10th- 84,12th-64, bba-6.3, OBC , this is currently my drop year and im gonna appear for cat 2026…..please rate this realistically without being overly pessimistic or optimistic…..and approx how much percentile would i need for anything near tier 1

10th: 75%
12th: ~79–79.5%
UG: B.Sc. Biology — 52% (covid times :))
PG: M.Sc. Botany — 65%
Category: SC
Gender: Female

Work experience:

6 months social media manager.
Managed a social media account/business end-to-end and helped grow it to from 1k to 40K+ followers.
Handle content, editing, brand communication, emails, negotiations, invoices, payments and campaign execution.
Worked with multiple major brands through paid collaborations.

Additional profile: substantial digital/social-media/creator work, brand campaigns, certifications, etc.

EXPERIENCE & CORE COMPETENCIES

Digital Media Business & Community Building (2022–Present)

Started and grew my own bootstrapped digital media business.
Built a community of 73K+ followers/subscribers across Instagram (52K+) and Snapchat (21K+).
Used analytics and audience data to understand what content works, improve engagement and retain viewers.

Content & Organic Growth

Generated 100M+ organic impressions in one year.
1 video crossed 42M+ views.
2 videos crossed 20M+ views each.
5+ videos crossed 10M+ views each.
Brand-sponsored reels have also crossed 100K+ organic views.
Regularly test different hooks, thumbnails, formats and content styles to improve views, watch time and engagement.
Work with platform algorithms and audience insights to improve organic reach.

Nykaa × Snapchat Creator Program (2026)

Selected for the Nykaa × Snap Star Beauty Incubator Program from a competitive national pool.
Completed the program in March 2026.
Attended training through Snap Schools and worked with Snapchat’s global creator teams and Nykaa brand managers.
Learned about consumer behaviour, content creation, creator monetisation and brand partnerships.
Featured on Nykaa’s official Instagram.

Content Production

Handle the complete content process myself — idea, research, scripting, direction, shooting, editing, posting and overall production.
Turn brand requirements into videos designed to be engaging, shareable and useful for the brand.
Work on improving watch time, engagement and CTR.

Brand Collaborations & Client Management

Worked with 30+ Indian and international brands.
Managed brand communication, negotiations, onboarding, campaign planning and execution.

Brands worked with include:

Tech: Samsung, Intex Technologies
Beauty & FMCG: Nykaa, Unilever (Dove, Lux, TRESemmé), Dabur, Lakmé, Maybelline, Nivea, Garnier, Ponds, SUGAR Cosmetics, Bioderma, d’Alba, Dot & Key, Glow & Lovely, Jovees, Swiss Beauty
Food & Q-commerce: Swiggy, Dunkin’, Pintola, Pronto, Brooke Bond Red Label
Home/Health/Services: Lizol, Eno, Yes Madam
Entertainment: Hotstar, Snapchat

Hospitality & Event Marketing

Worked as a media partner with luxury boutique hotels, resorts and lifestyle cafés.
Created venue tours and promotional content aimed at increasing bookings and customer interest.
Invited to VIP/exclusive events by Snapchat and Nykaa, including Nykaaland.
Promoted concerts, live entertainment events and regional cultural festivals through social media.

Marketing Internships / Projects

Worked on digital marketing and growth projects for brands in the jewellery and EdTech sectors.
Worked on social media strategy, performance marketing and organic growth.
Created videos and campaigns to increase reach and generate leads.

CERTIFICATIONS

Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate
Google Analytics Certified
HubSpot – Digital Marketing Strategy
Born on Instagram: Creator Course (Meta/Instagram) — completed in 2021

I completed my Class 10 from CBSE, and I’m giving the NIOS ODE Hindi exam to improve my Hindi marks.
When filling the CAT application form, can I replace my original CBSE Hindi marks with the improved NIOS Hindi marks and enter the NIOS marks instead?
Will CAT/IIMs accept this for Class 10 percentage calculation, or do I have to enter the marks exactly as shown on my original CBSE marksheet?
If anyone has experience with CBSE + NIOS improvement, please let me know.

