How self-study helped Saras Suhane score 100 percentile in CMAT 2017

Saras Suhane

Saras Suhane, the All India Rank 1 of CMAT 2017, is a fine example of how self-determination and focus can bear fruits irrespective of availability or non-availability of external resources.

Saras, who hails from a small-town in Ganjbasoda in Madhya Pradesh, scored the perfect score of 100 percentile to be ranked No 1 across the country among thousands of test-takers. What may come as a surprise to many is that he achieved this feat without attending coaching classes or attempting mock tests. Yes, Saras did it by self-preparation and self-confidence; with a regular 9-hour job. The only aid he resorted to was the Internet.

In a brief conversation with Shiksha, Saras shared his CMAT 2017 prep strategy and future course of action. Read on.

Q. Was this your first CMAT attempt?

Saras: Yes. Initially I did not have any plan to pursue MBA hence I did not explore much options of entrance exams. When I decided to pursue MBA, CMAT applications were going on. Given that it is conducted by AICTE with so many B-schools accepting the score, CMAT was the perfect platform for me.

Q. Did u expect to score a perfect 100?

Saras: I was expecting a great score, but the feeling of being AIR 1 in a National Level MBA entrance test is definitely special. I was just enjoying the time during taking CMAT exam.

Q. Tell us about your preparation strategy.

Saras: I prepared on my own and did not join any coaching institute. I stuck to the basic. Nothing special apart from it. Nowadays, internet can MAKE you or BREAK you. You know what I mean. I hardly solved mock questions or referred any book. It was just Internet for me.

Q. What is the minimum time frame needed to prepare for CMAT, and when did you start with your preparations?

Saras: I started preparing around 1 month before the exam. I think 1 month is more than sufficient if someone follows a proper plan.

Q. What did you do to improve your weak areas?

Saras: I have never been concerned about the good placement from college. My only concern is to get a solid platform which will help me to spread my words to make India better as my entire focus is to do to something for the society.  I want to give something back to the society. This thinking helped me and was the only thing which kept me going and pushed me to improve my weak areas.

Q. Is it important to join a coaching institute?

Saras: I did not join any coaching neither I have taken any mock test series. I prepared for the exam entirely on my own. I did not have any friend circle or any other person to guide me except my dream to help uplift the poor condition of India. This feeling helped me to GET THE HIGHEST SCORE EVER in CMAT: 350/400.

In my opinion, nothing much required if you are true to yourself. No one else knows you better than you. If you have got the calibre you will explore from anywhere. Can you believe that a person from a small town without any coaching can top the national level MBA exam scoring the highest-ever marks. It was possible I because had a clear cut goal to reach at that level from where I could give something back to our society.

Q. Whom would you give credit for your CMAT 2017 success?

Saras: Everything was possible because my parents supported me completely. What they did for me cannot be explained in words. I got highest marks in CMAT and 1^st rank because they were there to hold me whenever I fell down.

Q. What’s your dream institute and the area specialization you intend to choose?

I have not thought about any institute.  I will decide according to the situation at that time.

Q. Tell us something about yourself.

Saras: I am from a small town named Ganjbasoda in Madhya Pradesh. I have always been good in academics. I scored 94.6% in Class 10, 91.2% in class 12 and 79.5% in B.E. ( Electronics and Telecommunication ).  Currently, I am working in an IT company in Pune and I love travelling.

Q. Any tips for future CMAT aspirants?

Saras: Be true to yourself.

Top MBA colleges in India accepting CMAT scores