At GIBS Bangalore, there's really no strict sectional cutoff for CAT scores. They mostly look at your overall score along with academics, interviews, and your overall profile. So even if one section isn't super strong, it's not a big deal—what matters is your overall potential and fit for the progr
/ MBA / MBA Exams / CAT / News / Life at IIM Trichy: From Business Analyst to B-School, Sarath Krishnan Shares His Journey
Life at IIM Trichy: From Business Analyst to B-School, Sarath Krishnan Shares His Journey
Common Admission Test 2025 ( CAT )
In this Life at IIM episode, we speak with Sarath Krishnan, 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.
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.
Q: What is the marking scheme of CAT?
Q: What is the sectional time limit in CAT?
A:
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.
Q: What is the difference between slot 1, 2 and 3 of CAT exam paper?
A:
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.
Q: What's new in CAT exam?
A:
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.
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ABHAY ANAND
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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 5 hours ago
The Bangalore University MBA Cutoff 2025 has been announced for admission to the MBA/PGDM programme via the Karnataka PGCET, CAT, NMAT, XAT, and other accepted exams. According to the Bangalore University Karnataka PGCET Cutoff 2025, students needed to obtain a rank of 3375 for admission to ABBS Ba
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Neerja Rohatgi
Contributor-Level 10
A
Ahmedbasha
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 days ago
GIBS accepts scores from all major management entrance exams, including:
CAT
XAT
MAT
CMAT
GMAT
ATMA
State CET
This gives students multiple options to apply. Along with entrance exam scores, GIBS also looks at the overall profile, communication skills, and interest in management, which makes the admission pr
A
Ahmedbasha
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 days ago
At GIBS Bangalore, the admission process for CAT and MAT candidates is kept simple and transparent.
GIBS follows a general merit-based admission approach. This means selections are mainly based on:
Entrance exam scores (CAT/MAT)
Academic background
Personal interaction and overall profile
There is no rig
A
Ahmedbasha
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 days ago
No, CAT scores are not compulosry for admissions to MBA course at Techno India University. Because the university considers scores from other entrance exams too, likewise, CAT/ MAT/ XAT/ CMAT/ GMAT/ JEMAT/ TNJEE scores. Thus, you can get enrolement with CAT scores. However, it is not compulsory.
C
Chanchal Gaurav
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
In CAT 2025, 26 candidates scored 99.99 percentile. 14 are from engineering background and 12 are from non engineering background. And among them 4 are female candidates.
A
Anya B
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 days ago
In CAT 2025, the number of 100 percentilers was 12. Maximum toppers were from Delhi (3). IIM Kozhikode had released the state wise toppers data along with CAT 2025 result on December 24, 2025.
A
Anyam Kalra
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 days ago
A total of 2.58 Lacs candidates appeared for CAT 2025. Check below gender wise break up.
Category | Number of registrations | Number of test takers |
|---|---|---|
Female | 1.10 lakh | 0.97 lakh |
Male | 1.85 lakh | 1.61 lakh |
Transgender | 9 | 9 |
Vipra Shrivastava
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
In CAT 2025, two female candidates have scored 100 percentile in CAT 2025. Number of 99.99 percentile scorer females in 4 and the number of 99.98 percentile scorer females in 5.
E
Esha Singh
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 5 days ago
Yes, there is a 10% scholarship for those who have scored 80 percentile and above in the CAT exam. Scholarship based on CAT is offered based on document verification once you join the program. There are limited scholarship seats which are offered on first-cum-first-serve basis. This scholarship is v
J
Jaya Sharma
Contributor-Level 10
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.