What to do after CAT Result 2025? Shortlist MBA colleges, Prepare for GD/PI
Common Admission Test 2026 ( CAT )
CAT 2026 exam
29 Nov '26
What after CAT result 2025? Once the CAT result is announced, MBA aspirants start evaluating their admission chances. So, what are the aspects to keep in mind for it? Read below for the answer.
CAT 2025 exam was held on November 30 and the result has been released today. With the announcement of CAT 2025 result, candidates must now assess their chance of getting the preferred college with the scores received. The most common question is, 'will I get an IIM or not?' Though every CAT aspirant hopes of scoring 99 percentile and above, the bitter truth is that only a handful of them achieve that score. Then, what after CAT result? The wise thing is to keep other options open, even if you’ve performed brilliantly in the exam. So, the next step after CAT 2025 result is to appear for other MBA entrance exams. We advise candidates to appear for other MBA entrance exams because IIM admission is based on many other factors. Even if you have a score of 99 per centile, you may not get through the top IIMs.
- Appear for other MBA entrance exams
- What after CAT result 2025?
- Apply for Admission to B-schools
- Top MBA colleges in India: Admission Process
- Prepare for WAT/GD-PI
- Plan B
Appear for other MBA entrance exams
CAT exam is followed by exam like SNAP, XAT, CMAT and MAT. But to be able to appear for these exams, you need to register beforehand. The registration cycle of these exams are same as CAT, so fill the application forms of these exams too. After CAT result declaration you will still have the chance to ace XAT, CMAT, MAT, ATMA, MAH-CET, TANCET, TSICET and other state level entrance exams held between January and March.
Take a look at colleges accepting other MBA entrance exams:
Commonly asked questions
Yes CAT syllabus is difficult to crack if you do not have enough time. There are three subjects in CAT- VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. Most of candidates find RC passages tough to crack. In Quants, Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry pose significant challenge during preparation. In DILR, Reasoning questions often turnout to be tricky and confusion.
The best way to prepare for DILR section is through practice. Before starting the preparation, aspirants should check previous years’ question papers. Since there is not much conceptual understanding required in this section, practice is important.
Some of the most popular books on DILR section that you can refer are How to Prepare for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit Sinha, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning for CAT by Pearson, to name a few.
CAT is a speed-based test of analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or Commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advanced-level problems.
However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.
Hope it was helpful!!!
What after CAT result 2025?
After the CAT 2025 result is declared, deciding the next step becomes challenging and confusing for candidates who excel in the exam as well as those do not perform up to expectations. Some decide to start looking for a job or pursue another course, while some decide to give CAT exam another shot. The decision taken at this point of time, must be individual choice and a cautious one.
On the other hand, for those who perform well in CAT exam, the next challenge is clearing the written ability test (WAT) group discussion (GD) and personal interview (PI) round of MBA admission process. All the top MBA colleges in India, conduct WAT/GD-PI for admissions. Just like the entrance exam, this round is also not a cake walk. Given the number of aspirants applying to B-schools every year, the institutes take extra care in choosing best of the best. Shiksha brings to you a list of actionables after CAT 2025 result.
Also Read: Got a low CAT Score? Don't fret, you can still get admission in a good B-school
IIM & Non-IIM Call Predictor
Apply for Admission to B-schools
Even before the CAT result is announced, many B-schools begin application process of MBA admissions. So assess your performance (use Shiksha’s CAT percentile predictor) in CAT, check the cut off percentile of B-schools, make a list of institutes you want to target for admission, check out their application process, fees and schedule and apply.
If one gets selected in any of the IIMs, there can certainly nothing better than that, but what if this does not happen? The next step would be to look for a top B-school other than IIM. While looking for a college, a candidate must keep in mind numerous parameters like ranking, alumni, placement record, faculty, return on investment and environment.
Check: Shiksha’s IIM and non-IIM call predictor
For IIMs, you don’t need to apply separately. When you fill the CAT application form, you get the option to select the institutes you want to apply at.
Also Read: IIM admission and selection criteria
Commonly asked questions
CAT Quantitative Aptitude has the potential of 100 percentile if you prepare well. The Quantitative Aptitude topics of CAT are advance level Mathematic topics from Class 9 and 10. So, for any candidate, the foundation is already there, they only need to work on it further.
