u/ConferenceSure5974

2025 graduate here.

Ever since school, I've wanted to study at a Tier-1 institution. Like many engineering students, I thought that journey would happen through engineering entrance exams, but things didn't work out that way.

Recently, I got my first job, and while I'm grateful for that, there's still one goal that has stayed with me: studying at a top college and pushing myself to achieve something bigger.

At this point, I genuinely feel CAT is the path that can help me make that happen. I know it won't be easy, but I want to give it a serious attempt rather than spend the next few years wondering "what if."

I have around 5 months left before CAT, and I'm planning to start my preparation from next week while continuing my full-time job.

My profile:

• 10th: 82.6%
• 12th: 79.4%
• Graduation: 7.63 CGPA
• General EWS
• No prior work experience

I would consider myself reasonably decent at aptitude, but I haven't done dedicated CAT preparation before.

I've read enough to know that calls from some of the top IIMs can be difficult with my academic profile. However, my goal is not to obsess over a few colleges. I want to maximize my chances of getting into the best possible MBA program I can.

For those who have already been through the CAT journey:

• If you had only 5 months and a full-time job, what would your preparation strategy be?
• Which resources are genuinely worth following (books, YouTube channels, coaching, test series, websites, etc.)?
• What is the most effective way to practice and improve consistently?
• If you were starting from scratch today, what would you do differently?
• Apart from the top IIMs, which A/A+ B-schools should I seriously target?
• How do IIT MBA programs compare with other reputed B-schools? Are they worth targeting?

I know the journey will be difficult, but I want to give this my best shot and make the dream of studying at a top institution a reality.

Would appreciate any advice, strategies, resource recommendations, or reality checks from people who have been through the process.

I'm a 2025 graduate and honestly don't know if I'm making the right career move.

Back in college, I received an offer from a startup, but I didn't join because I was aiming for higher studies and better opportunities. My goal was to build a career in AI/ML, and I felt that taking the first offer that came my way might limit my growth.

I also appeared for TCS Digital and reached the interview stage twice, but got rejected both times.

After graduation, I decided to prepare for GATE. Unfortunately, life had other plans. I suffered from severe jaundice that lasted for months, and my preparation completely stopped. By the time I recovered, I had already accumulated a significant employment gap.

Since then, I've been applying continuously but haven't been able to secure the kind of role I was targeting.

My background and interests are mainly in AI/ML, Deep Learning, NLP, and Python. During college I worked on projects such as:

• Deepfake Detection
• Text Summarization using Transformer-based models
• Text-to-Code Generation
• Other AI/ML-related projects

Now, after being unemployed for a long time, I finally have an opportunity.

The role is in OutSystems (low-code development).

The compensation structure is:

• ₹4,000/month during 3 months of training
• ₹10,000/month during 6 months of internship
• Around ₹3.6 LPA after full-time conversion

The problem is that I have absolutely no interest in building a long-term career in OutSystems.

I'm joining because I don't think I can afford to remain unemployed any longer. From a financial and resume perspective, it feels like I have to take it.

But at the same time, I'm worried that this role could push me further away from the AI/ML path I actually want.

I'm also considering preparing for GATE again this year alongside the job because I still believe higher studies might be my best route into a stronger technical career.

Right now I feel trapped between two bad choices:

1. Continue being unemployed while chasing AI/ML opportunities.
2. Join OutSystems, earn some experience, but risk moving further away from the field I actually want.

For people who have been in similar situations:

• How difficult is it to move from OutSystems into AI/ML later?
• Would you focus on GATE preparation, AI/ML upskilling, or job switching?
• If you were in my position, what would your next 2-3 years look like?

I know getting a job is supposed to feel like good news, but after everything that's happened over the last year, it honestly feels like I'm accepting a path that I never wanted in the first place.

Any honest advice would be appreciated.

Hi everyone,

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I'm completely new to IEMs and could use some advice.

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For the last 3 years I've been using Realme Buds 2, and honestly they've served me pretty well. Now I'm thinking of buying my first IEM and wanted to try something that offers a noticeable upgrade in sound quality.

