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As most of my students would know, I have been with IMS for close to two decades now.

But I started teaching for aptitude tests way back in the past, right after my graduation, while preparing for the CAT a second time around.

At the time, I felt that the teaching stint had a great role to play in my cracking the CAT: it made my thought process very clear when faced with a problem, since one has to have the utmost clarity of thought to explain a problem in such a way that many students understand the solution right away. Also, one is always looking to find better, cleaner or, to put it simply, more elegant solutions to problems.

Over the past year, I have interacted with a lot of students across the country who are readers of the blog, so I was wondering if any of you might be interested in working in the Learning Technology Department that works with me. Not only me, but you will also have access to all the other senior mentors (IMS students will be aware of the mentors I have mentioned from the webinars and Masterclasses we conducted over the year). The intern will be working directly with me.


Openings on offer

RoleExperience# PositionsCompensationLocation
Software Development Engineer 0 – 24₹4 – 8 LPABengaluru
Sr. Software Development Engineer 2 – 42₹6 – 10 LPABengaluru
Cloud Ops Engineer2+1₹7 – 10 LPAMumbai
Bengaluru
Lead – Quality Assurance5+1₹8 – 12 LPABengaluru
Project Management – InternN/A1₹15,000 p.mBengaluru
Mumbai
Remote
Quality Assurance – InternN/A1₹15,000 p.mBengaluru
Mumbai

Remote

ROLE: Software Development Engineer

Responsibilities

We are seeking a skilled and passionate Software Development Engineer to join our dynamic team. You will be involved in all stages of the development lifecycle, from designing and implementing user interfaces to developing and maintaining server-side logic and databases. You will be expected to write clean, efficient, and well-documented code, participate in code reviews, and troubleshoot and resolve technical issues.

  • Design and develop robust and scalable web applications using React, Node.js and/or Python, & TypeScript.
  • Develop and maintain efficient APIs and server-side logic using Node.js and Python frameworks.
  • Build user-friendly and responsive front-end interfaces using React and TypeScript.
  • Work with databases (both relational and NoSQL) and ensure data integrity and performance.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including designers, software testers, product managers, and other engineers, to deliver high-quality software.
  • Write unit and integration tests to ensure code quality and application stability.
  • Participate in code reviews to maintain code quality and share knowledge.
  • Troubleshoot, debug and resolve technical issues across the full stack

Profile

Experienced Software Development Engineer with 0 – 2 years of hands-on experience in building and deploying web applications. Candidates should have a strong understanding of both front-end and back-end technologies and a proven track record of delivering high-quality software.

Requirements:

  • Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills to tackle complex technical challenges.
  • Have a solid understanding of front-end technologies, including React, TypeScript, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • Have strong proficiency in back-end development using Node.js and/or Python, including relevant frameworks (e.g., Express, Flask, Django).
  • Demonstrate experience with database systems (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB).
  • Have hands-on experience with cloud platforms, preferably AWS (e.g., EC2, S3, Lambda, API Gateway).
  • Exhibit proficiency in version control systems, particularly Git.
  • Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively collaborate with team members

Education:

  • B.E./B. Tech or any other Math/Science Degree

Salary: Rs. 4,00,000–8,00,000

Location: Bangalore


Role — Sr. Software Development Engineer

Responsibilities

We are seeking a skilled and passionate Software Development Engineer 2 to join our dynamic team. You will be involved in all stages of the development lifecycle, from designing and implementing user interfaces to developing and maintaining server-side logic and databases. You will be expected to write clean, efficient, and well-documented code, participate in code reviews, and troubleshoot and resolve technical issues.

