There are over 25,000 candidates who were not able to score a “good grade” in the recent CAT exams. They were not able to obtain the minimum sectional percentile score in CAT 2016, despite scoring a decent overall percentile. According to the experts, the competition will only get tougher. However, the students who have not been able to get admission into IIMs should not lose hope because there always is another way and another day to achieve your dreams. Not getting into IIMs is not the end of the world.
Firstly, learn to accept what happened. It is important to accept your failure just the way you accept your victory. Failures are always painful but that does not mean that you should stop trying because you are too afraid to bear the pain. This surely was not the first attempt for many students, but do not ever make it your last attempt. “The first thing to do is feel all the emotions that you go through when things don’t come through. If you expected a great result but don't have one, experience the pain first and end up with the optimistic thought: I can pick up from where I left off,” says Shobhit Bhatnagar, co-founder and CEO, Gradeup.
Work on your weak areas
The next attempt is not very far away. So, students should analyse their weak areas and start working on those areas from this very morning. If you are not able to do well in one section as compared to the other sections, do not think that it is not your cup of tea. Practise harder for that section and you will be able to perform better. “Those who scored well in English section or quantitative section did not do it because they were born to calculate faster or to read complex languages. It is because of their history (which can be by accident or by choice or by a combination of both); they have worked hard on those aspects,” says Shobhit. So, one needs to figure out their weak areas and destroy the mind-block which is holding them back. Signing up for coaching classes would help you work on these areas. Value this time and work harder on these areas.
Talk to professionals
Another good option to consider before appearing for the CAT this time, would be talking to professionals. Talking to people who work in this industry is a very good option for the candidates who are looking for some experienced advice. Candidates should also try and talk to students in B-Schools to identify areas for improvement that will help you during your MBA too. This will also help the students decide if they really want to pursue MBA or not.
It is very important to move past the mindset that IIMs are the only good places for MBA education. IIMs do have a good reputation, which is very well earned. However, we need to remember that IIMs are not the only institutes in the world which give good education. There are select good B-schools, both in India and abroad, that emphasise world-class education. “The deciding criteria that aspiring students should rely upon to pick their choice of B-school includes consistent top rankings, global exposure, strong institute-industry interface, corporate events, and impeccable placement records,” says Sandeep Pachpande, chairman, Audyogik Shikshan Mandal.
While some choose to prepare an additional year for the CAT, many others opt out of the race. Those who fall in the latter category should not be disheartened as there are several options one can explore. One could look at career choices in banking and government.
“There has been a surge in the number of students applying for banking and government jobs as seen on our portal, which is for government and banking exams. Increasingly, graduates, including engineers, are opting for a career in government,” said Abhishek Patil, CEO, Oliveboard. While many people prefer government jobs due to the added advantage of job security, pension, fixed working hours, housing facility, health care, vacations, social security, and so on, banking sector provides an opportunity for a well-defined career progression.
Develop your personality
Most importantly, if you're not pursuing an MBA this year, put your time to good use. Developing your personality is a very important aspect of your life that will not only help you in personal interviews but will also be an advantage throughout your life. “Improve your communication skills, give your time to a cause you care about, learn a musical instrument if you have always planned to learn one, get fit and healthy, spend time with your family, and read as much as possible, as this is the most important habit that'll help you during your MBA, and also throughout life,” says Shobhit.
