Driven to Succeed: How an Ex-Zomato Rider Conquered the CAT and Cracked DU’s FMS

Driven to Succeed: How an Ex-Zomato Rider Conquered the CAT and Cracked DU’s FMS

From delivering food on Delhi’s streets to securing a seat at FMS Delhi, Girish Sharma’s journey is redefining what determination can achieve.

In the fast-moving streets of Delhi, food delivery riders are often seen as fleeting figures racing against time and traffic. Hidden behind the delivery bags and helmets, however, are stories of sacrifice, ambition, and survival. One such story now stands as an extraordinary symbol of determination and hope.

At just 24 years old, Girish Sharma has achieved what thousands dream of every year — securing admission to the prestigious Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi University, after scoring an impressive 98.94 percentile in the highly competitive Common Admission Test (CAT).

His journey from working as a Zomato delivery rider to entering one of India’s most respected business schools has inspired millions across the country.

A Dream Born in Struggle

“I come from a very humble background and was always very ambitious,” Girish says while reflecting on the road that changed his life.

Unlike many CAT aspirants who prepare in expensive coaching institutes, Girish built his future while struggling to support his family financially. Over the years, he worked multiple jobs — from handling customer calls at a corporate call center to teaching private tuition classes for school students.

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted employment opportunities in 2020, he adapted quickly and began working as a delivery rider for Zomato.

The job was physically exhausting and unpredictable. Yet, despite long working hours and financial pressure, Girish refused to abandon his educational goals.

Balancing Deliveries and Dreams

Determined to create a better future, Girish pursued a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree through distance learning at IGNOU, graduating successfully in 2023.

Managing work and academics simultaneously demanded extraordinary discipline. During the day, he navigated Delhi’s traffic delivering food orders. At night, he immersed himself in CAT preparation using free online resources, mock tests, and self-study material.

For many aspirants, the CAT examination itself is a daunting challenge. For Girish, the challenge extended far beyond academics — it was a battle against economic hardship, exhaustion, and uncertainty.

His first major breakthrough came in CAT 2023, where he scored a remarkable 98.94 percentile. However, despite the excellent score, he could not secure admission during the interview rounds of top business schools.

For many, such a setback would have marked the end of the journey. For Girish, it became motivation.

Refusing to Give Up

After the disappointment, Girish moved briefly to Hyderabad for a corporate job to improve his communication skills and professional exposure. But his ultimate dream remained unchanged.

He returned to preparation with renewed focus, relying once again on freely available study material and rigorous self-discipline.

“While balancing work and studies, Girish prepared again using free online material and secured 98 percentile in CAT 2025, earning admission to FMS,” his profile states.

This time, success finally arrived.

Soon after, a LinkedIn post narrating his inspiring journey went viral across social media platforms. Professionals, students, and entrepreneurs alike connected deeply with his story, seeing in it a rare example of perseverance overcoming socioeconomic barriers.

One Step Closer to a Better Life

“Getting into FMS brings me one step closer to giving my family a better life. In the future, I see myself in a leadership role in a big firm,” Girish says with confidence.

Today, Girish Sharma’s story resonates far beyond academic success. It represents the aspirations of millions of young Indians navigating financial instability, limited opportunities, and an increasingly competitive economy.

His journey bridges two vastly different worlds — the demanding gig economy and elite management education — proving that determination can narrow even the widest social divide.

As Girish prepares to step into the corridors of FMS, his story serves as a powerful reminder that no dream is unreachable when supported by resilience, hard work, and an unbreakable sense of purpose.

From delivering food across Delhi’s crowded streets to entering one of India’s premier business schools, Girish Sharma has shown that sometimes the longest journeys begin with the courage to keep moving forward.

 

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