  • Design and develop robust and scalable web applications using React, Node.js and/or Python, & TypeScript.
  • Develop and maintain efficient APIs and server-side logic using Node.js and Python frameworks.
  • Build user-friendly and responsive front-end interfaces using React and TypeScript.
  • Work with databases (both relational and NoSQL) and ensure data integrity and performance.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including designers, software testers, product managers, and other engineers, to deliver high-quality software.
  • Write unit and integration tests to ensure code quality and application stability.
  • Participate in code reviews to maintain code quality and share knowledge.
  • Troubleshoot, debug and resolve technical issues across the full stack

Profile

Experienced Software Development Engineer with 2 – 4  years of hands-on experience in building and deploying web applications. Candidates should have a strong understanding of both front-end and back-end technologies and a proven track record of delivering high-quality software.

Requirements:

You will need to:

  • Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills to tackle complex technical challenges.
  • Have a solid understanding of front-end technologies, including React, TypeScript, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • Have strong proficiency in back-end development using Node.js and/or Python, including relevant frameworks (e.g., Express, Flask, Django).
  • Demonstrate experience with database systems (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB).
  • Have hands-on experience with cloud platforms, preferably AWS (e.g., EC2, S3, Lambda, API Gateway).
  • Exhibit proficiency in version control systems, particularly Git.
  • Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively collaborate with team members

Salary: Rs. 6,00,000–10,00,000

Location: Bangalore


Role — Cloud Ops Engineer

Responsibilities:

We are looking for a Cloud Ops Engineer to join our dynamic team. You will architect, deploy, and maintain our cloud infrastructure, ensuring the performance, reliability, and scalability of our digital ecosystem. You will work at the intersection of development and operations—driving cost efficiency, enforcing robust security measures, and supporting modern CI/CD pipelines to deliver high-availability applications that meet our organisation’s evolving needs.

  • Infrastructure Management: Architect, deploy, and maintain scalable cloud environments.
  • Performance & Availability: Monitor resources and implement processes to ensure 24/7 uptime.
  • Cost & Resource Optimisation: Manage service selection and usage to maximise ROI and efficiency.
  • Security & Compliance: Enforce IAM policies, encryption, and network security protocols.
  • CI/CD Support: Partner with developers to streamline automation and deployment pipelines.

Profile:

A proactive problem-solver with a deep understanding of modern cloud architecture and DevOps culture. A candidate should excel at bridging the gap between infrastructure stability and rapid software delivery, backed by excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

Requirements:

You will need to:

  • Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills to tackle complex infrastructure and performance challenges.
  • Have a solid understanding of cloud architecture and core services, with a focus on reliability and scalability.
  • Demonstrate 2+ years of proven experience in a Cloud Systems Engineer or similar DevOps-focused role.
  • Have hands-on experience with cloud platforms—AWS (preferred), Azure, or Google Cloud.
  • Exhibit proficiency in scripting languages for automation, including Python, Bash, or PowerShell.
  • Showcase a strong grasp of network security, encryption, and cloud security best practices.
  • Have practical knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and version control systems, particularly Git, to support development workflows.
  • Exhibit excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Salary: ₹7,00,000 – ₹10,00,000 per annum

Location: Bangalore / Mumbai

Education: Completed 

B.E. / B.Tech, MCA, B.Sc (IT) / B.Sc (CS), or equivalent; professional certifications are a plus.


Role — Testing Lead, Quality Assurance

Responsibilities

We are looking for a Testing Lead to work on multiple software testing projects.

  • Develop test plans, define quality metrics, and establish effective testing strategies. 
  • Oversee testing processes, ensure quality standards, and manage defect identification and resolution.
  • Providing feedback to improve team performance, planning projects, coordinating issue fixes with technical teams, and fostering a positive work environment. 
  • Identify opportunities for test automation to enhance efficiency
  • Ensure timely project progress reporting to stakeholders.

Profile

Experienced professionals with at least 5 years in software testing (web and mobile applications) and at least 3 years of experience in automation testing (Selenium-Java) are preferred.

