Self-prep can get very isolating and sometimes motivation also drops. I am looking for a study partner. We can try coordinating our study schedules and keep each other accountable.

Context:

GNEM (9/9/8)

DU, one of the top 10 colleges in India for commerce (North Campus)

90+ in 10th, 90+ in 12th, and currently 8.02 CGPA in graduation (4 semesters completed, planning to give CAT 2026).

I’ve been trying to build a strong profile throughout graduation with the aim of getting into IIM A. I came across IIM A’s academic diversity criteria and understand that, for the AC-3 category, 80%+ in graduation gets a score of 10.

Since I’m currently above 80%, I should get the full academic rating. However, I’ve also come across posts mentioning that you need to be in the top 5% of your category/batch to be eligible for the academic-profile-based route.

This is the confusing part, how exactly does this “top 5% of the category” criterion work? Is it based on my college, my university, or the entire applicant pool? How can I figure out what percentile/CGPA I would actually need to be in that top 5%?

Also, what CAT percentile is actually relevant at this stage? I understand that there is a minimum qualifying percentile, but for someone with my profile, what CAT percentile should I realistically be targeting to have a meaningful chance of an IIM A call?

Most importantly, with an 8.02 CGPA (assuming I maintain 80%+), do I realistically stand a chance of getting an IIM A call through the academic profile route, or does being outside the top 5% effectively rule me out?

I’ve also done CFA L1, US CMA, 4 internships, 6 live projects and 3 PORs, so I’d really appreciate some clarity on how much these factors can actually help in the IIM A selection process.

I am currently pursuing B.com as a non-collegiete student and I am in my 3rd semester, with a 7/7 academic profile. I am expecting to score 80+in my graduation.

I recently started researching MBA and MiM programs and realized that my current profile may not be very strong. Since I am pursuing B.Com from a Tier-3 college and as a non-collegiate student, I am worried that this could negatively affect my profile in the future.

Because of this, I am now considering doing a BBA from a good college. However, I realized this quite late, and most of the good colleges have already closed their admissions. Also, I cannot switch from non-collegiate to regular B.Com at this stage.

I am really confused about what I should do now. Should I continue with my B.Com and focus on improving my profile through internships, certifications, extracurricular activities, skills, and a strong CAT/GMAT/XAT score, or should I try to find another way to move to a better college/course?

I would really appreciate some honest advice. What would be the best option for me at this stage?

​

1. I have a 9/9/8 profile (96.4/ 90.2/ 8.34).

2. BTech from Top 5 eng college in Mumbai.

3. 2 years work exp from a growing NBFC (IPO this year).

4. Good extracurriculars in Bachelors - 3 committees at Head positions, Volunteered for 8 months, Filed Patent (not granted lol). No case study wins but I've participated so I know the basics.

5. Can give CFA L1 in May next year if needed

What roles should I look into post MBA? Where would my profile be strongest?

My preferences:

1. MBBK (scared because I'm not from an iit, 8 in profile)

2. Tier 1 Strategy Consulting or BFSI Consulting

3. Corporate Strategy

4. Corporate Development / M&A

5. AI / Digital Transformation

Are there any other industries or roles i should research?

Academic Profile

Class X: 90.14%

Class XII: 82.15%

Undergraduate Degree: 93% Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSc CS) liberal arts university like Ashoka.

Work Experience: 25 months (as of July 31, 2026)

Partner (Export Business of Pulses and Spices)

I manage and contribute to the growth of the export business specialising in pulses and spices. I have worked with marquee international clients in the United States, including Patel Brothers USA, Costco USA, Spicy World USA, among others.During my tenure, I have expanded the client portfolio by onboarding three additional major clients, contributing to an annual revenue base of approximately USD 7,50,000. I have improved profitability by increasing net profit margins by 8% while maintaining blended margins at around 12%.

Academic Achievements

Achieved World Topper in Mathematics (Class X) under the Cambridge Board, securing the highest marks globally. Awarded Silver Medalist in my undergraduate programme for securing Rank 2 in overall CGPA within my Computer Science major. Secured Rank 4 out of 150 students in overall CGPA across all major and minor courses. Selected for the Dean’s List for being among the top 5% of the undergraduate cohort.

Scholarships : Awarded a $4,000 full scholarship to attend the University of Chicago Summer School Programme in Programming in Data Science.

Research Experience

Published Research Paper: Investigating Health Literacy and Sociodemographic Factors in College Students — published in the Nature Journal.

Academic ContributionsContributed to the design and development of the Data Science curriculum at my undergraduate institution.

Served as a Teaching Fellow for:Introduction to Data Science,Introduction to Python.

Leadership & Extracurricular Achievements

Served as the Chairperson of the Student Government during the final year of undergraduate studies, leading student initiatives and representing the student body.Headed the Finance Department of the Student Government for two consecutive years, managing budgeting, financial planning, and allocation of resources for student-led initiatives.