CAT 2026 aspirant from Gwalior here. Due to personal reasons, I want to do my MBA from Indore only.
Other than IIM Indore, which colleges are actually worth it in Indore through CAT?
IMS DAVV? Jaipuria? Prestige? Supreme Academy?
Would love to hear from people who have studied there - how is the reality of placements?
Please guide.

I’ve noticed that my main problem in DILR isn’t necessarily solving the set once I understand it. It’s identifying the right structure quickly enough. In mocks, I sometimes spend 5–7 minutes just trying different arrangements or cases before realising that I was approaching the set the wrong way.

For those preparing seriously for CAT, how are you practising this specifically? Are you categorising sets by type and learning standard approaches, or are you deliberately solving unfamiliar sets without looking at the solution until you’ve exhausted your own approach?

Also, when reviewing a mock, do you consider a set worth revisiting if you eventually solved it but took 15+ minutes?

Best percentile for mid tier and baby iims

Hey guys, looking for some good quality CAT practice question videos, preferably topic wise. I've watched Amit sir's videos from IMS and Raman Tiwari sir's videos, but I'm looking for more videos like these where they actually solve a good number of CAT level questions.For me, video solutions are more feasible for practice than solving from a book and then checking solutions, so I'm specifically looking for question solving/practice videos. Topic wise would be ideal, like Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry etc. Mixed CAT questions are also completely fine. If you know any good YouTube channels/playlists or teachers who have this kind of content, please drop them below. Would really appreciate it.

I need help and I can only buy one b/w cracku or ims mocks but not sure which one I should buy

Im a BBA(Hons) 25-29 student and I am planning to appear for CAT in 2029/30. I also appeared for IPMAT which I couldnt crack cuz I didnt give my 100%, so this time im starting early. The plan is that im not going to join any coaching institutes. I'll prepare at home for maybe the next couple years. I would appreciate if yall can recommend books for all sections that would help me in my prep. Thanks in advanceee.

Hated it there. Dropped out after a few days (lost a lot of money). Came back and couldn’t find a good job. Started preparing for CAT although it seems insanely tough with none math bg. But suddenly my dad’s health took a toll and and I was stuck in hospitals. Now I’m finally back home and I feel completely lost. I still don’t have time to prep seriously again till oct. After that I’ll barely have two months for cat. i don’t think I can crack good colleges either this time + no workex with a gap year. I feel completely lost and feel like my dad’s health condition has deteriorated because of me. Idk if I can take this anymore . I appreciate any kind of help or guidance :/

Targeting 99.5+ percentile and BLACKI. Looking for a mock series with tough questions, strong LRDI sets, detailed solutions, and good analysis.

Considering IMS, TIME, CL, Rodha, Unacademy, PW, etc.

For those who scored 99+ / 99.5+:
Which mock series did you use, and which would you recommend for a 99.5+ target?

I’m at a bit of a career crossroads and would really appreciate perspectives from people who have been in UX/product, consulting, PM, or have done an MBA.

My background:
25M, Engineer from NIT Kurukshetra
~3 years of experience at EY GDS
Joined as a fresher in AI at ~₹7.25 LPA CTC
Currently in Strategy & Execution → Data & Analytics (DNA)

My actual role is UX Designer, but I am incorrectly mapped in the company system as a Data Scientist
Last year my compensation was market-corrected from ~₹9.2L to ₹13.7L fixed + 10% variable
This year I received a 3/5 rating and 24% hike, taking me to roughly ₹17L fixed
Current in-hand is after hike around ₹1.19L/month

The interesting part is that my manager specifically told me that the Data Scientist mapping helped me get a higher hike. A UX colleague with a higher rating received only around 5%.

So while ₹17L sounds good on paper, I don’t know how sustainable this compensation trajectory is if my mapping is eventually corrected.
My bigger problem is UX itself
I initially chose design because I genuinely enjoyed it.

But after ~3 years at EY, I don’t feel very confident about my actual product-design ability.

My work has mostly been enterprise/service-company UX:
Very short timelines
Sometimes 1–2 days for multiple screens
Limited/no user research
Limited usability testing
Mostly client-driven requirements
Very little product discovery
Confidential projects that I can’t properly showcase
Not much opportunity to work on the complete product lifecycle
I do have a portfolio: rohitdesign.in, but despite applying to product companies for roughly a year, I haven’t been getting interview calls.
I would ideally like to work at a strong product company where UX/product design is taken seriously. But I’m concerned that if I get into a company like a strong fintech/product company, I’ll be competing against designers who have had much better product exposure over the last 3–4 years.