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Most of what I listen to is Hindi music. Old Hindi songs, Bollywood tracks, romantic songs, classical stuff, and Punjabi music make up probably 80-90% of my listening. I do listen to English songs occasionally, but not nearly as much.

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One thing to keep in mind is that I'm not someone who sits and analyzes every little detail in a song. I'm mainly looking for something that's enjoyable to listen to and keeps me engaged with the music.

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Right now I'm planning to get:

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Tangzu Wan'er Red Lions (3.5mm with mic)

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JCALLY JM12 DAC

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My budget for the IEM is around ₹2,000. I can stretch a little if needed, but I do need a mic and I'm already planning to spend a bit on the DAC.

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I've seen a lot of discussions around the Red Lions version and I know it's not everyone's first recommendation. I've already gone through quite a few videos and posts about the concerns people have with it. Even so, from what I've seen, the tuning seems like it might suit my music preferences better than some of the alternatives.

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I'm planning to order it once the new stock arrives on Headphone Zone.

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What I'd really like is feedback from people who have actually used the Wan'er Red Lions for a decent amount of time.

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How does it perform with Bollywood songs, old Hindi classics, romantic tracks, and Punjabi music?

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Are the vocals natural and enjoyable?

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Is the bass satisfying without taking over everything else?

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How comfortable is it for longer listening sessions?

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How is the build quality and cable quality?

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Have you faced any durability issues after a few months of use, such as cable oxidation or anything similar?

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And if you had roughly the same budget today, would you still buy the Red Lions or pick something else?

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I'm open to alternatives, but only if they genuinely fit my use case better. A lot of recommendations seem to come from personal preference rather than the type of music someone actually listens to. Since my listening habits are heavily focused on Hindi music and I'm mainly a casual listener, I'd love suggestions that take that into account.

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I'll also be using them for casual gaming with friends from time to time, so that's a small consideration as well.

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Looking forward to hearing from long-term owners and people with similar music tastes.

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Thanks!

Hi everyone,

​

I am completely new to the IEM world and would like some advice from people who actually own the Tangzu Wan'er Red Lions.

​

For the last 3 years, I have been using the Realme Buds 2 wired earphones, and honestly they served me quite well. Now I want to try my first IEM and explore better audio quality.

​

My Music Preferences

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- Old Hindi/classical songs

- Bollywood music

- Romantic songs

- Punjabi music (including dance tracks)

- English songs occasionally

- Overall, around 80-90% of my listening is Hindi music

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One important thing: I am not someone who analyzes every tiny technical aspect of audio. I am looking for an enjoyable and engaging listening experience rather than focusing heavily on technicalities.

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Current Plan

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- Tangzu Wan'er Red Lions (3.5mm + mic version)

- JCALLY JM12 DAC

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Budget

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- Around ₹2,000 for the IEM

- Can stretch slightly, but mainly for the DAC and microphone requirement

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Why I'm Considering the Red Lions

I know many people may not recommend the Red Lions version for various reasons. I have already read and watched quite a few discussions about those concerns and I understand them. However, based on what I have seen so far, the tuning of the Red Lions seems like it might suit my music preferences better.

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I am planning to order them once the new stock arrives on Headphone Zone.

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What I Need Help With

Please recommend alternatives only if they genuinely fit my preferences better. I'm not looking for recommendations based purely on personal favorites. I'd appreciate suggestions that specifically consider:

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- My music taste

- Casual listening

- Long-term usage (probably a couple of years)

- Casual gaming with friends

- Need for a mic

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Durability Concern

I've seen reports of some IEMs developing issues such as cable oxidation and similar durability problems. Even if an IEM sounds amazing, I would prefer avoiding options that are known to have such issues.

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Questions for Wan'er Red Lions Owners

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1. How is the sound quality for Bollywood, Hindi classics, romantic songs, and Punjabi music?

2. Are vocals enjoyable and natural?

3. Does the bass feel satisfying without overpowering everything?

4. How is the comfort during long listening sessions?

5. How is the build quality and cable quality?

6. Have you faced any durability issues after months of usage?

7. If you had around the same budget today, would you still buy the Red Lions?

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Looking forward to hearing opinions, especially from long-term owners.

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Thanks!