CAT Result Out: Immediate Next Steps for MBA Aspirants

By Career Launcher, South Ex Center

The day you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived: CAT result day. After months of preparation, stress, and countless mock tests, your hard work is now about to be assessed. You open the scorecard, take a deep breath, and see your CAT percentile — but what happens next?

Whether your score is exactly what you hoped for or a bit lower than expected, there are still plenty of next steps to ensure you make the best of your results.
At Career Launcher South Ex, we know that the period right after your CAT result is crucial. This is the time when you need to act swiftly, intelligently, and confidently.
This guide will help you navigate the immediate steps you need to take to maximize your chances of getting into your dream B-school, whether it’s through IIMs or other top-tier institutes.

Step 1: Evaluate Your CAT Result

The very first step after the CAT result is to evaluate your score objectively. Regardless of whether you are thrilled or disappointed, it’s important to understand where you stand in terms of percentile and how this translates into actionable results.

1.1 Understanding Your CAT Percentile

Your CAT percentile is a measure of your relative performance compared to all other candidates who appeared for the exam. For instance:

• A 99 percentile means you performed better than 99% of candidates.
  
  

• A 95 percentile means you performed better than 95% of candidates.
  
  

This percentile will directly impact which B-schools you can realistically target.
Pro Tip: Do not focus solely on your overall percentile; sectional percentiles also matter. IIMs and many other top institutes have specific sectional cut-offs (i.e., they require a certain score in each section to be eligible for a call).

1.2 Analyze Your Strong and Weak Areas

Once you understand your score, reflect on the sections where you performed well and where you need improvement:

• If you scored well in QA but struggled with DILR, it might indicate that you need to focus on logical reasoning and data interpretation for GD-PI rounds.
  
  

• If VARC was your strength, your preparation for WAT (Written Ability Test) will be a key focus moving forward.
  
  

1.3 Identify Your Target B-Schools

Once you have a clearer understanding of your percentile and section scores, you need to narrow down your list of target B-schools.
Consider factors such as:

• Reputation and Ranking
  
  

• Location
  
  

• Specializations offered
  
  

• Placement records
  You can reference the percentile vs. B-school ranking table from our earlier blog to help you make the right decisions.
  
  

Step 2: Assess Your Overall Profile

While CAT scores play a vital role in securing calls from top B-schools, your overall profile will determine how far you can go in the admission process. Evaluating your profile immediately after the CAT result will help you plan your next steps strategically.

2.1 Academic Record

B-schools, especially the IIMs, place importance on your academic performance in Class 10th, 12th, and Undergrad.

• Did you maintain a good academic track record throughout your education?
  
  

• Are there any gaps or weaknesses in your academic history?
  
  

If you think your academic performance might hold you back, consider how you can highlight your strengths during the GD-PI-WAT process. Some institutes may focus more on work experience and extracurricular activities.

2.2 Work Experience

Top B-schools highly value work experience, as it reflects your maturity, leadership skills, and ability to work in a team.

• If you have 2+ years of work experience, you can expect to be treated more favorably, as your experience in the professional world sets you apart from fresh graduates.
  
  

• Internships or volunteer work also count toward building a strong profile.
  
  

2.3 Extra-Curricular Activities

A strong record in extra-curricular activities, whether related to leadership, sports, or social initiatives, can make a positive impact during the GD-PI-WAT rounds.

If you’ve participated in debates, quizzes, competitions, or held leadership positions in clubs or societies, these can bolster your application and make you stand out to B-schools.

Step 3: Shortlist B-Schools Based on Your Result

Now that you know where you stand, it’s time to finalize your list of B-schools.
Remember, the CAT result is only part of the story. You should shortlist B-schools that align with your long-term goals, career interests, and personal preferences.

3.1 Group B-Schools by Fit

Based on your CAT percentile and overall profile, group your B-schools into the following categories:

• Dream Schools:
  These are the top-tier B-schools like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, and XLRI. If you’ve scored in the 99 percentile range, these are likely your targets.
  
  

• Keep in mind that while these B-schools are competitive, your GD-PI performance will be critical in securing a final admission.
  