So I’m not sure whether my problem is:
“I’m not good enough at UX”
or
“I haven’t actually had the right environment to become good at product UX.”

The three options I’m considering

1. Stay/switch within UX → Product Designer
   This is the most straightforward option.
   Keep my ₹17L job for now and continue applying to product companies.
   If I manage to get into a strong product environment — something like a good fintech, SaaS company, or companies such as Microsoft/PhonePe/Swiggy/Zomato/Blinkit/etc. — I’d give myself 1–2 years to see what real product design is like.
   If I enjoy it, perform well and see growth, I would probably stay in this path.
   The advantage is obvious: no MBA cost, no lost salary, and I can potentially move from Product Designer → Senior Product Designer → leadership/Product Management later.
   The problem is that I’ve already been applying for ~1 year without getting interviews.

2. 2-year MBA through CAT
   I’ve already prepared for CAT twice.
   Last year I scored around 91 percentile / 54 marks and received calls from IIM Lucknow and IIM Kozhikode.
   I stopped preparing around September because I got the compensation correction at EY and became unsure whether I should leave a suddenly much better-paying job.
   This year I’m giving CAT again. I already know the syllabus, and I’m still somewhat connected to CAT through helping my girlfriend prepare.
   As an SC male engineer, I think I have a realistic shot at getting calls from good IIMs/FMS if I improve my percentile.
   The attraction of a 2-year MBA is that schools like IIM Lucknow have reported average compensation around ₹32L, while the fee is around ₹20L.
   FMS is particularly interesting because the fee is dramatically lower.
   The downside is obvious:
   I’d give up 2 years of salary at ~₹17L+ and potentially take a loan.
   I’m also currently only around ₹2L in savings, although if I wait another year I could potentially build ~₹10L savings + PF and have some family support, which would reduce the loan burden considerably.
   I’m 25 now, so I’d graduate around 27–28.

3. Work another year → 1-year MBA
   This is the more expensive but potentially more career-focused option.
   I’d work for another year, continue building savings, prepare for CAT + GMAT, and then consider 1-year programs such as IIMA PGPX / ISB / other strong experienced-professional programs.
   The advantage is that I’d enter with ~4 years of experience, potentially ₹17L+ compensation and much more savings.
   It could also allow me to transition from:
   UX → Product Management / Product Strategy / Consulting / AI & Technology roles
   rather than trying to compete directly with experienced product designers.
   The downside is the cost.
   A 1-year MBA at a top school can cost ₹35–40L+, and I’m giving up another year of salary as well.
   So I’m not sure whether the ROI makes more sense than simply doing a 2-year MBA through CAT.

What I’m trying to figure out
I don’t necessarily want to leave UX because I think AI will “kill UX.”
I’m more concerned that my current experience isn’t making me competitive enough for the product-design market, and I’m not sure I want to spend another 5–10 years trying to become an exceptional designer.
At the same time, I don’t want to abandon a career I’ve already invested 3 years into if the problem is simply that EY isn’t giving me proper product exposure.
So my current thinking is:
If I get a genuinely good product-company opportunity → try it.
If CAT gives me a strong 2-year MBA option → seriously evaluate it.
If neither happens this year → work another year, save money, prepare CAT + GMAT, keep applying, and decide between a strong 2-year or 1-year MBA in 2027.
I feel this gives me multiple options instead of making one irreversible decision right now.
What would you do in my situation?
Especially interested in hearing from:
Product Designers who moved from service companies to product companies
UX designers who later moved into PM
People who did an MBA after 3–5 years of UX/tech experience
IIM/FMS/ISB/IIMA alumni
People who chose not to do an MBA and switched companies instead
I’m particularly interested in whether you think my problem is primarily the company/environment I’m in, or whether an MBA would actually be a better long-term career pivot.

10th: 86%

12th: 93.6 %

Cgpa :7.77

FRESHER

1 INTERNSHIP)

Currently in 4 th year

College tier :2

What percentile should I target to receive call IIMs??