Requirements:

You will need to:

  • Possess strong leadership and team management skills.
  • Have excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and multitasking abilities.
  • Demonstrate a deep understanding of cross-platform and cross-browser responsive web architecture and mobile applications.
  • Have hands-on experience with automated testing tools and frameworks.
  • Exhibit exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal

Education:

MCA, B.E./B. Tech., BSc (IT)/BSc (CS), or equivalent. Relevant testing certifications will be an added advantage.

Salary: Rs. 9,00,000–12,00,000

Location: Bangalore

Who Should Apply:

This job is ideal for:

  • Professionals passionate about leading testing teams and enhancing quality assurance processes.
  • Experienced software testers who wish to take on leadership roles in managing test strategies and automation initiatives.
  • Those eager to work on cutting-edge web and mobile applications with a focus on quality and efficiency.

Role — Project Management Intern

Responsibilities:

We are looking for a Project Manager Intern to assist in evaluating project requirements, supporting development activities, and monitoring project progress. You will work closely with the technology team and vendors to ensure project timelines and quality. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Assisting in evaluating and documenting project requirements, scope, and objectives.
  • Supporting the planning and coordination of development activities with the IMS technology team.
  • Helping monitor development schedules and preparing reports to track project progress.
  • Identifying and escalating potential issues that could impact project timelines or quality.
  • Assisting in communicating project status and challenges to stakeholders.
  • Supporting in creating and maintaining business documentation for the project.

Profile:

This role is ideal for candidates passionate about project management and eager to develop hands-on experience in a dynamic environment.

Requirements:

You will need to:

  • Have a basic understanding of project management principles.
  • Possess strong organisational, planning, and communication skills.
  • Be proficient in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Spreadsheet software.
  • Be able to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
  • Be detail-oriented and able to multitask effectively.
  • Have taken one of the management entrance exams — CAT, XAT, SNAP, CET, IIFT and/or others — and secured the 95th percentile or above in one of the sections.

Education:

Pursuing or completed an MBA / MCA / B.E. / B.Tech or equivalent.

Stipend & Duration:

  • Stipend: ₹15,000
  • Internship Duration: 3 to 6 months
  • Location: Mumbai/Bangalore/Remote

Who Should Apply?

  • Candidates eager to start a career in Project Management.
  • Fresh graduates or final-year students looking for hands-on project management experience.
  • Those interested in learning project management in a real-world environment.

Role — Software QA Intern

Responsibilities:

We are looking for a Software QA Intern to assist in developing test plans, executing test cases, and identifying defects. You will work closely with the tech team to ensure software quality by conducting manual and automated testing for web and mobile applications. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Assisting in test case creation, execution, and documentation.
  • Identifying, reporting, and tracking defects to ensure timely resolution.
  • Supporting functional, regression, and usability testing efforts.
  • Collaborating with developers to understand features and potential issues.
  • Learning and applying automation testing techniques to improve efficiency.
  • Gaining hands-on experience with debugging tools and testing frameworks.
  • Participating in quality assurance reviews and team discussions.
  • Profile:
  • This role is ideal for candidates passionate about software testing and eager to develop hands-on experience in quality assurance.

Requirements:

You will need to:

  • Have a strong understanding of software development and testing concepts.
  • Be familiar with manual testing techniques and basic test automation (Selenium or similar tools is a plus).
  • Possess good analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Be detail-oriented and capable of documenting test cases and defects effectively.
  • Have knowledge of web and mobile application frameworks.
  • Be eager to learn debugging tools like Chrome DevTools or Postman for API testing.
  • Exhibit good written and verbal communication skills.

Education:

Currently pursuing or recently completed B.E./B.Tech, BSc (CS/IT), MCA, or equivalent. ISTQB certification (if any) will be an added advantage.

Stipend & Duration:

  • Stipend: ₹15,000
  • Internship Duration: 3 to 6 months
  • Location: Mumbai/Bangalore/Remote

Who Should Apply?

  • Candidates eager to start a career in Software Testing and Quality Assurance.
  • Fresh graduates or final-year students looking for hands-on QA experience.
  • Those interested in learning manual and automation testing in a real-world environment.

