What to Do If Your Score is Below the 85th Percentile in CAT: Plan B for MBA Aspirants

What to Do If Your Score is Below the 85th Percentile in CAT: Plan B for MBA Aspirants

If your CAT score falls below the 85 percentile, don't despair! While top IIMs require higher scores, numerous other reputable MBA programs accept candidates with the 85 percentile and below, offering a strong Plan B.

What is the CAT Entrance Exam?

For admission to MBA programs at India's best IIMs and business schools, candidates must pass the prestigious Common Admission Test (CAT). The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) conducts this exam, which attracts approximately two lakh candidates each year.

A candidate has two hours to finish three sections of multiple-choice questions and non-multiple-choice questions covering quantitative ability (QA), data interpretation and logical reasoning (DILR), and verbal ability and reading comprehension (VARC). The CAT has a moderate to high degree of difficulty, and to be eligible for the test, candidates must have at least 50% marks in any stream.

Why is CAT Score Important?

In addition to the IIMs, several prestigious public and private business schools provide excellent MBA programs. Despite being administered by an IIM, admission to these esteemed business schools requires a high CAT score. Although it is not the sole determinant, the CAT score does carry some weight during the selection process.

Can someone with a low CAT score be admitted to IIMs?

Since many IIMs require a cut-off between the 85th and 95th percentile, it is possible to be admitted with a low CAT score. Several factors can come into play while setting the cut-off marks, like the past year's cut-off, the number of candidates appearing, the number of seats available, and others.

Although the validity of CAT scores is significant, they are not the sole determinant of admission to a reputable university. Clearing the CAT is just the first step in the admissions process, which varies depending on the college. After passing the first step, there may be additional rounds of written ability tests (WAT), personal interviews (PI), and group discussions (GD).

Because an MBA emphasizes networking and hands-on learning, interviewers look for candidates who can multitask and have a strong academic record. Even with a low CAT score, you can select prestigious MBA schools if you can ace the WAT, PI, and GD.

Other Options for Getting an MBA Even if You Have a Low CAT Score

You have a few options for getting into reputable MBA schools with a low CAT score, in addition to passing the cutoff.

• Apply to the New IIMs

The new IIMs have a slightly lower CAT cut-off score than the old ones. However, they are still not far behind in terms of quality. A wise choice is to pursue an MBA from one of these highly regarded universities. Whether from a new or old school, an IIM MBA degree is useful in the job market.

• Apply to Institutions Other than IIMs

Many high ranked B-schools are open to applicants with low CAT scores. These esteemed universities provide an industry-integrated management program that meets the needs of hiring parties and candidates.

Several IIMs offer online MBA programs without a CAT score. They are: IIM Lucknow, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Raipur, IIM Indore

• Alternative Exams

There are numerous other entrance exams for MBA programs besides the CAT. Scores from these tests are accepted for admission to any B-school.

SNAP

Under the direction of Symbiosis International University, the Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) is administered once a year. Candidates must complete 60 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering general English, analytical and logical reasoning, quantitative data interpretation, and data sufficiency in an hour.

CMAT

The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT), one of the most well-liked MBA entrance exams, sees about 70,000 applicants annually. The National Testing Agency administers the CMAT, and prestigious B-schools such as K J Somaiya, PUMBA, JBIMS, and the Great Lakes Institute of Management accept scores from the exam.

NMAT

Developed by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the NMIMS Management Admission Test (NMAT) is administered. Applicants have two hours to answer 108 questions. Candidates must complete three sections—Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning—to be eligible.

XAT

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), administered nationally for admission to PGDM and MBA programs at more than 160 Indian universities, is governed by XLRI Jamshedpur. It lasts three hours and ten minutes and consists of one essay and one hundred multiple-choice questions.

GMAT

You should take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), which is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), if you want to pursue an MBA overseas. Analytical writing, verbal, quantitative, and reading skills are used to evaluate candidates.

Wrapping Up

You should not let a low CAT score derail your plans to pursue an MBA. Since there are numerous options to enroll in the best MBA programs, view it as a minor setback. A prestigious university will grant you your desired MBA degree if you persevere and put in some effort.

Sambhavi Prakash