RCVA in CAT and now I have 99 in the other two sections!! So, what is my strength and what is weakness? Before I pay heed to this anomaly, a day later, XLRI PI calls were declared, and I didnt get a call!!!! I then decided to raise this issue. After a series of sweet verbal exchanges, they issued a call letter! 
Albeit, by then I decided not to waste 2 years studying management from them! I also go on record confessing, I couldnt convert that call too, despite the willingness to convert and then chuck it! Continued here:
Post 1
Post 3
CAT 2006:
After 2 seasons of CAT; saw many friends enter the hallowed portals of IIMs, a few withdrawing from the race and loads of them re-taking the exam or settling for lower rung B-school! I began to wonder, what is this CAT race all about? Is it worth the time and effort that nearly 200,000 students put in every year for a meager 1200 odd seats at IIMs? Year-on-Year aspirants race, win/loose, get bruised, hibernate for 6 months and again get back as the SimCAT season draws closer! And, is it all that tough an exam that is so elusive to crack to a common aspirant? I think, No! I was very sure that a repeat of XAT 06 performance is what I have to produce in CAT06. But, what was so special that I did for XAT 06? Nothing, absolutely nothing! 😁 After CAT05, I never touched a single book, was just conducting my normal CET / XAT classes at IMS and took XAT 06 without any preparation. But yes, without any expectations from the exam. I had no pressure to perform. It was a cool head and an open mind that met XAT 06. I decided not to prepare at all for CAT06. Just solve Mock Cat papers from PG-CAV and TIME. In July, as the SimCAT season was warming up, I was required to head to Germany. The duration was not decided and I was not sure whether I would be in India for CAT? Neverthless, filled up the form. In Germany, I used to solve PG-CAV MoCATs and a few TIME AimCATs. Performance was decent, nothing to boast about. I concentrated more on VA section. And come October, I was back in India! Took a couple of tests in test-room conditions and scores were around the 98 percentile mark. I felt I was prepared for CAT06.
CAT2006: 25x25x25=75 Questions and I felt nostalgic! Very similar to CAT05, which was an accuracy test. Voila! Started with RCVA section as I generally do, moved to Quant and then DI. At the end of it, I was a satisfied soul! Checking against answer keys, I was scoring 47 in QA and 31 in DI. I was not sure about scores in RCVA as it ranged between 31 and 36 depending on which answer key I considered correct. But, I was hopeful. Results were declared. And to my shock, I had a 74.xx in RCVA. Checked with the IIM answer keys and discovered the answer keys to be way different than the ones predicted by institutes. Result - 90.99, my lifetime lowest. :D
But today, if I look back at this journey called CAT, it has taught me very important lessons in life. Most important, it has crushed my ego to zilch. And don't mistake this as self-confidence! I still walk into my class with confidence because I consider myself to be amongst the best in the industry. I can do justice teaching a 30 percentiler or a 99er. But anything called ego just vanishes after 3 flunks. And I am sure many CAT veterans would agree on this. The difference is I fail to lower the bar set for myself, infact I keep raising as a year passes by. But then, will I take CAT again? Maybe. Maybe not.
Over and above all, I have found this place, www.PaGaLGuY.com where I interact with the best brains of this country. It's a community that I owe a lot to. And it is because each and every one of you has made this place so special that I can't help but come to this site everyday.
Good luck to everyone and if I can be of any help, please send me a message. Some people are born geniuses, but most of us have to work hard, but ultimately we all get there. I respect the latter ones more.
Previous posts here:
Post 1
Post 2
After 2 seasons of CAT; saw many friends enter the hallowed portals of IIMs, a few withdrawing from the race and loads of them re-taking the exam or settling for lower rung B-school! I began to wonder, what is this CAT race all about? Is it worth the time and effort that nearly 200,000 students put in every year for a meager 1200 odd seats at IIMs? Year-on-Year aspirants race, win/loose, get bruised, hibernate for 6 months and again get back as the SimCAT season draws closer!
