For most GMAT aspirants, managing test preparation with a demanding job would be daunting enough. But Sahaj faced an even more intriguing challenge: transforming his already impressive initial scores into elite-level performance – all while maintaining his hectic work schedule that involved extensive travel. His journey to a stellar 725, complete with a V86 and D87, demonstrates how structured preparation and unwavering consistency can lead to excellence.
“Having attempted many competitive exams prior to this, I knew a structured approach was required,” Sahaj reflects, acknowledging the unique challenge ahead. “But this time, the challenge was managing it with work life because it wasn’t that I had full time to only study.” This recognition would prove crucial in shaping his preparation strategy to 725.
Sahaj’s main challenge to a good GMAT score:
The path to such impressive results wasn’t just about finding time to study – it was about revolutionizing how that time was used. “My primary intention of going through this course and opting for a structured approach was to have a mechanism in place where there is something which I can look forward to … not spend time looking for resources or trying to figure out what to do,” Sahaj explains. This strategic mindset would prove transformative, particularly for someone coming from what he calls “the most represented background”
As we delve deeper into Sahaj’s preparation journey, we’ll explore how he developed specific strategies for each section of the GMAT while maintaining his professional excellence. His story isn’t just about achieving a target score – it’s about doing so in a way that’s sustainable and replicable for other working professionals facing similar challenges.
Breaking the Verbal Barrier: The Path to V86
While many engineers approach the GMAT with quantitative confidence, Sahaj’s journey to a V86 demonstrates how the right strategy can transform verbal performance. His path wasn’t just about learning concepts – it was about fundamentally rewiring his approach to verbal reasoning.
The Note-Taking Evolution
“I was of the view that note-taking in verbal is something which will consume a lot of time,” Sahaj recalls, echoing a common concern among GMAT aspirants.
This initial resistance to structured note-taking reflects a broader challenge many test-takers face: balancing thoroughness with time efficiency. However, what followed was a remarkable transformation in his approach.
The turning point came with a crucial insight:
“The course mentioned that it will get wired into your thought process, and you’ll not require that. After my second mock or so, I stopped requiring to take those notes, and it really started getting built in my mind.”
Taking this leap of faith, Sahaj committed to the structured note-taking process. The results validated this approach:
Sahaj’s Verbal Transformation to V86
STRATEGY EVOLUTION SNAPSHOT
Critical Reasoning Breakthrough
Sahaj’s mastery of Critical Reasoning exemplifies how systematic approach can lead to excellence. “Critical reasoning, especially the techniques which you mentioned, the pre-thinking or beat the assumption type of questions where the ABC test and falsification scenario test – those tests helped me a lot in eliminating the last two answer choices,” he explains. As we can see on the image below– pre-thinking improved his accuracy on assumption type questions to 100% while reducing the time spent to 1’6’’.
This systematic approach proved particularly effective in addressing one of the most common GMAT challenges: being stuck between two answer choices. By implementing pre-thinking strategies, Sahaj transformed what was once a source of uncertainty into a methodical process of elimination.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Perhaps most revealing was Sahaj’s approach to Reading Comprehension, where he overcame a common trap that snares many high-achieving professionals.
“RC passages coming from a particular domain, say biology or other fields – those questions were really taking my thought process into understanding the subject rather than trying to answer the question,” he recalls.
The breakthrough came through a fundamental shift in approach:
“The Master Comprehension course really helped me identify the structure of the passage and then go to the question, analyze what the question requires, and then pinpoint what is the relevant part in the answer.”
This transition from content-focused reading to structure-focused analysis proved transformative, as we can see from the image below as his accuracy on hard RC questions remained above 70%, indicating a 90th percentile ability.
Sahaj had a unique approach to handling traditionally challenging passage types, one that reveals the power of proper preparation: “Even if you’re weak at some kind of passage, GMAT won’t spare you with not giving that kind of passage to you on your day. So, you have to be prepared for it… if you stick to the strategies well and try to follow those techniques, no background of passage can stop you from solving the questions.”
This mindset shift – from viewing passages through the lens of subject matter to focusing on structure and question requirements – exemplifies the broader transformation in Sahaj’s verbal approach. It’s a testament to how systematic preparation can overcome even deeply ingrained habits and biases.
