CAT

CAT exam pattern has gone with perceptible changes since 2014 not only in CAT structure but also in content. CAT 2018 exam is expected to be held in the month of November/December 2018. Next 6 months will be a crucial period to devise a well chalked out plan for your CAT preparation as per the CAT 2018 pattern. As per the revised CAT exam pattern 2018, CAT 2018 will consist of 3 sections with a total of 100 questions. Each section is timed with the individual time limit of 1 hour. You need to ensure high score in each of the 3 sections as there is also a sectional score cut off in IIMs for shortlisting. CAT Pattern 2018:
*Total Questions: 100
*Number of sections: 3
*Questions with negative marking (MCQs): 75
*Questions without negative marking (Non-MCQs): 25
*Score awarded for each correct answer: 3 marks
*Negative marking (Applicable for wrong answers in MCQs): -1 mark.

Yes, there are a lot of B-schools around India which you can get into with 85% CAT percentile and however I would recommend that you have at least minimum 2 years of experience from a reputable company before you get into such B-schools to get a decent package around 4.0-10 LPA. If you're select choice of B-schools is in Hyderabad then I can suggest the following B-schools as options and would be easy on pockets:-
1. Siva Sivani Institute of Management
2. Dhruva Institute of Management
3. Institution of Public Enterprise
4. ISB (if you can afford it).
5. Some other as well.
So these B-schools except ISB will give you some percentage of scholarship amount or concession in fees for the 85 percentile. For ex:-
Siva Sivani Institute of Management gives you about Rs. 60,000/- concession in the total fee of 5.5 LACS.

Exams like NMAT, MAT SNAP and CMAT are relatively easier than the likes of CAT IIFT and XAT. Though, among the easier exams mentioned, I feel NMAT and SNAP are worth giving due to the following reasons:-
NMAT - No negative marking; can book the exam as per your convenience; max. Of three attempts provided; no GK (if you dislike it); tentative cutoff for NMIMS 2017 = 209; clear the cutoff & a call is guaranteed; probably the costliest exam (1950 for one attempt); best college = NM Mumbai. SNAP Negative marking; no sectional time-limit and cutoffs (explicitly mentioned); GK included; best colleges = SIBM Pune & SCMHRD. When it comes to the other two exams CMAT & MAT, there aren't many top B-schools which accept their scores. You can keep them as a backup option, in case your unable to crack NMAT and/or SNAP. Hope it helps!
All exams have the same ranking you can use any of them. Good luck.