Here is your chance to learn your strategies for achieving success in CAT 2011 from those who have already crossed the hurdle. Continuing with our CAT 2011-Topper Mantras series, we bring to you the interview of CAT 2010 topper Kumar Anubhav, who scored 99.15 percentile.
Kumar Anubhav did his graduation in Communications and Computer Engineering from LNM Institute of Information Technology (LNMIIT), Jaipur. His hobbies include LAN gaming, basket ball, travelling and music.
Excerpts of the interview:
Q: What major differences did you notice among the exams you took? How did you prepare for each of them? Please share in detail.
A: CAT was different from other exams. Though every exam required unique preparation still they had many things in common too. CAT requires proper understanding of the basics as well as the ability to apply them in time. Other exams such as FMS and JMET were not hard problem solving kind but yes they indeed check your speed along with the accuracy thus the practice is necessary beforehand.
IIFT had many sections including general awareness so a wide knowledge of current affairs is required as well as their complex marking system requires a thoughtful process to attempt the paper so that you can make the most of it.
Q: Which is the institute that you have decided to take admission?
A: I had got selected in IIM Rohtak, Raipur, Trichy, Kashipur, Udaipur, MDI Gurgaon, NMIMS Mumbai and IMT Ghaziabad. I have finally decided to take admission in IIM Rohtak.
Q: How many GD&PI rounds have you had? Please share your experience in detail.
A: I got calls for GD PI from five IIMs which included IIM Rohtak, IIM Raipur, IIM Trichy, IIM Kashipur and IIM Udaipur. I also got calls from NMIMS Mumbai, NITIE Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon and IMT Ghaziabad.
Regarding interview, my interview was mainly HR type and they asked all about my life and plans which according to me went fairly well. This helped in building up my confidence. Rest of the Interviews came in line and I tried to give my best in each of them.
Q: What was your strategy for GD PI & Essay Writing (WAT) preparation?
A: I had been mentored by experienced people. Group discussion is not only about speaking, but speaking with accurate facts and self confidence. Proving that your point is correct by stating a fact is the most effective way of marking your presence.
Definitely starting and concluding a discussion earns some points but never ever attempt to do so until you are aware of the topic otherwise it can act negative.
Personal interviews are the most feared things among candidates and they read a lot about world, politics and many other things but the biggest mistake they make is they never introspect.
Knowing yourself better than others is the key to a calm, composed and stable mind without which you can never succeed. Try to know your strengths and weaknesses, why you want to do MBA and many other such questions.
I would like to say reading is the solution to everything. Keep reading newspapers, magazines, novels of every genre.
Q: What were your strategies for preparing for the three sections f CAT?
A: I prepared in the following manner:
Quantitative aptitude: I would suggest that practice is what makes it friendly to anybody. Just practice a lot and you won’t need to mug any formula and any trick. Things will turn out eventually in your favor.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning: As the name suggests, there is no formula and tricks in this section. It just requires organizing your mind and thinking step by step for every problem. Common sense can prove to be vital if people practice and use it in right place and right time.
Verbal Reasoning: Read newspaper's front page, editorial and business page necessarily within 35 minutes. Develop reading habit before sleeping. I know it’s hard talking to people in English around you so try and talk at least to yourself in English. That way sometimes you will need words and that will increase your vocabulary itself. Rest is same for the section. Performance is directly proportional to practice here.
Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more Topper Mantras for CAT 2011.
