First of all this is not a rickshawpuller-son-getting -into-iim kind of story.So for those looking for sensational stories turn away, there are Asaram's sexcapades to look forward to.For those who want to know how normal guys go about preparation,keep reading.
My cat story is basically divided into two phases one during graduation and other at Infosys Training.
Phase 1-After giving two hard years at engineering I realized that I can not become a good engineer.I had only one option of giving cat and begin my career thereon.Also CAT as a challenge was pretty enjoyable to me.English was always my first love in school and Mathematics wasn't my most hated subject, so things fell in place and I started preparing.In 3rd year I got enrolled at TIME Bhopal.I did not miss a single class atleast in the first six months, that enjoyable the classes were to me.I finished daily practice assignments in classes and used to get my doubts clarified then and there.The teachers we had in Bhopal were fantastic and gave personal attention to each.I used to read newspapers daily and maintain my vocabulary copy without fail.
Going for CAT examination for the first time was a very jittery prospect, and I crumbled.I fared very badly and ended up getting 80 odd percentile.I recovered and did well in XAT, SNAP and IIFT.But the CAT dream was well and truly over.Meanwhile in February I got recruited for Infosys.Also in March an unfortunate incident occurred.I fractured my left arm severely.So with a job offer and one broken arm,I vowed to give Cat again.
Phase 2-
Our joining date at Infosys came as 8th August.Our final year exams got over in May.I realised I had enough rest after that incident and decided to start my preparation in earnest.I went through all the booklets again and solved it.Quant had never been my forte,so I knew I had to work doubly hard on it.I had borrowed a book for the same from my friend and started going thorough it.The concepts were very well illustrated and carried a lot of questions.I started enjoying Quant and finished the major chunk of geometry and number system before going for job.
With barely 2 months for cat remaining and my Infosys training regime not going well , I was at crossroads.To chase CAT where the mocks were mocking me or give up and concentrate on my job which wasn't going smoothly as well.Those in IT industry would buy how tough it gets at Infosys during training.
I talked to my parents very often, they were supportive of me.When a father says, "koi baat nhi beta wahan se agar nikaal bhi diye to kya hoga,hum hain na",trust me friends , the confidence goes soaring.I went about finishing my left over syllabus,I had marked a few topics like p and c and probability for the last in which I did not have great command.In the last 45 days I gave a lot of tests and spent greater time in analysing them.The analysis was very handful in knowing my weaknesses and strengths.The schedule was very hectic.Juggling between training and studies was a big thing.Time was at premium.I used to mark all the doubts in all the subjects and go to my coaching centre at Mysore and get all my doubts clarified at once.I was not meeting many of my friends but the situation demanded of me to be a recluse.I would sleep at 11 and wake up at 3 for last 30 days.The big bang theory was my only source of entertainment.Thank you Star World !
10 days before the examination , I was confident having completed my syllabus and after having enough practice.I would try doing sums mentally and find answers.Solving various kind of puzzles became fun for me,I would read anything that came my way and often go to read at the library.
The D day came , and friends I won't be lying when I say I was nervous as hell.It was tough calming myself.But I knew I had done enough hard work and if the paper comes anywhere close to my expectations, I would excel.
And I did..!!
The result was better than I expected.Wasn't good enough to garner ABC calls but good enough to give a secured sense of feeling that this was the last time I m giving CAT.
This is my CAT story.I did not write this to inspire anybody.But to tell everybody that belling CAT is in your own hands.Determination to do well was the thing in me.U must have found your own.
Now ,before the teacher grows more suspicious as to what I m typing so vigorously, I must end it here ( yes I am writing this during a lecture).
Gagan Deep
NITIE Mumbai
Management Batch of 2012-14
