Introduction
The CAT exam is over — but the MBA journey has just begun! Most students feel confused about what to do after CAT. Whether your paper went great or not as expected, there are multiple opportunities ahead.
Planet.E brings you a complete action plan for the post-CAT phase including WAT, GDPI preparation, backup exams, and B-school selection strategy to keep your dreams on track.
1️⃣ Start Preparing Early for WAT–GDPI–PI
Top IIMs and B-Schools shortlist candidates based on CAT percentiles, but the final selection highly depends on:
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Personal Interview (PI)
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Group Discussion (GD) / Group Exercise
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Written Ability Test (WAT)
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Work Experience & Academic Profile
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Communication & Confidence
How to Prepare?
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Read business newspapers daily
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Build general awareness around current affairs and economy
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Work on spoken English, clarity of thoughts
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Practice mock PIs with experts (Planet.E can help!)
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Prepare answers about:
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Tell me about yourself
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Why MBA?
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Strengths & achievements
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Career aspirations
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Pro Tip: Don’t wait for shortlists — preparation should start right after CAT.
2️⃣ Apply for Other Top MBA Exams (Backup Strategy)
Even if CAT performance is uncertain, there are many reputed management exams still available:
| Exam | Registration Status* | Accepting Colleges |
|---|---|---|
| XAT | Open after CAT | XLRI, XIMB & more |
| NMAT | Usually continues | NMIMS & top privates |
| SNAP | November–December | Symbiosis Institutes |
| TISSNET / MICA / IIFT | Depends on year | Specialized programs |
*Check latest updates on official portals
Backup exams ensure you don’t lose a full year!
3️⃣ Explore Non-CAT B-Schools Based on Profile
Make a list based on:
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Expected percentile range
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Location and fees
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ROI & placement reports
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Specialization preference (Finance/Marketing/HR/Analytics/etc.)
Popular colleges through CAT include:
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IIMs
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FMS Delhi
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SPJIMR Mumbai
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MDI Gurgaon
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IIT B-Schools
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IMI, IMT, TAPMI, GIM, KJ Somaiya and more
Never apply blindly — evaluate carefully.
4️⃣ Profile Building – Show Your Best Version
B-Schools prefer well-rounded candidates. Enhance your profile by:
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Taking relevant certification courses
(Finance: NSE, Marketing: Digital, Analytics: Excel/Power BI) -
Participating in case competitions
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Engaging in community/service activities
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Strengthening resume structure
Use this phase to boost your candidature before interviews.
5️⃣ Learn About MBA Specializations
Before interviews, be clear about:
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Your preferred specialization
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Why it suits your strengths
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How it aligns with your career goals
Popular MBA Streams:
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Marketing
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Finance
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HRM
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Operations
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Analytics & Data Science
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Consulting & Strategy
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International Business
Choosing early helps in better GDPI performance.
6️⃣ Stay Updated on Results & Shortlists
Keep checking:
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Official IIM portals
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Top institute websites
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Email & SMS intimation
Prepare separate application SOPs/Essays if needed.
7️⃣ Seek Expert Mentorship
The selection stage is competitive and strategic.
Planet.E’s experts help with:
✔ PI Training
✔ GD & WAT Practice
✔ Profile Review
✔ Institute Selection Guidance
✔ Mock Interviews with Feedback
Your CAT score opens the door — GDPI gets you inside!
Conclusion
Finishing CAT should not mean taking a break — it’s time to accelerate your MBA goals. Focus on GDPI, apply for backup exams, and strengthen your profile to secure admission in a top B-School.
Planet.E is here to guide you through every step of your MBA journey.