How to apply

Those who wish to apply for any of the above roles may drop an email to tech-hiring@imsindia.com with the following details before 7 March.

  • A resume/CV and scorecards
  • A short answer to the following question: Why do you feel you have the skill sets to take up this role? Feel free to include anything that you feel will let us know why you feel you have the potential to take up the role — exam/test scores, professional expertise, fit with career plans, communication skills — anything that you feel captures your suitability.

It goes without saying that the biggest perks of this job will be that you have direct everyday access to the best mentors in case you are taking another shot at the CAT or other management entrance tests.


It goes without saying that the biggest perks of this job will be that you have direct, everyday access to the best mentors in case you are taking another shot at the CAT.

This is what a couple of our past recruits have to say about working with us.


RUTUJA PATIL


My introduction to CAT

After completing my engineering, I was working in manufacturing at an automobile MNC. I didn’t have any plans for an MBA at that point in time. However, I appeared for CAT, as I had filled out the form on the recommendation of a friend who was preparing for the same. But, unlike the experiences I have read, I didn’t score in the higher 90’s after going unprepared.

During the 2 years of work experience in operations, I was more inclined towards management and wanted to take up those kinds of roles instead of tech ones, in the future. I quit my job around September 2020 and started my “serious” CAT prep. I had joined IMS earlier and had completed the classroom sessions. In CAT 2020, I scored well above 90, but it was not enough for the best calls.

I decided to give CAT another chance.

CAT Prep

Before starting the prep again, I was looking to take up a job, preferably related to management. I found the role of Project Lead with IMS on Tony Sir’s blog. This was a fantastic opportunity; the role was in project management, I was to be mentored by Tony Sir, and the team was aware that I would be studying for CAT.

Enjoying the CAT prep and approaching it with a practical mind will save you from the pain of finding a daily dose of motivation. All of us have those best scores as well as the rock bottom ones. However, as percentiles depend on a lot of things, they are bound to vary. So, analysing the mocks closely, identifying and closing the gaps with each passing mock, are the wise things to do.

I used to note down my mistakes in mocks and stick them on the wall; most of them were behavioural changes. They acted as painful reminders of my silly mistakes. Tony Sir helped me a lot to remove the mental hurdles in solving Quant and approaching the overall exam. A mentor can see exactly what is missing.

We most often forget to focus on small things like solving problems on a similar notepad as the official CAT, giving mocks in the same time slot, and looking out for triggers while giving the test. 

Also, know what you don’t know. Examples, PnC- If it goes one notch above the basic or is not from the templates I have seen, I will leave it. Locating and solving what you know in less than 2 minutes is the most important thing.

Experimenting and finding the best ‘set of strategies’ according to the situation and stabilising them with mocks will give a lot more confidence.

Keeping the focus in place

Go off the grid! I went, not because it became addictive and time-wasting, but mainly because the content unknowingly occupies headspace.

Along with having a schedule, the code that worked for me during the prep was

“TALK LESS throughout the day.”

“MEDITATE before studying.”

“Invest TIME JUDICIOUSLY”

“Take a DEEP BREATH”—this one was even on my lock screen!

A week before CAT, RELAX (period). I read a book, watched my favorite movies, and did meditation. At this time, I kept the practice light and went through some methods of solving DILR sets or quant questions that I liked or those that need revision. 

No heavy lifting or adventures; keep the waters calm and take it slow.

Before the day of CAT, in my mind, I went through each and every detail of the activity I would be doing the next day. Imagined every possible scenario and the reaction to it. At the same time, was ready for surprises.

My CAT day experience was a lot better than what I had gone through in previous CAT attempts. However, I messed up things during Quant. I knew IIM ABC was not happening; I cried, took some time to recover, and quickly geared up for IIFT, which was 5 days away.

