From CAT Results to B-School: What Actually Matters
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From CAT Results to B-School: What Actually Matters

Ranjita KumariUpdated on 06 Jan 2026, 05:51 PM IST

My name is Vani Agarwal, and I am a current student of the International Master in Business program at SDA Bocconi Asia Center. I graduated with a BBA from Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies, Pune, with a specialisation in Marketing. After my undergrad degree, I worked as a Brand Manager at MyGate, executing brand initiatives to enhance market presence and drive growth. I also developed and implemented comprehensive marketing campaigns across online and offline channels, increasing brand visibility.

This Story also Contains

  1. Choosing a B-School
  2. The Interview
  3. Six Months In
  4. Advice
From CAT Results to B-School: What Actually Matters
From CAT Results to B-School: What Actually Matters

Although I thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in Marketing, I wanted to pursue a Master's that would help me align myself with my future goals of either doing a Doctorate or working in a research-heavy role.

Choosing a B-School

My goal of pursuing a Master's was to advance my career towards the world of research, specifically market research or consumer behaviour. Having worked as the Editor-in-Chief of the college’s editorial board, magazine, and newsletter, and also publishing a research paper in the Annual International Research Journal of SCMS, my interest has always lain in writing and research.

However, with the number of institutions offering Master's, I knew I had to narrow my options to programs that matched my checklist - first, research-focused and industry-relevant curriculum, faculty with a global perspective, and a vast network of alumni and corporates. After shortlisting some top-ranked institutions across the country, I zeroed in on SDA Bocconi Asia Center since it ticked my checklist and also allowed me to spend a term of my Master's in Milan, Italy.

SDA Bocconi IMB Admissions 2026

Applications Deadline - 22nd January 2026 | Offers full-time PGP in International Master in business (IMB) Equivalent to MBA under following specializations Marketing, HR, Operations, and many more

IFMR Graduate School of Business MBA Admissions 2026

Application Deadline 15th Jan’26 | UGC Approved Programs | Near 100% Placement Record | Up to 100% Scholarships | Highest CTC 21.32 LPA

Also See: SDA Bocconi Asia Center Placement

The Interview

During the process of shortlisting institutions, I took the NMAT and scored 250 overall, with 95 in VARC, 73 in QA, and 82 in DILR. Considering that admissions at SDA Bocconi Asia Center are profile-based, I made sure to highlight my extracurriculars, including my experience at SCMS as the editor-in-chief and managing the PR efforts for the biggest college fest in Pune.

After submitting my application with essay responses that focused on my journey up till now and my why for joining the program, I was called in for an on-campus interview. My interview panel consisted of two people who were highly in tune with the corporate happenings, not just in India, but on a global scale. The interview was focused on my resume, my work experience, and my essay responses. At one point, they asked me about my reason for doing a Master so soon after my BBA, and I focused my response on my checklist, my future goals, and how this program will complement my current efforts towards reaching those goals. Overall, the SDA Bocconi interview was one of my favourites as it was so indicative of current times.

Also Read: SDA Bocconi Asia Center Courses

Six Months In

Six months in, I'm on the Placement Committee's Corporate Relations wing, which means I'm in meetings with CHROs and visiting companies regularly. During the summer internship process, I got placed with Marsh McLennan in a Knowledge Management role.

90% of the faculty come from Italy and have taught at INSEAD, Harvard, and ISB. Classes are case-based and interactive, and students run clubs that bring in industry speakers who keep us up to date with the current on-ground industry reality. Overall, campus life at SDA Bocconi Asia Center offers a holistic experience that blends academic excellence, industry exposure, and personal development.

Advice

With platforms like YouTube, Reddit, and the GPTs readily available, every preparation strategy has already been evaluated and refined. But my key advice for those contemplating B-school is to focus on building your personal brand early. In a country where business degrees are increasingly common, what sets you apart is knowing who you want to be in the next 5 years and taking actionable steps toward that goal. Build your brand even before you start studying for competitive exams—it's what will make you stand out in the admissions room.

Disclaimer: The article has been published as part of the marketing activity between Careers360 and SDA Bocconi Asia Center.

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see to get admission in sda boccani you need to have at least 50% marks in 10th, 10+2, and graduation degree. but that not only defines that you may surely get shortlisted for mba admission. you need to have appear any management test exam includes cat/gmat/ nmat/cmat exam and