When one starts to prepare for CAT, everyone’s dream is generally to get admission in top IIMs and B Schools like FMS, SPJIMR, IIFT, TISS, and other esteemed institutes. An aspirant, whether a working professional or a college student, gives their all to get to the 99th percentile, which in a way is a stepping stone to achieving their dreams and getting an interview call from premier institutes. But there is also a bitter truth that not everyone can get a 99+ percentile, not everyone will get an interview call from their dream B schools, one might feel shattered and heartbroken after not getting a CAT score, and it’s perfectly normal to feel so. And this topic is very little talked about, so let’s deep dive into it and talk about- What to do if you get a low CAT score?
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There are two types of aspirants in such a scenario-
1) Aspirants who have time and age on their side and can give themselves one more year to attempt CAT.
2) Aspirants who have to be admitted and start their MBA journey can’t afford to reattempt.
So the second kind of aspirants must explore these alternative entrance exams to target top-tier B Schools.
1. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
USPs:
- Decision Making section (unique to XAT – no need for formulae, pure logic)
- XLRI BM & HRM is considered at par with IIM A/B/C for specific roles
- High emphasis on critical thinking
Tips for CAT Low-Scorers:
- DM is a game changer—practice caselets daily.
- Quant is similar to CAT but slightly less intense.
- Verbal is tricky, but doable with reading practice.
- Scoring 35–40 marks (out of ~75–80) can fetch a 95+ percentile.
- Top B-Schools XLRI, XIMB, IMT GZB, TAPMI, Great Lakes Institute of Management, Goa Institute of Management
SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
USPs:
- Speed-based: only 60 mins
- Relatively easy content, tough due to time pressure
- Multiple attempts allowed (best score considered)
Tips for CAT Low-Scorers:
- Practice speed-based mocks—try solving in 50 mins.
- Target high accuracy in Reasoning (it’s scoring).
- Learn quick calculation shortcuts
Top B-Schools
- SIBM Pune
- SCMHRD
NMAT by GMAC
USPs:
- No negative marking
- 3 attempts allowed (best score considered)
- Customizable section order
- Adaptive testing (questions vary in difficulty)
Tips for CAT Low-Scorers:
- Focus on speed over depth.
- Practice under strict time constraints.
- Attempt 2–3 mocks per week (adaptive-type).
- Revise grammar, vocabulary, and basic arithmetic
Top B-Schools
NMIMS Mumbai (core), other NMIMS campuses, TAPMI, XIMB HR, Great Lakes PGPM.
CMAT(Common Management Admission Test)
USPs:
- Static GK + Innovation & Entrepreneurship section
- Not very competitive (~60k test takers)
- JBIMS via CMAT is best ROI in India
Tips for CAT Low-Scorers:
- GK and Innovation sections are key differentiators.
- Focus on 80+ in QA, LR, and English.
- Static GK prep from Lucent + monthly current affairs.
Top B-Schools:
JBIMS, KJ Somaiya, Welingkar School.
GMAT
USPs:
- Global score validity
- Sectional flexibility
- Can apply round-wise
- High scope for improvement through prep
Tips:
- GMAT is more logic-driven, less formula-based.
- Focus on official GMAT questions and Manhattan guides.
- Improvement from 600 to 700+ is very possible.
- Top B-Schools: ISB, IIM EPGP/PGPX, Foreign B-schools like HEC Paris, MIT Sloan (USA), Kellogg School of Management, USA.
Final Advice for CAT low scorers.
- Focused sectional practice will help improve weak areas (especially Verbal and DM)
- Mock-based prep is especially crucial for SNAP, NMAT, XAT (timed pressure)
- By diversifying exam attempts, One could increase their odds by not only taking CAT but also XAT, SNAP, CMAT, and NMAT
- Low competition advantage in exams like CMAT and SNAP in comparison to CAT can increase chances of selection.
- One should take advantage of their profile and achievements. SPJIMR, TISS, and even XLRI give weight to the profile. Tier 2 B schools like GOA Institute of Management have achievers rounds in which the focus is fully on the profile, quality of work experience, extracurriculars, and co-curricular activities, based on which a candidate can directly participate in the interview process and have to cross a minimum percentile to get an admit.
Remember, one low score doesn't define your potential. The MBA journey has multiple paths—you just need to find the one that aligns with your strengths and timing. If Plan A didn’t work, Plan B might just lead you somewhere better.
Read More:
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- Online vs Offline Coaching: Pros and Cons
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