The GDPI phase

The interview season will be another roller coaster ride. During the prep phase, it is only you who will be forming opinions about yourself. But during this phase, the interviewers will also join the party!

I had calls from all IIM’s except ABC (as expected), XLRI, SPJIRM, IIFT, MDI, IIT’s and NITIE.

An introduction is the most important part of your interview. And that is why I remember spending nearly 2 weeks and 3-4 iterations with Tony sir, to finalise it. Keep the focus on the spotlight areas of your life so far. For me, it was my work experience. Compile experiences and explanations for YOUR past, present, and future. And don’t forget to keep a close eye on everything that is happening from your city to the centre of our galaxy!

For some reason (no one knows it yet!), even though you have a good 36 months of work experience and sometimes not in the domain of graduation, interviewers will grill you on grad subjects. So, prepare well for that.

Another thing which helps while attending an interview at a particular institute is going through the interview transcript. True, you will most likely receive a variety of questions, but knowing which direction to focus more on, on a broad level, is beneficial.

The rest, follow Tony Sir’s blog and all the sessions of IMS.

In some of the interviews, you will be proud of yourself; in some, there will be a constructive conversation between you and the panellist; and there will be those interviews which will make you question if you are really fit to do an MBA. Just remember to not let any of it get from your heart to your head. Take what you’ve learned and apply it to the next one. You just need that one good interview, and you are through.

A week back, I received an email from IIM Lucknow that I have converted the flagship PGP as well as PGP-ABM program. I will be joining the IIM L PGP 2022-24 program, amongst other calls that I converted.

All the very best!!!


ROHIT SINGH

Background before joining IMS

I had worked for a year and a half in a leading IT company when I got the opportunity to join IMS. I had taken the CAT twice before (with decent scores) but realised that I needed to work harder if I wanted to create a genuine chance for me to join one of the old IIMs.

Experience working with IMS

1) I had mentors all around. I could go to anyone and ask for guidance, and all of them were among the best in the business. (when we used to go to the office in the pre-COVID era). Most of them have experience of 15+ years in the field and are alumni of old IIMs.

2) I got to interact with some of the smartest people I had ever seen in my life. We had a lot of people from the top colleges in the office, and personally, for me, it was a huge confidence booster.

Interacting with them on a daily basis helped me a lot in transforming myself.

So, I became a better person and cracked the CAT as well. In CAT 2020, I got 99.37 and 99.58 in VARC and QA, respectively. 

What’s up with me these days

I am expecting interview calls from XLRI, FMS and some of the old IIMs.

Again, the presence of mentors all around is helping me get that required confidence before the final stage. I am getting the right guidance, and all this is helping me to prepare for GDPI more effectively.

Since most people here are alumni of top business schools, every now and then, I get to know a clearer picture of the college life. This helps me know what to expect from an MBA and to prepare myself in advance for campus life. I believe this will help me make the most of my 2 years in Mthe BA.

P.S: Since then, Rohit has graduated from IIM-C.

How to approach the Indian B-School Personal Interview

Now that we are done with the Achievers Workshops, there is more breathing space to do some writing that captures the essence of the sessions at the NAW.

The IIM interview season has already started, and aspirants will be trying to get as many insights as they can right from how to dress for the interview to how to reduce India’s fiscal deficit without affecting our growth!

Amidst all of this clutter, how does one go in with the right perspective? What is the state of mind with which one should approach an interview? How you approach an interview will make all the difference. Read More

Why every WAT-GD-PI call-getter should write the IIM-B SOP

One of the things about preparing for a b-school personal interview, especially that of an old IIM, is that one struggles to find a structure to prepare for what can potentially be the most random 20 minutes of one’s life. I am sure my previous post, despite my intentions, would have scared readers rather than reassured them. So, let us see how you can bring some structure into your PI Prep. Read More

A timing strategy for the XAT

 

I have always preferred a test without sectional time limits since it tests a crucial quality required for management — optimizing resources to achieve maximum return on investment. In this case, the resources are your own skills, and the investment is your time. 