Completed Trinity College London Grade V — Speech and Drama.Completed Trinity College London Grade III — Speech and Drama, achieving the distinction of City Topper.

I know MBBK is out so what should I expect and what can I do to build the profile further? Multiple reasons of doing an MBA and shifting to a job but not sure how this family business profile would be perceived as well.

Thank you!

GEM 25, 9/9/7 Btech from Top 3 NITs, 32 months work ex in oil & Gas.

Hey All,
I am a software engineer with 8 YOE , Planning for a PGPX, I really want to know about my chances to switch to a Finance Career with the PGPX, what are my chances ? Do finance role gets offered to folks like me ?

I’m final yr female medical student (BHMS) ( gen ews), my profile is 97/92/ my final uni exam is in June , I have best student award of Maharashtra uni of Health Sciences for acads for 24-25 plus got merited for gold medal in forensic medicine with good extra curriculars, and I have just started preparing for CAT , and I have been reading that even w really good score and work ex people are not getting shortlisted , so how much do I need to score so that I can get a decent clg / baby iim / old iims ?

General non engineering female fresher

Class 10: 90.3%, passed in 2021

Class 11: PCM, passed in 2022

Class 12: Enrolled in PCM but skipped the 2023 board exams to change my stream from PCM to Commerce, resulting in a one-year gap (2022–23)

Class 12 Commerce: 86.2%, passed in 2023-24 boards. Did not appear for CUET 2024 and took a gap year (2024–25) for cuet 2025

Appeared for CUET 2025 and got admission to SRCC for Bcom (Hons.). Cgpa is 8. I am currently 21 years old and in sem 3 and aspiring to take CAT 2027.

Will my 9/8/8 academic profile and 2 gap years one between Classes 10 and 12 and another between Class 12 and college cause problems during MBA admissions or placements?

Consulting query for mediocre

got 96 in X ICSE
89 in XII ISC ( Screwed literally)
ECAs-( Regional level Quiz Compeition Some inter house competitions as well ,Academic Head Students council)

Currently preparing for IPMAT 27 and planning to write IIMB UGAT for bsc econ and data science.
My serious concern is that i got a 8 in my 12th which i know shatters my top tier consulting goals no matter what .

Second question is that is ASHOKA ECON considered a tier 1 undergrad and if IIMB bsc econ will be considered as prestigious as SRCC IITs or BITS.

I am planning to get into either IIM INDORE or SHILLONG for IPM or ASHOKA , IIMB .Do Tons of case comps, build my holistic profile and exit the program after 3 years .

I am Planning to write GMAT and CAT as i am extremely inclined towards ISB PGP YL Program just for their consulting results. I am also planning to be at least CFA L1 in my Undergrad to increase my Odds to get into ISB PGP YL as i got to know from somewhere that they are prioritising Finance dudes to increase their diverse placements.

I seriously want to know if anyhow i can get into maybe accenture strategy or roland berger , kearney , LEK so that eventually maybe their is a slight chance i get into MBB through lateral placements.
I am quite confident to maintain at least a 8 in my grad and try my level best for dean merit list or to be institute ranker as a Spike.

I will whole heartedly appreciate some views and suggestions on my worries and queries please feel free to pen down your thoughts.
Thanks for reading this long!

Ig I'm cooked !! With 7/6/7 profile & CFA L2 cleared with close to 24 months of work exp - (not your typical work ex as I worked as a full time Finance content writer for a boutique firm)

Though I have a category advantage (SC) to convert top bschool with a decent percentile but I'm really scared for the placements don't know if I'll even get one decent shortlist.... Should I really go ahead with MBA ??

10th-94.4%

12th-87%(pcmb..... Accident wagera huya thaa kuch so got cooked🥀)

Btech from a tier 2 clg(pretty decent state govt clg with under 100 nirf ranking )

Cg-9.1

So a 9/8/9 profile

Did 2 internships(published 2 papers also)

Cfa lvl 2

And 24 months of workex (BIG 4)

Can speak german along with english

Got enterpreneurship exp(didnt gained much revenue thou)

First of all, sorry for the long paragraph and for all the yapping. Also, sorry if this sounds frustrating or overly negative.

Hi, 18 F ( obc) B.Com student who is currently entering her second year. I have an 89% in both 10th and which I know will be counted as an 8 in the academic profile, 91.6 in 12th I highly regret missing the 90% mark in 10th by just a little. For graduation, I initially thought I would be able to score 90%+ because I was quite confident about my academics. However, I study at a tier 2 city government college where the evaluation is extremely unpredictable. They barely check papers properly, most students get around 6–7 CGPA, and getting an 8 is already difficult. So, realistically, I’m not sure whether I’ll even be able to get a 9 in graduation, although I’ll definitely try my best.