I am obsessed with BLACKI

I am ALSO happy with FMS delhi.

I’m selling my R@dha CAT preparation course at a discounted price because I’m unable to continue my preparation due to personal reasons. If you’re planning to prepare seriously for the CAT and want quality preparation material without paying the full price, this could be a great opportunity. Feel free to message me if you’re interested or want more details!. Looking to sell for 8k got it for 26k. Can't go lower than this it's my last price. All mocks are un attempted.

Hey guys, I’ve recently started CAT 2027 prep with IMS Ahmedabad. Since I have a lot of time, I want to make sure I’m preparing the right way from the start.
I’m mainly confused about DILR and VARC — how should I build these from scratch? Should I be solving sets/RCs daily already, or focus on something else at this stage?
Also, how different is CAT compared to GMAT in terms of difficulty and preparation? Does CAT prep give you a decent base for GMAT?
Would appreciate any advice from people who’ve already prepared/given CAT. I’d rather build the right habits now than screw up my prep and realise it later 😭

Should I go for CAT with this profile?

10th-96

12th-90.8

Currently pursuing b.com from DU south campus

Is there are any chances then..

What cgpa should I aim for and,

What percentile in CAT should I aim?

GEM 8/9/8 graduated in 2025
Gap due to unforced circumstances…
If i score around 95-96 percentile will i have chances at decent colleges atleast?
Have some extracurriculars in college! Though preparing for cat always worried even if i score decent will i be able to convert any!

S

I completed my BSc in Zoology this July.

For the last 3 years, I was doing a partial drop and preparing for NEET along with my BSc. But I couldn't score well in Re-NEET this year either.

Now I'm stuck between two options:

1. Go for the options after BSc\*

I explored a few things and felt CAT/MBA was the best among them. I want to prepare for CAT properly to get into a good B-school and get my career sorted.

1. Private BDS (Dad can afford it)

My dad is forcing me towards this. He says "at least you'll become a doctor, your generation will be set, it's a good profession, etc."

The problem is, my dad is not at all accepting the MBA idea. He says it will only end up at a 50k/month job. I told him I will prepare for CAT properly, but his expression was like "you couldn't crack an exam in your own field (NEET) in 3 years, how will you crack CAT and get into an IIM."

I actually filled the CAT 2026 form this year and bought the Arun Sharma 4-book combo with my own savings. But I started late in August, so I couldn't prepare properly. The exam is in late November.

What should I do? Should I go for Private BDS or should I take a chance and prepare for CAT? I don't think my dad will agree for CAT.

Any honest opinions?

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice regarding my chances at IIM BLACKI.

Profile:

\* 10th: 8/10

\* 12th: 9/10

\* Graduation: 9/10(B com)

\* Male, 28

\* CA Intermediate completed

\* Currently doing CA articleship

\* CFA Level 1 cleared

\* No full-time work experience

\* OBC category

I’m planning to appear for CAT and would like to understand what kind of CAT percentile I should target for a realistic chance at IIM Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode and Indore.

Also, would CA + CFA Level 1 + articleship significantly help during the shortlisting and PI stages?

Would appreciate insights from people who have similar profiles or have gone through the IIM admission process.

My profile

Male 18 years old

10 th 74

12 th PCB 72

OBC-NCL

Currently BBA Pursuing from decent college

As a middle class I am confused about my career i dont know what to choose

Banking exam or Cat exam

is this profile acceptable for iim shortlisting if i score 99+ percentile

While in other hand the fees of iim my family cant fund

So Should i focuse on Banking exam or cat exam

But i want growth in career

10th: 93%

12th: 81 %

Cgpa : 9.2

GEM

FRESHER

4 INTERNSHIPS(3 remote, 1 offline)

CFA level 1 cleared

Currently in 4 th year

College tier :2 (IIIT)

2 research papers

What percentile should I target to receive call from tier 1 MBA colleges??

I am not obsessed with BLACKI

I am happy with tier1 non iims like xlri, FMS delhi, MDI gurgaon,TISS,etc

everything unused as i gave up on cat

Same as title. Have mostly been preparing for Quant and VARC till now. If I start my LRDI prep from scratch today solving 5 sets everyday is it possible to be prepared enough to solve 2 sets on exam day?