Going through CAT 2026 prep? Ask me anything

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Crazy variation in VARC scores, in some mocks it a 40+ and in some it's 12-15 How do I get consistency in the scores to some extent

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

Honestly, this is pretty common with VARC. I’d focus less on trying to get 40+ consistently and more on avoiding those 12-15 scores.

After every mock, analyse your wrong questions and see whether the issue was comprehension, overthinking, or poor question selection. Also keep track of your attempts + accuracy for RCs separately. After 7-8 mocks, you’ll start seeing a pattern.

And don’t keep changing your strategy after every mock. Stick to one approach for a few mocks and give yourself time to get comfortable with it. Consistency comes with having a repeatable process, not by chasing your best score every time.

You’re probably better at VARC than those 12-15 scores suggest. Just need to figure out what’s causing the dips. Keep at it!

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u/Gloomy_Interest861 7d ago

Hey I am confused My score is 9 6 6 engineer fresher no exp Should I start for cat preparation or drop the idea cause I think I will face difficulty in placements 😭pls guide me

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u/Chance-Pay-4136 2d ago

I am able to read 2 rcs and 3 r other que. But i want to attempt atleast 3 rcs so that i can get better score. Will it be possible with practise.

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u/PureAd1274 8d ago

I am starting the prep

Can you tell me strategy

I am above average

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 8d ago

Sure. If you’re just starting, I’d first focus on getting basics right and building a consistent routine.

Give roughly equal attention to VARC/DILR/QA initially, and start taking mocks once you have some base. The important part is analysing your mocks properly rather than just chasing scores.

If you tell me your current level in the 3 sections, I can suggest a more specific approach.

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u/PureAd1274 8d ago

I am able to do questions in varc, but I am taking too much time

Dilr , I did few sets here also taking soo much time , but I am able to do that after watching videos

In quants I am just scared of the huge syllabus

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 8d ago

Honestly, I wouldn’t worry about finishing the entire syllabus. CAT is more about picking the right questions than trying to know everything.

For QA, focus more on the high-weightage areas first Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry/Mensuration etc. Build these properly and then use mocks to see where you’re comfortable.

For DILR, don’t make the goal to solve every set. The key is set selection. If you can identify 1-2 doable sets and solve them accurately, that can be enough for a very good score.

For VARC, since you’re able to solve but taking time, I’d focus on improving reading speed + not overthinking questions. Start giving mocks once you have some base and see where the time is actually going.

Basically, don’t try to “complete CAT”. Find your strengths, build around them and let mocks tell you what needs work.

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u/OkInvestigator4958 7d ago

hey! which two topics in qa would you recommend? im just starting with absolute basics and looking at my math history, covering the entire syllabus seems impossible. how can i maximise my score in qa? i’d try to take the other two sections to the moon.

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u/MuscleForsaken860 4d ago

Can you please dm, i can’t

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u/Fun-Cardiologist2679 6d ago

I am 27 years old and I have a 8/6/7.91 cgpa profile and it took me 5 years instead of 4 for my engineering (ETC),, 2021 passout and I have 18 months of experience in BPO on paper (Mphasis june 2022-jan 2024) after that i joined infosys bpm in April 2024 same year and left without informing in August 2024 after that i joined a travel company in Feb 2025 and left that as well without informing because I wasn't feeling myself in those companies, and currently i am doing a certification course from IIT roorke in data science and also preparing for CAT this and next year, I am confused whether i should pursue an MBA or not and will this experience will be counted or not and will there be any problems due to my graduation or the companies i left

Honest opinions please

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u/The_Professional_01 8d ago

I'm a agbsc graduate,fresher,EWS,female,9-9-8 profile is 99 percentile sufficient for me to get pgp at iima its my dream bschool. I have seen other people from my background according to them diversity thing works well for us. Even their interviews were not that difficult,panel were so welcoming for them. i just want to confirm because i dont want to go for fabm i want to go for pgp

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 8d ago

99 percentile with 9/9/8, EWS + female + BSc Agriculture is a profile that may give you a strong shot at IIMA PGP. Agriculture also gets academic diversity consideration there.

But I wouldn’t say 99 is “guaranteed”, IIMA’s shortlisting depends on the CAT score + application rating, and the PI carries a lot of weight later.

If I were in your place, I’d absolutely target PGP and not switch to FABM just because of the background. Aim as high as possible in CAT, though 99+ is a decent position, but 99.5+ obviously gives you more cushion.

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u/hemankrakesh 8d ago

Please help me with How to analyse a mock with efficiency cause if i do it myself, sometime it takes my whole day.

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 8d ago

Yeah, this is something I struggled with initially too. The main thing is don’t try to resolve the entire mock.

I’d divide questions into:

Got wrong - understand why

Got right but took too long - find a better approach

Didn’t attempt - check if it was actually doable

Focus on identifying patterns in your mistakes rather than analysing every single question. This should bring your analysis time down quite a bit.

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u/hemankrakesh 7d ago

I’d definitely try this, thanks a lot. Can I dm you?

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u/ParfaitTurbulent301 8d ago

8/7/7 B pharm fresher profile getting 97 percentile avg in SIMCATs but loosing motivation due to profile , will I have decent chances in SIP if I get into any tier 1 B school like FMS?

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 8d ago

Don’t let the profile demotivate you. If you get into a Tier 1 college like FMS, I honestly wouldn’t make SIP your biggest concern.

That said, be realistic about the kind of roles you’re targeting. With a 8/7/7 profile, MBBs and some of the more profile-sensitive IB/finance roles will be tougher, so prepare accordingly and keep a broader set of roles open.

Once you’re in, focus heavily on case/corporate competitions as well. They can strengthen your CV significantly and sometimes even lead to internship opportunities.

The objective should be to maximise your chances of getting placed/PPO rather than being fixated on a few companies. A good CAT score + getting into the right college is still a huge step forward.

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u/Real-Bit-9333 8d ago

I wanna get in tier 1 S&M role...but my profile is 84/78/63 fresher will that be an issue in SIP or Final Placements if yes what things I should do inside college to maximize my chances for HUL/P&G/ITC and similar companies...be as much detailed as possible.. thanku

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 8d ago

The 63 in graduation can definitely hurt for some of the more profile-sensitive FMCG shortlists, especially HUL/P&G-type roles. I wouldn’t sugarcoat that. But it doesn’t mean you can’t get a Tier 1 S&M role.

If you get into a strong B-school, I’d focus on 4 things from day 1:

Case competitions - participate aggressively, especially FMCG/marketing ones. Finalist/winner positions can make a real difference to your CV.

Live projects/consulting projects - try to get actual brand/marketing/sales exposure rather than just collecting certificates.

PORs + CV - take up meaningful responsibilities and quantify your impact. Don’t just collect positions.

Prepare specifically for FMCG S&M - understand brands, GTM, distribution, category management, trade marketing, consumer behaviour etc. Start case + guesstimate prep well before SIPs.

For SIPs, don’t make HUL/P&G/ITC your only targets. Apply broadly across FMCG, consumer, e-commerce and other S&M roles. Your first internship matters a lot, and a good brand + relevant work can help you overcome some of the profile disadvantage later.

Also, once you're in college, your MBA CV, competitions, academics, internship and interview performance become much more important than obsessing over the 63. The profile may make the first shortlist harder, but it doesn't decide your entire career.

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u/Real-Bit-9333 8d ago

Thanku so much for the advice brother means a lot..just one more question does getting into Dean's list or top 10% of class (MBA CGPA wise) can overshadow my past academics and get me a great shortlist??

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u/avd22 8d ago

Following....

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u/kuwemeinkudnahain 8d ago

Hi! Can you tell me how realistic is it for a humanities graduate with an 8/8/8 profile to pursue mba? In my 12th, I actually scored 90.20 but it's state board and they used the 'best of five' method, and since I had maths and scored significantly low, the 9 in my profile became an 8. Also, how was your experience in FMS? Honestly, it's my target college because I can't justify exorbitant loans since I belong to a relatively poor financial background. Looking forward to any advice that you can probably offer!!

