What to Do After a Low CAT Score: MBA Exams to Target in Jan–Feb 2026

Introduction

Every year, lakhs of aspirants spend months preparing for the CAT exam with sky-high expectations. But when the results arrive, reality doesn’t always match ambition. Perhaps your score isn’t what you hoped for, or maybe that percentile line looks lower than expected.

It’s easy to feel demotivated — but should a single test decide your B-school destiny? Absolutely not.

Here’s the truth: CAT is only one of several doors that open into top management colleges in India. January and February mark the beginning of a “second wave” of MBA opportunities — a crucial period where exams like XAT, NMAT, TISSNET, and CMAT can completely turn the tide in your favor.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the best entrance exams still ahead, how to plan your next steps, and which colleges give you another shot at success after a low CAT score.

Why Your CAT Result Doesn’t Define You

A low CAT score doesn’t mean your abilities are limited — it only means you faced one tough exam on one particular day. The CAT percentile fluctuates yearly due to normalization, paper difficulty, and performance trends. What matters more is your adaptability and smart exam planning from this point onward.

Many MBA graduates from top-ranked institutes built their careers through alternate exams. They pivoted quickly, diversified their test strategy, and cracked XAT, NMAT, or TISSNET — scoring admits into respected campuses like XLRI, NMIMS, or TISS.

So, if your CAT result isn’t ideal, your next move matters more than the score itself. Let’s look at the top exams you should focus on from January and February 2026.

Top MBA Entrance Exams to Focus on in January–February 2026

The coming months are an opportunity for a major comeback. Below are the most important upcoming exams and how you can use them to your advantage.

1. XAT 2026 – Your Best Second Chance

One of India’s most reputed MBA entrance exams, XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test), is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, typically in early January. XAT’s pattern stands out with its unique Decision-Making section and Essay Writing component.

Why focus on XAT:

• Accepted by over 150 elite B-schools including XLRI, XIMB, IMT Ghaziabad, TAPMI, SPJIMR (for certain programs), and Great Lakes.
• Tests critical thinking more than memorized speed.
• Perfect for students strong in logic, reasoning, and real-world thinking.

Exam structure at a glance:

If CAT didn’t go well because of time pressure, XAT offers a slower, more analytical test format where deep reasoning shines over speed.

2. TISSNET 2026 – For HRM and Social Impact Careers

TISSNET, conducted by Tata Institute of Social Sciences, is expected in February 2026. It’s ideal for candidates inclined toward Human Resource Management, Social Work, or Public Policy— programs where TISS remains India’s gold standard.

Highlights:

• TISS HRM & LR (Mumbai) competes directly with top IIM HR programs.
• The syllabus focused on general awareness, English, and basic quantitative aptitude.
• Lower difficulty compared to CAT, but a strong GK section is key.

If you have strong communication skills and a genuine interest in people management or development sectors, this is one of your best bets post-CAT.

3. CMAT 2026 – The Late-Season Advantage

The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT), conducted by NTA, generally takes place in February or March. Known for being moderately easy, CMAT helps students land admissions in top tier-2 B-schools with excellent ROI.

Top colleges under CMAT:

• K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai
• Welingkar (WeSchool), Mumbai and Bangalore
• IMT Nagpur, Great Lakes Gurgaon, and GIM Goa (for select programs)

Why CMAT matters:
It’s the perfect option if you’re regrouping after CAT. The syllabus heavily overlaps with CAT (Quant, Verbal, DI, and LR), plus additional sections like GK and Innovation in Entrepreneurship.

Pro tip: Two months of dedicated preparation post-CAT can easily help you cross 98+ percentile in CMAT.

4. NMAT by GMAC – Flexibility and Control

The NMAT offers unmatched flexibility, allowing candidates to take the test up to three times within its extended testing window (till mid-January). Unlike CAT’s single-shot format, NMAT rewards iterative improvement.

