What after CAT result 2024? Every MBA aspirant asks themselves this question. It is prudent to weigh your options before deciding on an MBA college? Now that CAT 2024 result has been announced, what should you do? Read below for the answer.
CAT 2024 result has been announced today and 2.93 lakh candidates now know their MBA future. Some aspirants start analysing their admission chances much before, after the CAT exam day. The most common question is, 'will I get an IIM or not?' Though every CAT aspirant hopes of excelling in the exam, the bitter truth is that not everyone can make it to the top. Then, what after CAT result? The wise thing is to keep other options open, even if you’ve performed brilliantly in the exam. So, the next step after CAT 2024 result is to appear for other MBA entrance exams. We advise appearing for other MBA entrance exams because IIM admission is based on man other factors than the CAT score. Even if you have a score of 99 per centile, you may not get through the top IIMs.
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Also read: CAT 2024 toppers list: Names and percentiles
Appear for other MBA entrance exams
Q: Is the CAT syllabus difficult?
Yes, the difficulty level of CAT syllabus is very high as compared to other MBA entrance exams. However, if you prepare well and follow the CAT exam pattern well, you will be able to score well. Besides having an understanding of the CAT syllabus 2024, candidates also need to be well aware of the CAT exam pattern before they start preparing for the exam. The CAT exam pattern was revised in 2021 and the number of questions were reduced from 76 to 66. The structure of CAT 2022 and CAT 2023 was the same. The syllabus is still tougher than other exams.
The most important things to keep in mind are:
- CAT exam mode is online
- Each question carries three marks
- There is negative marking of minus one mark for wrong attempts
The section-wise distribution of questions and difficulty levels as per the latest CAT exam pattern are listed below:
- Quantitative Ability (QA) - 24 questions, difficulty level - moderate to high
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) - 20 questions, difficulty level - moderate
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) - 22 questions, difficulty level - moderate. to high
Q: Is CAT exam tough for an average student?
CAT is a speed based test which is designed to assess a candidate's analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advance level problems.
However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.
Q: Are six months enough to prepare for CAT?
CAT exam is followed by exam like IIFT, SNAP, XAT, CMAT and MAT. But to be able to appear for these exams, you need to register beforehand. The registration cycle of these exams are same as CAT, so fill the application forms of these exams too. After CAT result declaration you will still have the chance to ace XAT, CMAT, MAT, ATMA, MAH-CET, TANCET, TSICET as these exams are held between January and March.
Take a look at colleges accepting other MBA entrance exams:
What after CAT result 2024?
Now that the CAT 2024 result is declared, deciding the next step becomes challenging and confusing for candidates who excel in the exam as well as those do not perform up to expectations. Some decide to start looking for a job or pursue another course, while some decide to give CAT exam another shot. The decision taken at this point of time, must be individual choice and a cautious one.
On the other hand, for those who perform well in CAT exam, the next challenge is clearing the written ability test (WAT) group discussion (GD) and personal interview (PI) round of MBA admission process. All the top MBA colleges in India, conduct WAT/GD-PI for admissions. Just like the entrance exam, this round is also not a cake walk. Given the number of aspirants applying to B-schools every year, the institutes take extra care in choosing best of the best. Shiksha brings to you a list of actionables after CAT 2024 result.
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Also Read: Got a low CAT Score? Don't fret, you can still get admission in a good B-school
IIM & Non-IIM Call Predictor
Apply for Admission to B-schools
Even before the CAT result is announced, many B-schools begin application process of MBA admissions. So assess your performance (use Shiksha’s CAT percentile predictor) in CAT, check the cut off percentile of B-schools, make a list of institutes you want to target for admission, check out their application process, fees and schedule and apply.
If one gets selected in any of the IIMs, there can certainly nothing better than that, but what if this does not happen? The next step would be to look for a top B-school other than IIM. While looking for a college, a candidate must keep in mind numerous parameters like ranking, alumni, placement record, faculty, return on investment and environment.
Check: Shiksha’s IIM and non-IIM call predictor
For IIMs, you don’t need to apply separately. When you fill the CAT application form, you get the option to select the institutes you want to apply at.
Q: When should I start preparing for CAT exam?
Aspirants should start preparing for CAT exam at least nine months in before the test date. CAT preparation requires long-term planning thus one must start early. The best time to start CAT preparation is in March. Starting early will also help you assess that whether you need to join a coaching institute or not.
Divide your preparation into two phases -
- Covering the CAT syllabus
- Practicing mock tests, sample questions and revision.
