Low CAT score? Don't worry you can must do

Getting a high Common Admission Test (CAT) score is not the sole path leading to a Master of Business Administration (MBA). The first thing candidates should do if their CAT exam goes poorly is to quit worrying. Several prestigious B-Schools nationwide grant admission to applicants based on a variety of criteria, not only the results of their CAT entrance exam. One of the several entrance tests required for admission to B-Schools is the CAT. Numerous more entrance examinations are available, including XAT, NMAT, SNAP, and CMAT, which offer different formats and scoring patterns that can aid in their admission to India's top business schools. If the CAT score of candidates is low, they shouldn't be concerned. This is what has to be done next. In this blog, we’ll share a few tips and strategies to help students make the most of their B-school applications despite having a not-so-high CAT score. Read on to find out how to play to their strengths in other areas of their profile.

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What is CAT (Common Admission Test)?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most prestigious and competitive entrance exams for admission to postgraduate management programs in India, including the renowned Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other premier management universities/ institutes. Administered by the Indian Institutes of Management on a rotational basis, CAT assesses candidates' aptitude in various areas such as quantitative ability, verbal ability, data interpretation, and logical reasoning. A high CAT score is often considered a prerequisite for admission to top-tier management institutes, making it a highly sought-after examination among aspiring MBA candidates nationwide.

Common Admission Test which is generally known as CAT is considered one of the toughest exams in India. In 2023, the CAT exam will be conducted by the IIM Lucknow and is likely to be conducted by IIM Calcutta in November 2024.

Understanding the importance of CAT

Before directly jumping into the crux of the matter, it's essential to understand the significance of the Common Admission Test (CAT) in the context of IIM admissions. Common Admission Test (ACAT), conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management, serves as a standardized entrance examination for admission to various management programs offered by IIMs and other prestigious business schools across India. It assesses candidates' aptitude in quantitative ability, verbal ability, data interpretation, and logical reasoning, serving as a crucial determinant of their suitability for management education.

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What to do after scoring low marks in CAT?

Scoring a low score in CAT can be disheartening, but it's important to remember that it's not the end of your MBA journey. Here are some steps to consider after receiving a low CAT score:

• Reflect and Evaluate: Take time to analyze the performance of candidates by identifying the areas of their weakness, and assess their strengths objectively.
• Explore Alternative Exams: Candidates are advised to consider other management entrance exams such as XAT, NMAT, SNAP, or CMAT, which have different formats and scoring patterns.
• Leverage Work Experience: several prestigious universities/ institutes ask candidates to highlight their work experience, extracurricular achievements, and leadership qualities in their application to compensate for a low CAT score.
• Consider Executive MBA or Part-Time Programs: Explore Executive MBA or part-time MBA programs designed for working professionals, offering flexibility in schedules and duration.
• Enhance Profile: Pursue additional qualifications or certifications relevant to their field to strengthen their profiles and demonstrate commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

A low Common Admission Test (CAT) score should not be an obstruction in achieving their goals of getting admission to top B-schools around the nation, but rather a temporary setback that can be overcome with resilience and a proactive approach to exploring alternative paths to success.

What to do if you can’t manage to get into IIMs or other top B-schools?

In India, admission to many prestigious business schools demands high CAT scores from candidates applying for master of business administration. However, if they find themselves scoring low marks in the CAT exams, they can get admission to second-tier MBA universities/ colleges. Yet, the landscape of master of business administration (MBA) education offers alternative paths, including esteemed online MBA programs. Several prestigious universities nationwide such as Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), and Amity University Online offer a reputable online MBA program that doesn't require a CAT score for admission. This presents a compelling opportunity for individuals aspiring to pursue an MBA in India without the constraint of CAT scores. By exploring online MBA programs like those offered by MUJ, candidates can access quality education, flexible learning formats, and the opportunity to enhance their managerial skills and advance their careers in the dynamic field of business administration.

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 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.

Is CAT Mandatory for IIMS

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a well-known MBA entrance exam in India conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It is a prerequisite for seeking admission to various prestigious IIMs as well as over 100 other B-schools across the country. However, there are some exceptions. While CAT is the gateway exam for admission into the flagship IIM programs, namely the Post Graduate Program (PGP) and Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM), a few IIMs do provide relaxations. These institutes offer alternative admission routes or exempt certain categories of candidates from taking the CAT.

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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

IIMs taking admission Without CAT

• IIM Indore - Offers direct admission for international candidates to its 5-year Integrated Program in Management based on GMAT/GRE scores and application evaluation instead of CAT.
• IIM Jammu - Admits students into its PGP program through the J&K-CAT exam conducted by Jammu University, waiving off CAT for residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
• IIM Rohtak and Bodhgaya - Have relaxed the CAT requirement for sponsored candidates with sufficient work experience applying to certain courses.

Note:- However, for the general category aspirants applying to the flagship PGP batch, successfully clearing the CAT remains compulsory for gaining entry to any IIM.

Courses offered at IIMs

Other Certification Courses

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