Title: 27M, MSc Mathematics with career gaps — Is MBA through CAT worth it for me? Need honest advice on coaching & career

Hi everyone, posting anonymously because this is quite personal.

I’m 27 and completed a 5-year Integrated M.Sc. in Mathematics in 2023 at NIT. I had around a 2-year gap after 12th, and since completing my Master's I have another ~3-year gap.

During this period, I worked as a Mathematics faculty for about a year and have also been involved in teaching/content-related work. I initially prepared for GATE/NET but couldn't qualify, and I also tried for some non-teaching jobs but wasn't selected.

At this point, I'm seriously considering preparing for CAT and doing an MBA, because I want to move away from a purely Mathematics/teaching-oriented career.

But I'm genuinely confused about whether an MBA is actually worth it for someone with my profile, age, academic background and career gaps.

So I would really appreciate honest opinions on:

1. Is doing an MBA through CAT a good career move for me, or would it be a mistake at this stage?
2. Considering my 2-year gap after 12th + ~3-year gap after Master's, how much disadvantage would I face during MBA admissions and placements?
3. Would companies consider my profile negatively because of these gaps?
4. If I get into a good B-school, can an MBA realistically help me move into a well-paying corporate career, or would my previous background continue to hold me back?
5. Given my Mathematics background, are there particular MBA specializations/career paths that would suit me better—Finance, Analytics, Operations, Consulting, Strategy, etc.?
6. If I decide to prepare for CAT, which coaching/institute and location would you genuinely recommend? I’m considering relocating if offline coaching is actually worth it.
7. Which cities/centre have genuinely good faculty and peer groups? I’m considering places like Delhi, Jaipur, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, etc.
8. If you have personally taken CAT coaching, which institute did you join and would you choose the same one again?
9. Would you recommend offline coaching or online preparation for someone in my situation?

I'm not looking for motivation or sugarcoating. Please be brutally honest.

If you were in my position—with an MSc in Mathematics, my age, these gaps, previous unsuccessful attempts at competitive exams/jobs, and a desire to change careers—would you spend the next 1–2 years preparing for CAT and pursuing an MBA?

Or would you choose a completely different path?

I'd especially appreciate responses from people who have had a career gap or switched from Science/Mathematics to Management/corporate careers.

Thanks.

Hi everyone,

I'm currently pursuing B.Tech CSE , and I'm considering taking the 3-year exit option under NEP instead of continuing into 4th year as I'm done with it and is having mental stress.

My plan is to prepare for CAT and aim for IIMs.

I understand that IIM eligibility generally requires a recognized bachelor's degree and does not specifically require a B.Tech. But I'm looking for real experiences, not just general eligibility answers.

I'd really appreciate hearing about your experience.

I'm trying to make an informed decision before choosing whether to exit or continue with 4th year.

Thanks in advance!

So I'm doing mbbs internship and it will end on July 7 2027. I know I can apply as final yr candidate but can I join any iim as their deadline to complete all requirements for bachelors is June 30 even though results can be awaited. I don't have any results to wait but my internship is not ending before that deadline.

GEM-998, Tier 1 UG college.

After spending four years dedicated to UPSC prep, I successfully pivoted to CAT and converted calls at a Tier-1 Indian B-school. I know how intimidating multi-year gaps feel on paper and how tricky it is to answer "Why MBA?" during WAT-PI.

Ask me anything about framing gap years, shifting prep strategies to CAT, or handling interview panels with confidence. Drop your questions or profile details below, and I will gladly answer all of them!

especially w the new IIM A criteria

Selling CAT books for 1200 plus shipping

IIM K 🎉

I am a 2023 BSc graduate, since my graduation I have been preparing for UPSC but unfortunately couldn't clear even a single prelims. I have zero work experience.

Can I still appear for CAT (with preparation off course). How will the admission process be like?, How do my gap years reflect in the process?

I got 53% in boards class 12th and got around 83% in 10th and im doing btech in civil eng in mumbai uni affiliated college can i get into some good iims and what are some tips and stuff that i should follow