Interview with Saahil Narang, TYBMS Topper, St. Xaviers College

• Were you expecting to top in the exams? To whom would you credit this success to?

My objective in preparing for TYBMS exams was to do my best. I wasn’t actually focusing on topping the exams but excelling in subjects as I’m really passionate about the course. Also, the motivation was more self (absolute) than relative.

I would like to credit the success to our teachers, amazing reference books, peers and classmates for solving doubts.

• Did you start preparing right from the first day of your TYBMS?

For both the exams, frankly I started preparing 1 month before. As, I was quite active in extra-curricular like Social Service League, AIESEC, Heading the Placement Cell, United Nations Young Change Makers Conclave, College fests etc. I had to manage my time well. So the strategy was to be updated with what is going on in classes and start actual preparation at the end.

• How did you study for Sem 5 and Sem 6?

For Sem 5 – Since, I was appearing for the Mumbai University exams for the first time. I was more cautious and didn’t leave much syllabus for option. Also, I solved 5 papers of every subject to test and improve my paper writing skills.

For 6 Sem- I’d got an idea on how it works so the focus was on studying the subjects for a love for it and I good leave some syllabus of option.

Eg. For IMTP I referred to around 5 books and later on read on Indian Spirituality as I developed an interest for it.

• How did you study for SSF, International finance, Operations Research, Financial Management?

OR- This is an analytical and challenging subject. When I realized that the college classes are insufficient to build a strong base in the subject, I joined coaching classes. This was complemented by rigorous practice and doubt solving with peers and teachers. By the grace of God this helped me score 59/60.

IF- I read Economic Times and followed business news throughout BMS. This helped me build a foundation. I used online reference and video lectures to get clarity on concepts.

FM- I practiced a lot for this subject. This included solving problems and papers in a timed manner. Also, I always focused on the application of financial ratios which made the subject interesting.

• Which are the easy subjects in Sem 5 and Sem 6? Any special way of writing the answers?

I think theory subjects are relatively easy as a lot of concepts are self-explanatory and faster to accomplish. Also, once you understand the concept, you can write your own answers.

Answer writing strategy:

3 Mark- Concentrate on showing the Paper Corrector the key points the concept covers. Writing really long answers is unnecessary as it will cut down the time on other parts which are time consuming.

5 Marks- You need to write 2 pages atleast explaining the concepts in detail with relevant examples (if any). Always, try to incorporate something extra you know about the topic and highlight it by underlining. This will help you get the extra- half mark.

10 Mark- You should start with a proper introduction which shows your basic understanding. You should then move on to an illustrative or a tree- diagram which covers all the key points of the answer.

This will help you in 2 ways:

1. You can refer to it and write the answer in a continuous flow.

2. If you can’t complete the answer, the evaluator will understand that you knew the answer so you can get higher marks rather than just starting with the answer.

• How do you crack Case Studies in Theory and Practical Subjects?

In our BMS classes, case- study was an everyday affair so there was no pressure/ ambiguity in solving them. Besides, I also got an opportunity to participate in a number of national level competitions and the experience was useful.

The most useful thing was however preparation for consulting interviews which involved referring to Harvard Business Review case studies and websites like India Knowledge Wharton. Practical experience through international internship and exchange program helped build a scenario.

• Any specific study pattern you adopted i.e. timetable / how many hours you allotted per subject per day etc?

Yes, I had a time table for the last month. The final practice was a mock test following similar time table like the University exams.

• What message would you like to give to the coming batches of BMS students?

I will like to tell the other BMS’ites that although BMS is perceived as an easy going course, there is a lot you can take back from it. The way it comprehensively prepares us for a Management role/ Entrepreneurship is commendable.

Also, the true parameter of learning is practical component of 40 marks so one should leverage the opportunity and continue learning beyond classroom. Also, internships are really helpful as you can test your concepts.

• What are your future plans?

I’m currently working as an Analyst with the 2nd Best Management Consultancy in the world- Bain. (www.bain.com). I always wanted to do consulting. I want to try the Entrepreneurship skills sometime later in life, once I have practical experience and a great business idea. Also, I also want to continue my passions like music, writing, volunteering and travelling.

• Your Feedback for BMS.co.in?

BMS.co.in is one of the leaders in the peer to peer knowledge sharing. It has created an immense resource of knowledge and problem solving information for BMS students. Also, I personally know some team members since a longtime now and I’ve seen their commitment towards the vision of the organization. It’s because of their efforts that the online community has grown and benefitted so much. They also helped me promote my blog (saahilnarang.blogspot.com) by sharing the content on the website.

Infact, I used to go through the website a lot during my BMS days. I congratulate you and best wishes on the amazing work. Also, more BMS students should contribute to this platform for their mutual growth.