Скачать или смотреть ISB Rank #1 reveals his strategy | NIT to ISB to Malaysia | Riyalizations Podcast Ep#09 with Rajat

In this no-fluff, honest conversation, we sit down with Rajat Singh, the Rank 1 graduate of the ISB 2025 batch, who outshone a cohort packed with CXOs, IITians, and consultants.

But what did it really cost — and was it all worth it?
🎙️ In this episode, we uncover:

✅ The untold sacrifices behind topping ISB (it’s way more than just studying)
✅ Whether a ₹40L+ MBA truly delivers on its ROI
✅ ISB vs IIM: Key differences, peer group, and who should pick what
✅ The pressure, imposter syndrome & real stories behind the gold medal
✅ What changes after becoming Rank 1, and what surprisingly doesn’t

Whether you’re preparing for CAT, GMAT, aiming for IIMs or ISB, or confused between B-school options - this episode is a must-watch for the real story behind MBA gold medals.

Timestamps
00:00 – Episode Highlights
01:16 – Meet Rajat: Career journey so far
02:30 – Growing up in a defense family
05:45 – Why ISB and the one-year MBA route
07:13 – ISB admissions: Process decoded
09:25 – Cracking the interview: Mindset & prep
11:00 – Life before ISB and early campus challenges
14:26 – Academic strategy, focus & sacrifices
19:15 – Smart resources: AI tools & deep learning
21:50 – Placements: How he navigated the process
23:42 – What I really wanted from ISB
25:52 – Clarity over confusion: Making future-first choices
27:25 – ROI of ISB: Reality vs expectation
33:42 – ISB vs IIMs: Brand, culture & outcomes
38:33 – Why not study abroad? His thought process
39:45 – Working abroad: Ringgit income, INR costs
40:40 – Peer diversity & real networking
42:56 – Fun talk: GPA, sleep, assignments
44:40 – Deep chats with profs (and some philosophy)
46:37 – Toughest courses & game theory
48:18 – Social life: Parties, fun, & sanity checks
50:48 – Communication skills & public speaking growth
52:08 – Beyond grades: What actually matters
55:05 – Final thoughts: Sacrifice, effort & success

Follow us on:
Instagram: @riyalizations (   / riyalizations  )
Instagram: @ritwikmehta28 (  / ritwikmehta28  )
LinkedIn: Riya Mehta (   / riyalizations   )
LinkedIn: Ritwik Mehta (   / ritwikmehta   )
Topmate: Riya Mehta (https://topmate.io/riya_mehta)

Rajat Singh LinkedIn ID -   / rajat-singh-723847143  

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