How Trideep Cracked CAT While Working Full-Time: A Journey to IIM Bangalore with MBA Wallah
Every competitive journey begins with a moment that forces you to pause and reflect. For Trideep, scoring 99 percentile in Physics and Chemistry but only 67 percentile in Biology could have been a setback. Instead, it became a moment of clarity. Rather than letting one weak area define him, he used it as motivation to rethink his preparation, understand his strengths, and rebuild his strategy. What followed was a disciplined and focused journey that eventually led him to IIM Bangalore.
A Childhood Rooted in Discipline
Trideep’s story began in Durgapur, in a modest household where both parents worked in their own shop. His father deliberately kept him away from business to ensure that education remained his only focus. This early discipline instilled a hunger for knowledge rather than comfort. Trideep recalls, “My father wanted me to focus solely on my studies. He believed that if I got accustomed to handling money too early, I would lose interest in my education.”
A Goal Bigger Than a Job
After graduating from a tier-3 college and securing a position at Samsung Research, Trideep had achieved what many would consider success. However, he sought something more permanent. He stated, “I had one goal: I wanted to clear a competitive exam and earn a good college tag. While I could switch jobs from Samsung to Google or Microsoft at any time, a prestigious college tag would stay with me for life.” For him, the CAT was not just about salary growth; it was about identity.
Balancing Preparation with Passion
Trideep did not isolate himself during his preparation. He continued to play football while preparing for the CAT. “Even during my preparation, I played football for two hours and then studied for two to three hours,” he said. He managed to balance his full-time job from 9 AM to 5 PM with his passion for football and his studies. “After coming back from the office, I would go to football, and then study until around 12:30 or 1:00 AM every day.” Football was an integral part of his routine, balanced with discipline.
Facing Self-Doubt After Harsh Feedback
Not every moment was filled with confidence. After attending an interview workshop, Trideep felt completely discouraged. “I felt like I wouldn’t succeed. I was depressed,” he admitted. The feedback he received was direct and honest: “You lack confidence. You can’t sell yourself.” Instead of giving up, he decided to work on himself. “I practiced speaking in front of the mirror,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of slow improvement and daily effort.
Discovering MBA Wallah at the Right Time
Trideep first learned about MBA Wallah through a relative. When his preparation became serious, he realized that regular offline coaching would not fit into his busy routine. “I can’t attend live lectures,” he noted. “I trusted MBA Wallah.” The content quality and flexibility of the program stood out to him. “The recorded lectures were amazing. I could study at my own pace, even watching three to four classes back-to-back at 1.5x or 2x speed when I had free time.”
His Preparation Strategy: Mocks and Deep Analysis
Trideep believed that preparation was not just about watching lectures; it was about serious practice. “In three months, I took about 50 mocks,” he explained. “On the day I took the mocks, I would analyze them in the evening and then again the next day.” For him, the analysis was as crucial as taking the tests themselves. He emphasized, “The most important factor in my preparation was the analysis of my performance.”
From Conversion to Confidence: A Message for Every CAT Aspirant
Then came the moment that changed everything: “I got into IIM Bangalore.” In that instant, the journey from doubt to certainty was complete. The same person who once felt unsure now spoke with clarity and confidence. When asked what truly made this achievement possible, he replied, “I have the ability. I can crack it.” This belief was not built overnight; it grew through consistent effort, honest self-reflection, and structured preparation.
The Role of MBA Wallah in His Success
Trideep credited MBA Wallah for providing the right framework and direction. The mocks strengthened his exam temperament, while the feedback sessions shaped his personality and confidence. Above all, it was his inner belief that transformed preparation into performance. With the right guidance, smart preparation, and genuine belief in oneself, even the busiest working professional can achieve something extraordinary.
Conclusion
Trideep’s journey illustrates that with dedication, discipline, and the right resources, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. His story serves as an inspiration for all CAT aspirants, proving that hard work and perseverance can lead to success, regardless of one’s circumstances.
Note: This article is based on the inspiring journey of Trideep, who balanced his full-time job and personal interests while preparing for one of the most competitive exams in India. His experience emphasizes the importance of determination and the right support in achieving academic goals.
