"How I got into my B-school of dreams?" Antarip Biswas from K J Somaiya

While working at FSC, I realised the need for a detail-oriented understanding of business in a real-world scenario. In engineering, I got exposed to the technical part and my desire to learn and unlearn brought me closer to the MBA dream. Like every MBA aspirant, I chose to focus on the main entrance exams held in India. The dream of getting into a top B-School was always in my mind and, I was determined to push hard. 

Learnings from CAT

Initially, I focused on CAT and started my preparation with the immediate basics. Coming from an ICSE background, my verbal ability was comparatively strong. However, I had to put much effort into the Quant and Logical Ability part. For Quants, I took help from my high school books for learning the basics. As my preparation progressed, I bought CAT-specific books for three sections. For Verbal, I solved RC passages and practised vocab with the help of tricks and shortcuts. But, I had to work hard on puzzles as I could not perfect them quickly. I kept tracking my performance on an excel sheet to see my progress. Sleep is also crucial, and whenever I got free time, I took a short nap. I took my CAT exam in November, and unfortunately, it did not go per plan. Somehow I got stressed on the D-Day and spent more time on a few sets. Having made this mistake, I now had to improve on my shortcomings. I booked the NMAT slot for February and started my preparation once more.

NMAT - A Big Break!

After an unsatisfactory performance in CAT, I was determined to get back. I took SNAP as well and had done a bit better. But, my real target was to do well in NMAT. The NMAT exam was adaptive, with no scope of returning to check or skip a question. Also, the individual section timings were very short for Verbal and Logical sections, which demanded high speed and accuracy. I followed the NMAT by GMAC official preparation guide along with my books. I also gave quite a few adaptive style mock tests to enhance my time management. As the exam pattern was adaptive, the difficulty level of the following questions was relative to the answer to the previous question. I decided to strategize my approach and focus on my strengths. Learning from others who took the exam, I planned on scoring above 240 with a stable sectional score to get decent calls.

On the D-Day, I was calm and composed as I sailed through the exam with ease. I had scored 244 on my 1st attempt with good sectionals. I applied to K J Somaiya that evening and received CD/PI calls soon.

SOP, Case Analysis, PI

• SOP - The entire process was online due to the present pandemic situation. The SOP and application form given by K J Somaiya was quite detailed. Most of the questions were related to Individual personality, strength, and weakness. Some questions revolved around the MBA program and present and future goals. Some tips that I followed while filling my form was –

1. Focus on strengths and interests. Put eye-grabbing points which will attract the Interviewer's attention.
2. Keep answers in point form instead of a paragraph and mention USPs.

• Case Analysis - Instead of GD or Case Discussion, we had Case Analysis. I had to give a short extempore on a Case-based topic which ranged from current affairs to abstract. The Case had some questions which I had to answer. Afterward, the panel asked a few follow-up questions based on my answers. 

My Case was - "Digital Detox". I got a few minutes to read and plan my answers. I ensured that my answers were crisp and had a logical connection to the Case.

• PI - My PI was very comfortable. The panel was supportive and did not throw complex questions. It started with a general introduction from my side. I had a well-planned "Tell me about yourself" answer which I said, and they seemed impressed. Most of the questions that followed connected to my Introduction and, I answered those effortlessly. I would say that any PI mostly depends on the Introduction. A good Introduction can help carry the interview forward effectively. 

Final Thoughts

Preparing for an MBA entrance exam is a challenging endeavor. The idea is to stay focused and maintain consistency. But clearing an exam with good scores is only a part of the big picture. The real task begins during the various GD and PI steps of individual colleges. Many times dates of multiple colleges are in quick succession of one another. It becomes taxing to give equal attention to each of them. Once you clear a PI, the waiting game for the results begins. A person can feel depressed during that time. As my PI happened during the peak of the pandemic, colleges had delayed the results further. I spent countless nights unable to sleep well. I would advise everyone to take ample rest and remain as stress-free as possible during this period. I got waitlisted in K J Somaiya, NMIMS, and Symbiosis colleges. All along, I tried to eat healthily and spent time on my hobbies to keep my mind at ease. It is essential to stay healthy and happy and be optimistic.

"The longer you stay in the race, the higher the chances of winning".

In the end, I persevered - In May 2021, I received the Provisional Offer of Admission at K J Somaiya Institute of Management and, my MBA Journey began!

Stay strong, stay focused, and stay happy! Enjoy the race and have fun! You can get the B-School of your Dreams!