CAT After MAT: Smart Next Steps Before Results

Introduction: The Post-MAT, Pre-CAT Dilemma

You’ve just completed the MAT exam and perhaps even appeared for CAT soon after — a common journey for thousands of MBA aspirants in India. But now, as the results season approaches, a big question looms: What to do in the waiting period?

The truth is, the few weeks between finishing your MAT and getting the CAT results can be a golden window — if you use it wisely. Instead of “waiting it out,” this phase can be a decisive stretch for building a strong career foundation, preparing for interviews, and fine-tuning your admissions strategy.

This blog walks you through exactly what to do after MAT if you’ve also appeared for CAT — covering preparation, college shortlisting, personal growth, and how to stay ahead before results are out.

Understanding the CAT After MAT Journey

Why Students Attempt CAT After MAT

Many students who begin their MBA journey with MAT later move to CAT for a simple reason — better opportunities.

CAT, being the gateway to India’s leading B-schools like the IIMs, FMS, and IITs, attracts aspirants aiming for top-tier management education. MAT, on the other hand, serves as a reliable platform for hundreds of AICTE-approved B-schools with solid placements and diverse learning environments.

Appearing for both exams not only diversifies your college options but also improves your chance of landing an institute that best matches your career goals.

Common Mistakes During the Transition

However, the transition from MAT to CAT isn’t always smooth. Many aspirants fall into familiar traps:

• Continuing with MAT-style preparation even when facing CAT’s higher difficulty.
• Ignoring the logical jump in RC passages or data interpretation challenges.
• Failing to plan college shortlisting early, leading to messy post-result decisions.

Avoiding these pitfalls helps you stay structured and calm during this uncertain but crucial waiting phase.

Step-by-Step Plan Before CAT Results Are Announced

1. Evaluate Your CAT Performance Objectively

Once the CAT answer key and response sheets are released, use percentile predictors or calculators to estimate your likely score range. This helps you set realistic expectations and plan your next steps.

For example, if your predicted percentile is between 85–90, you can eye strong non-IIM B-schools such as MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, TAPMI, or IMI Delhi. On the other hand, a 95+ range opens up potential calls from top IIMs, FMS Delhi, or SPJIMR Mumbai.

The goal is not to panic — it’s to get clarity.

2. Shortlist B-Schools Accepting CAT and MAT

Start shortlisting B-schools now — don’t wait for results. Create a tiered list:

• Tier 1: IIMs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, IIT-B/D.
• Tier 2: NITIE, MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, FORE School of Management.
• Tier 3: TAPMI, BIMTECH, Great Lakes, XIME, or Christ University.

You’ll be surprised how many reputed institutes accept both CAT and MAT scores. Having this list handy simplifies your application workflow.

3. Prepare for GD-PI Rounds Early

Most candidates wait for calls before starting their WAT/PI prep, but the best-performing students start early.

• Focus on basic business awareness — read daily editorials and business updates.
• Practice self-introduction and common HR questions.
• Join mock GDs or interview sessions to get feedback.

Take the example of Riya, a MAT 98-percentiler and CAT 92 aspirant. While waiting for her results, she began mock interviews, built clarity around her specialization (Marketing), and ended up cracking NMIMS Mumbai with confidence. Her secret? Early preparation.

4. Align Academic and Career Goals

Ask yourself — Why do I want to do an MBA and in what domain?
This is the best time to revisit your goals. Spend a few hours exploring where your strengths lie:

• Marketing & Strategy: For creative and communication-oriented roles.
• Finance: For analytical and data-driven thinkers.
• Business Analytics: For tech-savvy aspirants interested in data insights.

This reflection helps you speak authentically during interviews.

5. Keep Backup Options Ready

Even strong candidates should have alternatives. There’s no harm in registering for upcoming exams like XAT, NMAT, SNAP, or CMAT. Each offers its unique path to renowned B-schools (XLRI, NMIMS, SIBM, etc.).
Build a timeline of upcoming exams and application deadlines. It keeps your options open and drastically reduces post-result anxiety.

