With a percentile of 97.67 in CAT 2008, IIT Delhi student Prashant Kumar got Group Discussion and Personal Interview calls from the prestigious IIM Bangalore and IIM Lucknow. Of the two top institutes, he finally chose IIM Bangalore to make his way smoother towards realizing his dream career in Management Consulting. Prashant, who also took the GMAT test, doesn’t feel much difference in the CBT form of CAT exam.
MBAUniverse.com talks to Prashant Kumar and learns how he went about his preparations.
Q: Which are the MBA institutes that short listed you for GD PI and offered you final admissions?
A: I was short listed by the two top MBA institutes in India – IIM Bangalore and IIM Lucknow.
Q: Which is the institute that you have decided to take admission, and why?
A: I decided to join IIM Bangalore because I want to build up my career in Management Consulting and Bangalore has better suited faculty and location for the same.
Q: Which test prep institute did you go to? How did you make the selection? How should CAT 2009 exam aspirants make this decision?
A: Mostly T.I.M.E because it offered a larger assortment of participants. I also attended workshops by Career Launcher and PT Education. Aspirants should make the decision on the basis of whichever MBA test prep institute provides a better group to interact with.
Q: With just over 6 months to go, what is your advice to CAT 2009 aspirants?
A: Do general preparation as of now. Take tests once every two weeks. Later start working on your strength areas and increase the number of tests.
Q: How should the aspirants plan their study on the basis of different sections in the paper and time management?
A: Depends. Start with the section which is most comfortable to you.
Q: As you are aware, CAT 2009 exam will be a computer-based test. In your view, how does this change the exam?
A: Candidates with prior experience with simulated tests or GMAT will have an advantage.
Q: What is your take on this new format?
A: Few MBA institutes have already switched to this mode. Then we have GMAT. This has already seen a surge in applicants over the last year. So this will be easily accepted.
Q: Are you happy that you did not have to appear for this format or you feel that CBT form would have been better for you?
A: Although it does not make much difference to me. I think candidates like me who have appeared for GMAT will have a better understanding of the change.
Q: What should aspirants do to adjust to this new format?
A: Simulated tests will do wonders. CAT exam authorities will sure provide sample tests downloadable at their official website soon.
Updated on July 25, 2016
With a percentile of 97.67 in CAT 2008, IIT Delhi student Prashant Kumar got Group Discussion and Personal Interview calls from the prestigious IIM Bangalore and IIM Lucknow
