Dealing with a Low CAT Score? Choices: Retake CAT or MBA Beyond IIMs
A premier MBA is considered the golden ticket to career success in India. With prestigious institutes like the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) leading the way, competition to secure admission into these programmes is fierce. The Common Admission Test (CAT) plays a pivotal role in determining who makes the cut, with applicants requiring exceptionally high scores to qualify.
However, for many aspirants, dreams of attending an IIM come crashing down when faced with the stark reality of a lower-than-expected CAT score. Left questioning their aptitude and future prospects, these students find themselves at a critical juncture – to attempt CAT again or consider alternative pathways.
This is where institutions like ASBM University come into the picture. With its unique offerings tailored to the needs of today’s business world, ASBM presents a compelling case for students to pursue an MBA that goes beyond the traditional IIM framework.
Demystifying the CAT
In order to take an informed decision, it is first important to objectively analyse the CAT exam. The competitive entrance test comprises three sections – Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. Examinees have to attempt 66 questions within a duration of 120 minutes.
The objective format and challenging time constraints demand sharp analytical thinking, logic, and quantitative skills along with proficient verbal ability. Finally, scores are calculated through a process of normalisation and standardisation, using past performance data to account for varying difficulty levels across exams.
While a high CAT percentile significantly strengthens an applicant’s profile, it is not the only criteria for earning admission at IIMs. Academic record, work experience, and performance in Written Ability Test and Personal Interviews also play a role. However, in reality, a subpar CAT score is enough to shatter one’s prospects at these top institutes.
The Dilemma of Low Scores
Students with lacklustre CAT results often experience an immense sense of disappointment, dejection, and even depression. Having invested significant time, effort and money into coaching and test preparation, the setback can be difficult to digest.
Many start questioning their own abilities, aspirations, and decision to pursue an MBA in the first place. The stigma associated with not making the CAT cut further takes a toll on confidence.
In this emotionally vulnerable state, examinees are confronted with two pathways forward:
Attempt CAT again – This involves dedicating another year or longer towards test preparation for a reattempt. However, there is no guarantee of clearing the cut-offs this time either.
Consider alternative MBA options beyond IIMs – From programmes offered by private business schools to universities abroad, aspirants can explore institutes that focus on overall application packages rather than just CAT scores.
Let us objectively analyse the upsides and downsides of both these options.
Reattempting CAT – Boon or Bane?
For some students, a CAT retake is an obvious choice but one that comes with its own set of risks. The key advantages include being able to leverage previous experiences and resources for smarter test prep, feeling more confident and avoiding the regret of not trying again.
However, attempting CAT requires significant financial and emotional investment. Without a fresh approach, preparatory inputs and a healthy mindset, chances of improvement remain questionable at best. Having to explain the same disappointing result twice on applications also erodes credibility in the long run.
Thus, unless 100% committed towards reattempting, have sufficient backing, and adopt radically different CAT prep strategies, simply taking the test again should not be an automatic decision.
Why MBA Beyond IIMs is Worth Considering
Once attached with a certain stigma, pursuing an MBA from private institutes beyond the hallowed IIMs has come a long way. With world-class infrastructure, innovative pedagogies based on peer-learning models, industry and international partnerships, tailored specialisations, and outstanding graduate outcomes – these business schools have bridged the gap significantly over the past decade.
In fact, a unique benefit of enrolling in such programmes is getting individualised guidance and support – a prospect that disappears within the vast competition of IIM cohorts. Class sizes are smaller, faculty interaction more intimate, opportunities for mentorship and training more accessible.
Through cutting-edge courses, hands-on projects, hackathons, real-world case solving – students gain invaluable practical exposure aligned with industry requirements. This enhances employability and entrepreneurial potential exponentially.
While IIM alumni still dominate leadership roles within blue chip companies, those from other institutes have also made inroads across sectors like consulting, analytics, IT and FMCD. With outstanding CTCs and choice of profiles, return on investment continues rising.
Thus, an MBA beyond IIM not only offers a compelling alternative but can directly pave one’s path towards career success as reputed organisations expand hiring pools based on merit beyond academic brand names.
Why ASBM University Stands Out
Within the domain of rising private business schools, ASBM University shines as an institute specially conceived to transform management education. Its trailblazing curriculum fashions multi-faceted leaders equipped to steer businesses ahead of the curve.
The visionary Leadership:
Founded under the guidance of stalwart Dr. Biswajeet Pattanayak, former professor at IIM Lucknow, Indore and Mumbai, ASBM embraces a culture of excellence and innovation. Supported by celebrated thought leader Prof. Ranjan Kumar Bal, Vice Chancellor and alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, the University integrates forward-thinking models of pedagogy.
Unparalleled Learning Experience:
From its unique CHOICE credit system facilitating flexibility to case study-based problem solving model that echoes Harvard style of learning – ASBM stimulates intellectual autonomy and decision-making prowess crucial to thrive in Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous business environments.
Industry-Ready Specialised Training:
Designed to plug talent gaps across BFSI, Retail, IT & Analytics – ASBM University’s MBA specialisations embed industry exposure through guest lectures, corporate interface, live projects and startup incubation. Top recruiters like Deloitte, PwC, TCS, Capgemini, etc., hire students at premium salaries annually.
In 2021, the median salary package at ASBM touched 7.2 LPA, demonstrating its brand equity.
The exclusive MBA programme also allows fast-tracking career progression. Renowned global accreditations by ACBSP, USA further validate international academic standards.
Success Stories Beyond CAT
Stories of numerous ASBM alumni who chose the institute despite modest CAT scores, yet climbed the ladders of career success substantiate its ability to turn potentials into high-calibre professionals.
Like Satya Ranjan Thatoi who struggled in CAT but started his career as Product Manager with PhonePe now leverages ASBM learnings daily. Scholar Deepak Mishra managed Greater Philadelphia operations for Ikea after acquiring crucial leadership skills.
Such inspirational experiences reaffirm – remarkable career trajectories manifest regardless of CAT scores when the right MBA programme nurtures latent talents.
Making an Informed Decision
Faced with the dilemma imposed by an underwhelming CAT performance, examinees must confront their choices objectively. While scepticism around ‘MBA beyond IIMs’ exists, pathways to success remain open through quality institutes like ASBM. Its accomplished faculty and career-oriented training enable aspirants to manifest their highest potentials.
Still need convincing? Register for a free counselling with ASBM University, to interact directly with admissions counsellors and faculty about how our MBA programmes can equip you for leadership. Or visit the campus to experience the culture of excellence first-hand.
While the prestige associated with an IIM degree remains unmatched, passing up alternative options that uplift academic and career prospects is also unwise in the long run. So take an informed decision aligned with your aspirations. With some self-analysis, expert guidance and conviction in chosen pathways, stellar success always remains achievable!