“A little piece of paper doesn’t decide your future” says Sagar Kaka, TYBMS Topper 2013, Tilak College

Name- Sagar Kaka

College – Tilak College of Science and Commerce

Aggregate %- 72.33%

Project Grade- O

Tell us more about yourself.
Well, I am a very simple and outgoing person. I come from a very huge family. Am an extrovert and passionate for movies, technology and sports like basketball, cricket, and table tennis.

Were you expecting to top in the exams? To whom would you credit this success to?
To be very frank, I was expecting that I’d be placed 3rd or 4th in my college. It truly is a great feeling and I would like to credit my success to my parents, brother and my teachers. They have been of  great support!

Did you prepare religiously from day One or A few weeks before the exams?

No, I did not start studying from day One. I started studying a month before and gradually kept completing my syllabus.

How did you allot time to different subjects? 
I did make a time table as soon as I came to know the exam dates. I promised myself to dedicate at least 2 hours a day for each of the theory subjects. I also made sure that I keep practicing IF and OR at regular intervals.

Can you share some insights on how to crack the subjects before exams?
For me, it has always been about ‘learn and execute’ philosophy. Make sure you refer the past university question papers. They are of a great help. For theory subjects, read everyday and apply basic knowledge onto your paper. Subjects like IF and OR should be constantly practiced. As it is said, ‘practice makes a man perfect.’

Which are the easy subjects? Any special way of writing the answers?
There is no such thing as easy or hard. It depends on how you look at it. Subjects like Retail Mgt, Entrepreneurship, International Marketing and IMTP are interesting and requires you to understand and apply general concepts. So just know your points and elaborate with examples. However, subjects like IF and OR can be easily cracked if only there is constant practice and focus.

How to crack case studies in theory and practical subjects? Which reference books you used? 
Students need to understand that there is no right or wrong answer whilst solving case studies. Just imagine yourself in the situation and give your opinion on it. Practical subjects’ case studies are more technical oriented and requires you to know certain concepts.
I’ve used Rishabh publication for most of my subjects and Vipul for OR only.

Do you think BMS student require coaching classes or is self-study enough? Had you joined any coaching class for a particular subject?

Students definitely require coaching classes for subjects like OR and IF. I personally did join classes for these 2 subjects. Self-study can be done on theory subjects.

Did you participate in college fests or extra-curricular activities?
Yes, I was a member of my college fest called ‘Prodigies’ organised by the same.

Do you think a BMS student can manage both studies and extra activities?

Absolutely, a BMS student can manage both of these. It helps in possessing leadership qualities and team spirit.

Did you pursue any additional courses/ internships alongside BMS?
No, I did not pursue any additional courses alongside BMS.

 Today, we often come across students committing suicide out of failure, depression or tension of exams. What do you have to say about this? Did you use any special techniques for stress management?
It is very disheartening to hear about such cases. It is important to understand that opportunities keep coming and a little piece of paper doesn’t decide you future. I have a very supportive family and a circle of friends who stand by me at every step of the ladder.

Do you think the number of Industrial visits should be increased for BMS Students? Which industries have you visited?
Definitely, the number of IV’s should be increased. It enables students to open up their minds and enhance practical Knowledge. Our college went for IV last year at Chandigarh and Manali and went for another at Bharat Gears.

Do you think BMS students are flooded with assignments, projects and internal exams round the clock? What changes would you like to bring in the  BMS Curriculum?
It is somewhat exhausting for students to bear so much of Internal assessment. They should be given breaks in order to refresh their minds.

What message would you like to give to the next batch of BMS students?
Just relax, don’t fear, and enjoy your times in BMS.

What are the future plans post BMS?
I’d like to pursue MBA, after gaining some experience.

Any Feedback/Suggestions for BMS.co.in?
You guys are doing a wonderful job. Keep up the good work. Cheers!