  

• Safe Schools:
  These are B-schools with relatively lower cut-offs and solid placement records like MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, SPJIMR, and IIM Lucknow. If you fall in the 95–98 percentile range, these should be your primary focus.
  
  

• Backup Schools:
  If your score falls in the 85–95 percentile range, you should also apply to a few tier-2 B-schools or specialized schools. For example, XIME, TAPMI, and BIM Trichy.
  
  

3.2 Research the Specific Criteria for Each B-School

Each B-school has specific criteria for shortlisting candidates for further rounds of GD/PI/WAT.

• Some B-schools also give weightage to academics, work experience, and extra-curricular activities.
  
  

• Check each B-school’s admission process for details on sectional cut-offs, weightage for academic performance, work experience, and other components.
  
  

Step 4: Prepare for GD, PI, and WAT

Once you have finalized your B-school list, your next focus should be preparing for the GD-PI-WAT rounds. These are crucial selection rounds for admission to most of the top B-schools.

4.1 Group Discussion (GD)

GD is designed to assess your communication skills, ability to think critically, and team dynamics.

• Prepare for common topics related to current affairs and management issues.
  
  

• Practice mock GDs to improve your speaking ability and to work in a team.
  
  

4.2 Personal Interview (PI)

The PI round is your chance to demonstrate your knowledge, confidence, and personal story.

• Be prepared to answer questions on your background, academic performance, work experience, and why you want to pursue an MBA.
  
  

• Don’t hesitate to talk about your extra-curricular activities or any leadership roles you have taken on.
  
  

• It’s essential to present a clear and well-thought-out answer when asked, “Why this B-school?”
  
  

4.3 Written Ability Test (WAT)

Many B-schools conduct a WAT to evaluate your ability to structure your thoughts and express them clearly.

• Practice writing on general topics, case studies, and controversial issues.
  
  

• Focus on writing coherent, concise, and impactful answers in a short time.
  
  

Tip: At Career Launcher South Ex, we offer GD-PI-WAT preparation programs to help you with targeted guidance and mock interviews.

Step 5: Keep Track of Important Dates

Stay organized by keeping track of the admission deadlines and important events for each B-school.

• Each B-school may have different timelines for application deadlines, GD-PI rounds, and final selections.
  
  

• Set reminders and follow the admission process carefully to avoid missing any deadlines.
  
  

Step 6: Explore Alternate Pathways (If Required)

Even if your CAT score does not meet the cut-offs for the top B-schools, don’t panic. You have other options!

6.1 Apply for Other Management Exams

Many top B-schools accept other entrance exams like XAT, SNAP, CMAT, and NMAT.

• If you didn’t perform as well as you expected on CAT, consider re-taking one of these exams.
  
  

• XAT and SNAP are accepted by schools like XLRI, XIMB, SIBM, and others, while NMAT opens doors to NMIMS and SPJIMR.
  
  

6.2 Explore Part-Time or Executive MBA Programs

If your CAT result isn’t as high as you wanted but you already have some work experience, part-time MBA programs or Executive MBA programs could be a great option. These programs allow you to continue working while studying.

6.3 Re-evaluate and Prepare for Next Year

If you believe that an MBA from a top B-school is still your goal, don’t give up.

• Re-evaluate your preparation strategy and identify areas for improvement.
  
  

• With the right plan, targeted coaching, and practice, you can significantly improve your chances next year.
  
  

Final Thoughts

CAT result day is just the beginning of your journey, not the end.
It’s an important milestone, but the actions you take immediately after the result will determine the success of your MBA aspirations.

• Evaluate your score and profile carefully.
  
  

• Shortlist B-schools based on your CAT percentile and preferences.
  
  

• Prepare for the next rounds with a strategic focus.
  
  

• Stay calm, stay focused, and take each step with confidence.
  
  

At Career Launcher South Ex, we’re here to help you with every step, from GD-PI-WAT preparation to shortlisting B-schools. Together, we’ll transform your CAT results with CAT Coaching into the stepping stone of your MBA dreams.