Next steps after CAT results

By Mansi Aneja

CAT is going to be out of the bag Jan 11th. The result of Common Admission Test (CAT) will decide the fate of many management aspirants. One of the very well known entrance tests, it has gained its status because of the coveted colleges it gives access to. The number of candidates appearing for CAT dropped from 2.04 lakh last year to 1.85 lakh this year. As usual the metros New Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Pune saw the highest number of students registering for the entrance exam.

The CAT, which was conducted from October 22nd 2011 to November 18, 2011 came in a new avatar this time. The format was a bit different with more importance given to the knowledge of the student than just aptitude. It also had a 15-minute tutorial to guide the student through the process before the test. Instead of usual three sections, this time had had only two.

13 IIMs and 162 other colleges accept students after clearing CAT. See all the names here

You can see your CAT Results on this link.

It will show you the result after entering your registration code written on the admit card. However, the letters for the next stage of selection process will be sent by the individual colleges. The selection process may include Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI).

Of course , your performance in CAT is an important aspect of the total score of selection. Few IIMs may also use academic performance and work experience to short list the candidates at various stages.

Couple of tips you could keep in mind post CAT:

• Keep all your certificates attested and ready, degree and mark sheets especially
• It's a good idea to speak to someone senior to be able to get tips about group discussion and personal interview

Read more about Group discussions here...

• Look at your percentile objectively and see which colleges you are eligible for. Anything above 75 should get you into a good institute.
• If you don't make it to your dream institute, immediately look for plan-B that is the next best option

Whatever you do, don't lose heart, whatever the result.

Whenever we prepare and appear for any exam we hope and pray to be able to get through. This especially true of the CAT because of all the hype around it. However, if you do not clear CAT, it's not the end of the world. Your career will depend upon the next move and the hard work you put in. Here's a list of upcoming management exams:

• MAH-MBA/MMS-CET-2012 will be conducted on 11th March, 2012
• AIMA MAST 2012 will be conducted on 26 February 2012. Its registration date is 25 January 2012.
• CMAT 2012 will be conducted during 20-Feb-2012 to 28-Feb-2012.
• Next IGNOU OPENMAT XXXI is on Sunday, February 12, 2012.
• Next Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is on 05 February 2012.
• ATMA Test is on Sunday, 12th February, 2012.
• GURU GOBIND SINGH INDRAPRASTHA UNIVERSITY Common Entrance Test (IPU CET) 2012 is on 4th March, 2012.

More interesting reads:

• CAT countdown begins
  
• Plan your CAT moves, results round the corner
  

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