What to do After the CAT Exam 2024? MBA Options, Important Things to Do

The CAT exam is being held in three slots on Nov 24, 2024. There are several important things to do after the CAT exam 2024 is over, such as checking the answer key to anticipate scores, select the colleges and check their admission process.

The CAT exam is one of the most reputed management entrance exams in India. The exam is set to be held on Nov 24, 2024. However, the race doesn't end here! Once the CAT exam 2024 is over, the candidates have a list of things to do, such as researching for top B-schools in India, preparing for counselling, personal interviews, and focusing on other management entrance exams.

Lakhs of students attempt the exam and ponder over what after the CAT exam is over? Students are advised to focus on relaxing and rejuvenating for some time before picking up academics again, as preparing and attempting the CAT exam is rigorous itself. The important steps for the post CAT exam have been shared below.

1. Relaxing and Rejuvenating

Preparing and attempting for the management exam is very tiring and exhausting as the syllabus is tough and vast. The candidates are too nervous and tensed even after attempting the exam thinking about the result. Thus, the first thing the candidates are advised is to go on a vacation. Relaxing and rejuvenating will help the candidates relax their mind. Avoid discussing over the exam or any further process for some time.

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2. Analysing the CAT 2024 Exam Performance

Once the candidates have appeared for the CAT exam 2024, they must give themselves a break to recharge and then analyse their performance by recalling the questions that they found challenging and the ones they think they answered confidently.

This self-assessment will allow them to get an estimate of a score. However, they should wait a few days till the CAT answer key 2024 is out.

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3. Calculating CAT Score using CAT 2024 Answer Key

After the CAT exams are held, the CAT 2024 answer key will be released within 4-5 days of the exam.

The candidates will be able to cross-check their answers with the answer key to get an estimate of the scores. However, if they find any discrepancies with any answer in the answer key, the candidate must object to the same during the objection period. The candidate must keep relevant, proofs to object.

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4. Researching Colleges Accepting CAT Scores

Once the candidates have calculated their scores, they can start searching for the top MBA colleges accepting CAT 2024 scores. Make sure to consider all the factors while researching the colleges, including location, one's preferences, courses offered, fee structure, admission procedure, and minimum CAT score required.

Steps to select the right college based on CAT scores

Candidates must visit CAT's official website to check which are the CAT participating institutions 2024 for the same. Utilise previous years' CAT cut off to get an idea of the cut-off required by specific colleges.
Some of the top colleges accepting CAT 2024 are FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, and XLRI Jamshedpur.
Now, check for the program specialisation offered by the colleges like MBA in finance, MBA in marketing, MBA in operations, MBA in human resource, integrated MBA courses, etc.
Also, check for the placement records for the colleges and the top recruiters, average and highest packages.
Apart from this, candidates can also check their recognisations, rewards, and rankings.
Moreover, they should also check for the campus infrastructure and student life.

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5. Apply for the CAT 2024 Counselling Process

Once the candidates have their CAT scores at hand and selected colleges, they can start applying for the CAT counselling process. This helps the candidate secure a seat in prestigious management colleges in India.

6. Prepare for Group Discussion and Interviews

The next step after the CAT result 2024 is out, the candidates will have to appear for CAT counselling which includes group discussions and personal interviews. The counselling shall be held independently by all the colleges. Focus on your fluency and vocabulary, communication skills, and critical thinking ability. Attempt mock interviews to boost your confidence and come across possible questions. Candidates are also advised to keep themselves updated with the latest national and international issues and GD topics available online.

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7. Scrutinize MBA Specializations

Selecting the MBA specialization is of utmost importance. There are several MBA courses that the candidates will have to select when taking admission. One must make sure to select the MBA specialization after thoroughly investigating the pros and cons, and also keeping their interest in mind. The list of MBA specializations is as follows:

8. Prepare for Other Management Entrance Exams

Though candidates give their 100% to qualify the CAT exam, however, sometimes they are not satisfied with their marks. In that case, the candidates can opt for other management entrance exams to save their time. Several other MBA entrance exams are conducted in different seasons of the year, such as MAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, etc. These exams are comparatively moderate in level to CAT and thus students have a high chance of qualifying them.

9. Strengthen Your Network

Reach out to MBA alumni groups and channels to strengthen your network. The alumni and network professionals shall guide the candidates well towards future plans, specializations, and colleges. The candidates are advised to reach out to their mentors and professors as well to seek some guidance towards their plan to get better exposure and prospectus.

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