Strategic Preparation Tips for the Interim Period

How to Balance MAT and CAT Approaches

Though both tests assess aptitude, they differ in structure. Use this gap to sharpen weak areas:

• Focus on quant concepts that appear in both tests but differ in depth.
• Practice DI-LR sets with varying difficulty (CAT-level puzzles require deeper inference).
• Time yourself aggressively — the CAT rewards speed and accuracy under pressure.

This fine-tuning ensures you’re ready not just for results but also upcoming exams.

Skill-building That Adds Value

Employers and B-schools increasingly value practical skills. Invest in short-term certifications such as:

• Microsoft Excel or Power BI — boosts your data presentation abilities.
• Digital Marketing — important for consumers and branding enthusiasts.
• Financial Modelling or Analytics Tools — essential for finance roles.

Consider this as polishing your professional edge — something that interviews often reward.

Networking and Research: The Hidden Advantage

As you wait for results, immerse yourself in learning from others’ experiences:

• Attend B-school webinars or open sessions.
• Follow LinkedIn pages of your target institutions.
• Connect with current students or alumni for candid insights into culture, ROI, and placements.

These interactions will give you realistic expectations and a richer understanding of the MBA ecosystem.

Career Readiness Before MBA Admissions

Develop Communication and Leadership Skills

Even the best scores can’t compensate for poor interpersonal skills. Join virtual discussion groups, debate forums, or attend webinars where you can share your thoughts confidently.
This builds fluency, articulation, and confidence — all vital for PI rounds and B-school life.

Learn Basic Business Analytics

With most B-schools emphasizing data-driven decision-making, gaining familiarity with business analytics adds instant value. Free tools like Google Data Studio or Coursera courses can introduce you to the basics — helping you stand out in interviews.

Build a Strong Resume Profile

Update your resume with:

• Latest certifications or MOOCs.
• Any freelance projects or internships.
• Volunteer or leadership experiences.

Refine your LinkedIn headline, craft a summary that reflects your MBA aspirations, and highlight quantifiable achievements. This single step can set you apart from hundreds of average applicants.

How Career Plan B Helps

Career Plan B supports MBA aspirants aiming for FMS calls by offering:

• Personalized Career Counselling to set realistic CAT score targets based on your profile and category
• Psycheintel and Career Assessment Tests to highlight your strengths and tailor your preparation
• Admission and Academic Profile Guidance for improving your resume, academic credentials, and application presentation
• Career Roadmapping to create a focused preparation and application plan considering CAT score requirements and alternate options.

Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I apply to colleges with my MAT score while waiting for CAT results?
   Yes, you can. Many institutes use either MAT or CAT as admission criteria, so applying early saves time and secures you interview calls before competition heats up.
2. Should I start WAT-PI preparation before CAT results?
   Absolutely. Start general preparation now — reading daily business news, practicing personal interview questions, and writing short essays on current affairs.
3. What are the best backup exams after CAT and MAT?
   XAT, NMAT, SNAP, TISSNET, and CMAT are strong alternatives. Each opens diverse B-school opportunities across India.
4. How can I stay productive during the result waiting period?
   Use this time for short certifications, reading business magazines, polishing your CV, and connecting with alumni. Staying active keeps motivation high.
5. Do non-IIM colleges accept both CAT and MAT scores?
   Yes, several reputed institutes such as BIMTECH, TAPMI, Great Lakes, and CHRIST accept both. Always verify the latest eligibility on official college websites.

Conclusion: Turn Waiting Time into Winning Time

If used wisely, the weeks between MAT completion and CAT results can redefine your MBA journey. While results are beyond your control, preparation and planning aren’t.

This is your opportunity to sharpen your skills, strengthen your profile, and clearly visualize the B-schools that fit your aspirations.

Whether it’s brushing up on GD-PI skills, applying strategically, or building domain expertise, every step counts.

And if you ever feel uncertain about which route to take, Career Plan B is here to help — guiding you to make informed, confident decisions for your dream MBA journey.