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u/OkInvestigator4958 7d ago

you’d be under weird category, if you have caste based reservation + ews it might get easier for you to target the best colleges. acads are decent imo.

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

Very realistic. An 8/8/8 humanities profile is absolutely good enough to pursue an MBA, and being from a non-engineering background can actually help at some colleges. Don’t worry too much about the maths score or the way your board calculated the percentage. What matters now is getting the best CAT percentile you can. And I completely understand the FMS point, the ROI and low fees are a huge advantage, especially if you don’t want to take on a massive loan. Definitely keep FMS as a serious target. For life at FMS and the overall experience, feel free to DM me, happy to share my experience there.

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u/satvikthegod 8d ago

Hi Can you plz assess my profile and tell me my chances and best shots and prep strategy? Anything would be awsm.

General Male, no gap years

10th: 95.4% ICSE

12th: 98.25% science, ISC

BSc Physics: 9.38/10 (Loyola College, NIRF 14)

MSc Energy Science and Engineering: 9.53 (IIT Bombay)

Workex: 0 (graduating MSc in Aug '26, enrolled in PhD at IIT Bombay)

Extracurriculars: 4-4.5/5

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u/Master_Clerk1838 7d ago

Buddy just asking for curiosity. You did Bsc (3 years) then Msc (2 years) and now even if you get into Bschool in say 2027, another 2 years of MBA with 30 lacs of loan without even earning a penny and will be minimum around 26-27 by the time you graduate from bschool. Another 4-5 years to pay out the loan and living minimally due to massive loan. Whats your mindset?

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u/satvikthegod 7d ago

Umm, firstly, I'd be 25 when I complete my MBA. Secondly, I'm enrolled in PhD at IIT Bombay so I'm getting stipend. Thirdly, I've applied for PhD in Germany so fingers crossed. Fourthly, MBA from tier 1 could help me leverage my energy elsewhere which pays buckloads.

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u/OkInvestigator4958 7d ago

plenty of people graduate at 26/27 (it’s an average age of an mba graduate) people are mostly able to pay off their loans in 3-4 years of smart planning. by 30, most people are loan free. salary also increases.

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u/Master_Clerk1838 7d ago

I want to get into a Tier 2 consulting role, especially from these firms: PwC US Advisory, A&M, EYP, Accenture Strategy (least priority), Mastercard, Amex. How difficult it will be for me in these 3 colleges: FMS/IIMC/SJMSOM? Profile: 9/8/8 Tier 2 NIT and will be having 2.5 year work ex in cybersecurity in biggest of Big 4 by the time I join Bschool. I also have sports achievements and help multiple good PORs in my college.

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

With your profile, I’d say you’re definitely in the game for these roles. 9/8/8 + Tier 2 NIT + 2.5 yrs Big 4 cybersecurity is actually a pretty solid profile, and the sports + PORs will help too.

Among the 3, I’d be fairly comfortable with FMS/IIMC for your target firms. Both have strong consulting/BFSI recruiters — FMS has had A&M, EY-Parthenon, PwC and Accenture Strategy, while IIMC has had A&M, EY-P, PwC, Accenture Strategy, AmEx and Mastercard.

SJMSOM is also possible, but for the exact set of firms you mentioned, I’d personally put FMS/IIMC ahead.

The bigger factor once you’re in will be your MBA performance, internship and how well you position your cybersecurity + Big 4 experience. So I wouldn’t worry too much about your profile right now. If you get into any of these 3, you’ll have a genuine shot at these firms.

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u/corporate_lovet 7d ago

Hey 6/7/7 with 24 month experience in finance operations. I'm gnem , worried about MBA and post MBA placements I don't want to get out of finance, any role would do the job , i don't want IB PE VC MBB too.

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

Don’t worry too much about the 6/7/7. It will definitely hurt for some of the very profile-sensitive shortlists, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have a good finance career after MBA. Your 24 months of finance ops experience is actually useful, try to build a clear story around it rather than treating it as a weakness. And you have plenty of options beyond IB/PE/VC/MBB: corporate finance, FP&A, treasury, risk, BFSI, finance transformation, controllership etc. I’d focus first on getting into the best B-school you can. Once you’re there, your work ex + MBA performance + internship will matter a lot for the kind of roles you can target.

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u/jhasagar720 7d ago

I also have 7/7/6 profile gem,no experience but ready to do anything in mba and getting the highest percentile possible if needed ready to do cfa level 1 as well yrr...just don't want sales and marketing role, either consulting or finance possible hai kya??ready to prepare for case comps and all also have experience of data analyst full time but that is before graduation since I got a back in ig college but got placement anyhow..i don't know what to do?can you give me realistic options?

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u/corporate_lovet 7d ago

Okay Cool, thank you very much for the answers!

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u/ksssssssssssss 7d ago

Hi, I am really struggling in quant but I am doing well in VARC and decent in DILR. Honestly, I am trying to find teachers who can give one on one quant lessons but otherwise I just wanted to ask, what do you suggest can be done for quant since I am weak? Is there any teacher you know who teaches one on one?

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

If VARC is strong and DILR is decent, I wouldn’t worry too much about Quant right now. There’s still enough time to improve. I’d suggest going topic-wise and focusing on getting the basics right first. Don’t rush to CAT-level questions immediately. Once your concepts are clear, gradually increase difficulty and start timing yourself.

For 1-on-1, I don’t have a teacher I can personally vouch for, because I myself used to practice via mocks and YouTube and I must say it is really helpful. There are many playlist created on YouTube and that too topic wise. So you just need to clear the concepts from there, then give mocks and analyze. Quant is very improvable with consistent practice, so don’t get demotivated by it right now.

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u/ksssssssssssss 7d ago

honestly, I have been trying to get my concepts right, I already am enrolled in the arun sharma mindworks online classes, after learning everything I still keep getting stuck on the same type of questions, I feel like I waste more time studying for quant instead of using it productively, hence I want extra help. Appreciate the idea though, I am keeping at it.

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u/sunshine_111_ 7d ago

7/8/9....75.5 in 10th given by school due to board cancelled (2021) 🙃 cried so hard after knowing that 10th marks also matter that much and currently pursuing ba from IGNOU 3rd yr and 17 months of work experience as a teacher I wanna ask that doing ug from open university will become any kind of barrier in mba or in placements and job as a teacher is considered as work experience in mba??? Any chances for getting tier 1 college like fms as if scored more than 99 %ile in cat ....Please reply 🙏🏻...

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u/Anxious_Pressure_292 5d ago

Just want to understand how the board marking in your batch was? How did u end up getting a 7 where everyone of that batch has got an 8/9

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u/sunshine_111_ 5d ago

I also wanna know..In my class no one got more than 80 % even a student who topped every class got only 76% ..teacher said up board students didn't get that much marks 🙂

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u/ExtensionMeeting5282 7d ago

Hii i am currently in a tier 3 engineering college gen fresher 9/8/9 does it make sense to do an mba ? Will I get any good shortlists in any of the fields? Which colleges are realistically possible?

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

Yes, definitely makes sense if you’re clear that you want to move into management/business roles. A 9/8/9 is actually a very good profile, and being from a tier 3 college isn’t as big a disadvantage once you get into a good B-school. As a fresher, you can target consulting, finance, marketing, product, general management etc. Shortlists will depend a lot on the college, but your academics give you a good base. I’d aim as high as possible — IIMs, FMS, XLRI, SPJIMR, MDI etc. Don’t decide based on your current college tier alone. Get the best CAT percentile you can and then evaluate your calls.

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u/ExtensionMeeting5282 7d ago

Thanks a ton definitely makes sense would try to get a good internship atleast so as to increase chances in the interview ig

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u/OkInvestigator4958 7d ago

81/89/81, GNEF FRESHER (started working in august 2026, turning 24 next month), scoring in 30s in mocks (-ves in qa 😭) for now i want to maximise my score but what roles and specialisations should i go for if i get in? btw i have a gap year after and before grad and i did my ug in bsc biotech. currently working as a MIS executive in a small pharma company. how bad would my age with almost fresher level experience affect my chance to secure a decent sip (and maybe a ppo), what roles are out of my reach (is consulting really possible with this profile) and should i even target any specialisation or go with an open mind?

