Aakar’s PMP® Success Story: From Setbacks to Comeback
In today’s competitive corporate landscape, earning the Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification is one of the most respected milestones for career growth. This is the inspiring story of Aakar Sharma, a professional who demonstrated resilience, discipline, and consistent effort to achieve his PMP® credential.
Aakar’s journey wasn’t linear. It had its share of setbacks, moments of self-doubt, and balancing acts between work and family commitments. But with determination, the right guidance, and a structured approach, he turned challenges into a strong comeback.
Background & Motivation:
Aakar Sharma
For Aakar, project management was not just about a certification—it was about growing as a leader, improving his ability to manage teams, and unlocking better opportunities in his career. Like many professionals, he initially started his PMP® preparation in 2024 but had to pause due to work and family commitments. In 2025, he came back with renewed focus and determination to complete what he had started. He chose iZenBridge as his learning partner, guided by mentor Saket Bansal and supported closely by Seema Sonkiya, who kept him on track with regular check-ins, weekly mentoring sessions, and one-on-one guidance when doubts or setbacks appeared.
Crafting a Study Timeline: Roadmap to PMP® Success
Unlike a quick sprint, Aakar’s preparation was a marathon that required consistency and small achievable targets. He diligently followed the iZenBridge PMP Roadmap which laid out a structured plan covering live classes, e-learning videos, mock tests, and revision strategies.
- He started with PMBOK lesson videos and Saket’s YouTube Shorts, which simplified complex topics.
- He completed six mock exams, with an average score of ~63%. While his mock scores weren’t perfect, he was reassured that consistency and reflection mattered more than perfection.
- In the final two days, he focused only on glossary revision, a strategy that gave him clarity and calmness before the exam.
- Weekly mentoring calls acted like retrospectives—where he reviewed his progress, identified knowledge gaps, and planned next steps.
Challenges Along the Way
Like every success story, Aakar’s path wasn’t without challenges.
📌 Dips in Mock Scores: After one of his mock tests showed a drop in performance, he immediately reached out for support. Together with his mentor, he reframed his approach—treating mocks not as judgments but as diagnostic tools.
📌Conceptual Doubts: When he struggled to differentiate between “iterative” and “incremental” approaches, a one-on-one call clarified how Agile integrates both. These quick clarifications built confidence.
📌 Balancing Energy & Focus: Seema emphasized holistic preparation—being mentally, emotionally, and physically ready for mocks and the exam. Simple but impactful tips like “don’t give a mock test on an empty or overfilled stomach,” “sleep well,” and “carry a light jacket for the exam center” made a real difference.
Exam Experience
On exam day, Aakar’s preparation paid off.
- Format: 6 multiple-answer questions, 1 picture-based question, no calculation questions.
- Time Management: He paced himself well—completing the three sections in 75 + 75 + 65 minutes, finishing with 15 minutes to spare.
- Mindset: Calm, composed, and steady—thanks to his consistent practice and final-day glossary revision.
Aakar’s Success Tips for PMP® Aspirants
Reflecting on his journey, Aakar shares some golden takeaways:
- ✅ Book the exam – it makes the goal real.
- ✅ Follow the roadmap – and trust the process.
- ✅ Aim for ~65%+ in mocks – it’s a good benchmark for readiness.
- ✅ Revise the glossary – it sharpens concepts and reduces stress.
- ✅ Stay consistent – even small daily progress adds up.
- ✅ Set small weekly targets – and review them in mentoring calls.
- ✅ Seek support – connect with mentors like Seema for guidance and motivation.
Gratitude & Reflection
Aakar is quick to credit his mentors and family for this achievement:
“A special thanks to Saket Bansal for his energy and inspiration in every session, and to Seema Sonkiya for her constant support, encouragement, and timely guidance. Your mentorship kept me consistent and confident.”
Final Thoughts
Aakar’s PMP® success story is not just about passing an exam—it’s about proving that with discipline, perseverance, and the right roadmap, setbacks can turn into comebacks.
If you are preparing for PMP®, take inspiration from Aakar’s journey. Stay patient, stay consistent, and trust the process—you’ve got this! 🚀
If you have aspirations to prepare for the PMP certification exam, enroll with us for a comprehensive program that goes beyond just covering the 35 contact hours. Our course is designed to ensure your success in the PMP certification exam on the first attempt. The program assists you in thoroughly exploring the exam content, creating a roadmap for your preparation, and mastering the essential knowledge and skills for all three PMP exam domains, covering all development life cycle approaches
