Chances of getting into top IIMs with work experience, gap, and past disciplinary issue
Asked by Anonymous on 2026-04-16 in CAT Prep
Hello everyone,
I am seeking honest guidance regarding my MBA admission chances, especially for IIMs and other top B-schools.
I am 27 years old with around 3 years of full-time work experience (from August 2022 to August 2025). After resigning from my job, I took a gap to prepare for CAT and am currently preparing again for CAT 2026 while also attending job interviews.
During my graduation, in my second year, I had a disciplinary/academic setback which led to a one-year delay in completing my degree. This is not explicitly mentioned in my marksheets, but my academic timeline reflects the delay.
Currently, my concerns are:
Whether my past disciplinary issue will affect MBA admissions How much impact my gap after job will have Whether age (27) is a disadvantage What are my realistic chances if I achieve a strong CAT percentile (95–99+)
I have been improving myself through preparation and online learning, and I want to understand realistically what my chances are for:
IIMs
I would really appreciate honest and practical feedback on my profile and what CAT percentile range I should target to maximize my chances.
Thank you.
1 Answer
Rd · 2026-04-16 · 3 helpful
look the thing of past disciplinary action can be easily covered you can tell them due to some medical emergency i could not been able to give my exams that is why i got delayed by one year , you do have very strong work ex , they will not gonna ask you about your college delays , their questions will most importantly around your role in your job , what you learned , how you are learning , why mba , why now , which domain (telling from personal experience) just score well in cat aim for 98+ you will easily convert BLACKI