The CAT syllabus includes the following topics:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension: Parajumbles, Parasummary, Sentence Completion and Inferences, Questions based on passages, para meaning, order of sentences
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning: Tables, Graphs, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram, Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Caselets and Syllogism
- Quantitative Aptitude: Geometry, Algebra, Number System, Arithmetic, Mensuration.
You can read the following CAT books for exam preparation:
- CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri
- Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
- Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency by Ananta Ashisha
- How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
- 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary Mass Market Paperback by Wilfred Funk and Norman Lewis/ Simon and Schuster
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Sharma and Upadhyay
- High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma
- Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit Sinha
- Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Sharma
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha.
Q: How would I know my CAT exam centre?
Candidates will know their allotted CAT exam centre only from the admit card. There is no way to know the test centre before the release of the CAT admit card. The examination authority allots a test centre to aspirants in the city of their first preference as mentioned in the city. So, candidates can atleast be assured that they will get a test centre in the city they had chosen as first preference in the CAT application form. However, the venue will be mentioned only on the candidate’s admit card. So as soon as the CAT admit card is released, candidates must check the test city and test centre details. In order to avoid any confusion, they must visit the centre at least once before the exam day.
Q: How to improve reading speed for CAT preparation?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) exam is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis every year. The CAT exam is an online computer-based test that is used as a primary criterion for admission into various management programs offered by the IIMs as well as other top business schools in India.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) exam syllabus is divided into three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): This section consists of 26 questions, and candidates have 60 minutes to complete it.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): This section consists of 24 questions, and candidates have 60 minutes to complete it.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA): This section consists of 26 questions, and candidates have 60 minutes to complete it.
The total duration of the exam is 180 minutes (3 hours). Each correct answer carries 3 marks, and there is a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer. However, there is no negative marking for unattempted questions. (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Here is a brief overview of the syllabus and some tips on how to prepare for each section:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): This section tests your reading comprehension and language skills. The syllabus includes reading comprehension passages, grammar, para jumbles, para completion, sentence correction, and vocabulary. To prepare for VARC, read a lot of books, newspapers, and magazines to improve your reading speed and comprehension skills. Practice grammar and vocabulary exercises regularly to improve your language skills. Also, practice solving previous year CAT papers and mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): This section tests your ability to interpret data and make logical deductions. The syllabus includes bar graphs, line charts, pie charts, tables, Venn diagrams, blood relations, seating arrangements, and puzzles. To prepare for DILR, practice solving a variety of puzzles and logical reasoning questions. Develop a systematic approach to solving questions and focus on improving your speed and accuracy. Practice solving previous year CAT papers and mock tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA): This section tests your mathematical skills. The syllabus includes number systems, geometry, algebra, trigonometry, arithmetic, and modern mathematics. To prepare for QA, start with the basics and gradually move to advanced topics. Practice solving a variety of mathematical problems regularly to improve your speed and accuracy. Memorize important formulas and theorems. Also, practice solving previous year CAT papers and mock tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Each correct answer carries 3 marks.
Each incorrect answer carries a penalty of -1 mark.
There is no negative marking for questions that are left unanswered.
The CAT exam is used as a primary criteria for admission into various management programs offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) as well as other top business schools in India. The selection process for CAT typically includes the following stages:
CAT Exam: Candidates who clear the CAT cutoff are shortlisted for the next stage.
Written Ability Test (WAT)/Group Discussion (GD)/Personal Interview (PI): Shortlisted candidates are required to appear for a WAT/GD/PI round, which is conducted by the respective IIMs or business schools.
Final Selection: Candidates are selected based on their CAT score, performance in the WAT/GD/PI round, academic background, work experience, and other relevant factors. The final selection is based on a composite score that considers all these factors.
The weightage given to CAT score and other selection criteria vary from institute to institute. It is important to check the admission criteria of the respective institutes you are applying to.
Overall, the CAT exam is a highly competitive exam, and candidates are advised to prepare well and perform to the best of their abilities.
If you want to prepare you can download LK ACADEMY learning app for daily free mock test, Current Affairs video lectures, study notes and many more all on your convenient time. The coaching provides comprehensive way to cover the syllabus and make you prepare for preliminary, Mains and interview round.
Good luck!
Q: How to start preparing for CAT and from which year of UG should we start preparing for CAT?
Ideally, students start their preparation for CAT and other management entrance tests from the 2nd year onwards. -Starting by understanding the syllabus and the concepts of each section. -Once you are thorough will the syllabus, practice with mock tests, and identify your strengths as well as weak areas. -Be consistent with your stronger portions and keep working on your loose ends too. -If a particular topic is out of your understanding, don't waste much time on that. Rather try to improve the sections you are performing on average. -No student ever tries to attempt the whole exam. Strategies & plan on attempting your test. -Practice as many Mocks as you can, no matter how much score you are getting. Mock tests will help you will time management which is yet another important aspect of giving entrances. -Do keep the backup option of the other entrance tests as well as the syllabus is more or less the same. -Keep yourself updated with the Current Affairs and news, especially business and economics. That will help you with your GD&PI. -Last but not the least, don't pressurize yourself. Just take it easy and give your best. Good Luck :). .
