The Common Admission Test opens one’s doors to the highly prestigious IIMs and other leading business schools. After the CAT exam, the journey doesn’t just stop. Instead, there are a lot of things which need to be done in the post-exam phase so exactly what after the CAT exam is required to be done.
In this blog, we will discuss what after the CAT exam needs to be done, so keep reading to get all the information and check this step-by-step guide on what happens after the CAT exam 2024 to get complete details:
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What After the CAT Exam?
1. Know Your CAT Score and Percentile
Just a week or so after the declaration of CAT results in December, you will get to know your CAT score through a scorecard that gives you sectional scores, overall scores, as well as a percentile. Here is what you must know about CAT scores and percentile:
- Scores reflect the marks scored in every section, as well as the total.
- Percentile refers to how many other people have scored less than you. So a 95 percentile would mean you have outperformed 95% of the people who appeared for the test.
The percentile determines whether you get calls from IIMs and other B-schools or not. You can find many percentile predictor tools online which would help you to predict your scores and help you decide what after the CAT exam should your targeted colleges be in the future.
2. College application deadlines
The CAT is just the beginning only hence after attempting the CAT shift your focus on what after the CAT exam is to be done while parallely start applying to different colleges while adhering to their respective deadlines. Keep these pointers in mind:
- College Wise Application: In addition to the CAT registration process, nearly all other colleges have separate applications for admission. Such colleges include FMS Delhi and MDI Gurgaon. SPJIMR Mumbai is another example.
- Application Timeline: Start early because if you wait for the results to be announced you will end up missing the deadlines.
Pro Tip: Use platforms like IMS B-School Zone or other resources to track application deadlines of colleges and get the process streamlined of
3. Shortlisting and Researching Colleges:
A very important step towards what after the CAT exam is proper planning to shortlist colleges. Use these parameters to make an informed choice:
- Percentile Cut-offs: Analyze past years cut-offs for colleges you plan to apply for. Students at IIM Ahmedabad are called at 99+ percentile while top colleges like MDI or SPJIMR call with relatively lower percentiles.
- Specializations offered: Filter colleges offering you the desired specialization in MBA – finance/marketing/operations management or whatever it may be.
- Alumni network: Reach out to students and alumni to get insights through their experiences, like how it feels to study in a school, the academic rigour, and whatever else comes with it-the placements.
This is all preliminary work in an attempt to not make a rash decision while pitting institutions against one another, especially when you have multiple offers so consider doing these things in advance.
4. Get ready for other MBA Entrance Exams
While CAT is arguably the most sought-after MBA entrance exam, it is not in itself there are many exams which come after the CAT exam. Several reputed B-schools conduct their own entrance tests which in turn add a choice:
Some prominent exams to target:
- XAT (XLRI Jamshedpur): Noted for its distinctive decision-making section.
- NMAT (NMIMS Mumbai): Proffers flexible testing windows and multiple attempts.
- SNAP (Symbiosis): Under the Symbiosis International University.
- MAH MBA CET, CMAT, and ATMA: Regional tests under different ambit.
Admissions to top IIMs are extremely competitive. By appearing for these exams, you also open various channels for admission into top B-schools.
Action Plan: Continue the momentum by continued preparation for these exams with a strong focus on any different or unique sections/ patterns they offer.
5. Prepare for GD-PI-WAT
Generally, after the CAT selection rounds are conducted as Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI) and Written Ability Test (WAT). It is here that your personality, communication skills, aptitude and preparation for an MBA are tested repeatedly and every candidate must know about what after the CAT exam requires their attention and when one should start preparing for GD, PI & WAT.
Preparation for GD
- Current affairs general knowledge which should mainly consist of business and economic streams.
- Simulated group discussion sessions with friends or mentors to make you articulate and confident.
PI Preparation:
Prepared shortlisted answers to questions like:
- “Why do you want an MBA?”
- “What are your immediate and long-term goals?”
- “What was the most difficult situation in your life and how did you deal with it?”
- Your unique qualities, academic achievements, and professional experiences.
WAT Preparation:
- First of all, work on essays basing them on current issues so that you become flawless and efficient at the times of discussions.
- Essays that should have some introduction, defined arguments, and end with logical conclusions.
- Most coaching institutes also organise mock GD-PI-WAT sessions to get the experience of the actual scenario and to raise one’s performance.
6. Improve Your Profile
B-schools give you more than just a CAT score. They look at your profile in totality. Here’s how you can improve your profile, this is also a very significant aspect that requires to be considered for what after the CAT exam needs attention:
- Certifications: Certifications in data analytics, digital marketing, and finance of Coursera or LinkedIn Learning.