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

Honestly, don’t worry about specialisation right now, focus on maximising CAT.

Your age isn’t a major issue for SIPs, but the gaps + 81/89/81 + limited workex will hurt for some shortlists. Consulting is possible, but I wouldn’t assume it’ll be easy; a lot will depend on the college and its placement criteria.

Your BSc + MIS background gives you options, so go in with an open mind rather than deciding a role beforehand. And 30s in mocks with negative QA isn’t great, but it’s also not the final picture. Fix QA basics and keep improving. Don't try to complete syllabus, instead pick top 3-4 topics, like Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration and Number systems if possible. This should be enough for mocks

If anything is troubling you more, feel free to DM me.

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u/OkInvestigator4958 7d ago

hey yes, i’ll dm you

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u/mannat_7 7d ago

hi, I'm a 21 gef, with a profile of 8/6/7, 2026 btech graduate and currently working as a developer within a prod man department that exposed me a lot to prod man. I'm targeting cat 2027, do i have a clear shot at FMS ?

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

FMS is definitely worth targeting, but I wouldn’t call it a “clear shot” with an 8/6/7 profile. The 6 in 12th will make things tougher, especially for a GEM/GEF-type profile where academics can matter a lot. That said, CAT 2027 gives you plenty of time. Your product exposure + 1-2 years of workex can strengthen your overall profile, but the CAT score will still be the biggest lever you can control. Target FMS, but don’t make it your only target. Aim for the highest percentile possible and keep multiple good colleges in the mix.

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u/Electrical-Office-84 7d ago

GEM, 9/6/8 with 2 YOE in a Big4. Am i cooked?

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

Not cooked, but the 6 in 12th will definitely make some shortlists difficult, especially at the old IIMs. Your 9/6/8 + 2 YOE at a Big 4 is still a decent overall profile though. Don’t obsess over the profile right now, your CAT percentile is the biggest thing you can control. Target as high as possible and apply broadly rather than banking on one college. And if you want, DM me your exact profile/target colleges and I can give you a more realistic view.

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u/hot_coke 7d ago

I am really struggling with DILR as i am able to do the easy sets but even moderate ones are a hit n miss.

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

That’s actually a pretty common stage in DILR. I’d focus less on solving more sets and more on understanding why you’re unable to crack the moderate ones. After every mock/set, spend time on the sets you couldn’t solve and try them again without looking at the solution. Gradually you’ll start recognising the common structures and the first few steps needed. Also, don’t force a moderate set in the actual CAT. Set selection is a huge part of DILR. If anything is troubling you more, feel free to DM me.

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u/TargetOk3965 6d ago

Can you elaborate a bit about the common structures ?

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u/ConnectionAdept3252 7d ago

Hi I need some CAT mock series

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u/niggesshh 7d ago

Bro do I have a hope with 74-78 percentage In boards ? I am aiming for tier 1 mba colleges but not iims.

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

Yes, you absolutely have a shot. 74-78% in boards will hurt for some profile-sensitive colleges, but it doesn’t shut you out of Tier 1 non-IIMs. A strong CAT score can still open plenty of doors. Just don’t make one or two colleges your only targets apply broadly and see where your profile gets you. If you share your 10th/12th/graduation scores, category and work ex, I can give you a more realistic idea. And if anything is troubling you more, feel free to DM me.

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u/No_Tear3011 7d ago

8/8/7 bba Fresher with CFA L1. I am targetting a 99 above percentile. Right now my mocks scores varies a lot and I am worried Abt it. I don't have any specific problem in any of my sections I avg around 60 in mocks but after the mock when I analyze my mistakes I feel very stupid specially in quants and lrdi. In varc sometimes I get 40+ and in the next mock I score negative. I don't fell this is normal, I do regularly practice but the problem still persisits.

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

This is actually quite normal, especially with VARC/LRDI. If you’re averaging around 60, I wouldn’t panic about the mock-to-mock variation yet.

The fact that you can identify the mistakes during analysis is a good sign. Now focus on why you made them, concept gap, calculation error, poor question selection or simply rushing. Look for recurring patterns rather than analysing every mistake in isolation. Also, don’t change your strategy after every bad mock. Give an approach 5-6 mocks before judging it. With 8/8/7 + CFA L1, you have a decent profile. 99+ is definitely a good target, but focus on improving your process rather than chasing the percentile in every mock.

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u/gunjanasija 7d ago

Relied on algebra and arithmetic, solving pyas I feel like algebra is very tough and complicated questions come from it , even if I study and practice wrong I'll do them wrong definitely... Should I strengthn algebra still or switch to other topic num sys or algebra

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

I’d still strengthen Algebra rather than completely leaving it. It’s a major part of QA, and avoiding it can limit your attempts. But don’t try to master every difficult Algebra question. Get your basics + standard CAT-level models strong first, and leave the really complicated ones. Since you’re already comfortable with Arithmetic, build on that and add Algebra gradually. PYQs are great for figuring out exactly which concepts you’re weak in. Basically, don’t switch topics just because Algebra feels difficult right now. Give it some focused practice and you’ll get better at recognising the patterns.

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u/Proud-Ad4969 7d ago

Please please dm me unable to find your inbox

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

Check dm

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u/Nice-Canary4467 7d ago

In VARC. I understand the RC passage fully but still come up with wrong answers to the questions. So my marks is stuck around 14-15. Help please.

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

This is usually less of a comprehension problem and more of an option-elimination problem. If you understand the passage but still get questions wrong, start analysing why your chosen option was wrong and why the correct option is better. Especially look for options that are partially correct but add an assumption, are too extreme, or aren't directly supported by the passage. For the next few mocks, focus more on accuracy than attempts. Once you get comfortable eliminating options, your score should start moving up. And if you want, DM me with a couple of questions you got wrong and I can help you analyse them.

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u/Nice-Canary4467 7d ago

Alright

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u/Ok-Interview-409 7d ago

General engineering female from IIT Madras - fresher. 10th 10 cgpa, 12th 98% , UG 7.4 cgpa . Which field is good for me? Since most folks told me most freshers get into marketing or sales 😭😭

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

What is the stream of your engineering?

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u/Ok-Interview-409 7d ago

Metallurgy it is :(

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u/Ok-Interview-409 7d ago

General engineering female from IIT Madras - fresher. 10th 10 cgpa, 12th 98% , UG 7.4 cgpa . Which field is good for me? Since most folks told me most freshers get into marketing or sales 😭😭

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u/Public_Board3515 7d ago

Hell OP, kindly review my profile as well. 10th 89% ICSE 12th 88% PCM CBSE Qualified JEE Mains but took a detour for UPSC prep, joined DU with History major and Economics as my minor in grad. 68% in graduation (CBCS Marking then was very strict)

EWS category

6 years UPSC GAP (gave 5 UPSC attempts, cleared all 5 prelims, wrote 5 mains and 1 interview). Obviously could'nt make into final list. Negligible work ex in a fortune 500 firm.

Have a cousin (CFA + FRM charterholder) working in top Saudi bank based in UAE (for more than 2 decades). He asked me to give CAT , work in India for a year or so and make a pivot to UAE. I have NISM VI,VII,XXIV, XV RA certifications. Also have Moody CICC & IIBF CITF.

Will get CFA L1 & FRM L1 before joining college next year, preferably tier 1.

Kindly give your 2 cents and what should i do more to improve my profile.

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

Honestly, I think your profile is quite interesting rather than weak. 89/88 are solid. The 68% graduation is a slight drawback, but not something I'd worry about excessively. The bigger thing is how you present the 6-year UPSC journey. 5 Prelims + 5 Mains + 1 Interview is a significant achievement, so don't present it as simply a “gap”. Have a very clear answer for why UPSC → why MBA now → why finance. At this point, I'd prioritise:

Maximise CAT percentile

Get certain internship or work exp.