Colleges accepting NMAT:

• NMIMS (Mumbai, Hyderabad, Indore, Navi Mumbai)
• XUB (Xavier University Bhubaneswar)
• SDA Bocconi Asia Center
• SPJIMR PGMP (specific criteria)

Why it’s perfect post-CAT:

• No negative marking, making educated guesses less risky.
• Balanced across Quant, Language Skills, and Logic.
• Adaptive testing offers a more candidate-friendly experience.

If CAT shook your confidence, NMAT helps you rebuild it strategically through multiple attempts.

5. SNAP – Symbiosis Universities’ Gateway

Although SNAP is conducted in December, its selection rounds happen in January, so it still holds relevance for January–February strategizing.

Top SNAP colleges:

• SIBM Pune
• SCMHRD Pune
• SIIB (International Business)
• SIOM Nashik (Operations)

Key insight:
SNAP’s question model is speed-oriented. If you missed the CAT percentile cut but excel in fast-paced MCQs, SNAP’s results and GD-PI rounds can still help you secure a prestigious Symbiosis admit early in 2026.

How to Prepare for Multiple MBA Exams in Limited Time

By this time in the season, smart strategy beats hard work. Most of these exams overlap with CAT’s syllabus, but differ in test pattern, section weightage, and focus areas.

Practical Tips:

• Leverage your CAT preparation – Focus revision on logical reasoning and reading comprehension rather than learning new topics.
• Diversify mock tests – Attempt one XAT, one CMAT, and one NMAT mock weekly.
• Analyze exam patterns – Create a mini comparison table for better prioritization:

• Work on GK daily – Since XAT, CMAT, and TISSNET all include General Awareness.
• Stay mentally composed – Use the setbacks from CAT to fuel a structured comeback.

Choosing Colleges Smartly with Multiple Exam Scores

A common mistake post-CAT is taking random exams without clarity on the target colleges. Instead, match each exam with its strongest B-schools and your intended specialization.

Example Plan:

• 80–90 percentile range: Aim for IMT Ghaziabad, TAPMI, XIMB, and NMIMS campuses.
• 70–80 percentile range: Focus on Welingkar, KJ Somaiya, Alliance Bangalore, and BIMTECH.
• 60–70 percentile range: Consider colleges like ISME, IFIM, or Christ University.

Building a balanced portfolio (high, mid, and safe options) ensures you end up with at least two solid admission offers by mid-2026.

How Career Plan B Supports Every Step

• Personalized Counseling: In-depth one-on-one counseling to align specialization, college choices, and career goals.
• Timeline & Reminder Service: Never miss a deadline—receive timely reminders and updates about institute-wise counseling calendars.
• Document Checklist & Verification: Guidance to prepare all required documentation, reducing stress on D-day.
• Preference Analysis: Analysis of seat trends, cut-offs, and college quality to build a winning choice list.
• Mock Counseling & Strategy: Practice sessions to simulate real counseling—boosting your confidence, reducing errors.
• Support for Appeals/Technical Issues: Help in resolving portal issues, appeals, or queries with admission authorities.

Have any doubts?

📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best backup exam after CAT?
   XAT is the most reputed alternative, followed by NMAT and CMAT depending on your preparation style.
2. Can I prepare for XAT in one month?
   Yes, if your CAT basics are strong. Focus primarily on Decision Making and Essay sections.
3. What are some good colleges through NMAT or CMAT?
   NMIMS Mumbai, KJ Somaiya, Welingkar, Great Lakes Gurgaon, and XUB regularly accept these scores.
4. Should I retake the CAT next year if my score is low?
   Yes, but only after securing a backup admit. Balancing an interim year with other exams keeps momentum.
5. What percentile gives good ROI colleges?
   A combined percentile around 80+ in XAT or CMAT can lead to high-ROI options like XIMB, TAPMI, or Welingkar.

Conclusion

Every setback brings a chance to redesign your path — and the MBA journey is no different. A low CAT percentile might close one door, but exams like XAT, NMAT, and CMAT open several others. The key lies in staying proactive and adaptable rather than disheartened.

As you prepare for January and February, remember — the right strategy now can change your entire admission outcome.

So, step forward, refocus your plan, and let Career Plan B help you transform your “backup plan” into your breakthrough.