From a Hectic Full-Time Job to XLRI-Delhi | Success Story with Rodha

Is it really possible to crack a top B-school while managing a demanding full-time job? This is one of the most common concerns among CAT aspirants.

Today, we explore the inspiring journey of Yash Kushwaha, an electrical engineer in a manufacturing role who overcame time constraints, remote postings, and low mock scores to secure admission to XLRI Delhi.

Whether you are a working professional or a student struggling with motivation, Yash’s journey with Rodha proves that with the right strategy and the right mentor, your B-school dream is completely achievable.

Background: Balancing a Manufacturing Job with CAT Preparation

Yash wasn’t working a typical 9-to-5 desk job; he was in a demanding manufacturing role, often operating in harsh conditions. At one point, he was posted in Anaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, a remote location with poor internet connectivity and frequent power cuts. Despite these challenges, Yash refused to make excuses. He adopted a strong “never give up” attitude and built a simple yet powerful preparation strategy:

His Preparation Strategy

Smart Use of Office Time: He used small breaks during work to finish his VARC practice.
Late-Night Study Routine: After his shift, he would rest briefly and then study late into the night.

Yash realised that effective CAT preparation isn’t about studying 10 hours a day, it’s about consistency and using small pockets of time wisely.

The Turning Point: How Rodha Mocks Shifted His Strategy

Like many aspirants, Yash initially believed that low mock scores signalled failure. This belief was shaken when he attempted Rodha’s first open mock and scored just 26 marks, his lowest ever. The result was shocking and discouraging, but instead of giving up, Yash treated it as a much-needed reality check. He identified that he was spending too much time on certain questions and needed a refined strategy.

Low mock scores are not failures - they are feedback. Yash even mentioned knowing students at IIM Calcutta who scored as low as 4 marks in their first mock. What matters is how you respond to those scores.

Smart Preparation Strategies

Yash’s preparation was not only disciplined but also incredibly creative. He developed two unique strategies that helped him excel in the actual CAT exam.

1. The “Football Strategy” for DILR

Being an ardent Manchester United fan, Yash used football logic to master difficult Games & Tournaments DILR sets. Instead of treating them like mathematical puzzles, he imagined them as football fixtures. He even renamed variables to team names like “Real Madrid” and “Manchester United,” which helped him visualise patterns quickly.

In CAT Slot 1, he faced a similar Games & Tournaments set and solved the entire thing in just 12–13 minutes, thanks to this visualisation trick.

2. Simulating Exam Conditions with A4 Sheets.

To avoid being caught off guard on exam day, Yash stopped using regular notebooks for rough work. Instead:

He bought a stack of A4 sheets.
Folded them exactly like CAT exam rough sheets.
Practised using only that limited space.

This technique trained him to stay organised, efficient, and accurate under time pressure.

Why Yash Trusted Rodha for His CAT Preparation

Yash had been following Ravi Prakash Sir on YouTube since his final year of college. So when he decided to prepare seriously for CAT, he joined Rodha without hesitation.

Why Rodha?

Because of its credibility and consistent results. Yash says, “Ravi Sir is someone you can trust blindly. Whatever he teaches is more than enough to get good marks.”

Even his seniors from IIM Mumbai and IIM Calcutta advised him to trust Ravi Sir completely.

Rodha’s credibility comes not only from student results like Yash’s but also from the impactful leadership of Ravi Prakash Sir, who has received multiple recognitions:

Times Power Icons North 2024-2025: Honoured as a top business leader for his exceptional work in the Edtech Industry
Inspiring India 2024: Recognised alongside icons like Virat Kohli and Madhuri Dixit for resilience and vision.

With a mentor recognised by respected platforms like the Times of India, Yash knew he was in reliable hands. For him, Ravi Sir wasn’t just a teacher; he was a guiding mentor who helped him balance work pressures and preparation stress.

Final Advice for CAT Aspirants

If Yash could advise his younger self during the stressful July–August period, he would say:

“Stay consistent. Even if you don’t feel like studying, sit for two hours and do something productive. Don’t worry about results, just keep working.” Your background does not matter. Your current mock scores do not define your final result. With the right strategy, resilience, and guidance from a mentor like Ravi Sir, you can crack your dream B-school.

Start your CAT 2026 preparation today. Build your foundation, stay consistent, and give yourself the edge that most aspirants never take.