The Common Admission Test or CAT is definitely one of the most challenging management entrance exams in India and it is completely natural to feel disheartened with a low CAT percentile or if the results did not match your expectations. However, a low CAT score does not mean the end of your MBA journey. A lot of aspirants out there face this setback, but what is important is that they bounce back stronger with a more focused and structured approach for CAT exam. The key here should be to understand what went wrong, realign or change your strategies, and move forward with more determination this time. This article, what to do next, after getting a low percentile in CAT will guide you through the steps to take after scoring a lower CAT percentile. This article will tell you on how to prepare better for the next attempt and finally achieve your dream MBA admission.
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1. Acknowledge Your Efforts and Accept the CAT Result
The first step will be to accept the results with a clear mind because nothing much can be changed. It is okay to feel disappointed for a while, but do not let that cover up the effort you put into your preparation. However, reflecting your performance is also equally important as it helps you identify the gaps and other weaknesses in your preparation strategy.
Question Yourself:
- Were you able to focus enough on your weak areas?
- Was your study plan effective where you could keep your focus throughout?
- Did exam-day anxiety or stress impact your overall performance?
Acknowledging your effort and analyzing your mistakes is ideally a positive way to begin your journey toward improvement in your next attempt.
2. Evaluate Options Other Than CAT
It is very important to understand that a low CAT percentile does not close all doors. Explore the other available options before deciding on your next steps:
a) Non-IIM Institutes: Several reputed B-schools accept candidates with moderate CAT scores. Colleges like IMT Ghaziabad, IMI Delhi, GLIM Chennai, TAPMI to name a few, offer quality MBA programs with good placements. These colleges usually focus on overall candidate profile of a candidate and not just their CAT percentiles. Research these colleges well, their selection processes, and the variety of programs.
b) Entrance Exams Other Than CAT: If your CAT score did not turn out well, consider appearing for other MBA entrance exams like XAT, SNAP, NMAT or CMAT. Each exam has a different pattern and different level of difficulty, giving you another chance to consider admission into a top B-school. One can also consider GMAT if you are looking for MBA outside India or an executive (1-year) MBA.
c) Take a Gap Year: If you are very determined to join a Tier-1 MBA college, taking a gap year and preparing for CAT 2025 with full focus can be the best option for you. With the right preparation strategy and consistency, you can significantly improve your percentile this time.
3. Identify What Went Wrong in the CAT
A low percentile is mostly a result of specific gaps in preparation. Identifying these gaps is important for improvement. Here are some of the common reasons for a low score and check how to address them:
a) Ineffective Time Management: Let us try to find out whether you struggled to complete the paper on time or not? Practice more of mock tests with a focus on time management. Learn how to prioritize questions in all the sections and learn to avoid spending too much time on difficult ones.
b) Lack of Conceptual Clarity: If a few sets of topics felt confusing, revisit the basics of those topics. Strengthening your basics in Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal Ability (VA) and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) is very much needed for a better score.
c) Insufficient Mock Tests: Mock tests are the backbone of CAT preparation. If you did not take enough mocks or failed to analyze them thoroughly, it would have hampered your performance. It is said that you should ideally consider taking 30 – 40 mocks before the actual exam.
d) Exam-Day Nerves: Anxiety can negatively impact your performance. It is better to control yourself, way before your actual exam. Best is to practice on how to stay calm during the mock tests.
4. Plan for a Stronger Comeback for CAT 2025
Now that you’ve identified what went wrong, it’s time to plan a comeback. A strategic and focused preparation plan can help you achieve a much better percentile in CAT 2025.
a) Join a Good Coaching Institute
Preparing on your own can be very overwhelming, especially if you lack guidance from experienced mentors. Joining one of the most reputed coaching institutes like iQuanta can make a significant difference. This year iQuanta has broken all records and gave 500+ 99 percentilers in CAT 2024. iQuanta is known for its flexible online class schedules, real-time 24*7 doubt-solving and interactive teaching methods, iQuanta offers a personalized approach to every student to help you strengthen your weak areas. The major benefit of choosing iQuanta is the accessibility of classes anytime, anywhere and the huge community of like-minded aspirants with a common goal. When you prepare with motivated peers and friends who share the same goal, it keeps you motivated, refreshed and focused.