So, how does one go about using the 170 minutes on the XAT?

Read More

How to crack XAT Decision Making – Part I

One of the most tedious and inscrutable sections that you will find across all management entrance tests, Decision Making has been the nemesis of many a XAT aspirant. A lot of factors contribute towards DM possibly being the biggest stumbling block on the XAT. But none is bigger than the fact the amount of time any test-taker would have spent preparing for DM when compared to any other section is minuscule. This coupled with the dislike and unease most aspirants have towards reading, and the extremely subjective nature of questions ensures that DM ends up becoming the deal-breaker as far as the XAT is concerned. Read More

How to prepare for the XAT

A curious phenomenon repeats itself year after year when the results of the CAT and the XAT come out – there is little overlap between the students who crack CAT and those who crack XAT. In other words, a largely different set of test-takers ends up cracking each test.

Why is this so? It is almost like one of the GMAT CR question types – which of the following provides the best explanation for the phenomenon described above? 

The answer(s) to this question will also hold the key to know how to prepare to ace the XAT! Read More

What after a horrible CAT?

Be it the day of the CAT or be it when the final admit results come out it is not easy to be a mentor — on one hand you are happy for students who crack the exam and get admitted and on the other hand you feel sad for those who have a bad test day or fail to convert. The toughest thing was always to meet a student who was happy, knowing that the one waiting outside was sad. So with the years, one develops a certain equanimity since one cannot be so happy that one is not able to empathize with the ones who are having a hard time and one also cannot get so bogged down by sadness that one cannot partake in the joy of the successful.

In some cases students just disappear, somehow they take it very personally, that they have failed, they have failed even after reading all the blogs and attending all the sessions, they feel almost as if they have let me down. And I am left wondering, whatever happened to that guy, that girl. The others thankfully come down to meet me or reach out to me through the blog comments even if it is just to feel lighter instead of heavy and burdened.


There are two things about cliches — they are dead boring since they have been repeated so often but at the same time, they are also true, so are all the cliches about failure, I won’t repeat them but I will attest that they are true.

In one of the recent posts, I spoke about how everyone has to face a test and how heroes in myths are defined by overcoming obstacles. The thing about myths is that they rarely show heroes failing at a task spectacularly. But if we look at real-life successes, almost every spectacular success has had a big failure or inability as well. I am not linking failure to success or calling it a pre-requisite.

All I am saying is, everyone fails, so do not go beating yourself about it.


There is nothing to be gained from self-flagellation

The first reaction understandably is to hit oneself with an emotional whiplash and of these, the worst one is — I am useless, I am not smart enough, I suck, I do not have the skills to crack this exam, no matter what I do it will not change a thing.

Firstly, I will be happy if you are telling yourself all of these in anger rather than through a bucket of tears since anger with oneself can be a very good motivator.

But whether you are telling yourself these things through anger or through tears, you need to quickly move from “I suck” to I suck at this particular aspect of CAT, from being emotional to being strategic.

  • This was the first time I took an entrance test, and I was overwhelmed by it
  • My reading speed was the biggest hindrance when the paper became tough
  • Before the test, I did not talk myself through what I was going to execute during the three sections
  • Before the test, I did talk myself through things, but everything went out of the window once the test started
  • I did not hunker down and solve 2 DI sets but flitted from set to set
  • I could not solve moderate QA questions from Arithmetic; my level plateaued at easy questions
  • My technique to solve evaluative RC questions was not really up to the mark

My favourite story about dealing with doubts about one’s ability is Brian Lara’s answer when questioned about being McGrath’s bunny (he has got him quite a few times). Lara did not talk about the number of centuries he scored against Australia or his single-handed manhandling of a peak Australian team over an entire series; all he said was, “Someone has to get me out sometime, right?”


