How difficult is it to get into IIMS for MBA?

Candidates with a great CAT score (95+ percentile) and excellent performance in the interview rounds can get admission in an institute like IIM Trichy. The level of difficulty entirely lies in the number of efforts taken to prepare for the exam and interviews. Interested candidates can apply by visting the offcial website. Also, candidates need to fulfil the eligibility criteria for IIM Trichy admissions.

Which CAT exam slot is the toughest?

The Common Admission Test exam is conducted in three slots. Each slot has a unique question paper, with unique questions at the Common Admission Test. The Common Admission Test examination authorities prepare the question paper keeping in mind that None of the slots is tougher or easier than another. However, it may happen that one or two questions in a particular slot are tougher. For more information, you may visit the Shiksha Common Admission Test page. (https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cat-exam). I hope this will help you.

How to prepare for CAT?

Preparing for the Common Admission Test CAT can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and study plan, it is possible to succeed. Here are some tips on how to prepare for CAT: Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Start by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus of CAT thoroughly. The exam consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. Make a Study Plan: Once you understand the exam pattern and syllabus, make a study plan that works best for you. Allocate time for each section, and include time for revision, practice tests, and solving previous year's question papers. Strengthen Your Basics: CAT is a test of your fundamental concepts in Mathematics, English and Logical Reasoning. Hence, focus on building a strong foundation by revising and practicing the basic concepts. Read and Analyze: To improve your Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, start reading newspapers, magazines, and books regularly. Analyze the content, style, and tone of the passages to gain a better understanding of the language. Practice Regularly: Practice is the key to success in CAT. Solve as many practice tests and previous year's question papers as possible to get familiar with the exam pattern and build your speed and accuracy. Time Management: CAT is a time-bound exam, and time management is crucial. Practice solving questions within the stipulated time frame to build your speed and accuracy. Join a Coaching Institute: If you find it challenging to prepare for CAT on your own, consider joining a coaching institute that offers specialised coaching for CAT. They will provide you with a structured study plan, guidance, and practice tests to help you prepare for the exam. Remember, consistency, and dedication are key to success in CAT. Keep practicing and working hard, and you will achieve your goal.

Is the CAT syllabus difficult?

Yes, the difficulty level of CAT syllabus is very high as compared to other MBA entrance exams. However, if you prepare well and follow the CAT exam pattern well, you will be able to score well. Besides having an understanding of the CAT syllabus 2024, candidates also need to be well aware of the CAT exam pattern before they start preparing for the exam. The CAT exam pattern was revised in 2021 and the number of questions were reduced from 76 to 66. The structure of CAT 2022 and CAT 2023 was the same. The syllabus is still tougher than other exams. The most important things to keep in mind are: CAT exam mode is online Each question carries three marks There is negative marking of minus one mark for wrong attempts The section-wise distribution of questions and difficulty levels as per the latest CAT exam pattern are listed below: Quantitative Ability (QA) - 24 questions, difficulty level - moderate to high Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) - 20 questions, difficulty level - moderate Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) - 22 questions, difficulty level - moderate. to high

Can I get direct admission at IIM Calcutta?

No, IIM Calcutta admission to most of the courses is entrance-based. The application process of IIM Calcutta for PG courses takes place via CAT. Therefore, candidates need to visit the official website of CAT to get admission. The institute will further shortlist the candidates based on the CAT score and send emails to shortlisted candidates. Moreover, for the Executive MBA course, GMAT score is accepted and for DPM, candidates without CAT score can apply with GMAT/GRE/GATE/UGC-JRF or another accepted exam score. Read more on IIM Kolkata amission.

Is CAT exam tough for an average student?

CAT is a speed based test which is designed to assess a candidate's analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advance level problems. However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.

If I am preparing for CAT, do I need to prepare separately for IIFT?

Hello, Most of your task is done for IIFT if you are preparing for CAT. Difficulty level for both the exams is at par. The only difference is the General Knowledge section which can be easily covered by Reading newspapers on a daily basis. Ensure to solve mock papers for IIFT to get a look and feel of how the pattern is, what the difficulty level of the exam is. Focus on your CAT preparation and IIFT preparation will follow. Remember, do not try to put your leg into both the paper as far as preparation is concerned. Just focus on your CAT preparation. Try to complete your syllabus well before time so that you have time to agile yourself to set for IIFT also. Hard work and smart work will definitely make your way for both of the entrance exams.

Are six months enough to prepare for CAT?

Usually, it is recommended to start CAT preparation about a year or nine months in advance. However, one can prepare for this exam even in six months if they put 8-10 hours daily into it. Candidates who have attempted the CAT before may not face a lot of hurdles in six-month preparation as they have a foundation in CAT preparation from previous year, but candidates who are appearing in the exam for the first time may face obstacles, mostly related to accuracy. The syllabus of CAT is vast and includes a lot of reading. One also has to spend a lot of time in practice sessions and mock tests to be able to master all types of CAT questions - easy, moderate and tough. If you are a student of engineering/technical or commerce background you will need to pay extra attention on VARC . However, you'll be able to manage the syllabus of DILR and Quantitative Aptitude with adequate practice of topics. But if you are a student from Arts background, it is advised to start CAT preparation much earlier because you will have to brush up a lot of Mathematics. Reading Comprehension is one subject that cannot be mastered by student belonging to any academic stream, if their English comprehension is not strong. To develop reading habit all CAT aspirants will have to start much earlier.