The important topics of CAT Quantitative Aptitude include Geometry, Ratios and Proportion, Inequalities, Trigonometry, In-equations, Quadratic and Linear Equations, Work and Time, Algebra, Surds and Indices, Percentages, Mensuration, Time-Speed-Distance, Logarithms, Partnership (Accounts), Number System, Square Root and Cube Root, Profit & Loss, Geometric Progression, Probability, Mean-Mode-Median, Binomial theorem, Simple interest and compound interest.
Maximum questions are asked from Arithmetic and Geometry so keep the main focus on these two topic. Understand and memorise the formulas and theorems well, and practice enough questions to be thorough with their application.
To prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, stick to the traditional path of concepts first and practice later. Study English grammar and Verbal Ability first to understand the concept. Then practice a number of sample questions of different kinds to gain confidence, speed and accuracy. For RC passages, develop the habit of reading from early stages. Read books from all walks of life.
Practicing sample Reading Comprehension passages and questions in a crucial part of VARC preparation. This will help you understand the types of questions and RC passages asked in various entrance exams.
As an aspirant, you will be appearing for more than one entrance exam, thus you need to have the practice of different types of RC passages.
While candidates belonging to Science and Engineering background do have an edge over Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), it is not impossible for students from non-Science background to crack this section of an MBA entrance exam. They do need to prepare harder which includes going back to study fundamentals of Mathematics such as Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Mensuration.
With regular practice and understanding of the question types and topics, candidates, irrespective of the educational background, can crack this section. Aspirants must note that it is important to identify the weak areas and improve on them to get a stronghold on this section. For Logical Reasoning, a good amount of practice of sample questions will be enough.
Yes, it is possible to prepare for DILR with self study. To score well in this section is to follow a strategy. First step is to go through previous years question papers and know various topics. Refer top books for DILR preparation. Practice adequate number of DILR questions with the help of mock tests, sample papers and previous years' papers.
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Top MBA colleges in India: Admission Process
Refer to the table below for admission process of some of the top ranked MBA institutes:
| List of Top MBA Colleges You Can Apply To |
|
|---|---|
Also Read:
- MBA from IITs: Know courses, fees, eligibility, cut offs, selection process, placements
- MBA Admissions 2026: Check application deadline and selection criteria of Top B-schools
Course/ specialisation selection: Along with college selection, it is also important to focus on selection of course/ specialization. Many candidates choose a college first, and then select their MBA specialisation, whereas, some candidates search for colleges on the basis of specialization they want to pursue. Both approaches are right. Be clear about what you are looking for. Start weighing your options well in advance, so that there is no confusion at a later stage.
Also Read:
- MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score 85 Percentile and Above
- MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score 80-90 Percentile Range
- MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score 70-80 Percentile Range
- MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score 60-70 Percentile Range
- MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score 50-60 Percentile Range
Prepare for WAT/GD-PI
WAT/GD-PI is the second phase of MBA admission. Once the CAT result is declared, the IIMs release their cut off for shortlisting of candidates for this round. The WAT/GD-PI round takes place in February-March. Other MBA institutes also conduct this round in the same months. Thus, after CAT exam you roughly have two months to prepare for this round. To stand a better chance of successfully clearing the GD-PI, candidates can do the following:
- Join a GD/PI workshop: No matter how good you think you are, you will never know what it is to face a large audience without attending a GD/PI workshop. Before joining a workshop ensure that there are huge number of participants in the same – this will give you the confidence to face a large audience.
- Focus on case-based as well as topic-based GDs: B-schools are gradually adopting case based teaching methodology – keeping in mind the same, they are moving towards case-based WAT and GDs. However, to test the candidate’s general knowledge to the maximum, some B-schools go for topic-based GDs. The ideal approach is to prepare for both.
- Seek the guidance of seniors/ mentors: Your mentors and seniors would have certainly faced a GD-PI, and their guidance can be of good help. Also, they might provide you some tips and tricks that you will not find in books or on internet, so make the most of this.\
- Prepare for a specialisation (if holding 4+years of work experience): Professionals holding an experience of about four years or more might be quizzed on the specialisation they want to opt for – being prepared for the same in advance is extremely important.
- Keep in mind the specific format for each call: Every B-school has a distinct GD-PI procedure and criteria for giving out calls. It is extremely important to know about the format for each call, else you might reach unprepared for the same and might miss out on your chance of getting an enrolment in a top B-school.
