Not for IIM: HM Bangur runs a Rs 1,00,000 crore empire, but still took the CAT exam every year. The reason will inspire you

Time of India

13-05-2025

Hari Mohan Bangur
, the chairman of
Shree Cement Limited
, is widely regarded as one of India's most transformative business leaders in the manufacturing sector. A chemical engineering graduate from IIT Bombay (Class of 1975), Bangur has played a pivotal role in shaping not only his company but also the broader cement industry. The networth of Bangur family is pegged at close to Rs 60,000 crore while the market cap of
Shree Cement
is more than Rs 1 lakh crore.
Interestingly, Hari Mohan Bangur in an interview in 2019 said that he used to take the CAT (Common Admission Test) for admission into IIMs — not for admissions, but as a personal benchmark. In the world of management, he said, there's rarely a clear measure of how well you're performing in real time. Unlike sports tournaments like the French Open or Wimbledon, where there's a clear winner, business success often rests on past achievements. So, he used the CAT to test himself and see where he stood.
On average, he said he would score around the 93-94 percentile. He joked that his experience should add another 5 percentile — because experience matters, too! 'So, I'd tell people my 'real' score was 98 percentile'" he said.
But he has since stopped taking the CAT exam about five years ago, but was a fun way to keep challenging myself outside the boardroom.
Since taking the reins of Shree Cement in 1992, Bangur has driven the company's growth with a sharp focus on innovation, energy conservation, and sustainable practices. Under his leadership, Shree Cement has become one of India's fastest-growing cement manufacturers — all while maintaining strict financial discipline. 'We've never overleveraged ourselves,' he emphasizes, attributing the company's consistent success to wise capital allocation and a long-term vision.
Bangur is credited with pioneering multiple industry-changing initiatives, including the use of pet-coke as fuel, synthetic gypsum production, and the adoption of waste heat recovery systems. Shree Cement also holds a world record for executing cement projects in the shortest time and at the lowest cost among peers — a testament to his efficient project management.
His influence extended beyond the boardroom during his tenure as President of the Cement Manufacturers Association (2007–09), where he promoted eco-friendly practices like using fly ash and advocating concrete roads for durability. He remains active in several key industry bodies, including the Bharat Chamber of Commerce and the National Council for Cement and Building Materials.
A firm believer in giving back, Bangur actively supports charitable work in education, healthcare, and social welfare. His leadership has earned him accolades like the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Manufacturing) Award in 2016 and recognition at the Forbes India Leadership Awards in 2017, where he also graced the magazine's cover.
His hobbies
Apart from work, Hari Mohan Bangur enjoy a few hobbies that helps him unwind and stay sharp. He regularly play card games, with Bridge being a favorite. It's strategic and keeps my mind engaged. He also likes playing volleyball now and then — it's a great way to stay active. Occasionally, he experiments in the kitchen too; cooking is both relaxing and rewarding.