The rigorous curriculum of IIM Bodh Gaya has changed my habit of waking up late, says Reeju Barman

By: Reeju Barman

2020’s batch is experiencing the online mode of study which is the new normal now. So this year we are experiencing something that no one has ever experienced before. The classes began on 21st July and from that day the pressure of studies, as well as extra-curricular activities, started.

I was not good at studies in school. I struggled a lot. I enjoyed studying Mathematics and Science and decided to pursue science for 11th and 12th. My interest in science was not the only factor for choosing it as my stream, another reason was that I always aspired to become an engineer. Though I was always interested in computer hardware and software and wanted to make a career in that field unfortunately I couldn’t pursue CSE as my Btech stream. But I didn’t lose hope.

I applied for Google India Challenge Scholarship and received that scholarship. That was my first step towards the field of Computer Science. I started learning Android programming and many languages like JS, HTML, Python etc. I became a member of Google Developer Group, Kolkata. I started exploring the field of data science and cloud computing. Finally, I decided to study further in this field. Hence I decided to prepare for CAT in my final year as MBA provides many career paths in the field of data science. I have a wish to pursue PhD in the field of IT & Decision Sciences after my MBA.

I started preparing for CAT in my final year. I remember I first took the decision to appear for CAT in the last week of July and started preparing for CAT since that day. I researched about the questions asked in the exam, the syllabus, division of marks and the pattern of the exam. I gathered even the smallest information about the exam to have a clear overview. I think having a clear idea about the exam is a necessary step before diving into studies. I didn’t go to any coaching centres because of financial issues, but I would suggest if you can afford it you should go for it.

I bought several mock test series full of topic and sectional tests. I used to study for 6-8 hours for CAT and 1-2 hours for my semester exams. After getting calls from several IITs and IIMs I started preparing for the interview. I did not have any prior interview experience but I tried hard. I had anxiety issues that I had to overcome before appearing for the interview. I got a little nervous during my first interview but still gave a decent performance and got selected in that particular B-School also.

2020’s batch is experiencing the online mode of study which is the new normal now. So this year we are experiencing something that no one has ever experienced before. The classes began on 21st July and from that day the pressure of studies, as well as extra-curricular activities, started. Clubs and committees formed some groups and assigned us various tasks (assignments). The tasks were to make a PPT on a particular topic and present it. They held many competitions also and I enjoyed those activities.

Group or teamwork in this online mode is a bit difficult as there are many problems regarding the network or the tools used online. Our Media PR committee held a short film making competition and I participated in that with a team. I contributed as a scriptwriter and enjoyed the competition. These activities are really important for self-development in a business school.

The class that I enjoy the most is IT and Economics. In IT, I get to study all the things that I loved during my B.Tech as extracurricular activities and now many of those things are included in the syllabus. I like the economics class as I had a genuine curiosity about knowing how the economy works. By studying this subject, I am getting an insight into all the things related to the economy. I like organizational behaviour also as this subject is based on psychology. Through this subject, you can understand how different people think in different ways in a situation. This is a really good subject to study.

After coming to IIM Bodh Gaya, I overcame my fear of public speaking (at least in online mode). I think it is helping me build a strong personality. I am becoming more confident every day. The rigorous IIM curriculum has shaped my everyday schedule and changed my habit of waking up late.

About the Author:

Reeju Barman has completed his B.Tech in power engineering from National Power Training Institute, Durgapur in 2020. CAT 2019 was his first attempt and he was fortunate enough to get admission into an IIM at his first attempt. He is passionate about travelling and loves photography. Apart from this watching movies and TV series are his hobbies.