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What to Do After CAT

CL Team November 29 2025
2 min read

What to Do After CAT? A Complete Roadmap for Results, Calls & Next Steps

Introduction

CAT is over — the anxiety isn’t. Most aspirants feel stuck between hope, overthinking, and confusion about what comes next. The truth is: the post-CAT phase is just as important as the exam itself.
Here’s a simple, practical, and complete roadmap to help you handle the next 2–3 months with clarity.

1. Analyse Your Attempt (Within 48 Hours)

Before memory fades, evaluate:

  • Approx. attempts and accuracy

  • Difficulty level of each section

  • Any silly mistakes or time traps

  • Whether your attempt aligns with expected percentile trends

This helps you estimate which colleges you can realistically target.

2. Use a Reliable Percentile Predictor

Every CAT year comes with inflations/deflations in difficulty.
A predictor helps you understand:

  • Expected percentile

  • Likelihood of getting IIM calls

  • Backup colleges you should keep in mind

Do not rely on friends or guesswork—use tools from trusted institutes.

3. Start Working on Your PI-WAT Profile Immediately

Shortlists come fast — sometimes within 20–30 days of results.
Begin preparing:

  • Updated resume

  • Academic achievements

  • Certificates

  • Work-experience details

  • Extracurriculars and leadership instances

Preparing early avoids the panic later.

4. Build Your Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Most top colleges ask for an SOP or personal statement. Start drafting:

  • Why MBA?

  • Why that college?

  • Your strengths, values, and goals

  • Career plans (short-term + long-term)

Writing an SOP is time-consuming — starting early gives you an edge.

5. Start Preparing for GD-PI-WAT (Even Before Results)

Don’t wait for official results. Begin learning:

  • Basic HR questions (Tell me about yourself, strengths, failures etc.)

  • Current affairs (especially business, economy, geopolitics)

  • Case-based WAT formats

  • Group discussion strategies

By the time shortlists come, most toppers are already ahead because they prepared early.

6. Keep Other Exams Warm (In Case CAT Didn’t Go Great)

If your CAT attempt wasn’t perfect, don’t panic — the season is still alive. Continue preparing for:

  • XAT (high weightage on decision-making)

  • SNAP

  • MICAT

  • NMAT (if still available)

  • MAH-CET, CMAT, TISS NET (depending on dates)

These exams can still open doors to top colleges.

7. Shortlist Colleges Based on Your Profile

Look at colleges across:

  • IIMs (baby, new, old)

  • Tier-1 non-IIMs

  • High ROI colleges

  • State universities

  • Private B-schools known for placements

Do a mix of dream, target, and safe colleges.

8. Stay Emotionally Balanced (Very Important)

The waiting period is mentally draining.
Tips to stay grounded:

  • Avoid comparing attempts

  • Do not calculate percentile every day

  • Limit discussions in WhatsApp/Telegram groups

  • Engage in productive routines

A calm mind performs better during interviews.

9. When Results Come Out — Take Quick Decisions

Once results are released:

  • Recalculate your college list

  • Immediately fill out forms for colleges in your range

  • Polish your SOPs

  • Schedule mock interviews

  • Fix your GD-WAT strategy

Decision-making speed is crucial here.

10. Prepare for the Interview Like It’s a New Exam

CAT gets you the call.
Your GD-PI-WAT performance gets you the admission.
Focus on:

  • Communication skills

  • Academic clarity

  • Work-experience explanation

  • Projects & internships

  • HR answers

  • Confidence + body language

Mock interviews help you spot blind spots early.

Conclusion

CAT may be over, but your MBA journey isn’t.
This is the phase where winners separate themselves — by planning, preparing early, and staying consistent.
Treat these weeks as an opportunity to transform yourself into an interview-ready candidate.