Low scores in CAT/ XAT? What should be your next steps?

Low scores in CAT/ XAT? What should be your next steps?

Ongoing Event

CAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 20 Sep' 25

Himanshu ShekharUpdated on 24 Nov 2024, 05:02 PM IST

After results of most of the MBA exams including CAT 2024, XAT 2024, IIFT entrance exam, SNAP exam candidates focus must be shifted to their admission options to different B-schools depending on your scores or percentile in different MBA exams. But what if they have not fared well in your MBA exams like CAT and XAT? What options do you have after scoring low in CAT or XAT? How can you still get into a top B-school? Careers360 brings you advice on your next steps towards your MBA dream.

Low scores in CAT/ XAT? What should be your next steps?
Low Score in CAT and XAT

Explore options for top B-schools:

You might be disappointed with your MBA exam results, but you should not lose heart as you may still get calls from B-schools which give very low weightage to MBA exam scores like CAT or XAT. Such B-schools shortlist candidates with percentile range as low as 50 to 60 or above.

Thus, you should explore your B-school options based on your existing CAT and XAT percentile.

Besides CAT and XAT scores, such B-schools look for other components like academic profile, extra-curricular activity, soft skills, personal traits, attitude and social behavior along with many other personal characteristics while finalizing admission offers. In many B-schools CAT or XAT scores carry only 20-30 per cent weightage in their selection process. Thus, despite your low percentile in CAT or XAT, many B-schools may shortlist you as the MBA exam scores are not the deciding factor for them. If you find B-schools which can shortlist you basis your existing CAT/XAT percentile, you can still apply to them provided they are open for applications.
Shortlist the B-Schools before they shortlist you. Predict your college with our CAT/XAT Pathfinder Tool

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All MBA exams are not yet over

If you are still not satisfied with the B-school options that you are getting based on your CAT and XAT scores, you must now gear up for other MBA exams which are scheduled to be conducted in next two months. You can explore admission opportunities in top B-schools for academic year 2025-26 by taking two more MBA exams - CMAT and MAH CET entrance exam.

A good score in CMAT can bring you admission opportunities to top B-schools accepting CMAT like JBIMS- Mumbai, DMS -NIT Durgapur, SIMSREE-Mumbai amongst public institutions and Great Lakes Institute of Management- Chennai, Prin. LN Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research- Mumbai, KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research- Mumbai, Institute of Public Enterprise-Hyderabad, Balaji Institute of Modern Management (BIMM) –Pune, Jaipuria Institute of Management – Lucknow, PSG Institute of Management, Coimbatore amongst many other private B-schools in India.

Similarly, a good score in MAH CET will bring you admission opportunity at over 400 B-schools in the state of Maharashtra. Top B-schools which accept MAH-CET scores include JBIMS- Mumbai, SIMSREE-Mumbai, DMS (PUMBA)-Pune amongst public institution besides many other top private B-schools.

Prepare for remaining MBA exams and GD-PI-WAT simultaneously:

So, what should be your next steps now? Since important MBA exams are scheduled in next few months and many B-schools are scheduling their GD-PI in coming weeks also, your preparation for written test and GD-PI should go side by side.

As you would have already prepared your basic during your preparation for exams like CAT and XAT, you should now go back to CMAT syllabus and MAH CET syllabus to cross-check your preparedness for the two exams. You should plan your preparation strategy for the two exams very carefully because you may also have to continue your preparation for GD-PI as many B-schools may shortlist you despite your low score. Toppers however advise that you should not start a new topic for written test now. Instead, you should revise the topics that you have already covered for CAT and XAT exams.

Careers360 has launched a prep meter tool where you can check how prepared you are to score well in CMAT and MAH CET.

Get your personalized preparation report and improvement plan. Analyze your preparation level withCMAT Prepmeter” and “MAH-CET Prepmeter"

For any doubts and questions related to MBA exam pattern, preparation and other related queries, students can call the MBA Exam Helpline at 011-40360360.

Begin afresh for the next year exams:

If your CAT results and XAT results are not satisfactory and you still want to enter Indian Institute of Management (IIM) or XLRI Jamshedpur, you should seriously start afresh with a long term plan for MBA admission in academic year 2025-27.

An early preparation strategy may give you an edge over the other CAT/XAT aspirants who begin preparation after the admissions to this academic year is over.

Stay tuned to bschool.careers360.com for more news and updates on MBA admissions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which IIM is conducting CAT 2024?
A:

IIM Kolkata conducted CAT 2024.

Q: When is CAT 2024?
A:

CAT 2024 was conducted on November 24, 2024.

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Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

Hello Aspirant,

Since your payment status shows "S" , it means your payment is successful. The "payment unsuccessful" message on the form is likely a temporary system error or a delay in updating.

Do not make another payment.

Making a second payment could cause a double debit, which is difficult to get a refund for. You should:

  1. Wait 24-48 hours for the status to update automatically.

  2. Download and save a copy of your form and a screenshot of the "S" payment status as proof.

  3. Check your bank statement to confirm the money has been debited.

  4. If the issue is not fixed after 48 hours, contact the official CAT helpdesk immediately with your transaction details.

Hello

The CAT 2025 exam is a national-level MBA entrance test for IIMs and top B-schools in India. It will be held on 30th November 2025 in computer-based mode across ~170 cities.
The registration is open from 1st August to 13th September 2025 on iimcat.ac.in .
Admit cards will be available from 5th November 2025 onward.
Graduates with at least 50 marks (45 for SC/ST/PwD) are eligible to apply.
The exam tests English, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude in three timed sections.

Yes, you can pursue an MBA at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, through the CAT exam.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university.

  • Entrance Exam: A valid CAT score is required for admission.

Admission Process:

  1. Application: Register online through the BBAU admission portal.

  2. Entrance Exam: Appear for the CAT exam and obtain a valid score.

  3. Counseling: Shortlisted candidates will be called for counseling based on their CAT scores.

  4. Document Verification: Submit necessary documents for verification.

  5. Fee Payment: Complete the fee payment to confirm admission.

Course Details:

  • Duration: 2 years (full-time).

  • Specializations: Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, among others.

Placement Opportunities:
BBAU has a strong placement record, with top companies recruiting MBA graduates.

For more details and to apply, visit the  official BBAU MBA admission page

Hello Amgothu

With 305 marks in ICAR PG and being from ST category, your chances of getting an AIEEA (CAT) seat is good, especially in plant sciences and less competitive subjects