Next steps after CAT: Finally, the big challenge is over with the CAT results being out! It’s time for candidates to reap the benefits of their hard work and check where they stand at the moment. However, keep in mind, it’s just one part of the victory that has been conquered and not the entire battle, as securing a spot at your dream IIM may involve several steps- CAT 2025 scores, GD-PI-WAT, followed by receiving the offer letter.
A final call is made based on the candidate’s performance across all stages, as well as other criteria, including academics, diversity, experience, and more, where the WAT-GD-PI rounds play a significant role in the IIM shortlisting process. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the next steps after the CAT result, how to plan your GD-PI-WAT preparation, a 30-day action plan, and proven strategies to perform confidently in B-school selection rounds.
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Table of Contents
Get an Understanding of Your CAT 2025 Scorecard
The first step is to look beyond the overall percentile and apply to the right colleges. Most IIMs and top-tier institutes like FMS and SPJIMR have strict sectional cutoffs. To get into the top-tier colleges, one must carefully analyse their CAT 2025 score and search for institutes that match their profile. Keep a check on the application deadlines of your selected B-schools, prepare all requisite documents, and ensure your academic background aligns with your chosen specialization.
Know your MBA PI Calls with Career Launcher’s IIM Call Predictor 2025
IIM Selection Criteria 2026: Composite Score & Its Weightage
A common question we get is, —“I got a 99 percentile, why didn’t IIM Ahmedabad call me?“
This is because IIMs do not select students based on CAT scores alone. They use a Composite Score to shortlist candidates for the next round. This primarily includes:
| Parameter | Average Weightage |
| CAT 2025 Score | 35% – 60% |
| Class 10th & 12th Marks | 10% – 20% |
| Graduation Score | 5% – 10% |
| Work Experience | 5% – 10% |
| Gender/Academic Diversity | 5% |
Also Check: What to Do After CAT Result 2025? | CAT 2025 GDPI and WAT preparation
Prepare For the Next Steps of GD, PI & WAT
Prepare for the next steps of your B-school journey with focused strategies to crack the GD, PI, and WAT rounds after your CAT 2025 result.
CAT Group Discussion Preparation
In a Group Discussion, you and 8–10 other students will discuss a topic. The panelists are observing to see if you are a team player or a bully.
Tips To Improve CAT GD Preparation
- Quality over Quantity: You don’t have to speak the most. You just have to say something smart.
- Be Polite: Use phrases like, “I agree with your point, and I’d like to add…” instead of cutting people off.
- Facts Matter: If the topic is about the environment, mentioning a recent climate summit makes you look much more prepared.
Also Check: CAT GD Preparation
CAT Personal Interview Preparation
The Personal Interview is the most important part of GD PI WAT preparation. This is where the professors decide if you are a suitable fit.
Preparation Tips For CAT PI
It’s quite important to first know about your own personality before presenting it in front of someone else. Prepare yourself well for the frequently asked interview questions as follows:
- “Tell me about yourself”: Mention your background, your hobbies, and one thing you are proud of.
- “Why MBA?”: Don’t just say “to get a high salary.” Tell them how an MBA will help you learn business skills you don’t have yet.
- “Why this college?”: Do your homework. Mention a specific club or subject that this college is famous for.
Also Check: CAT PI Preparation
CAT Written Ability Test Preparation
The WAT is basically a short essay. A college will give you a topic and 15–20 minutes to write your thoughts on paper.
Tips To Improve CAT WAT Preparation
- Don’t overthink: You don’t need fancy words. You need clear thoughts.
- Proper structure: Start with an introduction, give 2–3 reasons supporting arguments, and end with a conclusion.
- Stay Updated: Topics usually revolve around current events like Artificial Intelligence, the Indian economy, or social media trends.
Also Check: CAT WAT Preparation
30-Day GD, PI & WAT Preparation Plan After CAT 2025 Result
| Week / Days | Focus Area | What You Should Do | Outcome by End of Phase |
| Days 1–7 | Foundation & Self-Assessment | Analyse your CAT scorecard and shortlist target colleges. Identify strengths, weaknesses, and key profile points. Start reading newspapers on a daily basis (editorials, economics, national concerns). Each day, practice one WAT essay (150-200 words). Make a clear self-introduction. | Strong content base, clarity on profile, improved awareness |
| Days 8–14 | Skill Building & Initial Practice | Engage in 2 to 3 group discussion practice sessions. Initiate organized preparation for personal interviews, focusing on academic background, work experience, and career objectives. Compose two WAT essays each day on both current and static subjects. Document practice interview responses and assess communication effectiveness and clarity. | Improved articulation, structured answers, better writing flow |
| Days 15–21 | Mock-Driven Preparation | Take 3–4 mock GD & PIs with feedback from mentors for improvement. Evaluate WAT essays for their structural integrity and coherence. Focus on nonverbal communication, visual engagement, and confidence. | Enhanced confidence, reduced mistakes, sharper responses |
| Days 22–26 | Advanced Polishing | Concentrate on the areas that were identified as weak during the mocks. Revise key GD subjects (economics, society, and technology). Practice asking situational and opinion-based PI inquiries. Refine essay openings and conclusions. | Consistent performance, refined presentation |
| Days 27–30 | Final Revision & Readiness | Revise all the points that you must have gone through during the practice interview. Read current affairs summaries. Relax, stay positive, and maintain composure. | Interview-ready mindset, calm and confident approach |
How Can I Improve My Chances of Clearing CAT GD-PI-WAT Round?
The interviews typically occur in February and March. Your 10th/12th marks are immutable; nevertheless, you can augment your profile before the interview season, which intensifies in February.
- Revise your class 8 to class 10 concepts of Maths and English, along with practice exercises involving the application of these concepts.
- If you’re a finance aspirant, look at NISM or Bloomberg certifications. Marketing enthusiasts should master Google Analytics or Meta Ads.
- Spend 30 minutes reading a newspaper like The Economic Times.
- Maintain a daily log of major news updates and current affairs. This is your “ammunition” for both WAT and PI.
- Take mock interviews at regular intervals. Real-time feedback from experts is the only way to eliminate nervous ticks and refine your answers.
Also Check: CAT 2025 Results
Conclusion
Don’t wait for the official interview “calls” to arrive in your inbox. By the time they arrive, you will only have a few days to prepare. The students who start their GD PI WAT preparation the day the results come out are the ones who make it to the IIMs.
Focus on clarity of thought, structured communication, and smart presentation. Stay consistent, stay reflective, and keep improving every day. The selection rounds are your opportunity to show who you are – not just what you scored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I have a high overall percentile but a low sectional score. Will I still get IIM calls?
A: The majority of elite IIMs require a minimum score in each section to qualify. If you miss a sectional cut-off, you will most likely not receive calls from “Old IIMs,” but many New IIMs and private B-schools continue to accept high overall percentiles.
Q: Can I get into a top B-school with average 10th and 12th-grade marks?
A: Yes, however it’s more difficult because universities utilize a “Composite Score” that includes your previous grades. You can compensate for average grades by excelling in the CAT exam and personal interview stages.
Q: When is the best time to start my GD-PI-WAT preparation?
A: You should start the very day your CAT results are released. Waiting for official call letters often leaves you with only 10 days to prepare, which isn’t enough time to master current affairs and communication skills.
Q: What should I do if my percentile is between 80 and 90?
A: Do not give up hope; many famous non-IIMs, like IMT Ghaziabad, GIM Goa, and TAPMI, accept this range. Apply to these “value-for-money” universities right away, as their application windows end shortly after the results are out.