IIM Admissions 2023: Sujit Kumar Shares his Journey of Converting IIM Ahmedabad

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Shruti Garg

Assistant Manager- Editorial

Updated on Apr 25, 2023 11:56 IST

Sujit Kumar Mallik, CAT 2022 topper recalls his IIM Ahmedabad interview with Shiksha. Read this complete interview to know the experience and questions asked during AWT and personal interview here.

IIM Ahmedabad Admissions 2023- It is rightly said that Dreams do come true for those who never give up. One of the CAT 2022 toppers- Sujit Kumar Mallik, a graduate in Mechanical Engineering from NIT Rourkela has made his way to IIM Ahmedabad PGP batch 2023-25. Sujit bagged 99.5% in CAT 2022. He hails from Odisha and has worked with Caterpillar Inc. for two years. He has also been called for all other IIMs, NMIMS, SIBM, IIFT, NITIE, MDI, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi In his exclusive interview with Shiksha, Sujit shares how he coped with the stress during the personal interview. Read this complete interview to know more about Sujit and topics covered during the Interview and AWT.

Shiksha: Hi, please tell us about yourself.

Sujit: I am Sujit Kumar Mallik from a small town in Odisha named Dhenkanal.I have completed my school from Odisha state board and was a state topper for my higher secondary class. After that, I have done my graduation in mechanical engineering from NIT Rourkela. I was working as a mechanical engineering analyst for Caterpillar Inc. for the last two years.

Shiksha: Was IIM Ahmedabad your first choice? Why?

Sujit: Yes, the brand value that it possesses is second to none. The elite alumni network is just evidence of that. It really focuses on case-based education and it is quite famous for its rigorous academic culture. They claim it to be the toughest MBA course to enter in the world on their website. Apart from that it has such a high return and that can't be denied.

Shiksha: What was your AWT topic and how did you present your argument?

Sujit: IIM Ahmedabad does a test called AWT(Analytical Writing Test). The basic difference between WAT and AWT is the structure of writing and questions. WAT is just like an Essay exam. But in AWT you are given a long probably 250-300 word scenario (argument) and you have to explain the argument. Describe why the argument is logically flawed. What data are weakening the argument and what can make the argument strong? You are given a single page and 20 minutes to write your AWT.

Though the AWT argument was Pretty big the summary of the argument was that a writer was facing some health issues, he got cured because of laughing. Other minute details were there but I don't remember all of that.

So I started with the argument of the author and then proceeded with which types of flaws he has presented. Then went on to explain those flaws one by one. Then gave a statement that can strengthen the argument and then concluded with the outcome which is possible by presenting the full data.

Shiksha:: How was your PI experience? Tell us about your high points or low points during the interview.

Sujit: PI was more like a stress interview. They didn't listen to a single word in my whole interview. (Or pretended that they didn't listen). They used to stop me with almost every word with almost a rude and disgusted face. They roasted me almost throughout the interview.

The only high point was that I was calm throughout the interview with a smiling face and jolly mood and trying to explain things with a respectful tone.

Read More:

Shiksha: Can You Please Transcript your Personal Interview?

Sujit: Process- 20-25 mins interview

Panel:

M1 : 40 year (Approx.)

M2 : 35 year (Approx.)

PI questions

Panel: Introduce yourself

I started with a greeting. They told don't greet us directly start. Then I proceeded with my introduction on my first line they stopped and told I know everything about you.

Panel: So you have written your company is within the esteemed Fortune 100 list. So why it is esteemed? Anyone can create a big company with debt.

Ans. I started to explain why it is hard to take debt. They were not ready to listen.

Panel: Do you think revenue is everything to make a company esteemed? Mentioned other factors Then they said how would you check the impact to society.

Ans. I mentioned how my company solves real-life problems and all the research and development is done for better future. Again They were not ready to listen.

Panel: What does Caterpillar Inc. do?

Ans. I mentioned it. Then they are like you people are destroying the environment. I told no sir we create machinery and along with that we are one of the pioneers for electric research as well. They were like you people are helping others to destroy the environment. Then I said I don't think so. Rather we are developing many technologies for a greener future. They were not at all ready to listen to anything. They were interrupting me in every word

Panel: What is the revenue of your company?

Ans. 51-52B Dollars.

Panel: Only this much and you are in Fortune 100?

Ans. I told yes sir.

Panel: what are your competitors?

Ans. Told everything. Asked the revenue. Answered all their revenues.

Panel: How companies are surviving with this less revenue Amazon is earning over 100B.

