Great Lakes - PGDM & PGPM Admissions 2027
Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 18 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2026
For thousands of MBA aspirants across India, the journey to a top business school revolves around one goal: securing a high CAT percentile. MBA aspirants spend months after months solving CAT mock tests, mastering quantitative aptitude, improving verbal ability, and chasing IIM admission calls from top IIMs or B-Schools.While CAT preparation is undoubtedly essential, a recent discussion among MBA students and aspirants has highlighted an often-overlooked reality that getting into a business school is only the beginning, thriving and getting success inside one requires much more than academic excellence.
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An IIM second-year student recently shared a heartfelt post on reddit. And that post reflected on a regret shared by the majority of MBA students. Before entering business school, his life revolved almost entirely around exam preparation. Like many aspirants, he believed that a strong CAT score was the ultimate benchmark of success.
However, once he joined the institute, he discovered that his peers brought much more to the table than impressive entrance exam scores. Some were national-level debaters. Others were musicians, athletes, entrepreneurs, chartered accountants, or exceptional public speakers. Many had developed unique interests and experiences outside academics. The realization was eye-opening: once students enter a top B-school or IIMs, nobody discusses CAT percentiles anymore. Instead, communication skills, leadership qualities, confidence, creativity, and interpersonal abilities begin to take center stage.
This observation captures the true essence of management education. An MBA is not designed to be merely an academic degree. Rather, it is a holistic personality development experience that prepares individuals to lead teams, solve business problems, influence stakeholders, and navigate complex professional environments.
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The modern corporate world values well-rounded individuals. Recruiters increasingly look beyond grades and test scores when evaluating candidates. And in that evaluation co curricular activities play a major role. However, the importance of the hobbies and co curricular activities not only matter in the placement interview during the IIM Interview questions are asked based on these. Similar identification is done during internships, placements, group discussions, case competitions, and networking events, students are expected to demonstrate qualities that cannot be learned from textbooks alone.
These experiences shape personality traits that become valuable in both classroom discussions and corporate careers.
The importance of a well-rounded profile is not limited to campus life. Many MBA alumni and industry professionals emphasize that long-term career success depends on a combination of technical competence and interpersonal effectiveness. A candidate who can confidently present ideas, collaborate with diverse teams, and build meaningful relationships often enjoys a significant advantage over someone who excels only academically.
Sports & Fitness
Cricket, football, badminton, tennis
Running, marathons, cycling
Swimming
Yoga and fitness training
These show discipline, teamwork, resilience, and competitive spirit.
Performing Arts
Music (instrumental or vocal)
Dance
Theatre and dramatics
Stand-up comedy
Test centres are available in 70+ cities across India | 75,000+ aspirants apply for the NMAT exam | Accepted by 58+ institutions like NMIMS, KJSIM, ISB, SPJIMR and Great Lakes.
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These co curricular activities demonstrate creativity, confidence, and communication skills.
Creative Pursuits
Photography
Blogging and content creation
Painting and sketching
Filmmaking
These hobbies highlight originality and storytelling abilities.
Intellectual & Skill-Based Hobbies
Reading (especially diverse genres)
Chess
Debating
Public speaking
Quiz competitions
These hobbies reflect curiosity, analytical thinking, and awareness.
Community & Social Activities
Volunteering
NGO work
Teaching underprivileged students
Environmental initiatives
These curricular activities highlight social responsibility and leadership.
Uncommon Hobbies That Often Attract Attention
Trekking and mountaineering
Birdwatching
Astronomy
Travel blogging
Pottery
Magic and illusion
Podcasting
These hobbies often become memorable discussion points during interviews because they are less common.
The message for MBA aspirants is simple: prepare hard for the CAT 2026, but do not allow your identity to be defined solely by an exam score. Business schools are ecosystems where diverse experiences, perspectives, and talents come together. The most successful MBA graduates are often those who combine academic capability with curiosity, passion, and a well-developed personality.
After all, an MBA is not just about learning management. It is about becoming a more complete individual—someone capable of leading, communicating, innovating, and adapting in an increasingly dynamic world.
On Question asked by student community
If you have already received your final MA result and have technically completed the degree , but you are only waiting for the revaluation outcome, you would generally be considered a graduate rather than someone whose master's degree is still completely in progress. However, CAT has specific instructions about qualification
If you mean CAT (Common Admission Test) preparation, you can practise with previous-year CAT papers. IIM has a collection of CAT papers from 2017 to 2025, covering VARC, DILR and Quant across different slots, along with solutions and explanations. Solving the recent papers first can help you understand the current
Hello Student,
Yes, you can apply for CAT with an EWS certificate issued in Hindi, provided it is issued by the competent authority and follows the required format. However, CAT applicants need a Central-level EWS certificate, not merely a state-level EWS certificate. Since you are from Uttar Pradesh, ensure your
Hey there,
If you mean your MBA counselling seat-allotment letter, the exact download process depends on the counselling authority.
Usually:
With a Telangana state merit rank of 10,953, admission to MBBS Category A in Hyderabad Muslim minority colleges is generally very difficult. However, you may have a better chance for BDS Category A, depending on the year's cutoff and seat availability.
Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 18 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2026
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Test centres are available in 70+ cities across India | 75,000+ aspirants apply for the NMAT exam | Accepted by 58+ institutions like NMIMS, KJSIM, ISB, SPJIMR and Great Lakes.
Registration Start: 3 August 2026 | Last Date to Apply: 15 September 2026 (till 5 PM)
AACSB Accredited | 40 LPA-Highest CTC | Scholarships worth 10 CR
