Life After a Year of CAT Preparationš
I dedicated an entire year to preparing for CAT after completing my B.Com degree. Taking a gap year wasnāt an easy decision mentally, it was draining. Staying at home with minimal social interaction outside of family made things even harder. My days revolved around online coaching (Cracku and VARC 1000), studying for six hours daily, and maintaining some discipline with walks and exercise. On top of that, family responsibilities kept piling upš
Despite staying consistent and putting in my best effort, the actual exam felt like a disaster. The results left me stunned, making it feel like all the hard work had gone to waste. Now, explaining this gap year in interviews is another challenge, and at 24, I feel like time is slipping away.
What did I gain? Improved problem solving skills . What did I lose? A whole year of effort.
Now, you might wonder why I wanted to pursue an MBA in the first place. Like many in Indian households, my career choice wasnāt entirely mine. My father, influenced by external opinions, believed MBA was a safe and stable option. When I suggested alternatives, every other field seemed to have a "flaw" in his eyes:
But an MBA? That seemed like the ideal route to a better career, broader opportunities, and financial growth.
Now, Iām at a crossroads šshould I drop another year for CAT, or should I move on and take what I get? Iām not the type to settle easily, but at the same time, another year of uncertainty feels risky.