Low Scores in CAT 2023? Here's How to Get Admission in Top B Schools in India

MBA Admission with Low CAT 2023 Scores: More than 2 lakh candidates apply for the CAT exam each year. However, only a small number of candidates are able to achieve CAT scores in the 99th to 100th percentile range. Having said that, a candidate's ambitions of pursuing an MBA should not cease just because they did not receive a high percentile score on the CAT exam. Numerous reputable B-schools in India accept applicants with subpar CAT scores. They also accept scores of other entrance exams like MAT, XAT, ATMA, GMAT, and CMAT, etc. Even the newest IIMs, like IIM Sirmaur, IIM Bodh Gaya, and IIM Amritsar, allow admission with low CAT scores.

CAT 2023 was conducted by IIM Lucknow on November 26, 2023, in three different sessions. CAT result 2023 was released on December 21, 2023, and students who scored low on the exam shouldn't lose hope of getting MBA admission. Candidates who score more than 90 percentile marks have a higher chance of getting a call from the top Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). However, those who score low in CAT 2023 need not fret since there are many other good B-Schools that have a low CAT cutoff. This article will provide a complete solution for candidates with low scores in CAT.

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What to Do If You Have a Low CAT 2023 Score?

Re-Attempt the CAT Exam Next Year

Although this option may not be viable for every aspirant, candidates can always choose to retake the CAT exam and continue to pursue their goal of attending an IIM. The biggest danger and drawback in this situation is losing a year. Giving a year's worth of time off to some students may or may not be possible for a variety of reasons. However, if a candidate has the time and can repeat the CAT the following year, they should do so.

Appear For Other State and National-Level Entrance Exams

If your CAT percentile is low, you can also try to get into management programs by taking alternative entrance tests, such as the MAT 2023 exam, Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), NMAT by GMAC, Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), ATMA (AIMS Test for Management Admissions), CMAT 2024, MAH CET, AP ICET, TS ICET, etc. Giving additional exams more frequently has its benefits. When compared to MAT, which is offered four times annually, the CAT is only offered once. Candidates can always attempt MBA entrance exams like MAT after appearing for the CAT. Also, candidates should aim for exams like NMAT by GMAC which allows candidates to take multiple attempts in the same academic year. A large number of prestigious B-schools accept the results of these tests for admission to MBA, PGDM, and other post-graduate management programs.

Research for B-schools

You must be aware of the fact that, in addition to the known list of top IIMs in India, India is home to other prestigious management schools that you can consider attending if your CAT percentile is low. There are several business schools out there that provide industry-integrated management programs with curricula that align with the demands of businesses in the twenty-first century. These institutes accept a low CAT percentile for admission in contrast to the 90+ percentile required for IIMs. These business schools would accept applications from management hopefuls with even a 50+ percentile and a strong academic background. Even those with lower CAT scores have a wide range of options. Students must now do extensive study, understand more about their possibilities, and choose universities that accept a wide variety of percentiles.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

Take Accountability for Your Performance

Factors Apart from CAT Score

Acquire Professional Experience

Aspirants can also take a break from academics and focus on acquiring work experience as professional experience is an added advantage when it comes to management admissions. Management aspirants can always search for internships or jobs that match their professional goals to gain work experience in the industry where they wish to build a career. Candidates can also take up short-term courses based on their interests to enhance their professional skills. It is a well-known fact that students with prior work experience are able to understand management concepts quickly and do well during an MBA course as compared to freshers. Prior professional experience is also a bonus during placements as they elevate a student’s profile. So, if you didn't do well on the CAT this year, attempt to get a few years of job experience in the industry you want to pursue as a profession.

Also Read: Top Jobs after CAT 2023 Exam

List of MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT 2023 Scores

Apart from IIMs, you can also look for admission in some other B-Schools in India. Some of the well-known B-Schools in India that accept low scores in CAT are provided in the table below:

Is it Possible to Get Admission into IIMs with Low Scores in CAT?