The results speak for themselves: achieving a V86 while maintaining a demanding career demonstrates that with the right approach, verbal excellence is achievable regardless of background. Sahaj’s journey shows that success in verbal isn’t about innate language ability – it’s about developing and internalizing the right strategies.
Engineering Precision: Breaking Through to D87 in Data Insights
The transition from verbal mastery to data insights excellence presented a unique challenge. While Sahaj’s engineering background might have suggested natural proficiency with data, his journey to a D87 (99th percentile) reveals how preconceptions can be both a help and a hindrance in GMAT preparation.
Sahaj’s breakthrough to D87 in DI:
The Speed Challenge
“Speed was one of the major challenges for me when I started off,” Sahaj recalls, describing his initial Data Insights attempts. “In my first mock, I think I ended up just marking the last two questions. I was not able to complete through the 20 questions at all.” This candid admission highlights a critical truth: technical expertise alone doesn’t guarantee success in GMAT’s Data Insights section. The path to success required not just skill development but a fundamental shift in approach.
The Strategic Evolution
What makes Sahaj’s Data Insights journey particularly instructive is how he leveraged his Verbal and Quant preparation to excel in this section.
“It all worked well. I think the background from verbal and quant courses which I took into the DI course, which I started at a later point of time… a lot of verbal understanding helped me solve the verbal-related DI questions better and then in an efficient manner.”
This integration of skills across sections represents a crucial insight for GMAT aspirants. Rather than treating Data Insights as an isolated challenge, Sahaj’s approach demonstrates the value of building upon foundations established in other areas.
The transformation wasn’t just about speed – it required overcoming some engineer-specific biases. “Engineers are always more confident at quant,” Sahaj notes. “So they feel that the calculator is not required for us, but that is something because GMAT has given it with a purpose.”. As we can see from the below snapshot – Sahaj found a balance with using the calculator – leading to an excellent accuracy and a reduction in time –
The results were dramatic. “Final attempt I completed at the 38th or 39th minute and then I had good 6-7 minutes to go back and review some of my questions,” Sahaj reports, contrasting sharply with his initial struggles. This transformation from time pressure to time mastery exemplifies the power of adopting the right strategies, even when they challenge professional instincts.
The Professional’s Preparation Playbook: Excellence Amid Job Demands
Following his mastery of individual GMAT sections, perhaps Sahaj’s most remarkable achievement was how he orchestrated this success while maintaining a demanding job. His approach to this challenge offers valuable insights for working professionals pursuing GMAT excellence.
“Leaving the work and focusing 100% on studies would not be a good thing to do,” Sahaj explains, addressing a dilemma many professionals face. “This is just one part of the preparation phase, so you cannot afford to forgo your entire work life.” This pragmatic recognition shaped his entire preparation strategy.
Sahaj’s breakthrough to D87 in DI:
The Minimum Effective Dose
One of Sahaj’s most practical innovations was his approach to daily study requirements. “The only thing which is important is to be consistent even if it is for a smaller amount of time during the weekdays,” he emphasizes. This philosophy of consistent minimal engagement proved more effective than sporadic lengthy sessions.
Instead of seeking large blocks of study time, Sahaj developed a different approach:
The key to making this work was preparation.
“Have your plan in place so that when you come back home, you have a definitive topic or a definitive set of questions to do,” Sahaj advises. “So that it does not take you time to identify what to do.”
This structured approach proved crucial in maintaining steady progress while managing professional responsibilities.
Strategic Planning for Success
Perhaps the most crucial element of Sahaj’s work-life integration was his strategic approach to planning. Rather than letting each day’s study session develop organically, he utilised the Personalised Study Planner to envision his entire prep journey
This helped him focus on execution rather than planning and allowed him to maximise the time he spent on improving his score.
The Sustainable Approach
What makes Sahaj’s strategy particularly valuable is its sustainability. Rather than treating GMAT preparation as a sprint requiring massive sacrifices, he developed a sustainable approach that could coexist with professional excellence. “It’s all about taking out some time,” he notes. “Definitely some sacrifices on your leisure time, but even that is manageable in most cases.”
This balanced approach not only led to GMAT success but also preserved professional performance – a crucial consideration for working professionals pursuing GMAT excellence. As we’ll explore in the next section, this foundation of consistent preparation proved invaluable when it came to test day execution, where Sahaj’s systematic approach faced its ultimate challenge.