- Extracurricular activities: Excellence in sports, arts, or social work.
- Professional Experience: Ensure that you have documented proof of work experience. Ensure that you have collection letters or reports for projects that you have handled.
A good profile will give you an upper hand at the admission and interview processes.
7. Preparation of Documents
Hundreds of documents are sought for when going in for counseling and admission. Ensure that you start gathering them much in advance of the specified date requires strategic preparation on what after the CAT exam needs:
List of Important Documents:
- CAT 2024 scorecard
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets along with passing certificates
- Graduation degree along with consolidated mark sheets
- Photo identity proof, Aadhaar, passport, etc.
- Experience certificates, if available
- Valid caste certificate for candidates belonging to reserved categories
- Certificate for Co-curricular activities
Pro Tip: Make sure all the documents are fine and you have several attested copies.
8. Much Needed Break
It is paramount to take a break after months of hard preparation towards the next stage. Keep yourself busy with relaxing and rejuvenation activities, like travel, time spent with family or pursuing your hobbies. A balanced mind can bring good results in GD-PI rounds and help you make a good decision on what after the CAT exam should be done.
9. Get to Know More about MBA Specializations and Career Options
Understand various MBA specializations and related career opportunities as this will help you to make and informed decision on what after the CAT exam is to be done:
Some Popular Specializations:
- Finance
- Marketing
- Operations
- Human Resources
- Business Analytics
- Entrepreneurship
Career Prospects: Research job roles, average salaries, and industry demands in your chosen specialization. This understanding will guide your choice of MBA program and institution.
10. Network with Alumni and Mentors
Networking can provide invaluable insights into life at prospective B-schools and the post-MBA career landscape:
- Join LinkedIn groups or forums dedicated to CAT and MBA aspirants.
- Connect with alumni or current students of your target colleges to gain firsthand knowledge.
- Attend open houses, webinars, or workshops conducted by B-schools.
- Building a network early can also open doors to mentorship and guidance throughout your MBA journey is very essential for what after the CAT exam
11. Prepare for Counseling Processes
Once shortlisted, you’ll participate in counseling processes where B-schools assess your suitability for admission. Here’s what to expect:
- Online or Offline Counseling: Verify the counseling mode and adhere strictly to the instructions.
- Document Verification: Carry all necessary documents, scorecards, and certificates
- Final Selection: Admission is granted on cumulative performance in the CAT scores, Academic records, Work experience, and GD-PI-WAT.
12. Keep Back Up Options Ready
Not getting admission into an IIM is not the end of the road. There are a plethora of other top B-schools in India that offer outstanding programs and comes right what after the cat exam.
Some examples of these B-schools are:
- XLRI Jamshedpur
- SPJIMR Mumbai
- MDI Gurgaon
- IMT Ghaziabad
- NMIMS Mumbai
Explore them and get your backup plan ready
Also learn – CAT Exam Slot Analysis 2024
FAQs
- When can I expect to get my CAT 2024 score?
Ans: The results of CAT are declared after nearly 30 days from the date of the exam. Keep an eye on the official website of CAT - What are the benefits with your CAT score?
Ans: The candidate who gets the highest ranking on the CAT will be eligible for any of the top MBA colleges in India, including IIMs and other premier institutes. It is an essential criterion for shortlisting the candidates for further selection rounds. - What should a candidate do after the CAT exam?
Ans: Right what after the CAT exam, focus upon preparing for the next rounds of the admission process. This includes preparing oneself for the rounds of Written Ability Test, Group Discussion and Personal Interview. In the meantime, start applying to colleges whose application deadlines are drawing near. - What documents would be required for the admission process?
Ans: You would need to furnish the following for the admission process: Academic documents : marks sheets and degree certificates, CAT Score Card, Work Experience Certificates, if any, Identity Proof : example Aadhar Card, Passport, Caste/Category Certificate, if any - What is the selection process after passing the CAT exam?
Ans: Most colleges which admit students through the CAT exam will do a multi-stage process of screening after a clear CAT exam. It will include most of the following WAT followed by Group Discussion and Personal Interview
Conclusion
Strategize and act decisively as what after the cat exam requires aligned preparation for GD-PI rounds to tracking of application deadlines and building your profile, every step takes you closer to your MBA dream. Just don’t forget to be focused, proactive, and adaptive to whatever moves you are about to take in the period. Very precise planning and execution will get you just that which you need: admission to a top business school is a huge step towards your career aspirations.
