What To Do After CAT Exam? GDPI Preparation, Other Exams

What to Do After the CAT Exam?

The CAT exam is finally over but the journey is not. For most aspirants, the tension shifts from solving questions to deciding what comes next. Whether your exam went well, average, or not as expected, the days right after CAT are extremely important. The right steps can boost your chances for B-schools, upcoming exams, and the GD-PI-WAT rounds.

This is your simple, practical, and highly effective post-CAT roadmap, designed for CAT 2025 test-takers and CAT 2026 aspirants.

Take a One-Day Break After CAT: Reset Your Mind

You’ve spent months solving mocks, analyzing mistakes, and staying mentally active. The first 24 hours after CAT should be dedicated to rest. A fresh mind makes better decisions and performs better in upcoming MBA entrance exams.

Why This Break Is Important

• Reduces stress and anxiety

• Helps avoid overthinking about accuracy, attempts, or slot difficulty

• Prepares your mind for GD-PI and OMETs

• Improves clarity before planning the next steps

What to Do for the Next 24 Hours

• Spend time with your family

• Watch something light

• Sleep well

• Avoid discussing answers or checking random predictions

If You Feel Your CAT Went Well: Start GD-PI-WAT Preparation

If you believe your performance was average to good, begin interview preparation right away. Top MBA colleges release shortlists quickly, and GD-PI prep takes time to mature.

Build Your Personal Story

Prepare structured answers for:

• Tell me about yourself

• Why MBA?

• Short-term & long-term goals

• Strengths & weaknesses

• Your academic/professional journey

Improve Communication Skills

• Practice 1–2 minutes of speaking daily

• Focus on clarity, structure, and confidence

• You do NOT need perfect English — you need clear thinking

Read Daily for WAT/GD

Topics to focus on:

• Business & economy

• Social issues

• Technology trends

• Important news (last 3–6 months)

Take GD Practice & Mock Interviews

• Helps you speak with confidence

• Improves your structure and argument style

• Reduces stage fear

• Makes your answers natural

(Tip: If you want to predict your score instantly, check your expected percentile using our CAT Score Calculator.)

If CAT Didn’t Go Well: Target Upcoming Exams (SNAP, XAT, NMAT, CMAT)

Not everyone feels good after CAT, and that’s absolutely fine. Many students get into top B-schools through OMETs (Other Management Entrance Tests). These exams provide great alternative opportunities.

Upcoming Exams to Focus On:

Shortlisting Process After CAT Results

Once CAT results are announced, B-schools begin their shortlisting process based on several parameters.

What Colleges Consider

• Sectional percentile

• Overall percentile

• Academic background

• Work experience (if any)

• Category cutoffs

Shortlists are released:

• On the official websites

• Through email/SMS notifications

Shortlisted students proceed to GD-PI-WAT rounds.

(Tip: If you want to predict your score instantly, check your expected percentile using our CAT Score Calculator.)

GD-PI-WAT Preparation After CAT

Interview and writing test preparation should start early because deadlines come quickly.

Key Focus Areas:-

• Read editorials & opinion pieces

• Practice structured writing

• Improve awareness of current events

• Prepare background-based answers

• Take mock interviews

• Tone, confidence, structure — all matter

Good interview prep can significantly boost your final selection chances.

Also Read, CAT Score vs Percentile 2025, Check Previous Year Analysis

Expected CAT Cutoffs for Top MBA Colleges (2025–26)

CAT cutoffs vary by college, category, and program. Below is a table showing expected cutoffs for top IIM colleges.

Expected IIM CAT Cutoffs (Category-Wise)

Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Scores (Beyond IIMs)

Many reputed institutes accept CAT scores for MBA/PGDM admissions. Here’s a quick reference.

CAT Percentile Requirements:-

What to Do After the CAT Exam? Conclusion

What you do after the CAT exam can greatly affect your MBA admission chances. Whether your exam went well or not, having a clear plan will help you stay relaxed and focused. Start preparing early for GD-PI-WAT, check your expected percentile using score calculators, and understand the cutoff trends of different colleges. These small steps can give you a strong advantage.

If your CAT didn’t go as expected, exams like SNAP, XAT, NMAT, and CMAT are still good opportunities. Once CAT results are out, colleges quickly begin shortlisting students, so being ready for WAT, GD, and PI is very important. With simple, consistent preparation, you can confidently move through the post-CAT phase and increase your chances of getting into a good MBA college.