The CAT (Common Admission Test) results mark a crucial turning point in the MBA admission journey. Whether your percentile is exceptionally high, average, or below expectations, what you do after the CAT results are announced can significantly impact your final outcome. Many aspirants make the mistake of waiting passively—but this phase demands strategy, preparation, and timely action.
This blog explains exactly what to do after CAT results are declared, covering IIM and non-IIM admissions, GD-PI preparation, form filling, and backup options.
1. Understand Your CAT Score & Percentile Properly
Once the CAT results are announced, start by analyzing:
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Overall percentile
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Sectional percentiles (VARC, DILR, QA)
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Scaled score vs raw score
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Category-wise cut-offs
Why this is important:
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Most IIMs and top B-schools have sectional cut-offs
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A high overall percentile with low sectional score may limit some calls
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Helps shortlist colleges realistically
👉 Don’t rely only on overall percentile—sectional balance matters a lot.
2. Check Expected IIM & Top B-School Calls
After analyzing your score, evaluate your chances for:
IIM Calls:
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IIM Ahmedabad
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IIM Bangalore
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IIM Calcutta
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New & Baby IIMs
Factors considered:
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CAT percentile
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Academic profile (10th, 12th, Graduation)
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Work experience
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Category & gender diversity
Non-IIM Top B-Schools:
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FMS Delhi
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SPJIMR
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MDI Gurgaon
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IITs (DoMS)
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IMT, IMI, TAPMI, GIM, FORE, GLIM
📌 Even 90–95 percentile candidates can convert top colleges with strong GD-PI performance.
3. Start GD-PI-WAT Preparation Immediately
This is the most critical step after CAT results.
GD-PI-WAT includes:
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Personal Interview (PI)
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Written Ability Test (WAT) / Essay
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Group Discussion (GD) (for some colleges)
Key areas to prepare:
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Current affairs & business news
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Graduation concepts
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Work experience questions
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HR questions (Why MBA? Goals? Strengths & weaknesses)
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Data interpretation & case discussions
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Opinion-based topics
⏳ Don’t wait for calls—start preparation immediately, as calls come with short notice.
4. Fill MBA Application Forms Before Deadlines
Many top MBA colleges close applications shortly after CAT results.
Colleges with separate application forms:
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FMS Delhi
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SPJIMR
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MDI Gurgaon
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IIT MBA programs
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Private B-schools
What you’ll need:
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CAT scorecard
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Academic documents
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SOP / essays
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Work experience details
⚠️ Missing deadlines can cost you an entire year.
5. Prepare Your SOP, CV & Academic Answers
Your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and interview answers should clearly explain:
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Why MBA?
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Why this specialization?
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Short-term & long-term goals
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Academic gaps (if any)
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Work experience impact
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Achievements & leadership roles
💡 SOP quality often makes the difference between selection and rejection, especially in SPJIMR & private B-schools.
6. Decide Backup & Alternative Options Smartly
If your CAT percentile is below expectations, don’t panic.
Backup options include:
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Other MBA entrance exams (XAT, CMAT, SNAP, NMAT)
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Tier-2 & Tier-3 colleges with strong ROI
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PGDM programs
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Retake CAT next year with experience
Many candidates convert excellent colleges even with 70–85 percentile, provided interviews go well.
7. Keep Documents Ready for Verification
After CAT results, ensure all documents are ready:
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CAT scorecard
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Mark sheets (10th, 12th, Graduation)
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Work experience certificates
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Category certificate (if applicable)
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Identity proof
Last-minute document issues can create unnecessary stress.
8. Track Interview Calls & Shortlists Regularly
Shortlist announcements happen across January to April.
Best practices:
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Check official websites daily
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Monitor email (including spam)
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Maintain a shortlist tracker
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Prepare college-specific interview answers
📢 Each college has a different selection process, so tailor your preparation.
9. Stay Mentally Prepared & Positive
The post-CAT phase can be emotionally intense.
Remember:
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CAT score is just one component
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Interviews can change outcomes completely
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Many toppers fail interviews, many average scorers convert top colleges
Confidence, clarity, and preparation matter more now than percentile alone.
Final Thoughts
The CAT result announcement is not the end—it’s the beginning of the real selection battle. Candidates who plan early, prepare smartly, and act decisively have a massive advantage.
Quick Checklist After CAT Results:
✔ Analyze score & cut-offs
✔ Shortlist colleges
✔ Start GD-PI-WAT prep
✔ Fill application forms
✔ Prepare SOP & interview answers
✔ Keep backup options ready
If you approach this phase strategically, you can still secure admission to a top MBA college, regardless of minor score gaps.