The Day Has Come: CAT Result is Out
By Career Launcher South Extension, Delhi
After months of preparation, stress, and mock tests, the moment you've been waiting for has arrived—CAT result day. You open your scorecard, take a deep breath, and see your percentile. But what comes next?
Whether your score meets your expectations or not, what you do immediately after receiving your result is critical.
At Career Launcher South Ex, a trusted CAT coaching center near South Ex, we know that post-result strategy matters. This guide outlines the essential next steps to help you turn your score into an admit from your dream B-school—be it an IIM or another top management institute.
Step 1: Evaluate Your CAT Result
Understand Your CAT Percentile
Your percentile reflects your performance relative to other candidates.
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99 percentile: You performed better than 99% of test-takers
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95 percentile: You outperformed 95% of candidates
Remember, sectional scores are just as important as your overall score—especially for IIMs and other top schools with sectional cut-offs.
Analyze Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Break down your result:
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Did you score high in QA but lag in DILR? That signals where to improve for further rounds.
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Strong VARC? That’s a great advantage for the Written Ability Test (WAT).
Step 2: Assess Your Overall Profile
Academic Background
Top B-schools value consistent academic performance. Think about:
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How strong is your academic history (10th, 12th, graduation)?
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Are there gaps or weaker areas? If yes, identify other strengths to highlight during interviews.
Work Experience
Work experience (especially 2+ years) strengthens your profile. Internships, part-time roles, and volunteer work also count and should be showcased.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Your participation in clubs, leadership roles, social work, or competitions can make you stand out. These reflect qualities like initiative, collaboration, and communication.
Step 3: Shortlist B-Schools Based on Your Result
Begin categorizing institutes based on your percentile and profile:
Dream Schools
Target IIM A, B, C, and XLRI if you’ve scored 99+ percentile. But remember, GD-PI-WAT performance is equally critical.
Safe Schools
Look at IIM Lucknow, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR, IMT Ghaziabad if your score is in the 95–98 percentile range. These are excellent choices with solid ROI.
Backup Schools
For percentiles in the 85–95 range, consider strong Tier-2 schools like TAPMI, XIME, and BIM Trichy. They offer quality education and placements.
Research Admission Criteria
Each B-school has its own selection process. Focus on:
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Sectional and overall cut-offs
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Weightage given to academics, work experience, and interviews
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Past cut-off trends and average profiles
Step 4: Prepare for GD, PI, and WAT
Your CAT score gets you shortlisted—but GD-PI-WAT performance gets you admitted.
Group Discussion (GD)
Work on your speaking skills and current affairs awareness. Aim for structured, thoughtful contributions while being a good listener.
Personal Interview (PI)
Be ready to answer:
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Why MBA?
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Why this institute?
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What are your long-term goals?
Know your resume well and prepare personal stories that show your strengths.
Written Ability Test (WAT)
Practice short, coherent essays on general topics, social issues, and case-based scenarios. Focus on clarity, grammar, and structured thinking.
Tip: Career Launcher South Ex offers exclusive GD-PI-WAT prep modules with personalized mentoring.
Step 5: Track Important Deadlines
Stay organized. Each B-school has different timelines.
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Create a dedicated calendar for application and interview deadlines
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Set reminders for document submissions, form filling, and interview slots
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Don’t miss key dates—one missed deadline can cost you an admit
Step 6: Explore Alternate Pathways
If your CAT result isn’t aligned with your expectations, you still have strong options:
Other MBA Entrance Exams
Consider XAT (for XLRI), SNAP (for SIBM), NMAT (for NMIMS), and CMAT (for colleges like GIM and KJ Somaiya). Several top B-schools accept these scores.
Executive or Part-Time MBA
If you have 2+ years of experience, look into executive or part-time MBA programs. These allow you to continue working while studying.
Preparing for Next Year
If your goal is a top IIM or MICA/ISB, you can start planning your reattempt. Reflect on what didn’t work this time—mock strategy, time management, topic revision—and rebuild with focus.
Final Thoughts
CAT result day is not the finish line—it’s the starting point of your MBA journey.
Take a deep breath. Then:
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Evaluate your score rationally
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Review your overall profile
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Shortlist institutes wisely
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Prepare for GD-PI-WAT with intent
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Stay open to alternate opportunities
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Act with confidence and clarity
At Career Launcher South Ex, we’re here to support you every step of the way—from score analysis to final admission. Let’s turn your hard work into an admit to your dream B-school.
CL Career Launcher – South Extension, Delhi
Time: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Mobile: +91-9315737037
Email: delhi.dc@careerlauncher.com
Address: N-5, 2nd Floor, South Extension Part I,
Near South Extension Metro Station (Pink Line), New Delhi – 110049
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