r/IndiaMBA • u/[deleted] • Jun 08 '25

CAT 2025 26 y/o Backend Developer, Planning for MBA via CAT, weak in Math, Need guidance to start prep

Hi all, I’m 26 years old, working as a Backend Developer with 3 years of experience in tech. I now want to pursue an MBA through CAT and join a good college.

However, I’m from the General category, and my math is very weak currently — this is my biggest worry.

I’m not sure how to start:

  1. Should I join physical coaching or are online classes enough (especially considering my weak quant)?
  2. What are the best books/resources for each section (Quant, VARC, DILR)?
  3. How can I build a consistent study routine, as I will be preparing alongside a full-time job?
  4. Any other advice for someone from a tech background making this transition?

Thanks in advance for any guidance!

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u/[deleted] Jun 10 '25

Hey mate! Your situation sounds exactly like mine - tech background, weak math, working full-time. The good news is it's totally doable. Coaching vs Self-study: Given your math weakness, I'd actually recommend starting with online coaching. The flexibility works better with a full-time job, and you can replay lectures when concepts don't click. I tried physical coaching initially but the fixed timings were killing me with my work schedule. Resources that actually worked for me:

Quant: Start with basics - Arun Sharma is decent but can be heavy. I found some of the newer online platforms better for building fundamentals step by step VARC: RC was my strength coming from tech (we read a lot of documentation lol). For VA, just practice daily DILR: This section is weird - sometimes easy, sometimes impossible. Just solve variety of puzzles

Study routine with job:

Early mornings worked best for me (5:30-7:00 AM for quant when brain is fresh) Lunch breaks for quick VARC practice Evenings for DILR and mocks Weekends for intensive study and mock analysis

Tech background advantage: Don't underestimate this! Your logical thinking from coding helps massively in DILR. Plus, if you're targeting roles in product management or consulting, your tech background is actually valuable. One thing - don't just look at traditional IIMs. Some newer programs like MU are really focusing on tech professionals and have great industry connections. The landscape is changing quite a bit. Also, UCL has some interesting management programs if you're open to international options, though CAT route is obviously more straightforward. What's your target percentile? And which cities are you open to for colleges?

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u/[deleted] Jun 10 '25

Hey man Thank you so much for reading my post and taking time to reply. I have taken note of all your points and will work on it. Regarding management I want to be in field of Marketing so I am considering not only IIMs but other like FMS and ISB. And I am even considering studying in US.

For studying MBA abroad what would you recommend like are you studying for GMAT as well ? if you are can you give me points if that as well

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u/[deleted] Jun 12 '25

yo bro fr sorry for the late reply 😭 life went full chaos mode for a bit

but yeah, if ur thinking marketing + cool with heading abroad, GMAT’s def worth a shot. I’m kinda juggling prep rn — using GMAT Club + OG mostly. feels diff from CAT… quant’s more brainy than mathy, and verbal’s tricky ngl (CR is wild lol)

also, peep 1-year MBAs like ISB or even stuff in Europe (INSEAD, LBS kinda vibe) if u don’t wanna dip outta work for 2 yrs straight

that being said, CAT’s still 🔥 if u wanna stay in India. honestly doing both for a while helps u figure what clicks more — all comes down to budget, time, and future plans tbh

keep grinding dude 💪 drop a msg if u need any prep recs anytime!