If you are targeting a 99+%ile in CAT 2025, iQuanta has got you covered. Get highly relevant content along and prepare right from the very basics with iQuanta’s CAT Course. iQuanta has made a record with 500+ 99 percentilers in CAT 2024.
b) Create a Realistic Study Plan for CAT 2025
A good, structured study plan is essential for consistent progress. Divide your total preparation into phases:
- Strengthening basics where you should focus on completing the syllabus
- Practicing questions regularly to stay updated
- Taking sectional and full-length mocks
- Analyzing performance and revise topics you covered
- A little more focus on the weak areas
Remember, consistency is more important than the number of hours you study everday.
c) Take Regular CAT Mock Tests
Mock tests have always been a game-changer in CAT preparation for all the aspirants. They help you with the following:
- Get familiar with the exam pattern across all the sections
- Improve speed but without losing accuracy
- Build mental resilience to handle pressure
Analyze each mock test thoroughly after you take them. Focus on the questions you got wrong, skipped or took too much time on. Do not look for solutions at one go, rather try to solve them first.
5. Work on Your Profile
A relatively stronger profile can boost your chances of getting shortlisted for interviews, even if your CAT percentile is on the lower side. If taking a gap year, focus on activities that enhance your profile, such as:
- Internships in relevant fields could be a talking point
- Volunteering or participating in social initiatives adds overall value
- Pursuing certifications in areas like finance, marketing or operations can show interest in these fields
Building a holistic profile not only helps during MBA admissions but also adds value to your career in the long run, probably during MBA placements and post MBA too.
6. Stay Positive and Resilient for CAT 2025
Preparing for CAT again can feel very mentally taxing, but maintaining an overall positive mindset is important. Remember, many aspirants who score low in their first attempt have cracked CAT with amazing percentiles in their next attempts. All you need is to know a smart strategy and sticking to that throughout the time period. Best will be to surround yourself with supportive peers, mentors and family that keep you motivated throughout. Celebrate small achievements during your preparation. These small things will be cheering you up during tougher times.
Join the free CAT whatsapp group to get updated information about CAT along with preparation strategies and tips.
7. Tips for CAT 2025 Preparation
If you finally decide to retake CAT, implement the following tips this time for a better outcome:
- Focus on Strengths and Weaknesses: Understand your strengths and maximise your scores in that section. Allocate more time to your weaker sections so that you do not suffer on the D-day. A lot of candidates fail to clear sectional cutoffs due to this, be cautious.
- Follow a Balanced Approach: Do not just focus on one section, ensure consistent preparation for all the 3 sections: QA, VA, and DILR.
- Learn Shortcut Techniques: Speed is very important in CAT. Learn and practice shortcut methods for Quant and Logical Reasoning or Data Interpretation to save time. Understand, that not all questions require formulas to get solved.
- Practice Reading Comprehensions: RCs carry good amount of weightage in the Verbal section. Regular practice improves your both speed and comprehension.
- Seek Guidance When Needed: Do not hesitate to ask for help from mentors whenever needed. If you feel a bit demotivated, consider joining a coaching institute like iQuanta for professional support from experienced mentors.
8. Don’t Ignore Alternate Paths to CAT 2025
While aiming for CAT 2025, always keep alternate options in mind. Apply to all the other entrance exams and fill out forms for B-schools that accept moderate CAT scores. Additionally, look for other career options too other than MBA. For example, if you are about to take a gap year, you can look out for any sort of work-from-home jobs which will support you financially. Additionally, this will also enhance your profile as work experiences are highly valued at any B-School.