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
CAT syllabus is vast. It has numerous topics from Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation. Covering the CAT syllabus also includes practicing a variety of sample questions on the topics included. Thus, it requires a lot of time. Candidates must given themselves atleast 3-4 months to cover CAT syllabus and keep in mind the following:
· Check the previous years' CAT papers to know topics which carry more weightage so that you can focus on those topics more.
· List down topicsin order of easy, moderate and tough and allot time to them accordingly.
· Make sure to study about 6-8 hours per day to complete the syllabus 2-3 months before the exam.
· After studying every topic, practice sample questions. Balance theory with practical.
Yes, six months are enough to prepare for CAT exam, if you can dedicate 8-10 hours to it daily. In the first three months complete the syllabus. In the last three months practice mock tests and do revision.
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Plan B
Life is not always a bed of roses – your CAT attempt might or might not be successful. If you make it to one of the IIMs or your preferred B-School, congratulations for achieving what you had been aiming for, but if things do not fall in place you must always be ready with plan B. Consider the following in case you do not clear CAT exam are:
- Will you apply for a job?
- Will you appear for CAT 2026?
- If you plan to appear for CAT 2026, will you prepare for it full-time or do it while working on a job?
Read More:
- CAT Exam Preparation Tips
- List of CAT books recommended by MBA experts
- What is the best time to start CAT preparation? Experts speak
- How to Prepare for CAT: Ultimate tips from experts
- How to Prepare for CAT exam in 6 months
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News & Updates
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 8 hours ago
No, CAT is not a mandatory entrance exam for MBA admissions at Pratibha Institute of Business Management. Candidates who want to apply for MBA courses cal also appear for MH -CET, XAT, MAT, GMAT and CMAT. However, appearing in any one of these exams is a mandatory requirement for MBA at Pratibha Ins
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
To get admission at IIT Kanpur for the MBA/PGDM course, candidates have to secure a CAT percentile of at least 90 if they belong to the General AI category.
Candidates who clear the exam cutoff are then eligible to take part in the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI). Students who pass
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
IIT Kanpur provides the MBA course based on the student's performance in the CAT exam. In 2025, the overall CAT percentile was 90 for the General AI category candidates. For more information, refer to the table below. The cutoff provided below is for the General AI category.
| Section | IIT Kanpur MBA cutoff 2025 |
|---|---|
| Overall | 90 |
| Quants | 50 |
| VA-RC | 50 |
| DI-LR | 50 |
Note: The cutoff provid
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
To get admission at IIT Roorkee for the MBA/PGDM course, students have to first attempt the CAT entrance examination and attain a valid percentile. Those students who clear the cutoff are then elgible to move to the second round of admission, which involves PI (Personal Interview).
Students who clea
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Aspirants must have more than 70 percentile in CAT for admission in MBA programme of Department of Management Studies, NALSAR University. Such aspirants do not have to appear for NMET (PG) conducted by DoMS for admission.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 2 days ago
The actual required CAT percentile is only visible for candidates with login access. But, based on previous years' estimated CAT cutoff for the General AI category, 90 percentile would be required overall and 50 percentile sectionally for the previously-mentioned category.
Note: The actual cutoff da
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
IIT Kharagpur CAT cutoff 2025 is not released publicly. It is only visible to candidates with login details. But, based on the the closest estimated cutoff percentile of previous years for the General AI category, the CAT cutoff percentile was 90 overall and 50 sectional.
Note: The actual cutoff d
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Symbiosis Skills and Professional University MBA usually conducts the SKILL-CAT entrance exam in June. This is a key date for all aspirants to remember. You should aim to finish your application well before this month starts. The university announces the exact dates on its official website early in
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 5 days ago
Yes, you can crack SNAP 2026 basis CAT 2026 preparation, but make sure you practice enough number of SNAP mocks and practice tests to score high.
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
Yes, CAT books can be used for Alliance AMAT exam preparation as both are MBA entrance exams. Candidates can use same books for preparing for topics such as Quantitative Aptitude and General English. However, the difficulty level of Alliance AMAT exam is much easier as compared to that of CAT exam.
M
Contributor-Level 6
Vipra Shrivastava is MA in English Literature from Delhi University with extensive experience in content writing of over 14 years. She has been handling content for Management, Accounting and Commerce streams for 8
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