Life at IIM Trichy: From Business Analyst to B-School, Sarath Krishnan Shares His Journey
Common Admission Test 2025 ( CAT )
From preparing for CAT during work breaks to life on campus, Sarath talks about what makes IIM Trichy rewarding experience.
In this Life at IIM episode, we speak with Sarath Krishnan, who is a Computer Science graduate and former Business Analyst who is now pursuing an MBA at IIM Tiruchirappalli. From preparing for CAT during work breaks to life on campus, Sarath talks about what makes Trichy both intense and rewarding.
Q. Tell us about yourself and path that led you to IIM Trichy.
Sarath Krishnan: I studied Computer Science and worked for around three years as a Business Analyst with a cloud solutions firm handling GCP and AWS projects. My interest in management actually started in college when I was part of the student union and enjoyed organising events.
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At work, I interacted closely with clients, which made me curious about how decisions were made beyond the technical side. That was when I started preparing for CAT while working. I took at least one mock every day; it was exhausting at times, but it built consistency and confidence.
In CAT exam, each candidate gets 120 minutes to solve the paper. There are three sections in CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude. For each section 40 minutes are allotted as sectional time limit. For PwD candidates, the sectional time limit is 53.20 minutes per section. Candidates have to complete each section within the given time limit. Since the CAT is an online mode exam, the test screen will move from first section to the next section automatically as soon as the time limit gets over. Thus candidates have to be mindful of the on-screen timer and pre-decide the number of questions to solve in each section. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section of CAT has 24 questions, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section has 22 questions and Quantitative Aptitude section has 22 questions. It is not mandatory to solve all the questions in CAT so candidates can devise a strategy to use 40 minutes per section as per their strength and weakness.
There is no difference between slot 1, 2 and 3 of CAT exam paper in terms of structure and patten. The sectional break up, marking scheme and time limit are the same in all slots. However, due to unique sets of questions in each slot leads to difference in difficulty levels. There is usually a slight difference in the CAT question papers of different slots. Sometimes, topic wise weightage of the questions also vary. To negate advantage or disadantage to candidates due to difference in difficulty level of slots, CAT scores are normalised for result preparation.
Q. Why did you decide on IIM Trichy?
Sarath Krishnan: Among newer IIMs, Trichy has built a strong reputation quite fast. It also helped that it is close to my hometown in Kerala, so family is not too far away.
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Before joining, I spoke to a few alumni I found on LinkedIn. They were very candid about the learning environment, faculty and placements. Their insights helped me make an informed decision.
Q. What was your first week like on campus?
Sarath Krishnan: Total chaos in a good way. Orientation week called NIRMAN Week runs from morning till late night with activities that push you to step out of your comfort zone.
One night we had to come up with a business idea and pitch it the next morning. No sleep, lots of teamwork and laughter. That week really sets the tone, fast paced, competitive and full of surprises.
In CAT 2025, the following changes were seen:
- The fee amount increased from INR 2,500 to INR 2,600 for General category candidates and from INR 1,250 to INR 1300 for Reserved category candidates.
- In DILR section, number of questions increased from 20 to 22.
- Total marks of CAT DILR section increased from 60 to 66.
- Total marks of CAT exam increased from 198 to 204.
- Candidates can select five cities instead of six.
Q. How would you describe academic atmosphere, competitive or collaborative?
Sarath Krishnan: It is definitely competitive, but collaboration wins more often. Everyone wants to do well, yet people share notes, resources and time when someone needs help.
I am part of Consulate, the consulting club, and we often work together on case studies and mentoring sessions for juniors. Professors are approachable too; you can easily walk into their office for guidance.
Q. What stands out academically for you?
Sarath Krishnan: The case based learning approach really stands out, but my favourite place on campus is the Learning Resource Centre. It is a four storey library with quiet study zones, discussion rooms and an area called Brain Bubbles for creative brainstorming.
Abhay Anand is an experienced education journalist with over 15 years in print and digital media. Currently serving as Manager- Editorial at Shiksha.com, he specializes in higher education policy, student mobility,
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 4 days ago
Yes, CAT is a compulsory entrance exam for all candidates who are a resident of India to qualify for PGPM admissions at IIM Shillong. For NRI candidates, the GMAT is the mandatory entrance exam to qualify for IIM Shillong PGPM admissions. Candidates also need to fulfill the eligibilty criteria for P
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Contributor-Level 10
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The CAT cutoff for IIM Shillong PGPM admissions 2026 ranges from 50 - 75%. The general and EWS category candidates are required to score at least 75% in CAT exam to qualify for the PI round for IIM Shillong admissions.
The SC category is required to score 60% while the remaining categories are only r
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Yes, students can get into IIM Ahmedabad without appearing for CAT. However, this is applicable for courses other than flagship PGP/ MBA programme. Students seeking to join programmes, such as the BPGP or executive programmes. For those courses, students need valid scores of other accepted exams.
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LIBA Chennai does accept CAT scores for admission to PGDM courses. However, it is not compulsory. Aspirants can also apply for PGDM with XAT scores. Candidates applying for PGDM (Gulf/ FN/ OCI) programme can also appear for LIBA Admission Test. Selected candidates also need to pass WAT followed by G
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Guide-Level 15
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N.L. Dalmia offers scholarships based on entrance exam scores of the candidates. Below is the criteria for scholarship based on CAT scores:
| Category | Scholarship |
|---|---|
| >90 percentile | INR 6.50 lakh |
| 85 to 89.99 percentile | INR 4.06 lakh |
| 80 to 84.99 percentile | INR 3.25 lakh |
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One should keep 9 months for CAT preparation, but it is possible to prepare in six months too provided the plan is focussed and exhaustive. For a six month preparation plan, one will need to dedicate 8 to 10 hours daily.
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Answered 2 weeks ago
CAT is one of the accepting exams for admission to MBA at ISMR Pune. However, it is not compulsory. Aspirants with a score in CMAT, MAT, XAT, MAH MBA CET, etc. can also get admission. Candidates selected based on their entrance exam scores also need to pass the personal interview round for admission
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No, CAT scores are not compulsory for admissions into MBA course at GLA University, Mathura. The university also considers scores from other management entrance exam and one university level entrance exam too. The names of the other accepted entrance exams are: MAT/ XAT/ UPSEE.
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No, CAT scores are not important for enrollment into Masters of Business Administration course at Chitkara University. Because CAT is not the only scores which are considered by the university, it also accepts the scores of MAT/ XAT/ NMAT/ CMAT.
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CAT has 68 questions. Each question carries three marks. There is negative marking of minus one for incorrect attempts. There is no deduction of marks for unanswered questions. Total marks in 204.