Yes, you can apply for admission into new IIMs such as IIM Sirmaur, IIM Bodhgaya, IIM Amritsar, IIM Nagpur, and IIM Shillong. The cutoff of these IIMs range between 85 to 95. The cutoff of all the IIMs depends on many factors such as the number of candidates who have appeared for the CAT, past year cutoff of CAT, number of seats available at the IIM, and difficulty level of the exam. You can check the article provided below to know the cutoff of all the IIMs.

Eligibility Criteria for MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT Score

• The aggregate percentage of students who passed 10+2.

• The aggregate marks earned in a four-year undergraduate program or a 10+2+3 equivalent education program.

• Performance in group discussions, college-administered written exams, and personal interviews are all taken into consideration when evaluating students.

• In several MBA colleges, applicants with professional experience are given preference.

• Depending on the reserved and unreserved categories in India, the eligibility cut-off marks may vary.

Is it a Better Option to Choose Newer IIMs for MBA Admission?

Choosing new IIMs for MBA admission 2024 is not a bad option. Although they are new, they have a good reputation. MBA degree completed from any IIMs whether it is new or old is highly valuable in the job market. IIMs graduates are hired by some of the top recruiters in India.  However, you are advised to check the campus, infrastructure, and rankings of the respective IIMs before selecting one. You can also get in touch with the old students and the teachers of these IIMs to know more about the college. You can also check the official website of these IIMs to know their detailed selection criteria. The table provided below will help you know the selection process for newer IIMs.

How to Choose MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT Scores?

There are many other alternate options for applying for MBA admissions in the top MBA colleges in India. You can check the points provided below to know some alternate options to get admission to the top private MBA colleges accepting low CAT scores:

• You can choose the MBA colleges that have a low cutoff for CAT and then apply for admission to any of them. You can check the detailed admission process of the college from their official website. 

OR

• There are some colleges that conduct their own entrance exam for admission to MBA course. Some of the colleges that conduct their own entrance exam are Mudra Institute of Communication, Tata institute of social sciences, Symbiosis University, PES University, ICFAI University, and Indian Institute Of Foreign Trade.

OR

• You can appear for some other state-level or national-level entrance exams such as MAH MBA CET, XAT, CMAT, MAT, ATMA, TS ICET, AP ICET, and TANCET MBA. You can check the details about various MBA entrance exams here. 

OR

• You can also apply for admission directly without any entrance exams. Some of the colleges that offer direct admission in MBA without entrance exam are R V Institute of Management, Vainavi Educational Institutions, Hyderabad, Swami Vivekananda Group of Institutions, Kolkata, and Versatile Business School, Chennai.

Admission Process at MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT Scores

Students should appear for the CAT exam without worrying about the results. With a verified CAT score, the MBA application will be considered further. The following provides a summary of the admissions requirements for the top Indian MBA colleges accepting CAT scores: 

• On the official CAT website, sign up for the examinations and put up your best effort to achieve a high cut-off percentile.

• Candidates should log in to the official college website after the CAT results have been released to obtain the login credentials.

• Students must submit all mandatory documentation, any necessary reservation proofs, and their preference of colleges from a higher order to a lower one.

• Payments must be made by students either offline or online.

• Once the verification process has been completed, students will start receiving call letters from the universities of their preference, taking into account the order of their CAT scores as well.

• Students are required to attend the counselling process and pay the required fees at the appointed time without being late.

Popular MBA Specializations Offered by MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT Scores

• MBA in Finance

• MBA in Banking & Finance

• MBA in Business Analytics

• MBA in Marketing Management

• MBA in Information Technology 

• MBA in Healthcare Management

• MBA in International Business

• MBA in Agriculture Business Management

• MBA in Communication and Media Management

CAT Counselling and Admission-Related Articles 

Provided below are some CAT-related articles:

If you need any admission-related assistance or guidance on MBA colleges accepting low CAT scores, you can fill out our Common Application Form.