Rejected Amazon, Failed UPSC Thrice: Man Scores 99.92 in CAT, Joins IIM

From Corporate Rejection to IIM: An Unlikely Journey

In a remarkable story of perseverance, a young Indian professional who declined a job offer from tech giant Amazon and faced failure in the UPSC Civil Services Examination three consecutive times has successfully cracked the Common Admission Test (CAT) with an exceptional score of 99.92 percentile, ultimately securing admission to one of India's prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).

Why He Walked Away from Amazon

The aspirant's decision to turn down an Amazon offer surprised many around him, but he remained focused on a larger goal — first attempting the UPSC route to public service, and later pivoting towards management education. Despite three unsuccessful attempts at the UPSC examination, he did not let setbacks define his trajectory. Instead, he channelled his preparation discipline and analytical thinking into cracking the CAT.

CAT 2024: What the 99.92 Percentile Means

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted annually by the IIMs on a rotational basis and is widely considered one of the most competitive management entrance exams in the world. A percentile of 99.92 places a candidate among the top fraction of over 3 lakh test-takers who appear each year. Such a score opens doors to the oldest and most reputed IIMs, including IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, and IIM Lucknow.

• CAT is conducted by IIMs on a rotational basis every year
• Over 3 lakh candidates appear for CAT annually
• 99.92 percentile places the candidate in the top 0.08% of all test-takers
• Top IIMs typically require 99+ percentile for interview shortlisting
• The exam tests Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, and Quantitative Aptitude

Key Takeaways for CAT and MBA Aspirants

This story carries a powerful message for lakhs of students preparing for competitive exams in India. Career pivots, even after significant setbacks, are not only possible but can lead to outstanding outcomes. Experts and educators have long noted that UPSC preparation — which demands rigorous reading, analytical thinking, and time management — can serve as a strong foundation for MBA entrance tests like CAT.

For students currently preparing for CAT or considering an MBA from the IIMs or other top institutes of national importance, this story underscores the importance of consistency, adaptability, and long-term planning over short-term gains.

IIM Admissions: A Highly Competitive Process

Admission to the IIMs goes beyond just CAT scores. Candidates are evaluated through Written Ability Tests (WAT), Personal Interviews (PI), and academic and professional profiles. Work experience, including unconventional journeys like UPSC preparation, is often viewed positively by IIM admission committees as it demonstrates depth of character and intellectual curiosity.

Students aspiring to join the IIMs can visit the official CAT website and individual IIM admission portals for detailed eligibility criteria, selection processes, and application timelines. For more on MBA entrance exams and IIM admissions guidance, visit CollegeUnify.