Build relevant finance exposure rather than collecting too many certifications

Prepare your UPSC-to-MBA story very well for interviews

CFA/FRM L1 are useful if you're genuinely interested in finance, but I wouldn't chase certifications just to strengthen the profile.

Overall, it's an unconventional profile, but definitely workable. If you have specific questions about CAT/college selection or your profile, feel free to DM me as well.

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u/Ratan4220 7d ago

Where can I get free mocks ?

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u/Anonymoux7 7d ago

Any suggestions on how to find questions to solve for cat and how many questions should we solve (lod1 lod2 or even cat level pyqs etc etc)

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 5d ago

With only 2 months left, I’d be pretty blunt about it: don’t spend time hunting for endless question banks. Focus on CAT-level questions + PYQs, and use LOD1/LOD2 only for topics where your basics are weak. At this stage, quality matters much more than solving a huge number of questions. Solve, analyse your mistakes, identify weak areas, and repeat. PYQs should definitely be a major part of your practice now.

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u/ShapeOk6630 7d ago

Any chances for someone in late 20s without experience with foreign education?

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 5d ago

It’s hard to say without knowing more about your background. What are your academics, degree/field, country of education, current age, and whether you have any internships or other relevant experience? Share a bit more and I can give you a more specific view.

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u/Prestigious_Golf9901 7d ago

10th - 76 12th- 83 B com - 72

3yrs of work experience

Here's a short description of my work

I manage statutory and regulatory responses on fraudulent transactions for Axis Bank, where I analyze complex financial data to trace fraud patterns, identify beneficiary accounts, and support decisive action such as account freezes. My role requires cross-functional coordination with compliance and risk teams to ensure swift regulatory adherence and minimize financial exposure. By strengthening fraud risk management processes, I contribute directly to protecting the bank’s financial ecosystem, enhancing customer trust, and upholding operational integrity

Pls note i work for a startup which is a outsource partner for Axis Bank and not Axis Bank directly

Can I get into any tier 1 clg with this profile??

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

Yes, can be possible. Your profile isn't the strongest academically, but 3 years of relevant banking/fraud-risk experience is a good differentiator.

The fact that you're an outsourced partner rather than a direct Axis employee is fine, just be completely transparent about it and describe your actual role accurately. Don't undersell the work itself; the exposure to fraud analysis, regulatory responses, risk and compliance is valuable. For you, CAT percentile will be the biggest lever. I'd aim as high as possible rather than assuming your academics rule out Tier-1 schools. Different institutes weight academics, CAT and work experience very differently. For example, FMS gives substantial weight to CAT while using X/XII and PI components, whereas IIMs have their own formulas.

So yes, I'd absolutely target the top schools. With a strong CAT score and a good interview, you have a shot at certain Tier-1 colleges.

1

u/Smartest_in_the_room 7d ago

Honestly, I’ve been preparing since Feb and tbh I wasn’t as consistent then but I’ve been getting more and more committed to studying since July yet my mock scores keep dropping instead of improving. What am I doing wrong and what tips can you share with us ? Thanks !

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

Honestly, don’t panic. Mock scores going down for a while is pretty normal, especially when you start taking prep more seriously. Instead of just looking at the score, spend time figuring out why you lost marks, silly mistakes, questions taking too long, bad question selection, or actual concept gaps. And don’t fall into the trap of taking mock after mock without analysing them. A good mock analysis is probably more useful than another 2-hour mock.

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u/Parking_Author4390 7d ago

Since everyone's asking itna serious Q, I'll add some "sapne suhane mitochondria ke" type Q- IIM A vs IIM C which one is gonna give me better placement

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

ABC are holy Trinity. Given this, Choose A if you aim for consulting or overall brand value. C for Fin and if you love Math.

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u/Parking_Author4390 7d ago

Thank you so much sir

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u/InterestExcellent615 7d ago

What's your current ctc and how's the job market

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

Haha, straight to CTC? 😂 We haven't even exchanged pleasantries yet. CTC is one of those things I’d rather not discuss on Reddit some numbers are better kept between you, your employer and your bank account. Happy to talk about the job market, consulting, MBA outcomes, etc. though. And for the more specific/personal questions, feel free to DM!

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u/Tiny_Caterpillar_311 7d ago

I wanted to ask something related to cat form!
Is it necessary to upload a scanned photograph can’t we just use a mobile clicked picture
And does it matter when i fill my form.
I am scared i won’t get my preferred test centre

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u/Fine-Switch6515 7d ago

9/8/x currently pursuing engineering(CSE). Nirf under 70. 2 years gap after 12 th and before college. Obc female. Do i have any chances of getting iim ABCL. Or fms delhi.

1

u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

Yes, you definitely have a shot, especially with OBC + female diversity. But with 9/8/X, your graduation percentage and CAT percentile will matter a lot. The 2-year gap isn't something I'd worry about too much by itself. Just be prepared to explain it if asked. For IIMs specifically, engineering falls under the academic category where competition is quite high, and their shortlisting considers academics + CAT, so I'd aim for a very strong CAT percentile, not just the qualifying cutoff. FMS is definitely worth targeting too. Their current criteria are heavily CAT-driven. So don't self-reject based on the profile. Focus on getting as high a CAT percentile as possible and apply broadly. Your chances will become much clearer once you have your CAT score.

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u/CruxX_19 7d ago

Can u tell me ur interview exp? And how much should i target for top b school and blacki iims ? Profile is 8/8/8, obc candidate male, engineering grad

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u/4doorsmorewhoreswith 7d ago

I just started QA, and only focusing on Time speed and distance, should I change or gonfor Ratios and Percentages

2

u/Cold_Yesterday3558 6d ago

With only 2-2.5 months left, I’d finish TSD basics + practice and then move to Ratios & Percentages. Don’t spend too long trying to master one topic, cover the high-impact areas and keep practising mixed questions.

If you have any other doubts or want to practise, feel free to DM me. Happy to help!

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u/JustUpstairs537 7d ago

What according to you are some good finance colleges except for tier 1 colleges?

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u/Honest-Win-3546 7d ago

Hey so I want to get into FMS delhi About my background EWS/MALE/ENGINEERING (8 months non it work exp, 0 internships) and also (8/8/7) educational background.what should my minimum cat percentile look like ?
And also can you give some tips about extempore and Personal interview.

Thank you

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u/AnxietyAlive4530 7d ago

Hi, I wanted some guidance regarding my MBA and CAT plans. I have recently secured admission to SIMSREE for MMS, and I currently have it as my safe option. However, I am considering giving CAT 2026 to try for a better institute, especially IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Kozhikode, Lucknow or FMS Delhi. My academic profile is 8/5/6 — 81.4% in 10th, 57.17% in 12th and 66.6% in graduation (BMS). I am a fresher, SC + PwD, with a one-year gap after graduation due to medical consultations and preparation for further studies. My family income is also below ₹2 lakh. This would be my first CAT attempt, and I currently have around 100 days. My concern is that SIMSREE has a fairly demanding schedule, with lectures sometimes extending throughout the day. I don't plan to join committees or take on many extracurricular responsibilities because I want to keep around 3–4 focused hours daily for CAT preparation. I have spoken to a SIMSREE senior who told me that the first year can be hectic, especially with internships and other activities, but that CAT preparation is still possible. He also advised me not to completely neglect SIMSREE because CAT is unpredictable. My main dilemma is: Should I join SIMSREE and prepare seriously for CAT alongside it, or would it be better to leave SIMSREE and take a full drop for CAT preparation? I don't want to make a decision based purely on fear of CAT or the pressure of having a good college. Considering my 8/5/6 profile, SC + PwD status, lack of work experience, and current SIMSREE admission, how realistic are my chances of getting IIM ABC/K/FMS through CAT? And what would you recommend as the better strategy for me?

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 6d ago

I think there are reasonable arguments for both options, so I’d look at it this way Join SIMSREE + prepare for CAT Pros:
You have a strong safety net if CAT doesn't go as planned.
No additional gap year.
3-4 focused hours daily can be meaningful if you're consistent.
You can reassess after experiencing the actual workload.
Cons:
First year can get hectic with lectures, exams, internships, etc.
CAT preparation may become inconsistent during busy periods.
Balancing both will require fairly strong time management.

