Q: What was your overall preparation strategy for CAT?
A: I joined IMS for coaching, which gave me a structured starting point. Initially, I focused on attending classes, understanding concepts and clearing doubts. I then moved to solving class exercises and practice questions, while making my own notes and cheat sheets for revision. In the later stages, my focus shifted to regular mocks, mock analysis and previous years’ questions. This gradual transition from conceptual clarity to practice and test-taking helped me become exam-ready.
Q: How did you manage your CAT preparation along with your college studies or work commitments?
A: Balancing both was a little difficult initially. During the last two semesters, I consciously gave CAT a higher priority and shifted most of my focus towards preparation. Since CAT was conducted before my final semester exams, I was able to shift my focus back to college and put in extra effort for my semester exams so that my CGPA did not suffer.
Q: Please share your sectional preparation strategy. How did you prepare for VARC?
A: I started by completing all the class exercises and practice questions. For vocabulary, I used Word Power Made Easy and maintained notes of root words and new words I came across. In the later stages, I focused on sectional mocks and PYQs. Most importantly, I analysed why an option was correct, which helped me handle the ambiguity that VARC questions can sometimes have.
Q: How did you prepare for DILR?
A: I focused on solving all the class exercises and ensuring that I had practised different types of sets. I also used a timer and regularly attempted sectional tests to improve my time management, along with mocks and PYQs. Sudoku became a regular habit as well. Once I identified the types of sets I was more comfortable with, I practised them more to improve my accuracy further.
Q: How did you prepare for QA?
A: I completed the class exercises, made formula sheets and regularly practised through mocks and PYQs. I also made a conscious decision to leave topics such as 3D geometry and trigonometry, where I knew I would take longer to solve questions. Instead of spending disproportionate time on them, I focused on strengthening the topics where I could score more efficiently.
Q: Was there any section or area you initially found challenging? How did you overcome it?
A: DILR and QA were initially challenging for me. After covering the syllabus once, I started focusing more on the areas I knew I could solve well. Identifying and building on my strengths was important for improving my overall score. I also made sure that VARC remained a strong section for me and helped support my overall percentile.
Q: What role did mock tests play in your preparation? How many mocks did you attempt?
A: Mocks were extremely crucial to my preparation. I started taking them once I was about halfway through the syllabus, as they gave me a clear understanding of the exam pattern, question selection and time management. Initially, I took around one mock a week, and during the last two months, I increased this to 2–3 mocks a week. Analysing each mock was equally important, as it helped me identify and work on my mistakes.
Q: Did you prepare on your own or join a coaching institute? What influenced your choice?
A: I joined offline coaching at IMS. I knew that with an online self-paced course, I might not be as regular or disciplined. I learn better with a teacher physically present, and having someone I could approach whenever I had a doubt was also important for me.
Q: Which books or study materials did you refer to? How effective were they?
A: I primarily used the books and study material provided by IMS, along with some additional vocabulary books. Whenever I needed a deeper understanding of a particular topic, I also referred to relevant online resources.
Q: What was your approach and mindset on the CAT exam day? How did you plan your test-taking strategy?
A: There was a lot of hype and pressure around CAT throughout the year, so it was easy to feel overwhelmed on the day. What helped me was having a realistic target based on previous-year patterns. I had calculated roughly how many questions I needed to attempt accurately to reach my target score. I knew the paper could be different, but this helped me remind myself that I did not need to attempt the entire paper. I attempted VARC first, as it was my strongest section and I wanted to tackle it with a fresh mind, followed by DILR and then QA. I also reminded myself that one exam was not the end of the world and that there would always be other opportunities.
Q: Looking back, what was the most important learning from your CAT preparation journey?
A: The biggest learnings for me were time management, becoming more self-confident and disciplined, and learning to prioritise what was most important at a given point in time. CAT preparation taught me that consistent effort matters, but so does knowing where to invest that effort.
Q: How did you manage stress and stay motivated throughout your preparation journey?
A: I regularly spoke to people who were going through the same preparation journey, while consciously avoiding constant comparisons. Speaking to my mentors, parents and friends whenever I felt stressed helped a lot. I also made sure to take breaks and not put additional pressure or stakes on an exam that was already stressful enough.
Q: If you could change one thing about your CAT preparation, what would it be and why?
A: I would have liked to complete the syllabus a little earlier. Since I had joined a later batch, completing the syllabus took more time, which left relatively less time to build on the concepts through extensive practice. Completing it earlier would have given me more time to strengthen my foundation and practise.
Q: How did you prepare for the GD/PI/WAT rounds?
A: I took mock interviews, prepared and practised my answers, and read newspapers regularly to stay updated. Since I was pursuing a BBA, I also brushed up on my core subjects and made sure I was comfortable answering questions related to my academic background. At the same time, I focused on being confident and authentic while answering behavioural questions.
Q: If you have work experience, how do you think it will help during your MBA?
A: I do not have full-time work experience.
Q: SPJIMR requires applicants to choose their preferred specialization while filling the application form. Which specialization did you choose and why? What advice would you give aspirants on deciding their specialization?
A: I chose Marketing, which was also my specialization during my BBA. It has always been an area I have been interested in, and my internships in related fields also gave me some practical exposure. For freshers, I would suggest using your undergraduate years to explore different subjects and understand what genuinely interests you. You do not have to have your specialization figured out very early, and that is completely okay. Taking the time to explore what you enjoy and what you are good at can make the decision much clearer.
Q: What motivated you to choose SPJIMR? What were your top three selection criteria?
A: SPJIMR’s Marketing curriculum was a major attraction for me, and being in Mumbai was an added advantage. My top three criteria were: (1) the opportunity to choose a specialization early on; (2) strong marketing opportunities through the companies that recruit from the institute, along with the smaller batch size; and (3) the holistic learning experience that SPJIMR offers.
Q: How has your experience at SPJIMR been so far? Please share some highlights.
A: It has been very wholesome so far. The first semester definitely felt like being thrown into the deep end and was as stressful as it could get, but having a supportive peer group made a huge difference. The seniors were also extremely helpful during the SIP season. Now that the second semester has started, there is a little more room to explore other aspects of campus life, including committees, fests and other activities.
Q: Whom would you like to credit for your success? What role did your family and friends play?
A: I would give a huge amount of credit to my family, who were there for me from the beginning of my preparation until my final interview. They never pressured me and instead encouraged me to take things one day at a time. My friends were equally supportive and understood that CAT was a priority for me. They even took on some additional college work and group projects when needed so that I could focus on preparation, and they were always there for me on difficult days.
Q: What were some key challenges you faced during your academic journey or CAT preparation, and how did you overcome them?
A: Balancing CAT preparation with college was one of the biggest challenges. I also had to miss out on some family and friends’ events, which was difficult at times. I constantly reminded myself of the larger goal and tried to take the preparation one topic, one section and one day at a time. CAT preparation can be overwhelming, and I had my share of difficult days too. I think it is important to accept that rather than feel guilty about it, and remind yourself that one exam does not determine your entire future.
Q: In your view, how can B-schools make the MBA admission process more applicant-friendly?
A: I think greater clarity and accessibility of information would make the process easier for applicants. Better exam-centre management, along with quick and efficient query resolution and customer support, would also make the overall experience less stressful.
Q: Finally, what message or tips would you like to share with CAT 2026 aspirants?
A: I know how overwhelming CAT preparation can feel, but I think everything ultimately comes down to staying calm and rational on the final day. Be present, focus on the questions in front of you and give it your best. Most importantly, do not put more pressure on yourself than the exam already demands. You have prepared for this, and you’ve got this.