Ans. I told yes sir that's why they are in the top 10 of the list.

[Then we all laughed for a fraction of a second.]

Panel: Why you left your job.

Ans. I explained how it was almost impossible for me to prepare for CAT at the last moment as the job was 13-15 hours daily.

Panel: We expect everyone to work that much.

Ans. I explained how it was impossible to prepare with the job schedule.

[As usual, they were not convinced]

Panel: Tell me what is the Hindenburg case.

Ans. Explained everything.

Panel: Then do you think it is more predictive than reasoning?

Ans. I told a lot of evidence are not given so some of the things are predictive in Hindenburg report.

Panel: Tell me what are those things?

Ans. I told the debt default part.

Panel: They mentioned all those things are written on their balance sheet. So why it created such damage? Can we three create a report and crash a company?

Ans. I said credibility.

Panel: If Ratan Tata writes this will it affect?

Ans. I told maybe it will have a significant effect as the market sentiments will change.

Panel: Then they asked about shell companies and tax havens.

Ans. I explained that.

Panel: Then they said even start-ups don't have revenue and products so are they shell companies.

Panel: Do you think the electric vehicle is a fad?

Ans. I told for now it may be. [They are like so are we wasting our time.] Then mentioned the cost part and the environmental impact as they are not favoring. So we need more research and development work.

Panel: Tell me about your final year project.

Ans. I told turbocharger [then they are like what does it do?]. I explained everything.

Panel: How it is helping to improve the world?

Ans. I mentioned how it was solving a bigger problem.

Panel: Why do you people even do such projects?

Panel: What do you do on day to day basis in your work?

Ans. Started with we were doing virtual product development.

Panel: Why virtual not real?

Ans. I told them it's virtual because we deal with 3D models and analyse that.

Panel: You prepare a 3D model in a mocking tone.

Ans. I told yes sir I do mechanical analysis as well.

Panel: Okay. [disgusted]

Panel: Differentiate |x|

Ans. I had done the graph and mentioned the differentiation is undefined.

Panel: What is undefined? Then why are we questioning you?

Ans. I told Yes sir.

Panel: Why? I mentioned the limit condition and showed with the graph showed them the vortex it is creating. Then they got convinced.

Panel: So what are your hobbies?

Ans. I told them I love to watch Formula 1.

Panel: Oh everything is fixed there. Schumacher used to win everything Mercedes wins everything.

Ans. So I told humbly that excuse me sir I would like to differ from your opinion and nothing is fixed and mentioned the changes in regulations. And how the pecking order changes in every race.

Panel: Then he told that's what fixing is. See tennis Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal win matches alternatively but this doesn't happen in F1.

Ans. Then I told them I won't agree with their opinion.

Panel: Okay.

Panel: Is there any question for us?

Ans. I asked that can you please tell me where I can improve myself in this interview skill?

Panel: You think I am Buddha or anything? Ask yourself. Be your own Buddha.

Shiksha: At what point of time during the interview you thought you’ve made it?

Sujit: NEVER

Before the interview, I knew that I will give a tough competition to other candidates. I tried my best. But after the interview, this confidence vanished when I interacted with other candidates and their smooth interviews but I had that crunch that I did my best to explain all the things confidently and with a smiling face.

Shiksha: Was there a trick question in PI? How did you handle it?

Sujit: They used to put me in trickier situations all through the interview. There were never any direct questions for me. They were pushing me out of my comfort zone always through words or gestures or with questions.

Shiksha: How much credit will you give to your academics and professional experience for IIM Ahmedabad selection?

Sujit: Huge credit for academics and professional experience as the whole interview will revolve around that in almost all colleges. For a person having a 2-year work ex, probably the whole interview may go on work ex. Academics play a major role in selection and conversion. So their roles can't be denied

Shiksha: Any tips for future aspirants?

Sujit: If you have decided to go for CAT, then don't think much about the things you can't change like your past percentage or your extracurricular activities. Rather focus more on CAT first. Ace it. Then for an interview, just think think and think about yourself. From the very childhood to that date. Ask yourself what you can explain to them if some random questions come. Then do numerous mock interviews inside your mind that which questions interviewers can ask in which aspect. What answers you can give and what can be the counter questions? Then try to tackle them in mind.

For a PI, there is no right answer. If you can ace its counter questions then your previous answer was right. So lose in your mind numerous times to excel in the interviews.

For GK, Understand concepts and understand how it affects you or your society or your nation. Normally they won't ask factual questions but they will ask application of it. Think from every aspect.

Best of luck with your preparations.

Shiksha: What is your future plan?

Sujit: Nothing as such. Going to B-school with a blank mind. Ready to absorb everything that comes in my way. Zero expectations but high hopes. I will try to learn concepts and I will try to learn life from every possible medium.

Hopefully, I will be a better human daily.

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(2)

Shreyas Kawale

a year ago

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what are his qualifications as in 10th,12th, graduation scores plus his caste category?

Reply to Shreyas Kawale