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CAT – Think thrice before second attempt
The results of the CAT 2007 are in. Its time for one to take stock of the situation on hand, to pause, to reflect on the year gone by and to move on. In retrospect, the results elicit varied emotions from each of the 2.3 lakh odd applicants who appeared for the entrance this year, out of which, only 5000 would be short listed for the further rounds of Group Discussions and Personal Interviews with the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). For the 1500 odd can
didates who eventually make it to one of the six IIMs, it would be a dream come true. For the remaining 3500 applicants who were short listed for the GD and PI rounds, it would mean - ’So near, yet so far’. For the rest, it would either mean heartburn, compromise, Tier II & Tier III institutes or simply – another attempt.
Although most management institutions in the country accept CAT scores as eligibility criteria, it is for admission into the IIMs that the CAT is primarily written. Its time to look ahead for those who did not make it to the IIMs.
Don’t get disheartened
Not performing well in a competitive exam or not getting an admission in an institute of your choice does not mean that you are not ’good’ enough for it. A competitive exam assesses you on varied parameters such as your subject knowledge, your approach to the actual test, your mental strength, and also your general awareness.
Although most candidates have all grounds covered, on the day of the exam, it is critical that all these aspects click together. Even a little lapse in concentration or unexpected panic at the last minute can upset your rhythm and result in you not putting in your best performance. In exams like the CAT, where a difference of a few marks can have a huge impact on your overall percentile, a wrong answer here or there could mean the difference between success and failure. So, do not get disheartened.
Consider other options
Apart from the CAT, most reputed institutes in the country have their own entrance examinations like the XAT, NMAT and SNAP, which follow similar, test structures.
Set your focus on doing well in these entrances as they offer a wide range of career options.
Our growing economy, growing middle class and the subsequent rise in disposable incomes has given a boost to emerging sectors like retail. India’s food market alone, which is valued at close to $ 70 billion and doubling every three years, is bringing about a rapid change in modern retailing.
The retail industry in India is currently facing a shortage of about 300,000 skilled professionals. To meet these demands, various institutes across the country have come up with management courses that specialise in these growing sectors and also have a guaranteed job waiting for candidates upon successful completion of the course.
Hence, it is important that you look beyond the traditional management courses.
Another attempt?
Until about a few years ago, it was common practice for candidates appearing for various competitive exams in engineering, medicine as well as management to give up a year in order to give a second attempt at these exams. This trend was primarily due to lack of career options and a rather dull job market. But given the current boom that the Indian economy is witnessing, there is a huge dearth of talent in every conceivable field. Be it banking and financial services, real estate, biotechnology, telecom or even the conventional engineering or medicine– corporates are on the lookout for skilled manpower. Most corporates these days are highly evolved and have efficient training & development departments in place, which are capable of transforming fresh graduates with little or no work experience into employees with specific and relevant skill sets.
Thus, a lack of a ’degree’ is not a detriment to one’s job aspirations. Moreover, with tailor-made courses on offer for experienced professionals and age not being a barrier to education, it is never a ’now-or-never’ situation for candidates aspiring for higher education. Therefore, you have to be sure when you decide to give up a year.
Failure teaches you more
Your parents tell you this, elders and professionals also tell you this – that failure teaches you more than success.
No matter how overused the phrase is, there is no doubt that it is true. Failure holds different meanings to different people. For some, it might mean ’not getting an admission’, for others it might mean ’not giving it your best’ and for the rest it might mean giving up.
No matter how big or small the failure, it leaves its lessons behind. Having gone through a failure, if you learn your lessons, you will surely come out a better person – more determined and more prepared next time round.
So if you are one of those candidates who intend to make another attempt at these exams, make sure you have learned from your mistakes.
Therefore, be it working on sections of the paper where you scored less or improving your general awareness or even ensuring you don’t panic on the day of the exam, ensure that you have given due thought to areas where you need to improve.
Look at the bigger picture
Most candidates fail to see the bigger picture when it comes to competitive exams. These exams are only a means to success and not the end.
Performing well in these exams does not guarantee you success because your journey only begins there. How you capitalise on the opportunity to seek admission into the institutes of higher learning will ultimately determine how successful you are. On the other hand, for candidates who did not succeed, it is important to ’move on’.
It is important that you make the most of the time and resources that are at your disposal rather than worrying about what is lost or what ’could-have-been’.
India is rising, India is shining. The realisation of this dream has only been possible by generations of youngsters like you who have battled the odds, overcome their failures and gone on to exceed their own expectations and abilities. Now, it’s your turn to do the same.
T. Muralidharan is alumnus of IIM, Ahmedabad Rohit Shenoy is alumnus of Cardiff Business School, UK
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