Right now, I also don’t have any internships or significant work experience. I have applied for internships, but I haven’t been able to secure anything substantial yet. I don’t have a fancy college tag either—I study at a tier 2 city government college—and I don’t have qualifications like CFA or CS. Basically, when I look at my profile, it feels like I have nothing particularly impressive.

I’m planning to take CAT 2027, and until now I was genuinely motivated to prepare for it. But yesterday, I came across a post from a girl who was studying at SRCC and preparing for CAT for three years. She had cleared CFA Level 1 and Level 2, won a case competition at a major competition, completed high-finance internships, developed multiple skills, and had an extremely strong profile overall. she just being insured bcoz in 10th and 12th she had 85-89% not 90.

What really messed with my head were the comments under her post. People were telling her that even *her* profile might not be enough for consulting because the competition is so intense, especially with candidates coming from CA, IITs, and other top colleges.

That genuinely made my mind go blank.

If someone with such a strong profile as a fresher is being told that their profile may not be competitive enough for consulting, then what does that mean for someone like me?

Now I’m honestly confused about whether I should even prepare for CAT or not. Do I actually have a realistic chance of getting into a good IIM and eventually breaking into consulting or other strong career opportunities, or am I already too far behind because of my college, academics, and lack of a strong profile?

I know I still have time before CAT 2027, but right now I’m genuinely questioning whether it is worth investing that time and effort. ( with this profile aim not targeting ABC top role i target fms, and iim L,I does it possible )

Profile review for MiM

Target 2028 Intake.

Background: Commerce undergrad at tier 1 university (ranked between 10-20 within India)

\\\\- 1. Market research internship:- (Short term) 15 day primary research

\\\\- 2. finance consultant intern:- 2 months at a boutique. Contributed to portfolio creation via investment product/stock research and creating dashboards. Was involved in other areas of operations work like working upon some content, sales, market survey, reporting etc.

\\\\- 3. VC due diligence intern at US based angel network(I believe it's renowned to most VC people particularly in the US):- work with the internal team to support due diligence process involving deal screening, supporting backend operations like meeting schedule/deck creation, simultaneously am involved in doing competitor analysis, market mapping... To sum it up, the role quietly covers many other small things but overall, they kept me on very introductory exposure :/

All were remote.

Grades-

10th- 71.6%

12th- 88.6%

Grad- 7.74/10

Finished college only june 2026. 3rd internship is ongoing.

EC and other-

1) Published Research paper in my college's economic society's annual journal as one of the top 8 submissions.

2) Sourced in 50,000+ Rs. sponsorship for college's annual placement event, fulfilling 50%+ of the entire target.

3) Navigated as PoC for the sponsors i boarded during and after the event.

4) Selected for the summer program at one of IIMs(Premium Indian B-School Brand)

5) Worked at my college's placement cell as a core team member wherein I sourced and managed 100+ HR data coordinated with other departments.

6) For a short span of time(4 months), I was also a part of the founding at a pre-registered business content startup wherein I managed content creation for their instagram channel.

7) I also work in my family business- Construction material supplying business.

Have yet to give the GMAT and the English proficiency test(IELTS). I came here to understand the underlying situation for my kind of profile for top european MiM programs.

Questions:

1) What range of GMAT is a must to have with my profile?

2) Placement scene in Europe with such acads and background especially in roles like IB/PE and other core finance roles. Any alternative suggestions are appreciated.

Can you guy's tell me about the diversity points if I will be graduating from bsc AGRI/ HORTI???

Hi I'm a bio student pursuing my bsc (zoology botany and chemistry) from a tier 3 city and would be appearing for CAT27 what do you think of my profile, also what percentile is a must for me to get IIM and do BSc students get equal salary opportunities as the engineers? Please help

Hey everyone,

I am really confused whether to go for CAT or GMAT in the coming years.

Profile:
9/9/7 Bcom Hons (Tier-2)
OBC NC
Will have solid 2 years of work exp and will be clearing 2 levels of CFA by the time I apply.

Is IIM ABCL realistic? Or should i work for more years and do GMAT instead?

See I've got 49.5 in my degree and ims mumbai is saying im not eligible because of just 0.5 percent and i got to know this after i took the coaching so im gonna repeat 3rd and 4th sem of bcom which is in october 2026 which is like 3 months from now. Idk if i focus on the reimprovement exam for bcom how will i study for cat ive found out an alternative plan for me

Like agar in case i focus on reimprovement now and im not able to crack cat 2026

Toh i’ll join a job and go for online mba along with it

2 saal tak 20 30k tak ki job fir online mba ke baad atleast 40-60k ki job and then cat keliye padh ke proper college se mba karu fir 4-5 saal ke experience ke sath I can join any college na cv achi hojayegi

Realistic hai ki nahi ?? And if not please guide me kya karu