An MBA isn’t defined by any age or background, and that’s what makes it powerful. Whether you’re an engineer, psychologist, or even a doctor, an MBA can be your gateway to new opportunities. One such story is that of Dr. Abhishek Roy, a doctor by profession who chose to pivot his career, not by leaving healthcare, but by aiming to transform it from the management side. What makes Abhishek’s journey truly inspiring isn’t just his profession, but the road he chose, from a 66 percentile in CAT 2023 to a remarkable 96.32 percentile in CAT 2024. This is the story about his motivation behind an MBA, CAT preparation journey, and his mindset about how he will be creatively contributing to the healthcare ecosystem.Â
How a Doctor went from MBBS to MBA? Why do you want to pursue an MBA?
Since my first year of MBBS, the journey to becoming a doctor has always been tougher than I imagined. But I keep going forward because I want to make a difference. Although something felt off to me. Like a piece was missing.
So, I started to explore different alternatives. I did a ton of research. From connecting with my seniors for advice to talking with doctors running their clinics on Instagram.
Reaching out to more doctors, I found something different than the traditional career path.
A healthcare startup run by new-age doctors who did an MBA from IIMs. I talked to them and found out how building something around healthcare is having a positive impact on society. An MBBS, in addition to an MBA, will equip me with more unique skills and great career opportunities ahead of me.Â
Join this free whatsapp group to get the latest information about CAT exam along with the strategies by CAT experts
How did you start preparing for CAT 2023? How was your first CAT attempt?
I knew CAT was the only way to IIMs, and preparing for the exam seriously is necessary. So, I connected with many CAT aspirants through online communities and found out about iQuanta Facebook community. The daily quizzes and frequent strategy tips helped me understand the syllabus better.
But there was a problem. In 2023, I also started my compulsory internship after MBBS. The internship wasn’t easy. From odd shifts to long hours and exhaustion, I barely keep up with the CAT preparation. I knew this was not going to be easy but I still prepared with my best efforts.
Results arrived, and I only managed to score 66%ile. It felt like a big failure back then.
Join the Largest CAT Preparation Community in India
So, what changed during CAT 2024 preparation? How did you manage to score a great percentile?
After learning my lesson, I knew I had to go all out.
So, I focused on my internship and completed it diligently in May 2024. After having a little break, and talking to iQuanta current students (since they helped me lot in 2023 in their Facebook community), I enrolled in the iQuanta CAT 2024 batch.
My fellow doctors inspired and encouraged me to deepen my commitment to my practice.
But, it wasn’t easy this time either. Mock tests used to scare me. I couldn’t keep up with the time ticking on the dashboard. I managed to score around 19 to 25 marks only. Then, around the month of August, I talked to one the teachers at iQuanta. Their words sparked my fire once again. I practiced more and more and managed to increase my score from 25 to 75-80 marks in mock tests.
Finally, D-day arrived and I managed to score 96.32 percentile in CAT 2024 with interview calls from almost IIMs.
How was your interview, and what college did you convert?
My interviews were tough and exciting at the same time. Some interviewers grilled me over my choice of pursuing an MBA, they constantly pushed me around corner. But I didn’t give up. I stayed true to my story and intention behind the MBA.
The interviews were also exciting since many interviewers were interested in my story and wanted to know more about how my experience as an MBBS doctor will help me during my two-year MBA far from home.
Finally, the results arrived. I successfully converted IIM Lucknow, IIM Raipur, and TISS Mumbai. Moreover, I waiting for IIM Indore and may choose between IIM Lucknow or IIM Indore.
Any final words to your fellow CAT aspirants?
Only one word of advice. The journey may seem impossible, but remember how big would you dream if you knew you couldn’t fail?
My best wishes to CAT 2025 aspirants.
Enroll for the iQuanta CAT Course
