Failed in CAT Attempt 2023? What to do, Alternatives

Common Admission Test also known as CAT is one of the most prestigious entrance examinations in India for Post Graduate Management Programs. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) conducts this exam every year. The CAT exam is a gateway to getting admission in management courses to the best 1% of Business schools in India. Every year, lakhs of students try their luck with CAT which is why it is a very competitive examination in India. Common Admission Test (CAT) is not just about getting qualifying marks but students taking CAT exams have to score better than other candidates to get admission to IIMs. CAT expects at least 95 percentile of students to get admission at top Business Schools nationwide i.e., IIMs.

Scoring the 95 percentile is itself a daunting task for students because it is not all about rigorous studying but also continuous practice. The CAT exam is about how one can use their knowledge in more productive ways in a limited period and resources effectively and efficiently. The CAT exam teaches students about time management, which is what makes the exam one of the toughest exams in India.

Every year around 23 lakh students appear for the Common Admission Test (CAT) and only a handful of them can qualify for the exam and succeed in getting admission to the top IIMs and other top universities nationwide. Some of the top Business Universities in India are Jain University, SP University, FMS, MDI, IIFT, and others. A majority of students who fail to make it to top B-school due to their low percentile, they took admissions to other institutes or universities. Students who secure the 85 percentile will be eligible for admission to small IIMs. Below this, they will be able to secure admission to tier 2 and 3 universities or institutions.

However, CAT is the most prestigious gateway to top B-Schools in India. But, it is not the only gateway. There are some other good options to get admitted to top B-Schools in India. In this blog post, we will delve more into the Common Admission Test (CAT).

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What do after not scoring good marks in the CAT?

Being quite a competitive and toughest examination, CAT is India’s one of the most sought-after exams. So, if you are not able to score good marks in the examination then there is no need to lose your hope. But it is time to work smart by simultaneously exploring an alternative for the CAT examination to continue your management education from top business schools.

Things to do when you’re not able to score good at CAT:

Other Management Entrance Tests (OMETs): The CAT examination is the key to getting admitted to top B-Schools in India. In case your score is not good enough to get you admitted to IIMs, there are a lot of other entrance exams for management courses from top universities or institutions in India as well as abroad. Candidates can also appear for the GMAT(Graduate Management Admission Test) exam.
The GMAT exam helps students secure admissions at top international B-Schools to pursue their MBA degrees. However, there are several top Business schools in India other than IIMs, that are IFS, IIM A, B, C, SP Jain, BITS Pilani, Amity University, XIMB, etc. These universities also accept GMAT scores.
Other top management entrance Examination to get you admitted to top Business schools:

• XAT - Xaviers Admission Test
• CMAT - Common Management Admission Test
• MAT - Management Aptitude Test
• NMAT - Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test
• SNAP - Symbiosis National Aptitude Test
• IIFT - Indian Institute of Foreign Trade Entrance Exam
• MAH CET - Maharashtra Common Entrance Test
• TISSNET - Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test

Appear Next Year Again and Stronger: If you failed to secure a good percentile this year and you believe that with a little more effort in practice and smart work, you can crack the exam. Start preparing for the next year practice harder, and come back stronger. The previous attempt will make you aware of the exam and also will give an idea of what the exam looks like. Prepare by keeping the mistakes you made in the previous attempt and try not to repeat those such as how to handle the pressure during the examination, time management, etc. The experience of previous attempts will let you build new strategies.

Pursue your End Goal Directly: If the CAT doesn't align with your ultimate goal, pursuing the CAT exam is not compulsory. If previous experiences are enough for your objectives, investing two years in an MBA may not be the nicest choice. Different from common belief, not every management job requires an MBA degree. Many career prospects overlook practical experience that often outweighs theoretical knowledge.

Online MBA: if you’re not able to secure a good percentile in the CAT exam. You can still pursue your management education from tier-1B schools in India. You just need to enroll in an Online MBA program. Several trailblazing universities nationwide offer online MBA programs in an attempt to bridge the gap between quality education and students’ dreams of having a successful master's degree in business administration irrespective of geographical location.

Is an Online MBA Accreditated Program?

With the advent of online learning in India, the Online MBA degree has become one of the most demanded programs among the student community. However, there is a most frequent question aries Is an Online MBA Accreditated Program? Below-mentioned are the key points that will clear your mind of doubts about the online MBA programs.

Accreditation: several apex statutory bodies such as the All India Council for Technical Education(AICTE), the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Distance Education Board (DEB), the Ministry of Education, etc. The online MBA programs hold recognition and approvals from these institutions that prove the courses’ credibility and authenticity of the course. These approvals also ensure that The online MBA course provides education on global standards.
Curriculum: The meticulously designed curriculum of the Online MBA program will let students learn about the core business subjects that offer a balanced theoretical and practical approach. Subjects include areas like Finance, Marketing, Operations, etc.
The reputation of the University/ Institution: The reputation of the university or institution offering an online MBA degree is very crucial. Universities offering an online MBA program must hold approvals and recognitions from statutory authorities such as AICTE, NAAC, DEB, UGC, NIRF, AIU, etc. Such approvals build the reputation of the concerned university or institution because reputable universities will have more recognition in the job market.
Flexibility: The flexibility of an online MBA stands out as a key benefit, enabling working professionals to effectively manage their studies alongside their professional commitment and personal commitments.
Networking opportunities: look for programs that provide chances to build connections with peers, graduates, and Industry professionals. Certain online programs facilitate networking via virtual events, discussion forums, and alumni communities.

Top Online MBA Universities

• IIM Raipur
• Amity University Online
• Manipal University Online
• Lovely Professional University Online
• Jain University Online
• DY Patil University Online
• UPES Online
• SASTRA University Online
• Uttranchal University Online
• Graphic Era University Online
• BIMTECH Online
• Chandigarh University Online
• GLA University Online
• MMU Online
• Vignan University Online
• DMIMS University Online
• Manav Rachna University Online
• Symbiosis (SCDL)
• KL University Online
• Kurukshetra University Online
• Amrita University Online
• Shoolini University
• Suresh Gyan Vihar University
• Guru Kashi University
• Lingayas Vidyapeeth
• Mangalayatan University Online
• JS University Online
• Sharda University Online
• Om Sterling Global University

Conclusion

Facing a setback in the CAT exam is not the end of your MBA aspirations but an opportunity for resilience and strategic planning. Embrace alternatives, reassess your study approach, and consider diverse pathways to success in your next attempt. Remember, setbacks are stepping stones to future triumphs. Stay motivated, explore new opportunities, work on your strategies, work smart, and let this setback propel you toward a fulfilling and successful MBA journey. The road may have changed, but your destination remains within reach.
 

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