We are living in a world that is rapidly growing and evolving, the presence of women in boardrooms, leadership positions, and strategic decision-making roles is not just inspiring—it is necessary. However, the road to those positions often begins with a powerful qualification—an MBA. Despite the increasing presence of women across industries, they remain diminished in management education, especially in premier institutes like the IIMs.
In a world where societal pressure still limits many women’s ambitions to “settle down early”, choosing to build a career is an act of empowerment. If you’ve ever been asked “Beta shaadi kab karni hai?”, or heard the infamous “Log kya khaenge?”, then this blog is for you. Let’s hear what iQuanta’s favourite faculty Mrs. Shabana Shahab, CAT VARC 99.5%iler with 15 years of teaching experience wants to share with all the female aspirants about pursuing an MBA 2025.
Join this free whatsapp group to get the latest information about CAT exam along with the strategies by CAT experts
A Revolution Begins with One Thought
“I am studying because I don’t want to depend on anyone. I am studying because beauty is nothing without brains. I am studying because I want to travel the world…”
The above mentioned are not just lines, these are inner voice of every girl who’s ever been judged, questioned or silenced. The pressure from Sharma ji ki aunty, Chadda ji ke rishtedaar, and the eternal “char log kya khaenge”, a women can feel all the suffocation. And the answer to all this is an MBA journey.
Why Girls Must Seriously Consider Doing an MBA?
Pursuing an MBA isn’t just having a six-digit salary. It’s a life-changing experience that empowers women. An MBA doesn’t just teach you how to earn, rather it teaches you how to lead. It transforms your communication, personality, decision-making, and confidence. While IITs and NLUs are renowned for tech and law, IIMs are the brand when it comes to management. Now even NITIE Mumbai rebranded itself as IIM Mumbai because the brand matters.
Here’s what an MBA brings to your life:
- Freedom & Choice: Being dependent empowers women to say “NO” to things that don’t align with your goals.
- Financial empowerment: Pursuing management from top IIMs or top B-schools will help you with qualified job profile which will automatically empowers you financially and you don’t have to depend on anyone.
- Confidence: The level of confidence a women gains after completing an MBA is commendable. The confidence which lets you sit in boardrooms, lead teams, or even build you own company.
- Visibility & Respect: An IIM or a top B-school tag ensures that your voice is heard not dismissed. You will earn a respect from your family, friends, and most importantly, from yourself.
“Even if Sharma aunty will come to your home and ask you—Shaadi kab kar rhi hai, you can look into her eyes and can say, I am an IIM graduate. Not interested as of now.”
IIMs are Promoting Gender Diversity – Here’s What That Means
The top IIMs and various prestigious B-schools have recognized the gender imbalance and are working to change it. Gone are the days when IIM classrooms were dominated by male candidates. In the last few years, IIMs have made intentional efforts to increase female participants. Gender diversity is no longer a buzzword, it’s a real trend, and all women out there have the edge.
- 5% extra weightage for Girls: Institutes like IIM Kashipur, Sambalpur, Bodh Gaya, and other top institutes are offering up to 5% advantage in selection criteria for female applicants.
- Here’s the recent data of IIM with huge rise in female intake for the financial year 2024-26:
| IIM | Female Intake (2024-26) |
| IIM Sambalpur | 76% |
| IIM Rohtak | 73% |
| IIM Kozhikode | 58% |
| IIM Kashipur | 42% |
| IIM Mumbai (ex-NITIE) | 40% |
- Even IIM ABC are now waking up, being conventional as the oldest IIMs, they are too slow in increasing gender inclusivity.
Career Options Post MBA
Whether you complete your MBA from IIMs, NMIMS, JBIMS, Symbiosis, MDI, XLRI, OR IMT—the career options are endless and unimaginable for female aspirants. Let’s get familiar with few:
| Career Options | Roles |
| Consulting | Strategic roles BCG, Bain, McKinsey |
| Finance | Investment Banking, Fintech, and Corporate Finance |
| Marketing | Roles in top FMCG and digital marketing firms |
| Product Management | Tech companies |
| HR & Leadership Development Programs | Ideal for women with people management skills |
| Entrepreneurship | Build your own venture with confidence |
How to Prepare for CAT 2025
You don’t need to be a math genius or a topper to crack Common Admission Test (CAT). But you do require a strategy, consistency, and the right resources to pursue the CAT. Here’s how female aspirants can start their CAT 2025 journey with ease and confidence.
- Understand the CAT exam: CAT consist of three sections Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR). These 3 sections not only tests your knowledge but also examines your smartness, speed and accuracy.
- Know your Strength and Weaknesses: If you from non-engineering background, do not panic. You can master it with proper practice and schedule. Understand your strength to increase the chances for cracking CAT with a good score. Aim for 100%ile.
- Use the Right Resources for CAT coaching: Join a structured CAT coaching like iQuanta, which offers—Real-time Doubt Solving, Conceptual Clarity Sessions, iCAT Mocks and AI-Based Mock Analysis, Peer-to-Peer facebook groups for collaboration and motivation, CAT Topper Mentors, and provides Interview Preparation alongwith Personality Grooming.
- Prepare for Interviews too: Dunring interviews it is important for female aspirants to understand that communication, confidence, and presence of mind matters. You must develop your EQ, networking, and communication skills which most of the women neglects or do not give much attention.
Final Thoughts for all the Female Candidates
If you are a women and reading this, know this that you belongs to IIMs and other top B-schools just as much as anyone else. The world now needs more female leaders, and it will begins with you, take that first step forward. With IIMs encouraging gender diversity, companies are looking forward to diversify their leadership pipelines, and society is finally acknowledging the presence of women in business. You just need one thing—a decision to change your life. And that change will begins with a plan to decide, starting studying, taking guidance, breaking stereotypes, and show up for yourself.
“Shatter those glass ceilings. It’s time for more SHE-Os!!”
Watch To Know More
Join the Largest CAT Preparation Community in India
iQuanta CAT Course 2025