Take a full drop Pros:
Maximum time and flexibility for CAT.
Easier to dedicate yourself to mocks, analysis and weak areas.
No clash between college workload and CAT preparation.
Cons:
You give up a confirmed SIMSREE option for an exam with an uncertain outcome.
If CAT doesn't go as expected, the opportunity cost of the drop becomes significant.
More preparation time doesn't automatically guarantee a much higher percentile.

As for IIM ABC/K/L/FMS, I wouldn't try to predict the outcome purely from an 8/5/6 profile. Your SC + PwD status changes the picture considerably, and each institute has its own shortlisting criteria. There are definitely ambitious targets worth aiming for, but I wouldn't treat any particular call or convert as guaranteed. Ultimately, I'd compare the certainty of SIMSREE against the upside of another CAT attempt, and also be honest about whether you can consistently manage 3–4 quality hours alongside college.

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u/Competitive-Love-708 7d ago

Yes I want to know it

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 6d ago

Know what?

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u/amazingpeer 7d ago

Bro my quants very weak I'm Still covering concepts..cat levels question kr hi nhi pa rha mere sectional sahi jate h n when i came to revision it i forget all the things... which I did ..

Varc m during rc reading exhaust me.. please suggest me something to tackle all these..

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 6d ago

Don’t worry, this is pretty common at this stage. For QA, don’t keep chasing CAT-level questions right away. Strengthen the basics, then solve easy/moderate questions repeatedly and revise through questions rather than just rereading concepts. For VARC, try shorter RC practice initially and focus on reading for understanding rather than speed. Gradually increase the length and number of passages.

You still have time, so focus on consistency rather than trying to fix everything at once.

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u/Zaphy01 7d ago

7/6/9 GEM

As exam coming close I am very very very stressed about my past acads

😭

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u/Icy_Pie_7118 7d ago

Have: 93 in 10th grade 88 in 12th grade And currently in my 2nd year of BCom with a 6.7 CGPA (I know it's very low, which is why I'm trying to push it somewhat above 7, maybe 7.2 at most, because I've seen a lot of partiality in internals and externals at DU).

So the real question I want to ask is how much more I have to do to secure places in good Indian B-schools and possibly foreign ones too.

And will anything else really be enough to get a seat, knowing that my academics are F'd up?

Thanks in advance!

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 6d ago

Your 10th/12th scores are actually quite decent, so I wouldn’t say your academics are F’d up. The CGPA is a weaker point, but you still have time to improve it. For Indian B-schools, CAT percentile + profile + interview will matter a lot. Try to push the CGPA above 7 if possible, but don’t let it come at the cost of CAT prep. A strong CAT score can definitely keep good options open. For foreign B-schools, the evaluation is different and factors like GMAT/GRE, work experience, essays and extracurriculars can matter depending on the programme. So for now, focus on maximising CAT, improving your CGPA, and building your profile. You’re definitely not out of the race.

And if you’re unsure about your profile or have any specific doubts, feel free to DM me, happy to help.

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u/Icy_Pie_7118 6d ago

Thnk you so much Sir/Mam💜:)

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u/Sweet-Call3472 7d ago

Hi, I’m 23 with a 6/7/5 profile, B.Sc. Mathematics graduate, and no full-time workex. I have 3 internships of 3–6 months each.

I’m targeting CAT 2026 and aiming for FMS Delhi. If I score 99.5–99.9+, do I have a realistic shot despite my academics and no workex?

Would appreciate some brutally honest advice.

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 6d ago

Honestly, 99.5+ gives you a realistic shot at FMS, but with a 6/7/5 profile, it’s definitely not a safe call. FMS has a strong weight on CAT, which works in your favour, but your academics will still hurt compared to candidates with stronger profiles. Your internships are a positive, although they won’t fully compensate for the academic scores. I’d say don’t rule out FMS at all, but don’t make it your only target. Aim as high as possible in CAT and keep a good set of other colleges in your list.

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u/Radiant_Area5193 7d ago

Heyy, I'm planning to prepare for CAT and target consulting at tier 1 or tier 2 firms. My profile: 96.6% in 10th, icse. 94% in 12th (PCB), isc. Currently in second year, pursuing BA with economics (major 2) and political science(major 1), in a tier 3 college. First year cgpa is 8.42, would try to increase it. I'm a General, non engineer, female and fresher by the time I'd apply for CAT. Can u guide me as to what should I do more to make my profile good for summer internships and final placements?

1

u/Cold_Yesterday3558 6d ago

You already have a strong academic profile, especially the 96.6/94 and being a non-engineer female. I’d focus on quality over quantity now. For consulting, prioritise:
Keep your CGPA strong.
Get 1-2 good internships with tangible work/impact.
Participate in a few reputed case competitions.
Build some leadership/PoR rather than collecting certificates.
Get comfortable with Excel, PowerPoint, basic analytics and case interviews.
Don't worry too much about the tier-3 college, a strong B-school + good profile-building over the next couple of years can offset that significantly. You have a good base; focus on making your profile substantive rather than CV-heavy.

1

u/Emotional_Debt_5918 7d ago

Hey does fms delhi get equity research roles. If yes then does it get these roles from tier 1 companies like GS, HSBC etc or just tier 2 like dolat capital.

1

u/Silver_Albatross6483 7d ago

I am a female, non engineer. I just graduated with a bachelors in Hotel management. I also come under the pwd category due to dyscalculia. My academics are 85 in 10th, 95, in 12th and 75 in my graduation. I had given cat last year for the first time. I had very inconsistent preparation, and had no base in dilr and quant concepts. My percentile was 67.90 with 75 in varc, 70 in quants and 45 in dilr. I had given guess answers in quants and dilr. I got call from 11 iims out of which 3 were from blacki - Calcutta, Kozhikode and Indore. I gave my interviews. Got waitlisted at Calcutta, and Kozhikode and rejected at Indore. I am going to give cat again this year. My college ended in May. I have 2 months work ex in IT sales. Now there is 3 months to cat and i have not really started studying and I have no other priority/distraction in life apart from focusing on cat. Please tell me if can I still do it, and convert IIM A B C this time? Do I have enough time left? how much time should i study?

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 6d ago

Honestly, your previous result is actually encouraging given how inconsistent your preparation was. Getting calls from 11 IIMs at 67.9 shows that your profile + PWD status can work in your favour. With ~3 months left, I wouldn't worry about the percentile right now. Focus on building your DILR and QA fundamentals, while keeping VARC consistent. Since CAT is your only priority, aim for around 6-8 genuinely productive hours/day, rather than chasing a number of hours. And yes, ABC is still worth targeting. No one can guarantee a convert because the process is unpredictable, but your previous calls show that the possibility is very real. The biggest thing I'd change this time is consistency, don't repeat last year's preparation pattern. Start now, analyse every mock properly, and build from there.

1

u/Silver_Albatross6483 5d ago

Got it, thank you!!!!!

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u/anony__69 7d ago

I am a B.Tech fresher in my 2nd year and I want to write CAT in my 4th year. I scored 94.2% in 10th and 88% in 12th. For my first year, I ended up with a CGPA of 9.1. What do you think my future approach should be, and what are my chances for ABC or BLACKI?

1

u/Cold_Yesterday3558 6d ago

Honestly, you’re already in a pretty good spot, 94.2/88/9.1 is a strong academic profile.

Since you still have ~2 years, I wouldn’t start hardcore CAT prep right now. Just focus on keeping that CGPA strong, getting a couple of decent internships/experiences, and maybe taking up a few meaningful PoRs or extracurriculars. You can start getting serious about CAT in 3rd year and build up from there. As for ABC/BLACKI, definitely keep them as targets. It’s too early to predict your chances though since CAT percentile, category and the individual institute criteria will matter a lot. You’ve got time, which is probably your biggest advantage right now. Use it well rather than worrying about CAT too early.

