What After Clearing CAT Exam?

What to Do After the CAT Exam: CAT 2024 will be held on 24 Nov, 2024 by the IIM Calcutta. Once you have appeared for the CAT examination, wait for the answer key to be out to get an estimated score. Using the CAT answer key 2024, calculate your expected score and then start searching for the colleges that lie within that range of marks. 

In case you think you’ll not be able to score, the expected marks then you must check for the other entrance exams like XAT, MAT and SNAP, and start preparing for them accordingly. You can also check for the colleges which allow direct admissions to MBA colleges without any entrance exam using scores. By doing all this you can create a roadmap to Post-Exam Success. 

Analysing the CAT 2024 Exam Performance

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

This self assessment will help you get an estimate of a score, you may get which will further help you in the selection process of the colleges. For a better estimation of scores. You should wait a few days till the answer key for CAT 2024 is out.

Also Read: How to get into IIMs Without CAT? Courses, Eligibility, Fees

Calculating Score using CAT 2024 Answer Key 

The CAT 2024 exam will be held on 24 November 2024, and the answer key for 2024 will be released in December 2024. The candidates must thoroughly cross-check their answers with the answer key to get an estimate of the scores. In case of objection with any answer in the answer key, the candidate must raise the objection for the same during the objection period. The candidate must keep relevant, proofs to raise the objection.

Steps to calculate score using CAT answer key 2024: 

• Download the CAT answer key 2024 from the official website of the CAT exam using your registration ID and password to log in.
• Download the response sheet to see the answers you selected during the exam and now compare them with the CAT answer key 2024.
• Understand the marking scheme to calculate the score, which is +3 points for a correct answer, -1 for every incorrect answer in multiple choice questions and there is no negative marking for non-MCQ type questions. 
• Now calculate the scores using this process : 
• Multiply the number of correct answers by 3.
•  Multiply the number of incorrect MCQs by 1
• Total Score = (3 × Number of Correct Answers) - (1 × Number of Incorrect MCQs)
• Double-check all the calculations. 

Also Read: How to Calculate CAT Percentile 2024?

Researching Colleges Accepting CAT Scores

Once you have calculated your estimated score, you can start searching for the colleges that accept CAT 2024 scores in that range. Make sure to consider all the factors while researching the colleges, including location, your preferences, courses offered, fee structure, admission procedure, and minimum CAT score required.

• You can use CAT’s official website to check which are participating institutions for the same. Utilise previous years' 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, you can also check their recognisations, rewards, and rankings. 
• You should also check for the campus infrastructure and student life.

Also Read: Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score 2024

Apply for the CAT 2024 Counselling Process 

Once you estimate your score and selected colleges, you can start applying for the CAT 2024 counselling process. This helps the candidate secure a seat in prestigious management colleges in India. 

Steps to apply for CAT 2024

• Register for CAT counselling using your, registration number email ID and contact details on the official ID, website of the colleges
• Now provide your details, including your name, date of birth address and contact information. 
• Provide your academic background along with your work experience (If applicable).
• Then upload the required documents like CAT scoreboard 2024, photograph and signature, academic certificates, category certificate(if applicable), and work experience certificate (if applicable). Make sure to provide scanned copies of all these documents in the required size and format.
• Now pay the application fees.
• After this, the choice filling starts for various programmes and preferred colleges for the seat allotment 
• Once the seat allotment starts, the candidates are provided with the colleges. 
• The candidate must secure the seat by paying the fees and verifying their documents.
• They should also go to the college for further documentation to confirm their admission to that college.

In some colleges group discussion and personal interview rounds are also taken, so the candidate must also also prepared for them.

Suggested Reads:

When is the Best Time for CAT 2024 Preparation?

How to Prepare for CAT Without Coaching?