The results for major MBA entrance exams—CAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP—are out with more than half of the WAT-GDPI process being concluded. Some of you might be celebrating, excited about the next phase of your journey, while others might be feeling lost, disappointed, and uncertain about what to do next. If you didn’t get the percentile you were aiming for, it’s natural to feel like the world has come crashing down. Thoughts of self-doubt start creeping in—"Was all that effort in vain? Should I be retaking CAT 2025? Should I take the best available option and move on?" These questions can feel overwhelming, but let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture.
At this moment, you might feel like you’re stuck in a dead end. But let me assure you, this is just a temporary roadblock. Life doesn’t come to a standstill because of one result. Many of the most successful people have faced setbacks, yet they found a way forward. The key is to pause, reflect, and take an informed decision rather than making an impulsive one based on emotions.
First, acknowledge what has happened. Feeling disappointed is natural, but letting it consume you is not productive. Instead, take time to analyze where things went wrong. Was it a matter of strategy? Maybe your approach to preparation wasn’t the most effective. Were you overly dependent on one exam? A single bad day shouldn’t determine your entire future. Many candidates face anxiety, panic during the test, or simply don’t perform their best under pressure. Some might have prepared well but still fell short due to circumstances beyond their control. Accept that, sometimes, things just don’t go as planned, and that’s okay.
When I first attempted CAT, I didn’t get the results I wanted. The fear of a gap year haunted me, especially because I had already taken a year off after my 12th before starting my undergraduate studies. My undergrad college didn’t have the concept of placements, which made things even more uncertain. I wasn’t just dealing with an unsatisfactory CAT score; I was facing a complete lack of direction. I didn’t know whether to reattempt the exams or to take whatever college I was getting. The thought of being stuck in limbo while my peers moved ahead was terrifying.
With no immediate options, I decided to start applying for jobs. It wasn’t easy. The rejection emails piled up, and after months of trying, I finally secured an offer from Genpact after two rounds of interviews. It felt like a lifeline. The financial independence gave me stability, and more importantly, it gave me the confidence that I could work my way towards my goal. I resumed my MBA preparation alongside my job. This time, I made sure I wouldn’t repeat my past mistakes—I appeared for all major exams, including XAT, NMAT, and SNAP, instead of just focusing on CAT.
Balancing a job with preparation wasn’t easy. Working in a demanding role meant my study hours were limited. There were days when I felt exhausted and doubted whether I could juggle both. But I knew I had to make it work. I realized that preparing while working made me more disciplined. Every hour I spent studying had to be focused, every mock test had to be analyzed thoroughly, and every weak area had to be worked on strategically. In hindsight, working before my MBA turned out to be a blessing—it not only helped me gain professional experience but also gave me a better understanding of what I truly wanted from an MBA.
This is why I urge you to evaluate your situation carefully before making a decision. If you are confident that you can improve your performance and are willing to give it another year, then a reattempt might be the right choice. But if you feel that your current percentile can fetch you a decent B-school that aligns with your long-term goals, then joining this year might be a smarter option. There is no universal right or wrong answer—it all depends on your personal circumstances and aspirations.
If you decide to reattempt, ensure that you make a structured plan. Identify the areas where you fell short and refine your strategy. Maybe you need to focus more on mock tests, or perhaps you need to strengthen your conceptual understanding. Sometimes, simply working on exam-day temperament can make a huge difference. If anxiety affected your performance this time, practice mindfulness techniques to stay calm under pressure. Many aspirants improve their scores significantly in their second attempt simply because they are mentally better prepared.
On the other hand, if you choose to work for a year before reattempting, make sure your job aligns with your long-term goals. A meaningful work experience can significantly enhance your B-school profile. It can also help you gain clarity on your career aspirations, which will be valuable during MBA placements. Many aspirants who work for a year before reattempting find themselves in a much better position—not only because they are financially independent but also because they bring a fresh perspective to their preparation.
Whatever path you choose, the most important thing is to believe in it. Regret and self-doubt will only hold you back. Success isn’t about reaching your goal in the shortest time possible; it’s about staying committed to your journey, no matter how long it takes. Some aspirants make it to their dream B-school in their first attempt, while others take multiple attempts. Some take alternative routes—gaining work experience, pursuing executive programs, or even finding success in completely different ways. The path doesn’t matter as much as the determination to keep moving forward.
An MBA is not the ultimate destination—it’s just one of many ways to build a successful career. If this year didn’t go as planned, it doesn’t mean your dreams are over. There are multiple ways to achieve your goals. Take the time to assess your options, make an informed decision, and then give it your all.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to keep going. One setback doesn’t define your journey. Your success story is still being written. Stay focused, stay resilient, and trust the process—because life never ends with one exam result. The real journey is just beginning.
Also Read:
Chat
Comments