CAT Exam experience

Kolhapur, the land of spicy misal and fiery ambitions, cradles dreams woven of sugar cane sweetness and CAT exam victories. My journey unfolded amidst the smoky fragrance of Kolhapuri garpu and the hushed murmurs of endless practice questions.

Unlike the big city aspirants, my CAT prep wasn’t about sleek cafes and late-night study sessions. It was about stealing moments on crowded buses, scribbling formulas on worn-out notebooks while the streets of Kolhapur flowed past. My haven was a tiny chai stall, its aroma my study fuel, the clinking glasses a rhythm to my calculations.

The early mornings were my battlefield. While the city still slumbered, I’d be perched on the steps of the Shivaji temple, its towering presence fueling my focus. The gentle chimes of temple bells mingled with the distant hum of traffic, forming a strange symphony that spurred me on.

Books weren’t my only companions. The local bookstore owner, Nana, became my unlikely mentor. He’d dole out advice (along with steaming cups of chai) between customers, his weathered face mirroring the wisdom of his words. The chai tasted sweeter when mixed with the hope he kindled in my eyes.

It wasn’t easy, juggling classes, family expectations, and the ever-present self-doubt. But Kolhapur kept me grounded. The street hawkers cheering me on, the aunties offering blessings at the temple, and the friendly rivalry with fellow aspirants on the bus – all painted the journey with warmth and support.

On the D-day, entering the exam hall, I wasn’t just another student. I was the embodiment of countless chai breaks, temple echoes and Nana’s pep talks. My pen danced on the paper, fueled by the spirit of a town that believes in its dreamers.

The news of my score arrived on a crisp winter morning, wrapped in the soft warmth of sunlight dappling through the temple trees. Kolhapur erupted in celebration, the joy as sweet as the misal, as bright as the fiery sunsets they so loved.

My CAT story might not be about fancy study groups or expensive coaching, but it is a testament to the resilience, grit, and unwavering spirit of a small town dreaming big. It is a tale of chai and cat prep, whispered not in cafes, but on temple steps and crowded buses, where ambition finds its wings, fueled by the magic of Kolhapur.