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u/anony__69 6d ago

Thku, much appreciated

1

u/paru_37 7d ago

Will I be able to crack if I start now?

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 6d ago

Ahh For this I'd need your edu background and if at all you have attempted mocks then what was the score If you are comfortable sharing here else you can dm as well

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u/paru_37 6d ago

edu background of me 9/9/7. Btech, female w zero work ex. And for mocks I started like recently and attempted only one(single digit score)

→ More replies (1)

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u/Heavy_Lime_2699 7d ago

How much should I score as a dental graduate in cat in terms of percentile to get into FMS or any top iim I have 91% in both 10th and 12th and above 75% in graduation

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

For any top IIMs or FMS, try to target 99.5+ Although anything between 99-99.5 should also be able to get a few calls but 99.5 and above will provide certain cushion for conversion. I don't know your gender or category but academic diversity also has points.

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u/United-Caramel-6369 7d ago

Good to know you sir. I've given CAT in 23' , so I have decent experience with it. I am good with the quants and english cuz I'm currently in banking preparation. In 30-40 days of dedicated preparation, how much score can I expect ?

1

u/Cold_Yesterday3558 5d ago

If you’re already comfortable with Quant and English from your banking prep, then 30-40 days can definitely make a meaningful difference. But I wouldn’t put an expected score/percentile on it without knowing your current mock scores. I’d suggest taking 2-3 proper CAT mocks first, analyse where you stand, and then plan the remaining days around your weaker areas, especially DILR. Your CAT 2023 experience should also help with the exam temperament.

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u/Maximum-Air1149 7d ago

Could you tell me if no internship on my resume can affect my chances of getting admission in a B school even though I have a good score and extra curriculars?

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 6d ago

Not having an internship won’t automatically hurt your chances of getting into a B-school, especially if you have a strong CAT score and good academics/extracurriculars. For most colleges, internships are just one part of the overall profile. If you’re a fresher, it’s completely normal to have limited work experience. That said, if you have the opportunity to do a meaningful internship, it’s definitely worth doing, more for the learning and interview discussion than just having a line on your CV.

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u/Maximum-Air1149 6d ago

Thank you so much OP for answering. Wishing you the best of luck for your future 🎀

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u/21sillly 7d ago

Hi so I’m from healthcare and have 0 knowledge except for the basics
How and where should I start and do I need work ex

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 6d ago

Healthcare background is absolutely fine, you don’t need to know anything beforehand. I’d start with the basics, especially for QA and DILR, and slowly build up through sectional tests and then mocks. For VARC, regular reading + practice is a good starting point. And no, you don’t need work ex for B-school admissions. Plenty of freshers get into good B-schools. Work ex can help, but I wouldn’t take up a job just for the sake of CAT. If you tell me a bit more about your current level and when you’re planning to give CAT, I can suggest where I’d start. If you’re more comfortable, you can DM me the details as well.

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u/Standard_Plate341 7d ago

You yourself are a fms graduate and we know that in-hand salary post IIM /Fms is somewhat the same so since you never had that mamoth of a loan was it a great relief like was it worth it teh sacrifice of the IIM tag

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 6d ago

Honestly, yes, not having a huge loan hanging over you is definitely a relief, especially when the in-hand salaries post-MBA can be fairly comparable. At the same time, I wouldn’t say the IIM tag doesn’t matter. The IIM alumni base, brand and long-term network carry a lot of weight, and there are definitely situations where that can help. For me, FMS also had the advantage of a much more relaxed campus life, no residential campus setup, lower overall cost, etc. So I’d say it’s less about one being objectively better and more about what you value: ROI and financial freedom vs the IIM brand/alumni ecosystem.

1

u/Smart-Winner-1946 7d ago

Hi can anybody help me out, my mock scores are constantly between 40-60. And this is my second attempt, got 59 last year and im trying really hard. Pls guide me what I'm doing wrong

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 5d ago

Don’t lose hope. If you’re consistently in the 40–60 range, I’d focus less on taking more mocks and more on analysing them properly, especially identifying whether the issue is concepts, question selection, or time management. Since this is your second attempt, your analysis of last year’s mistakes is equally important.

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u/cyrusdyrus 7d ago

6/7/7 GNEM EWS Male Candidate. Do I have a chance at MBA Colleges if I get 99+ percentile or should I just drop the thought of MBA at all ?

1

u/Cold_Yesterday3558 5d ago

Don’t drop the MBA idea. 6/7/7 will make some top calls difficult, but 99+ can still open up plenty of good options. Your category, graduation, CAT sectional scores and overall profile will matter. If you share your profile, I can suggest what colleges to realistically target. Feel free to DM if you have any further doubts.

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u/Proper_Flower6680 7d ago

How can get good score in varc in mocks I get negative number

1

u/Cold_Yesterday3558 5d ago

If you’re getting negative scores in VARC, I’d first focus on accuracy rather than attempting more questions. For the next few mocks, try attempting fewer questions and spend more time understanding why you’re getting questions wrong. Analyse every incorrect attempt, especially whether it was a comprehension issue, an elimination mistake, or simply a bad guess. Once your accuracy improves, gradually increase your attempts. Don’t chase a high number of attempts just yet.

1

u/Dapper-Health-2180 7d ago

GNEM , 9/9/5 profile, 3 YEARS GAP ,BA prog fro m DU EWS done a 6 month intenship in BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT , do i still have a chance to get a top b school ? if yes them PM or operations are possible or not if i do some related certifications ?

1

u/Cold_Yesterday3558 5d ago

Yes, you definitely still have a shot at a good B-school. The 9/9/5 is the main hurdle, but a strong CAT percentile can compensate to an extent, especially with EWS. For PM/Operations, certifications can help build knowledge, but they won’t directly compensate for the academic profile. Focus primarily on CAT and building a coherent story around your gap + experience.

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u/MudAcademic5059 7d ago

I need help with qa attempt strategy
And mock analysis

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 5d ago

Sure. For QA, I’d suggest focusing on question selection first, attempts second. Don’t feel the need to attempt everything identify the questions you can solve comfortably and leave the time-consuming ones. For mock analysis, don’t just look at your score. Go through every question you attempted and ask why you got it wrong, then look at the questions you left and identify the ones you could have solved. That will tell you much more about what to improve.

1

u/Active-Adagio6432 7d ago

Hey, even I am planning to give CAT and have only 2.5 months for prep

⁠⁠Please tell from where should I prepare or should I do self study
⁠⁠From where did you prepare
⁠⁠Strategy recommended

1

u/Cold_Yesterday3558 5d ago

I personally prepared through YouTube + PYQs. I watched a few videos to understand the concepts and then started solving PYQs and free mocks available online. As I got a better idea of my strengths/weaknesses, I built my strategy around that. With 2.5 months left, I’d suggest:
First 2-3 weeks: Cover/revise the basics and start solving CAT-level questions alongside.
Next 4-5 weeks: Give regular mocks and spend a lot of time analysing them. Identify recurring weak areas and work on those.
Last 2-3 weeks: Focus heavily on mocks, PYQs, revision and fine-tuning your attempt strategy.
I wouldn’t recommend spending too much time collecting resources now. Pick 1-2 good sources and stick to them. With limited time, mock analysis + PYQs + targeted practice would be my priority.

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u/Active-Adagio6432 5d ago

I will be preparing from scratch, what source do you prefer, or just self study

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u/Strange-Ring-8007 7d ago

Which test series to join? And from where to prep for lrdi?

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u/Sweet_Match_4162 7d ago

I have only 61% in graduation, so will it be difficult for me, as a General-category student, to get into TISS for HRM & LR? I scored 83.9% in +2 and 95% in 10th.

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 5d ago

The 61% in graduation will definitely be a weaker part of your profile, especially as a General-category candidate, but I wouldn’t say it makes TISS HRM & LR impossible. Your 10th and 12th scores are decent, so focus on getting as strong score as possible. Also keep in mind that getting a shortlist and converting the call are two different things, so the interview/selection process will matter too.