From Preparation to Performance: Test Day Excellence and Enduring Insights
As Sahaj’s preparation journey approached its climax, his systematic approach faced its ultimate test. His test day experience and subsequent insights offer valuable lessons for GMAT aspirants, particularly working professionals balancing multiple demands.
Strategic Test Day Preparation
“The last couple of days before the exam do play a crucial role, at least they did in my case,” Sahaj reflects. His approach to these final days revealed the same methodical thinking that characterized his entire preparation:
FINAL COUNTDOWN STRATEGY
4 Days Before:
- Mock tests at exact exam time
- Full test-day simulation
- Section sequence practice
- Mental preparation routine
This deliberate approach to test day preparation demonstrated Sahaj’s commitment to eliminating variables. “It is all about having no surprises on the last day,” he emphasizes. “A small surprise can also take you off track.”
The Test Day Journey
Sahaj’s test day experience proved that even the most thorough preparation can face unexpected challenges. His approach to handling these challenges reveals crucial insights about maintaining composure under pressure.
TEST DAY EXECUTION Mental Approach:
- Treated exam as “seventh mock”
- Maintained familiar section sequence
- Implemented strategic breaks
- Adapted to unexpected challenges
“I took it as a mock test and then I went into the exam that way,” Sahaj explains. This mindset proved crucial when facing unexpected challenges, particularly in his traditionally strongest section – Quant.
When his Quant section didn’t go as planned, Sahaj’s systematic preparation proved its worth. “During that break, I was definitely not so confident about my score,” he admits. “But those ten minutes, I just tried to restart myself… kept telling myself that this is just a mock.”
This ability to reset and refocus led to his exceptional performance in Data Insights, demonstrating how thorough preparation creates resilience under pressure.
Key Learnings for Success
The key to Sahaj’s success lay in three fundamental pillars.
First, his structured approach encompassed more than just following a study plan – it meant executing consistently, using resources strategically, and maintaining regular progress tracking to ensure steady improvement. This systematic foundation allowed him to make informed adjustments throughout his preparation journey.
Equally crucial was his approach to professional integration. Rather than treating GMAT preparation as a separate challenge, Sahaj developed a sustainable study routine that did not disrupt his work life. This included clear protocols for recovering from work-intensive periods and maintaining momentum even during busy phases.
The final pillar was his mental preparation and resilience. Sahaj developed a remarkable ability to manage pressure, treat each section independently regardless of performance in previous sections, and maintain an adaptive mindset throughout his journey. This mental fortitude particularly showed on test day, where his performance resilience helped him overcome unexpected challenges and maintain focus through the entire exam.
Together, these three elements – structure, integration, and mental preparation – formed the cornerstone of his successful GMAT journey.
“Try to be as consistent as possible in terms of daily and weekly preparation cycles, try to give as many mocks as possible, and question solving is the key. It is a muscle which you build.”
Sahaj’s mantra for GMAT Success:
The Final Perspective
Sahaj’s concluding thoughts reveal the deeper value of his GMAT journey: “You may miss out on many things, you may feel you miss out on many things. But in the end, the screen which appears after your test – if you achieve what you are planning for, it is a different feeling altogether.”
His success – achieving exactly his target score of 725 on his first attempt– demonstrates how systematic preparation, consistent effort, and strategic adaptation can lead to GMAT excellence, even while maintaining professional commitments.
“Be prepared for your day,” Sahaj advises future test-takers. “Don’t try to keep your nerves… just give it as a mock, and I’m sure you will do well.” This balance of thorough preparation and calm execution encapsulates the essence of his remarkable journey from field engineer to GMAT success.
This story isn’t just about achieving a target score – it’s a blueprint for working professionals showing how methodical preparation, consistent effort, and strategic adaptation can lead to GMAT excellence without compromising career commitments. Sahaj’s journey proves that with the right approach, one can achieve remarkable results while maintaining professional excellence.
Are you planning to pursue MBA at top business schools? Let us help you conquer the first step of the process i.e., taking the GMAT. Take a free mock test to understand your baseline score and start your GMAT prep with our free trial. We are the most reviewed online GMAT Prep company with 2000+ five star reviews on GMATClub.
