Gyaan Post - Post-CAT Results

I know this day is a mixed bag for most people. Some of you will be flying high, while some of you will be reeling under pressure. Here are some of the key things that come to my mind when I think of this phase back in December 2022:

1. Should you skip XAT?
If you have a decent percentile, and are sure of getting 3/6 BLACKI calls, some of you might be tempted to skip XAT. So was I. But then good sense prevailed, and I decided to go for it. The major reasons being:

  • XLRI is an amazing backup for ABC
  • You get 2 more interviews before your big calls if you schedule the interviews early
  • XLRI is also the 2nd college after SP Jain to release results, so you can resign early with this as the safety net
  • CV pointer if you score high (High entrance scores do somewhat help in Finance shortlists)

2. Should I start GDPI prep?
The answer is absolutely yes provided:

  • You have a high enough percentile that guarantees at least 2 of your dream calls
  • You are on the cut-off edge, but will most likely make it

If you are however not convinced (like I didn't want to settle for Indore in my first 2 attempts), skip GDPI and go for CAT prep directly. Don't waste a single moment.

3. How do I start?

I will divide the prep into 5 major buckets:

  • Personal HR Questions (Introduction, Why MBA, Goals)
  • Undergraduate subjects
  • Maths, Basic Statistics and Static GK
  • Current Affairs
  • Out of the box (Tests your presence of mind)

As is evident, you cannot prepare enough for the last one. For everything else, you know what to do!

4. Coaching or not?

A paid coaching might help in inculcating discipline if you are the lazy type, but you can do without one as well if you are motivated enough. THEOMI and Underdogs are good free prep groups, though I am not aware of their selection process this year.

Feel free to reach out to me on Reddit as well for suggestions (Though I might not be very active always).

5. Dealing with current affairs and static GK

For current affairs, reading The Mint/The Economic Times followed by forming your own opinions on recent events is the way to go about it. Doing this alone might be a little difficult. This is where a prep group comes into the picture. I am sure some of you can take the initiative and form a group amongst high percentilers on Reddit to discuss current affairs.

For static GK, read everything related to your state, school, UG and workplace on Wikipedia. Remember some key numbers too - you never know!

Finally, congratulations to all those who did well! And to those who didn't - you never lose till you give up!
Have a good GDPI season you all!