How to Shortlist B-Schools Based on Your CAT Score

By Career Launcher, South Ex Center

One of the most crucial decisions every CAT aspirant faces after the exam is shortlisting B-schools.
With hundreds of options across India, ranging from the prestigious IIMs to top-tier private colleges, it can be overwhelming to know where to apply — especially when it comes to deciding based on your CAT score.

At Career Launcher South Ex, we have guided thousands of students through the process of evaluating and shortlisting B-schools that align with their CAT results, career aspirations, and long-term goals.
In this blog, we will help you:

• Understand how to effectively shortlist B-schools based on your CAT percentile.
  
  

• Consider various factors beyond just the CAT score, such as location, specializations, and campus life.
  
  

• Identify and prioritize B-schools that will give you the best opportunity for growth.
  
  

• Walk you through a simple step-by-step approach to narrowing down the list of schools that best suit you.
  
  

By the end of this blog, you’ll have a clear framework for deciding where to apply based on your CAT score and your individual preferences.

Step 1: Know Your CAT Percentile Range

The first and foremost thing you need to know when shortlisting B-schools is your CAT percentile. Your percentile plays a vital role in determining which schools you should focus on.

Percentile Brackets and Corresponding B-Schools:

Pro Tip:
Don't solely base your decision on your percentile. Remember, a slightly lower percentile could still get you into a reputed B-school if you have a strong profile in other areas (work experience, academic background, extracurriculars, etc.).

Step 2: Evaluate B-Schools Based on More Than Just CAT Score

While your CAT score is a crucial part of the selection process, it’s not the only factor that will help you decide which B-schools are the right fit. Consider the following additional factors when making your decision:

1. Institute Reputation and Ranking

• Look at national and global rankings for B-schools. The IIMs, for instance, consistently rank among the top B-schools globally. However, other schools like SPJIMR, MDI, and XLRI also have stellar reputations.
  
  

• Rankings help you gauge the quality of education, faculty, and alumni network. Websites such as NIRF and QS Rankings can offer some insight, but it's best to consider multiple sources.
  
  

2. Location and Campus Life

• Location matters more than you think. A B-school located in a major city like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore offers better networking opportunities and industry exposure.
  
  

• However, if you value a more serene, less bustling environment, schools in smaller cities or towns (like IMT Ghaziabad or GIM Goa) might be preferable.
  
  

• Consider the campus culture, facilities, student clubs, events, and internships that each school offers.
  Do they provide a balanced lifestyle, extracurricular activities, and the chance to relax and recharge outside academics?
  
  

3. Specializations Offered

• Different B-schools specialize in different areas.
  For instance, if you are interested in Marketing, institutes like SPJIMR and IIM Ahmedabad have strong marketing programs.
  If your focus is on Finance, schools like IIM Calcutta and XLR might suit your career goals better.
  
  

• Many schools now offer specialized courses in Business Analytics, Operations, Human Resources, and Entrepreneurship.
  
  

• Check the curriculum structure and the specializations offered at each B-school before making your decision.
  
  

4. Faculty and Pedagogy

• A strong, experienced faculty is key to your learning journey. Check out the profiles of the faculty members of the schools you’re considering.
  
  

• Does the faculty have experience in the industry? Do they have academic credentials? What kind of teaching methodology do they follow — case studies, experiential learning, or traditional lectures?
  
  

5. Placement Records

• Investigate the placement trends at each B-school, especially the average salary, top recruiters, and the highest salary offered.
  
  

• Many B-schools publish detailed placement reports annually, which can give you a good idea of how successful graduates are in securing jobs.
  
  

6. Alumni Network and Industry Connections

• A strong alumni network can be a massive benefit when you're looking for jobs or internships.
  The more successful alumni a B-school has, the more likely you are to get mentorship, connections, and job opportunities through them.
  
  

7. Fee Structure and Financial Aid

• Consider the tuition fees and any other costs involved in attending a particular B-school. Some schools may have a high fee structure, but they also offer excellent scholarships or financial aid.
  
  

• Also, check the return on investment (ROI). Are the placements and salaries justifying the high fees? Calculate the cost-to-benefit ratio carefully.
  
  

Step 3: Make a List of Shortlisted B-Schools Based on Your Score

Once you have all the above factors in mind, create a shortlist of potential B-schools based on your CAT score and preferences. This is an iterative process where you should weigh the pros and cons of each B-school and decide based on:

• Your target percentile:
  You’ll be able to narrow down your options based on where your CAT percentile lies.
  
  

• For instance, if your CAT percentile is 97.5, you’ll likely target IIM Indore, MDI Gurgaon, and XLRI, among others.
  
  

• Your location preferences:
  Choose a region or city where you see yourself living and studying for the next two years.
  
  

• Your career goals:
  Select B-schools that align with your long-term goals. For example, if you’re keen on finance, look for schools that are strong in that domain.
  
  

• Campus life and culture:
  Ensure that the campus culture aligns with your personality. Some schools are very competitive, while others may focus more on collaboration and holistic development.
  
  

Shortlisting B-Schools Example:

• CAT Score: 95 Percentile
  B-Schools to Consider:
  
  

• IMT Ghaziabad
  
  

• KJ Somaiya
  
  

• TAPMI
  
  

• GIM Goa
  
  

• XIME Bangalore
  
  

• FORE School of Management
  
  

• CAT Score: 99 Percentile
  B-Schools to Consider:
  
  

• IIM Ahmedabad
  
  

• IIM Bangalore
  
  

• IIM Calcutta
  
  

• MDI Gurgaon
  
  

• SPJIMR
  
  

Step 4: Apply to a Mix of B-Schools

It’s important to apply to a mix of B-schools based on your CAT percentile. Here's how to categorize them:

• Dream Schools (Top IIMs, SPJIMR, XLRI, etc.)
  These are your ideal schools, but they may have a high cut-off and tough competition. Apply to 1-2 of these based on your score.
  
  

• Safe Schools (Tier 2 B-Schools, New IIMs, Other Top Private Colleges)
  These schools have good placement records and solid faculty, with a slightly lower cut-off.
  For example, IIM Indore, MDI Gurgaon, and IMT Ghaziabad might be excellent options for someone with a 99 percentile.
  
  

• Backup Schools (Colleges with Lower Cut-offs, Regional B-Schools)
  Apply to a few schools where you feel confident you will clear the cut-off comfortably.
  
  

Pro Tip:

Ensure you apply to at least 1 Dream, 2 Safe, and 2 Backup schools to maximize your chances of success.

Step 5: Prepare for GD/PI and WAT

After shortlisting and applying to the colleges, focus on the next stage of selection — the Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI), and Written Ability Test (WAT).
At Career Launcher South Ex, we offer personalized mentoring and interview preparation sessions to help you succeed in these rounds.

Final Thoughts

Shortlisting B-schools based on your CAT score is not just about finding a good college. It’s about finding the right fit for your career goals, aspirations, and values.
By considering factors beyond your CAT score, such as location, specializations, faculty, and placements, you ensure that you are making an informed and well-thought-out decision.

At Career Launcher South Ex, we CAT Coaching guide you through this process with expert advice, helping you create the best strategy to ensure success, both in B-school admissions and in your future career.

Remember, success in CAT is not just about the score; it’s about using your score to open the right doors and walk confidently toward your dreams. Good luck!