Knowledge and dedication are two important qualities to ace the CAT -Reshma Majithia

…says Kapil Agarwal, a B. Tech in Computer Science Engineering (CSE) who also has to his credit a work experience of 22 months with MAAC (Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics – an animation training institute) as Center Manager and Keynote Indore (a stock broking company) as a Branch Manager.

Tell us something about yourself.
I am currently pursuing my MBA from IIM Rohtak. I have done my B. Tech in Computer Science Engineering (CSE) from Amity and my schooling from The Daily College- Indore. This is my third attempt at CAT. My score in 2007 was 91 percentile, 92 percentile in 2008 and 99.65 percentile in 2009.

Why did you choose to do an MBA? Why did you choose IIM Rohtak?
To be a successful manager, one needs skills in decision-making, financial analysis and interpersonal relationships. He also needs the ability to apply those skills in constraints, opportunities and alternatives. An MBA not only helps you develop skills that are highly valued by many employers, but the programmes offered in the course help solve many business problems. I chose to do an MBA because it leads you to a position in which if you have the knowledge of all the factors; an MBA helps you make correct decisions.

I received calls from several good B schools, but getting into an IIM was always my first preference. I received calls from IIM A, C and S as well, but could not convert those calls. However, I did get calls from IIM Rohtak and Ranchi. I chose IIM Rohtak because it’s closer to Delhi, which is an advantage if placements are considered.

What were your weakest areas when you started for CAT? How did you work on them?
My problem in my last two attempts was the verbal ability /English section. I scored 40 and 61 percentile respectively. Also my accuracy was low. To increase my accuracy and speed, I started reading a lot more (newspapers and magazine) as it helps increase your speed in reading.
I would solve at least one paper everyday in order to score well. (I had joined CAT series from various coaching institutes and never ran out of practice papers). However just solving papers was not my agenda; I would also analyse every paper. So before appearing for the CAT I had solved as many as 57 papers.

How was your experience with the GD and interview?
In GD I tried to initiate the conversation and hence had the maximum time to speak. Apart from introducing the topic, I also put in my points and the counter points that were expected. This is a high-risk high returns strategy. If you are less aware of the topic then avoid this strategy. Due to my initiation of the discussion I was like an unannounced moderator for the discussion, the power that I enjoyed to the fullest.
In my personal interview I was asked many questions related to my job experience, which was easy. There were many questions related to why an MBA or what are your strengths and weaknesses. I tried to make sure that whatever I say would eventually lead to my job experience (the area in which I was most comfortable). As for the fresher’s in my batch they were asked questions related to their academics. One of my friends was grilled in Data Mining a subject in which he had scored the lowest in his B.Tech.
One tip that I would want to share at this moment is that whatever be your strength or weakness; the interviewers will want you to support the same with one real life experience.
One of my faculties at IMS once told me that an applicant is questioned from the:

• Area of your knowledge (the applicant)
• Area of his knowledge (the interviewer)
• Area common to both of you

Do you think that the IIM Rohtak panel tests candidates on any particular traits during the selection process?
They mainly grill you on either your experience or academics. They do not ask questions related to politics, current events, etc. They mainly stick to knowing you more and better. There were some redundant questions like why an MBA, your strengths and weaknesses. They also asked me to give views regarding the Group Discussion we had and the points discussed.

Is there anything that aspirants need to keep in mind while they are gearing up for the selection processes?
Be cool and be yourself. Avoid lying.