After the CAT results, thousands of students didn’t score well. Some faced technical difficulties, some lost their calm, and some froze in exam pressure. Whatever it was, they must be facing pressure from their parents, relatives, friends, and even themselves to decide ‘what’s next?’.
CAT is a competitive exam and just like any other exam, many aspirants didn’t get the score they desired and now without any backup plan, they are confused and anxious to decide what to do. Regret surrounds them and the guilt screams in their ears.
Their parents had high expectations, their friends believed in them and relatives are now asking painful questions every single time. Feeling lost and defeated, there are many questions that wander around in an aspirant’s mind.
What should I do next?
Should I join a Tier-3 college?
Can I give CAT once again?
MBA is all about skills and not college, right?
What will I say to my parents?
Should I pursue a job and take the exam again?
Whose advice should I listen to?
Can I be successful in my life?
While these are much more frequent and asked questions from our CAT aspirants. In this blog, we will breakdown every scenario you might be in and what should be your ideal action to become successful in your career.
Scenario 1: You are in your final year of graduation.
In this scenario, a common thing is seen that aspirants were not serious and gave the exam for the sake of peer pressure or they tried very hard but couldn’t score well.
Action 1: The perfect action plan for such a situation is to attempt CAT again. Why? Now, you know the exam level, familiarity, and the great scope it provides after graduation. However, this time, start preparing early, manage CAT preparation with your studies, and after graduation, take the exam with your best.
Action 2: On the other hand, if you don’t want to take the exam and are tired from the exam. Take some time to decide but get it by the end of February. You must set your priorities and decide would you want to join a job, a Tier 3 college, or give yourself one more chance. Remember, you must decide soon or the pain of the exam will paralyze you from taking the right action.
Joining a tier 3 without even trying shouldn’t be your excuse for hardwork. There is hardwork everywhere. MBA college or preparing for the CAT needs hardwork, you need to decide which one should you dedicate yourself to.
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Scenario 2: You are a fresher. You just graduated from your college.
Once again, try to look at your career goal, what do you want to do?
Action 1: If you want to crack the CAT this year, then you should go for a job and prepare for the CAT by side. This way you can score good colleges because of your academics, and work experience.
Action 2: If you want to crack the CAT exam this year but don’t have the skills for a job or you fear you may not get time to prepare for the exam with a job. Then, you should take a drop and dedicate your 100% towards the preparation. Even if you will have a gap year, colleges understand this and can offer call letters based on a good percentile.
Action 3: If you don’t have the skills for a job, want to avoid a low-paying job, or need to support your family. Then, you can join a Tier 2 college but not a Tier 3 college, an MBA costs you more than 10 Lakhs from a Tier 3 college and if you can’t score a good job then you’re back to the square with debt and more pressure.
Cracking a 99+ percentile in CAT while managing a job is tough, but with iQuanta, your success is within reach. Our new batch is designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule, helping you start from scratch without compromising on work. With 24/7 access to recorded classes, you can learn anytime, anywhere, at your own pace. Plus, night live classes ensure you never miss out on expert guidance after office hours. 24/7 doubt-solving support means your questions are answered instantly, no matter when you study. Stay motivated and connected with peers in our active Facebook community. With iQuanta, you get the flexibility and support to balance your job and CAT preparation, making your 99+ percentile dream a reality!
Scenario 3: You had a gap year, you gave it your all but couldn’t score enough.
In such a scenario, CAT aspirants now had given three attempts. It is good to assume that they prepared their best and gave it all. But, they couldn’t score enough.
If you have a good percentile, then you should first fill out the college applications you can expect a call from. Why? Because whatever the decision will be, you should have options and have interview experience as well.
Action 1: Even now if you want to give another attempt, then you should join a job immediately. A job experience will add value to your profile and you can prepare by the side. You must do the job even if it is hectic. Having a great life doesn’t make it easy. If you want to build a great ship then you must test it in the strongest storms.
Action 2: Still, if you don’t want to go for a job, try to give all to the interviews. Crack as many good colleges as you can and work hard after getting in. Try to be atleast in the top 25 percentile of the batch. Then, you can have a chance at career opportunities.
If you don’t have a good percentile and still want an MBA.
Action 3: A job is a good option in this scenario. You shouldn’t give up. Give your best in the next attempt. CAT doesn’t have an age limit.
Action 4: If you decide to join a college, then atleast target a Tier 2 college. There, you can build skills, network, and closely with your peer group who are better than you. Do your part of hardwork and score some amazing opportunities.
It’s time to turn your hard work into results. With iQuanta’s personalized preparation plan, you’ll quickly catch up to the advanced level and master every concept. Our 24/7 recorded classes let you learn anytime, while night live classes offer expert guidance without disrupting your schedule. Plus, get 24/7 doubt-solving support and connect with peers in our active Facebook community. With iQuanta, your breakthrough is now within reach!
Scenario 4: You now have 2 years of gap years and couldn’t score enough for a Tier-1 or even a Tier-2 college
These situations are rare, by this time, many aspirants started doing jobs and working hard there. They upskill themselves and prepare for other opportunities in their life,
Still, you don’t have job opportunities. Go for paid courses within a 6-12-month period and score jobs with their placement help. Ensure that they have secured placements.
If you don’t want an online/offline upskilling course. Then, in this very rare situation, you can choose to go to a Tier 3 college. Just remember to check their fees, percentage of students placed, median packages, and all other minor details that should be necessary to your priorities.
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Scenario 5: An MBA Doesn’t Define You–Your Passion and Values Do
This scenario isn’t about attempts or failures—it’s about perspective. True maturity is understanding that an MBA is not the ultimate measure of success. It’s a tool, not a trophy. Your life’s worth will never be defined by a degree but by the impact you create and the values you uphold.
Pursue what you’re good at. Chase what you love. Let your hard work, passion, and principles shape your journey. An MBA may open doors, but your dedication, creativity, and integrity will determine how far you go beyond them.
Years from now, you won’t remember the letters after your name as much as the lives you touched, the dreams you chased, and the legacy you built. Success isn’t a title—it’s a life well-lived. So, give your best, but remember: You are always greater than any degree.
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