CAT EXAMS OVER: WHAT’S NEXT FOR MBA ASPIRANTS?

Appearing for the CATs is just the beginning. The period following the CAT is as crucial as the exam. To help you plan your next steps, we have laid out a roadmap that will guide you during this phase:

1. Evaluate your CAT performance

Before making decisions, analyze your performance in the test. Use tentative answer keys and percentile predictors that you can find around the internet to get an idea of your possible result. Your tentative scores can help you target the right set of colleges, which in turn will help you to prepare beforehand.

2. Research and shortlist

Select and determine the MBA program that matches your career goals and aspirations. Once you have determined your preferred MBA program, you can select the institution you want to apply for. Some factors that you can consider for this can be:

• Specializations: Look for programs offering specializations in the areas you are interested in, such as Marketing, Finance, Operations Management, etc.
• Placement Records: Evaluate the placement packages and recruiter profile under your field of interest in every institution.
• Campus Life and Facilities: Browse through the institution’s website and social media pages to get a glimpse of the student life, events, meets, etc. happening in the institution and whether it fits your criteria.

Some popular categories of institutes to consider:

• IIMs and other top-tier institutions like IMNU.
• Universities with global accreditations.
• Institutions focus on offering niche programs in the fields of marketing, finance, HR, etc.

3. Prepare for Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI)

Post-CAT, most institutions conduct GDs and PIs. Here’s how you can prepare for it.

• Stay Updated: Regularly read newspapers and keep yourself up-to-date with current events. This can help you to gain pointers for the GD topics.
• Practice Speaking: You need to be confident while presenting yourself during the personal interviews. Discuss with your peers or join a group to practice discussions and receive feedback.
• Mock Interviews: Appear for mock interviews either simulated online or held by coaching institutes to practice your interview skills.

4. Keep your application documents ready

For many institutions, the application is more than just a formality. It’s an opportunity to show your achievements, qualifications, and goals.

• Statement of Purpose (SOP): Prepare and write a compelling SOP explaining your career goals and why you are a good fit for the program.
• Resume: Update your resume with relevant work experiences, projects, internships, or certifications.

5. Keep track of deadlines and cutoffs

Every college has its particular schedule and criteria for applications and admissions.
Check the cutoffs and eligibility criteria for each program. Maintain a calendar of deadlines to ensure you don’t miss any opportunities.

6. Network and Seek Guidance

• Connect with Alumni: Reach out to the alumni of your preferred institutions to get more information on the college programs.
• Attend Webinars: Many colleges host informational webinars where you can ask questions and learn more.
• Join Forums: Join MBA WhatsApp groups or forums to stay informed with the latest updates on application processes and more.

7. Be financially prepared

MBA programs are an investment. Plan your finances by exploring options like:

• Scholarships and financial aid from your preferred institution.
• Education loans from banks or financial institutions.

Now that you have read through the roadmap post-CAT, here’s a guide to applying for one of the top-tier B-schools in India. Yes, we are speaking about none other than the Institute of Management, Nirma University (IMNU).

At IMNU, you will be part of an immersive learning journey with a blend of academics, industry exposure, and a vibrant campus life. We have jotted down the programs offered, the admission process, and the eligibility criteria for IMNU.

• Programs Offered
  • MBA with Dual Specialization: This is a two-year residential program following a trimester system. The first year primarily consists of core courses and the second year consists of elective courses. The program offers dual specialization (major and minor) in the second year. Students will be awarded a Master’s degree on successful completion of the program.
    • Specializations offered –

1. 1. 1. 1. Marketing
         2. Finance
         3. Operations Management
         4. Digital Transformation and Analytics
         5. International Business
         6. Financial Technology
         7. Logistics Management

• • MBA Human Resource Management (MBA-HRM): This is a two-year full-time residential program and follows a trimester system. The core learning of the program is covered through courses in business, general management, and human resource management across the six terms.
• Intake

• Eligibility

A three-year bachelor’s degree (10+2+3) or equivalent in any discipline from a recognized university with at least 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA. Further, the candidates registered in the program should have appeared in all graduation examinations by the time of joining the program. Any outstanding or backlog status in the graduation examinations would disqualify the candidate from admission.

Candidates appearing in the final year of the Bachelor’s Degree can also apply; provided they meet the minimum eligibility criteria within three months of commencement of the program.

• Entrance Test

Applicants are required to appear for the Common Admission Test [CAT 2023] conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM). Overseas Citizens of India/Foreign Nationals/NRI/Persons of Indian Origin/Children of Indian Workers of Gulf Countries/Southeast Asia candidates can be considered for admission based on their GMAT scores. However, NRI-sponsored candidates will be considered for admission only based on CAT-2023 scores. GMAT scores will not be considered for NRI-sponsored categories.

• Application Process

Applicants are required to fill in the online application form through (https://management.nirmauni.ac.in) and pay the prescribed application fee (non-refundable) through credit card/debit card/net banking before the last date of application.

• Selection Process

Candidates shortlisted based on the CAT score will be called for a Personal Interview and Theme Development & Presentation (TDP) process. The following weights will be assigned to each subcomponent for calculating the composite score for preparing the merit of admission.

For more information and other updates on the admission process, visit the IMNU website.