Evaluate the extent of damage and your options and view things in proportion

The right lens to view things should not be through your success or failure at CAT but in terms of your prospects of doing an MBA from a premier B-school.

Just like the extent of damage in a war varies across the various battlefronts, the damage, if any, to your MBA dreams, varies across different profiles.

Who are the aspirants who are the worst hit?

Those who already have 4 years of work experience and had a horrible CAT are the worst hit since another shot at the CAT and the 2-year MBA is effectively ruled out; they only have the rest of the exams in this season to make it count. (It is not that you will get rejected, you can still get an admit into a 2-year program but the number of recruiters looking at a 5-year profile will be fewer; you will still be able to get the career growth you are looking for in your domain)

Those who have three years of work-ex will still have a shot at the CAT next year but to stay close to the average profile in a b-school (having 4 or more years of work-ex will make the profile a bit of an outlier) they should crack one of the remaining exams in this season.

Those who have 2 or fewer years of work-ex have nothing to worry about as far as their IIM-MBA dreams go — they are well and truly alive. You can still get there, not when you wanted to and in the way you wanted to but you can still get there.

Some of you might wonder whether you have the energy to take another shot. Well, you do not have another option.


Roger Federer played from 2012 Wimbledon to 2017 Australian Open, 17 Slams, without winning a single slam, being stuck at 17, losing to players who were not in the same league as him. At every single slam during those five years my friend and I would talk, just before the semis or finals, about how well Fed was playing, the new things that he was inventing — the SABR (Sneak Attack By Roger) — and as usual the crazy points in the matches until then, only for him to lose in semis or finals again.

There were articles asking why he was still playing. I was supporting him saying that it need not be #1 or nothing, as long as he is easily making finals and semis and believes he can win he should play since he is still ranked in the top 4 and since unlike in a team sport, he is not delaying a transition or eating into the prime years of a youngster. In effect, I had mentally ruled out the chance of him winning again, I was happy that he was competing well.

Federer is great not because he has won 20 Slams but because he believed in himself so much, believed in himself through four years of heart-breaking failures, four years of aging and his body breaking down in 2016, while others were catching up with him.

I am sure no victory tasted sweeter to him than the 2017 Australian Open when he finally won a Slam again. (I have never felt more elation at the end of a sports match than while watching him win the 2017 Australian Open)


All of you are so young! This exam season is still young! And you have enough time to acquire the skills your skills to crack the CAT at another shot (if required).

Cut all the negative voices out of your head, your own voice, and that of your parents as well, if necessary (since all most Indian parents seem to care about is the timing of your wedding and how another CAT attempt affects that).


They will release the paper with your response soon and based on that we will release a tool to calculate your score — this can cause another meltdown. It is never easy to actually see the marks if you know you did not do well. Do not try to find out, let the results come out when they come out.


Some of you might be raring to smash the other tests to smithereens, and others might be feeling out of gas and motivation to pick yourself up.

The latter, please give yourself a break, do the things you like to do, eat the things you like to eat, and relax for the rest of this week, restart next Monday.

There is little you can do right by pushing yourself without a break or a good rest and being a bunch of ragged nerves.


Getting ready for the next event

It is not easy to crack the test on your first or second attempt unless you are on the top of your game for at least 10 to 15 mocks with additional reserves to handle a tougher-than-usual paper. I cleared the test on my second attempt.

Even those who have set their sights firmly on the old IIMs will be taking a few more tests, at least the XAT. Now that you have the CAT monkey off your back, go ahead full-throttle on these other tests.

Even if you have decided on another shot at the CAT and IIM-A, take the other tests you have registered for seriously, crack a final admit, NMIMS, SIBM, or XL, and then reject it. — achieve something this season and set yourself higher goals for next year.


Some of the comments to this post are very good, and some of you might find an echo of your performance, current state, and questions in them.



P.S: The picture with this post is not of Federer but of Marin Cilic (crying) after he lost the 2017 Final to Federer.


“Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.”