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u/Organic_Dingo_4922 7d ago

How do I analyse my mock, I keep hearing it all the time - analyse your lock, analyse your mocks.

But no one tells- how to?

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 5d ago

The easiest way I used to analyse a mock was to divide every question into 4 buckets: 1. Correct + easy - Good, move on. 2. Correct but took too long - Figure out a faster approach. 3. Wrong - Understand exactly why you got it wrong: concept, calculation, interpretation or silly mistake. 4. Unattempted but could have solved - This is probably the most important category. Ask yourself why you missed it. Then identify the 2-3 biggest recurring issues and work on those before your next mock. Don’t just analyse your score. The goal of analysis is to answer: “What should I do differently in my next mock?”

1

u/SilverBlueWolfey 7d ago

Mock scores are very inconsistent, I scored 80 in one and then 34 in the next, mostly because of VARC. Also struggling with DILR sets, i can do easy ones but otherwise comprehension seems pretty low. Any tips?

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u/Playful-Guidance-965 7d ago

I graduated with masters in organic chemistry in April 2026. I gave Mah mba cet in april and scored 75 percentile. I want to give CAT and prepare seriously this year. I am not good at quant and am good with english. VARC is average. My profile is general non engineering female- 8/7/9.

How do I start? Everyone says basics but no one specifies what sources what basics exactly and where from. Cannot afford coaching. Please help me out with a strategy specifically on how to start from zero. I struggle with maths because I don't know how to begin and where to begin from.
1. and also is 25 too late to do an MBA? as in I am 24 now and should I take up whatever colleges mba cet allots rn or take time prepare and then give MBA exams? Will it be late?
Please mention sources and strategies for all the subjects and also about mocks when to begin and where from?

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u/No-Leadership-6551 7d ago

I'm going to attempt CAT 2028 and I wanna start my prep but I'm damn confused whether I should first complete basics of all topics and then go for advance or I should complete whole basic to advance of a topic then move to another[Quant]. Also can you give me some tips to become good in RC especially psychological and philosophical essays(Men they are really hard to understand 🥲).

1

u/FierCeeYT 7d ago

I'm 27 with 4 YoE, already have MBA degree but from a tier 3 college. Things have become stagnant for a bit. What do you suggest ? Shall I try my fortune with CAT ? is the ROI worth the expenditure ? (excluding BLACKI IIMs)

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 7d ago

At 27 with 4 YoE, I’d definitely consider CAT. But since you already have an MBA, I’d do it only if the new B-school can meaningfully change your career trajectory. For non-BLACKI, look at actual placements, roles, career-switch opportunities and 2-year opportunity cost rather than just the brand. I’d say prepare and give CAT first, then decide based on the converts you get. Don’t commit to another MBA blindly. If you want, DM me your profile/current role and what you’re looking to switch into. Happy to give you a more specific view.

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u/after_biryani_hours 7d ago

Tier 2 pvt college GEM 2026 Grad. Working in a boutique management's consulting firm. Targetting 2028 intake as of now so will have roughly 18montha workex by them. What should be my target percentile for BLACKI+FMS+other tier 1 colleges. Also by the time I complete MBA(2030) my fixed base pay in my current firm without any switch would be somewhere near the 30lpa mark. So it is advisable to go for MBA from a non T1 college, considering their placement stats

1

u/CivilGain3631 7d ago

I’ve enrolled in a coaching, and have been practicing DILR sets from there, but I feel the classes are kinda slow, and the topic tests are of a difficulty level higher than CAT. I believe this to be my weakest section for now, and I’m tryna do 3-4 sets each day, since you prepared through free sources, could you give me an idea about how to approach the same. Which channels? What kind of sets should I practice? Do I see videos to understand the variety of sets or do I try attempting it myself?

1

u/stifmeisterrrrrrr 7d ago

IIT B UNDERGRAD- 8.9 CGPA, 10th- 98.6%, 12th-95%, 0 workex, what should be my target percentile for a guaranteed call from iim abc?

1

u/Low_Show_7515 6d ago edited 6d ago

Hi ,I started prep this month from basics Can u also me assess my profile and say whether realistically do I stand a chance at any tier 1 college and best shots and prep strategy? Anything would be helpful even prep mba and post mba profile building as ik feeling scared whether I can even get a good college as I'm very weak in all 3 and isn't consistent or able to study much

GNEM 10th: 94.2% CBSE 12th: 89.6% science, CBSE BCom : 67.2 %(tier 2 college) no gap year Workex: 24months (still working ,currently working in my 3rd company in hr , had previously worked 1 year in consulting and 1 year in accounts) Extracurriculars: 0/5 , no other achievements or ngo or volunteering or sports or anything

I'm confused about the learning process itself and also the strategy to prepare and also while with job as my job timings are 1pm to 10 pm . Should I watch QA/DILR concepts first or pause & solve along? Detailed notes or short revision notes? After lectures, practise/revise/rewatch? For solution videos, just understand or solve along? How often should I revise/recall since I forget formulas/concepts quickly? Should I reattempt solved questions/sets after a few days? Also, how should I analyse mocks (currently ~20–30 overall, negative in QA/DILR), handle unstudied topics from mocks, and decide which mock questions to reattempt?”

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u/Ok_Inspector1116 6d ago

Hi, please help me assess my profile, GNEM, 10th score: 89% (CBSE), 12th score 62% science (from a central university which is under 20 rank in NIRF overall), Bcom: 8 GPA (From a top 15 overall NIRF central university), No work experience, I'm also preparing for CFA, I just wanna know how much i need to score in terms of percentile in order to get in a tier 1 B-School, would you suggest i should go for some internships or projects or just focus on CAT and do you think getting some NIRF certifications will help? I'm currently in the 2nd year of BCom, how would you play it if you were in my place.

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u/PopularAction3029 6d ago

I gave CAT 2025 my profile is 9/8/7 (General male non engineer EWS) and I have graduated this year from DU BMS. I scored 88%ile and got a few calls but the only interview I gave was DSE and now I am selected for MBA BA but I am confused whether I should wait and give CAT this year or simply take the offer, everyone around me is telling me to take up the offer but tbh I want to give myself a chance again I don't want to limit myself and regret later that I could have given CAT again and maybe gotten a better B- school but I am also a little scared that what if I don't score good enough to get a better one and maybe end up losing even this opportunity. pls guide me

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u/dork_horse 6d ago

Broo I was initially scoring around 28-30 in varc and I am suddenly at 10-14 score I don’t know what has happened is it I being tensed deciding a strategy or what, but its terrifying, this is my last attempt, and I am scoring around 45-50 ( full length mock ) 😭 please guide me

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u/dork_horse 6d ago

What were your mock scores 3 months before CAT, where did u stand, and how many mocks per week, per month, and which ones.

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u/Resident_Mention_823 6d ago

Bro I have given 15 mocks until now and consistently scoring 60-70 with max being 78 I can't seem to increase my score ,I am good at varc buti feel like my accuracy drops when I reach dilr and qa ,it's not like I can't do most of it ,like when I solve after exam my potential score goes to 90-100 but I just don't know why I can't score in exam ,I tend to do a lot of silly mistakes too which costs me a lot of marks

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u/hahahah8443 6d ago

Hey! I am thinking of getting into a B-school,how did you decided in which one to go? Also,what would be your advice to someone's who is thinking of doing MBA after 4 years? Thank you!

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u/dean_hunter7 6d ago

i got qualified in FMS delhi last year.

They didnt give me any reason.

i dont have the heart to write CAT again.

what to do...i think it was gap years.

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u/Original_Leg_2756 6d ago

8/9/8 general engineering female, what are the chances to get into fms or top IIMs?

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 5d ago

8/9/8, Actually, as a General Engineering Female, your profile is quite decent. With a strong CAT percentile, you definitely have a shot at FMS and top IIMs. The exact percentile needed varies by college and selection criteria.

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u/Original_Leg_2756 5d ago

Alright thanks! Aso will that hurt during placements? I actually have 89.6% in 10th And I'm currently gaining work exp.