And, is it all that tough an exam that is so elusive to crack to a common aspirant? I think, No! I was very sure that a repeat of XAT 06 performance is what I have to produce in CAT06. But, what was so special that I did for XAT 06? Nothing, absolutely nothing! 😁 After CAT05, I never touched a single book, was just conducting my normal CET / XAT classes at IMS and took XAT 06 without any preparation. But yes, without any expectations from the exam. I had no pressure to perform. It was a cool head and an open mind that met XAT 06. I decided not to prepare at all for CAT06. Just solve Mock Cat papers from PG-CAV and TIME. In July, as the SimCAT season was warming up, I was required to head to Germany. The duration was not decided and I was not sure whether I would be in India for CAT? Neverthless, filled up the form. In Germany, I used to solve PG-CAV MoCATs and a few TIME AimCATs. Performance was decent, nothing to boast about. I concentrated more on VA section. And come October, I was back in India! Took a couple of tests in test-room conditions and scores were around the 98 percentile mark. I felt I was prepared for CAT06.CAT2006: 25x25x25=75 Questions and I felt nostalgic! Very similar to CAT05, which was an accuracy test. Voila! Started with RCVA section as I generally do, moved to Quant and then DI. At the end of it, I was a satisfied soul! Checking against answer keys, I was scoring 47 in QA and 31 in DI. I was not sure about scores in RCVA as it ranged between 31 and 36 depending on which answer key I considered correct. But, I was hopeful. Results were declared. And to my shock, I had a 74.xx in RCVA. Checked with the IIM answer keys and discovered the answer keys to be way different than the ones predicted by institutes. Result - 90.99, my lifetime lowest. :D
But today, if I look back at this journey called CAT, it has taught me very important lessons in life. Most important, it has crushed my ego to zilch. And don't mistake this as self-confidence! I still walk into my class with confidence because I consider myself to be amongst the best in the industry. I can do justice teaching a 30 percentiler or a 99er. But anything called ego just vanishes after 3 flunks. And I am sure many CAT veterans would agree on this. The difference is I fail to lower the bar set for myself, infact I keep raising as a year passes by. But then, will I take CAT again? Maybe. Maybe not.
Over and above all, I have found this place, www.PaGaLGuY.com where I interact with the best brains of this country. It's a community that I owe a lot to. And it is because each and every one of you has made this place so special that I can't help but come to this site everyday.
Good luck to everyone and if I can be of any help, please send me a message. Some people are born geniuses, but most of us have to work hard, but ultimately we all get there. I respect the latter ones more.
Previous posts here:
Post 1
Post 2
@ Monil
I thought you'd write about the haluva time me, you and estranged had spent together in the name of "CAT Prep"
Well, having gone thru your post of CAT Journey, it was obvious to have recollection of good ol' memory! 😃
I thought you'd write about the haluva time me, you and estranged had spent together in the name of "CAT Prep"
Well, having gone thru your post of CAT Journey, it was obvious to have recollection of good ol' memory! 😃
Hey Junta,
FYI, I must tell the crux of this thread which, I'm sure, wud go a long way in benefiting you and, more importantly, motivating you :)
Most of those who made into premiere league of Bschools (from a PG team - which fairly represents the MBA takers) wrote CAT more than once to achieve the desirable ends!
Well, this is not to generalize but it was the case with majority of junta. This is to say that, keep working hard, hardowork pays, you never know when!
ATB
CAT 2006:
But today, if I look back at this journey called CAT, it has taught me very important lessons in life. Most important, it has crushed my ego to zilch. And dont mistake this as self-confidence! I still walk into my class with confidence because I consider myself to be amongst the best in the industry. I can do justice teaching a 30 percentiler or a 99er. But anything called ego just vanishes after 3 flunks. And I am sure many CAT veterans would agree on this. The difference is I fail to lower the bar set for myself, infact I keep raising as a year passes by. But then, will I take CAT again? Maybe. Maybe not.
People who rarely fail are the one's who don't try hard enough. True words there Monil, you have already achieved a big takeaway in life from an exam process.
I feel honoured to find my name thrice in your marathon post :-)
The journey sometimes can be more fascinating than the end result. After spending 8 months in a B-school, I realise that it's the very attitude and not the damn degree that will matter in the years to come. Keep up the spirit! My best wishes are with you for whatever you do.