Post-CAT Process: What to Do After Your CAT Results Are Announced
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a crucial step for students aspiring to get into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Once your CAT scores are announced, the process of admission to the IIMs involves several key steps. Here is a comprehensive guide to what you need to do.
Result Announcement
The CAT results are typically announced in early January. You can check your score on the official CAT website. Once your results are known, you can start preparing for the subsequent stages of your application process.
Shortlisting for WAT/PI
Based on your CAT score, each IIM prepares its shortlist for the next round of selection, which usually includes a Written Ability Test (WAT) and a Personal Interview (PI). The shortlisting criteria vary by IIM and may also consider factors such as past academic performance, work experience, and diversity.
Application Process
It's important to note that most IIMs require candidates to apply to their specific programs before the CAT results are announced. This means you typically need to submit your application in advance, often in September or October, along with your preferences for the IIMs you wish to apply to. You should apply to all your preferred IIMs and programs to increase your chances of getting an acceptance.
WAT/PI Rounds
If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to participate in the WAT and PI rounds, which usually take place between January and March. These rounds are designed to evaluate your written communication skills and personal fit for the IIMs.
Final Selection
After the WAT and PI, each IIM finalizes its admission offers based on the overall performance in CAT, WAT, PI, and other components like academic records and work experience.
Admission Offers
Selected candidates will receive admission offers, usually in the form of calls or emails. You will need to confirm your acceptance within a specified timeframe.
Enrollment
Finally, admitted candidates will need to complete enrollment procedures, which include submitting documents, paying fees, and any other requirements specified by the IIM.
Tips for CAT Applicants
When you are applying for CAT, it is advisable to apply to all your wish-list IIMs and programs. There are 20 IIMs in India, and you won't face any issues if you apply to all of them. The interview panel won't know which programs you have applied to, so focus on your performance.
You will be called for interviews via email based on your scores. After receiving the call, you need to confirm your intention to attend the interviews. The location of the interviews will be based on your preferred locations, such as Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, or Chennai.
Remember to apply to all your programs of interest to increase your chances of admission. Stay organized, and make sure to meet all the deadlines to avoid missing any important steps in the application process.
Hope this helps! Thanks for reading.