Q: Which CAT exam slot is the toughest?
Also Read: IIM admission and selection criteria
Top MBA colleges in India: Admission Process
Refer to the table below for admission process of some of the top ranked MBA institutes:
| List of Top MBA Colleges You Can Apply To |
|
|---|---|
Also Read:
- MBA from IITs: Know courses, fees, eligibility, cut offs, selection process, placements
- MBA Admissions 2025: Check application deadline and selection criteria of Top B-schools
Course/ specialisation selection: Along with college selection, it is also important to focus on selection of course/ specialization. Many candidates choose a college first, and then select their MBA specialisation, whereas, some candidates search for colleges on the basis of specialization they want to pursue. Both approaches are right. Be clear about what you are looking for. Start weighing your options well in advance, so that there is no confusion at a later stage.
Also Read:
- MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score 85 Percentile and Above
- MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score 80-90 Percentile Range
- MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score 70-80 Percentile Range
- MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score 60-70 Percentile Range
- MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score 50-60 Percentile Range
Prepare for WAT/GD-PI
WAT/GD-PI is the second phase of MBA admission. Once the CAT result is declared, the IIMs release their cut off for shortlisting of candidates for this round. The WAT/GD-PI round takes place in February-May. Other MBA institutes also conduct this round in the same months. Thus, after CAT exam you roughly have two months to prepare for this round. To stand a better chance of successfully clearing the GD-PI, candidates can do the following:
- Join a GD/PI workshop: No matter how good you think you are, you will never know what it is to face a large audience without attending a GD/PI workshop. Before joining a workshop ensure that there are huge number of participants in the same – this will give you the confidence to face a large audience.
- Focus on case-based as well as topic-based GDs: B-schools are gradually adopting case based teaching methodology – keeping in mind the same, they are moving towards case-based WAT and GDs. However, to test the candidate’s general knowledge to the maximum, some B-schools go for topic-based GDs. The ideal approach is to prepare for both.
- Seek the guidance of seniors/ mentors: Your mentors and seniors would have certainly faced a GD-PI, and their guidance can be of good help. Also, they might provide you some tips and tricks that you will not find in books or on internet, so make the most of this.\
- Prepare for a specialisation (if holding 4+years of work experience): Professionals holding an experience of about four years or more might be quizzed on the specialisation they want to opt for – being prepared for the same in advance is extremely important.
- Keep in mind the specific format for each call: Every B-school has a distinct GD-PI procedure and criteria for giving out calls. It is extremely important to know about the format for each call, else you might reach unprepared for the same and might miss out on your chance of getting an enrolment in a top B-school.
Also Read:
- Tips to appear for virtual GD/PI
- Personal Interviews: 5 Situations That May Stump You
- How to Handle Surprise Topics in GDs
- 80 Group Discussion (GD) Topics 2025 (MBA)
- 13 Must Do Things to Crack GD-PI-WAT
- Dos & Don’ts of Group Discussion
- Understand the GD, Interview and WAT process for MBA admissions
Plan B
Life is not always a bed of roses – your CAT attempt might or might not be successful. If you make it to one of the IIMs, congratulations for achieving what you had been aiming for, but if things do not fall in place you must always be ready with plan B. Consider the following in case you do not clear CAT exam are:
- Will you apply for a job?
- Will you appear for CAT 2025?
- If you plan to appear for CAT 2025, will you prepare for it full-time or do it while working on a job?
Read More:
- CAT Exam Preparation
- List of CAT books recommended by MBA experts
- What is the best time to start CAT preparation? Experts speak
- How to Prepare for CAT: Ultimate tips from experts
- How to Prepare for CAT exam in 6 months
- How to Prepare for CAT Without Quitting Your Job
- Advantage of Appearing in CAT While Pursuing Final Year Graduation
FAQs on What after CAT result
Q: I do not have any work experience. Will my CAT 2024 result get affected by this?
A: The CAT result will be released based on the performance of the candidate in the entrance exam. Work experience will not affect the score in CAT 2024.
Q: What is the validity of the CAT score?
A: CAT score is valid for a period of one year. Candidates need to appear for CAT again if they wish for enrolment in a subsequent admission cycle.
Q: Can I get the CAT result re-evaluated?
