Time management is the key: IIFT 2018 exam topper Harrshit M Kansal

Harrshit M Kansal

Overall Score: 45.24 marks
Overall Percentile: 99.6
Sectional scores:
VA-10/20
RC- 9.34/16
QA- 10/20
GK- 2.15/9
LR- 12/20
DI- 1.75/15

Harrshit M Kansal topped the IIFT 2018 entrance exam with an excellent score of 99.6 percentile. Currently, currently a final year B.E. (Hons.) student at BITS, Pilani, attributes his success to prudent time management and his family who encouraged him at every juncture.

After completing his schooling from Delhi Public School, Indirapuram with a gold medal, Harrshit joined BITS, Pilani. There he not only immersed himself into achieving 9 CGPA but also various extra curricular activities. Having completed a full semester internship at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Harrshit aspires to make a name for himself in the corporate world.

In an interview with Shiksha, he shared his prep strategy for IIFT 2018 entrance exam and future plans.

I had expected to do well in the exam, given my level of preparation and focus. But finally securing this high a percentile was quite elating.

Yes, since I am currently a final year engineering student at BITS, Pilani, this was my first IIFT attempt.  

I had appeared in CAT, XAT and NMAT by GMAC exams besides IIFT. Each exam was quite different from the rest and so, I had developed specific strategies to tackle each one of them. CAT and XAT exams were of a longer duration but had lesser number of questions than IIFT. So, the expected time to be spent on each question in CAT and XAT was higher than that in IIFT. I found questions of NMAT exam to be much easier than those of the other exams but then, it was about maintaining a very high speed in it. Further, there were no sectional time limits in the IIFT and XAT while they present in CAT and NMAT. Finally, IIFT also had a separate section on general knowledge, which was not present in the other three exams.

IIFT is one exam that tests a candidate on all the fronts- speed, accuracy and equitable distribution of time. Hence, prudent time management is of utmost importance for achieving success in this exam.

I had a book containing mock tests and IIFT question papers of the last 10 years. To develop an effective strategy, I appeared in the past papers of IIFT in real time limit. Through this, I was able to determine the optimal allocation of time to various sections of the exam. For the first 90 minutes of the exam, I had allocated a sectional time limit to each section. In the last 30 minutes, I worked on maximizing my total score.

I had a balanced approach towards all the areas during my preparation of MBA exams. Initially, I had discovered that my quantitative ability was stronger than other areas. So, I devoted relatively more time to other areas. Also, for the GK section specifically, I made sure that it was not left out, since this section was not present in most other exams. So, I regularly stayed in touch with the latest happenings. I regularly read ‘The Economic Times’ in order to keep myself updated with the current affairs and general knowledge. For verbal ability and reading comprehension, I practiced eclectic reading.

I think coaching provides one with a proper direction, guidance and motivation. Further, one gets to compete with others and discover one’s strengths and weaknesses. But I do not subscribe to the view that regular coaching is a prerequisite for achieving success in the exam. Many of the aspirants may not be able to take out time for separate coaching classes. In that case, I recommend that they should join at least one test series to be able to practise well for the exam.

My family has been extremely supportive and caring throughout my entire journey. For my success, I would like to give more credit to them than I would to myself. Their advices at crucial junctures, guidance and encouragement have been priceless for me.

I now plan to perform well in further rounds of the admission process and pursue MBA after completing my graduation. I also wish to perform well in the MBA course for the next two years by discovering, learning and honing new skills. Finally, I aspire to join a corporate as a competent professional with ample knowledge and skills in business administration.

I am a final year student pursuing B.E. (Hons.) at BITS, Pilani. I had completed my schooling from Delhi Public School, Indirapuram with a gold medal. My first target was of achieving 9 CGPA at BITS, Pilani. Along with that, I also used to actively take part in extra-curricular activities, including, holding the position of General Secretary of my department at BITS. I have also completed multiple internships during my graduation which include a full semester internship at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). My favorite hobby is travelling, which helps me expand my awareness and broaden my horizons. I also love outdoor cycling and playing badminton.

The IIFT exam usually takes place at a time close to that of CAT. So, my advice to the future aspirants is that they should not let the CAT exam affect their preparation for IIFT. It is totally an independent exam. Regardless of how CAT exam goes, one must keep oneself very much determined, get accustomed to the format of IIFT exam and give it one’s best shot.

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