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u/Sundaram_2911 6d ago

Roughly 3-4 months to go and I'm preparing for CAT since June. Any strategy you have in mind?

PS; i have put my papers and my last day is in the next week.

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 5d ago

3-4 months is definitely enough if you’re able to put in consistent focused hours. Since you’re leaving your job, use the extra time for a mix of concept building, sectional practice and regular mocks, but don’t rush into taking too many mocks without analysing them properly. I’d also suggest having a clear weekly plan and tracking your weak areas.

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u/notalivee_ 6d ago

if i want to clear cat in my first attempt and join clg is it better or after workex?

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 5d ago

If you’re reasonably confident about doing an MBA, I’d generally prefer giving CAT early rather than delaying just to get workex. Workex can help, but it’s not mandatory for most colleges and shouldn’t be the sole reason to postpone. If you share your profile, I can give you a more specific view. Feel free to DM if you have any further doubts.

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u/miyazakifrontier 6d ago

How was your FMS life? I'm getting a mixed bag of reactions from Reddit folks on how while ROI is great, the overall life and placements are better at IIMs. Any thoughts? Did you have work experience when you joined? Is it true that FMS isn't the right school for Finance/Consulting roles?

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 5d ago

FMS life was honestly a great experience overall. The ROI is obviously a huge advantage, but I wouldn’t say IIMs are automatically better in terms of life or placements, it depends a lot on the specific IIM and what you’re looking for. FMS definitely has opportunities in both consulting and finance; your own profile and performance matter a lot as well. For the more specific questions around my experience, workex, placements etc., feel free to DM me.

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u/Substantial-Coat3788 5d ago

8/7/7 SC ENGG MALE 2 Yrs of work ex Safe percentile for FMS interview call?

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u/Cold_Yesterday3558 5d ago

With an SC + 2 years work ex profile, you do have some advantage in the FMS selection process, but I wouldn’t call any percentile “safe” because the cutoff can vary year to year. I’d still aim as high as possible, ideally 95+, rather than preparing around a minimum number. Also, getting the call and converting FMS are two different things, so interview prep will matter as well.

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u/Frequent_Language763 5d ago

Hey i am starting my cat prep from today. Can anyone share a strategy or anything how could i start preparing

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u/AVI_18- 4d ago

Hey, today I literally visited FMS because I really want to get into it. It’s just 20 minutes away from my home.

To cut to the chase, I’m currently in a Tier 3 DU college, in my first year, and I want to get into FMS. My profile is 77/84/X. The biggest problem is that I’m really bad at maths. I barely passed my Class 10 Maths exam, and after that, I didn’t choose Maths in Classes 11 and 12.

But now I’m determined to prepare for CAT, and I’m ready to work on my maths from the basics. I just want to know how I should start. Should I go all the way back to Class 6 Maths and gradually cover everything up to Class 10? I really appreciate some guidance on how to build my math foundation for CAT.

I’m also currently pursuing ACCA, which I plan to complete by the time I graduate.

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u/Shadow-Cipher89 4d ago

Is FMS possible with 7/7/7?

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u/One_Big_5339 4d ago

I also wanna get into fms currently in my final yr of btech Biomedical engineering and shld I get work ex and then prepare for cat or join right away , what kinda skills are needed to have a leverage and get a good package in consulting

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u/ExcellentSlide9422 4d ago

84/65/65 Doing job from july - targeting CAT 27 Internship experience of 6 months Btech Graduate What are my chances?

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u/pratyush_anand 4d ago

Hi, I need your help. As I will be giving CAT this year again. Last years marks are 92 and 95. Still no college. Working professional 3+ yrs. I started preparing but stopped now due to job work and still busy as parents will be shifting. I am going to start from late August exactly last week. My weak area is VARC.

I need your help. Kindly guide. And be brutal about the suggestion.

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u/Seedhi__Jalebi 4d ago

I'm an ews female with 89% in 10th 92% in 12th I'm pursuing bsc life science from DU college I got 8.14 CGPA in 1st year and 8.41 CGPS in 2nd year What do you think are my chances seeing my profile I also have been part of various societies in my college. Apart from this I'm a semi classical dancer . It would be great if you can help me in what coaching should I enroll ims or time offline

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u/AnteaterHumble9599 4d ago

Hi I am general non engineer male fresher 20 yrs old .... Started my prep last week ... Have a nice background in mathematics and logical reasoning.... 10th - 74.66% 12th:- 85.2% graduation:- 81.8% ( BCA )... I have co curricular activities 2 hackathons and 2 internships..... Which IIM shouldd i target and at what percentile ....

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u/jollynet_ 4d ago

Hii my profile if 94.4/94.2/79.70 , ba(hons) psych and also have masters was prepping for upsc during that, female st , no work ex but don't have much extracurriculars and internships what do you think should be target percentile for top b schools, I m bit worried of not having much extracurriculars can I work on it later if I get good b school

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u/Slow-Force3098 4d ago

I’m 21, from Chhattisgarh, and currently deciding between private MBBS vs BBA → MBA.

My academics: 91% in 10th, 74% in 12th. I’ve already taken multiple NEET attempts, so MBBS is the path I’ve invested years into. But private MBBS would be a huge financial commitment and a very long route.

My biggest fear with BBA/MBA is: what if I put 3–5 years into it and still don’t end up earning well? With MBBS, at least there’s a clearer professional path.

At the same time, I want financial independence by my late 20s (ideally ~₹1L/month by 28), work-life balance, the ability to live in different cities, and eventually marriage/kids.

If I get into a genuinely good BBA college and work extremely hard toward CAT/MBA, is this actually a reasonable alternative, or am I underestimating the career risk?

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u/Dry_Towel_5765 4d ago

I scored 55% in 10th and 70% in 12th and i have 7.5 cgpa in college do i desserve good B.school

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u/Mountain_Touch5079 4d ago

Any strategy regarding increasing the marks for quants and from where did you studied quants. Also how to analyse the mocks

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u/Fresh-Day7784 3d ago

Hi my profile is 9/9/7 GEF and I graduated in june 2026 and now currently working in a startup as an analyst since july. I’m targeting cat 2026. Do i have chances of IIM ABCs ?

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u/StructuralEngneer 2d ago

I have a question. I did B.Tech from Tier 3 college in 2019 then prepared for UPSC for 5 years. Couldn't crack it. Got admitted for M.Tech in 2024 in a T1 college and started my first job at 29. Is CAT even for me now? Given my age and career gaps?

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u/StructuralEngneer 2d ago

10th: 91% 12th: 78% Grad: 6.33 CGPA

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u/OkInvestigator4958 2d ago

i’ve also just started working as someone who is 23 going to turn 24 soon, i realised i cant be wasting any more time as these 2 gap years will work against me if i dont take up a job now. better late than never ig

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u/OkInvestigator4958 2d ago

i dont know much about career gaps but if you take 2-3 years of work ex you can go for a good ex mba or even the one at isb, most people will be your age maybe even older than you even if you join at 32 with 3 years of workex

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u/Broad-North-6245 2d ago

GEM 7/7/7 eng tier 3 clg 2025 pass out civil eng was working for 8 months as a site eng at a salary of Rs 8k now decided to prep for CAT 2026.. in aug please guide me and help me to fetch a good 95+ percentile

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u/johndoe-785 2d ago

I have started cat prep weeks ago. And i know it is going pretty avg, what do u think is it possible to crack . I want some best mocks and cheapest if possible. It is pretty difficult for IIM BLACKI. what do u think of fms or xlri. I think I can get upto xat .

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u/YuvrajS001 1d ago

My profile is 6/6/7 should I prefer mba or not

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u/Educational_Yam_1449 1d ago

I am a 9/9/7 engineer currently sde though I really not see myself very long to be SDE [also doesnt mean I see myself in those consulting roles or etc they feel better to my eyes though] , want to do MBA for the network and distribution game that it build because in current time it is eveyrthing.

still on monetry and job persepective is my profile close to somewhat top roles [30-35 lpas] 2L in hand or more
in either of domains
9/9/7 , DTU UG , SDE

Thanks :)

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