A: No. There is no facility for revaluation or rechecking of CAT results. If a candidate wishes to improve their score, they will have to appear for the exam in the next session.
Q: Will IIMs release cutoff along with the CAT result?
A: No. All the IIMs will release the cutoff score after the release of the CAT result. The cutoff list will be released on the institute website and will be accessible to only those candidates who shall have qualified for the WAT-PI round.
Q: What should I do after the release of the CAT result?
A: You must analyse the CAT score and check which colleges can offer admission based on that score. Further, apply for admission accordingly.
Q: Is there any centralised admission process based on the CAT score?
A: No. All the IIMs and B-Schools will administer a separate admission process. Institutes will release respective cutoff lists based on several factors and invite suitable candidates for the admission process.
Q: Is work experience mandatory for admission based on CAT scores?
A: Several institutes and IIMs have a specified weightage for work experience in the final selection list. However, work experience affecting the admission process can vary across institutes.
Q: What is the admission process followed at IIMs?
A: Candidates need to qualify as per the CAT cutoff released by desired IIM. Further, IIMs will invite candidates for participation in the selection rounds including WAT-PI/GD-PI.
Q: Do I need to appear for any other entrance exam for MBA admission in India?
A: Many institutes accept CAT scores for MBA admission. However, several institutes also consider scores of candidates in MAT, GMAT, XAT, NMAT, CMAT, SNAP, among others for admission. Thus, candidates can check the admission criteria of the desired institute before they appear for an entrance exam.
Q: Can I get provisional admission at IIMs if I have a backlog at my graduation level education?
A: No. As per the admission eligibility at IIMs, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree for admission to the master’s programme offered by IIMs.
Q: What to do if I scored low in CAT?
A: If IIM is your only goal, you can attempt the exam in the subsequent admission cycle. Besides taking a year gap, you can consider appearing for other common entrance exams such as XAT, MAT, CMAT, etc. Alternatively, you can consider institutes having a lower CAT cutoff score.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 13 hours ago
The total tuition fee for NIMS University MBA course is INR 4 lakh. Students who have passed CAT get 100% waiver in tuition fee for both years only if they secure 90 percentile and above in the exam. For such students, the tuition fee for each year is not applicable.
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 13 hours ago
Students who have secured 90 percentile and above in CAT are eligible for NIMS University scholarship for MBA students. Under this scholarship, students get a 100% waiver on the total tuition fee applicable for two-years. After waiver, student do not have to pay any tuition fee in both the years.
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Saintgits Institute of Management offers MBA based on valid entrance exam scores. The Institute accepts minimum aggregate of 60% in graduation and valid scores in accepted entrance exams. Saintgits Institute of Management accepts entrance exam scores of CAT/ MAT/ XAT/ CMAT etc. Apart from this, cand
U
Beginner-Level 3
Answered Yesterday
N
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 days ago
A candidate who scores just 20 on the percentile scale in CAT, hence, will find it really difficult to get admission for MBA programs to any top part of the elite business schools, for all these institutes have put a very high cut-off percentage on a general basis in the range of 85 to 99 percentile
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
No, CAT is not mandatory for entry to the PGP-TBM programme of Masters' Union. Scores can be submitted by any one of the examinations conducted by GMAT, GRE, or Masters' Union Business Aptitude and Admissions Test (MU-BAAT). Interviews and a holistic review of the profile comprise part of the select
a
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, I Business Institute offers scholarship to PGDM students based on CAT score. A maximum of INR 70,000 is offered to CAT qualified students. Below is the detailed criteria:
| Marks in Qualifying Exam | Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|
| CAT > 85 | INR 70,000 |
| CAT percentile between 70-85 | INR 50,000 |
| CAT percentile between 60-70 | INR 30,000 |
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, you can get admission to the MBA/PGDM programme at H.K. Institute of Management Studies and Research (HKIMSR) without CAT scores. The institute also accepts other entrance exam scores like MAT, CMAT, or MAH-CET for admission. As long as you have a valid score from any of these recognised exams,
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, getting admission at VVISM for a PG Diploma (General Management) without a CAT score is possible. This is because CAT is not the only accepted entrance exam for PG Diploma admission at the institute. In addition to CAT, VVISM accepts the exam scores of MAT/ATMA/XAT/CMAT/GMAT/ICET or any other e
H
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
With a 50-60 percentile in CAT, you may not be eligible for top IIMs or highly ranked B-schools, but there are several good options:
- Tier 2 B-Schools like IMT Nagpur, Welingkar Mumbai, ITM Navi Mumbai, and SIES Mumbai may consider you depending on the category and other criteria.
- State Universities li
Contributor-Level 10
What is the fee for students who have passed CAT for MBA at NIMS University?