Cracking CAT is just the first step in the journey to getting into a top Indian Institute of Management (IIM) or other prestigious business schools. Here's what happens next:

1. CAT Result & Percentile Calculation (January)

• After the CAT exam (held in November), the results are usually declared in January.
• You receive your percentile, which determines your eligibility for various B-schools.

2. Shortlisting for GD-PI/WAT Rounds (January - February)

• Top B-schools (including IIMs) release their cutoffs and shortlist candidates.
• Shortlisting is based on CAT score, academic record, work experience, and diversity factors.
• Selected candidates are invited for the next stage:
  • Group Discussion (GD) or Written Ability Test (WAT)
  • Personal Interview (PI)

3. GD-PI/WAT Preparation (February - March)

• Group Discussion (GD): Panel assesses communication, leadership, and analytical skills.
• Written Ability Test (WAT): Candidates write essays on current topics or abstract ideas.
• Personal Interview (PI): Questions revolve around academics, work experience, personal goals, and general knowledge.

4. Final Selection & Admission Offers (April - May)

• After evaluating CAT score + GD/PI/WAT performance + academics + work experience, institutes release final admission lists.
• Selected candidates receive admission letters from IIMs and other B-schools.

5. Joining the MBA Program (June - July)

• The academic session starts in June or July.
• Students enter a rigorous 2-year MBA journey, full of case studies, internships, and networking opportunities.

After cracking the CAT exam, you need to prepare for the admission process at various B-schools which typically includes shortlisting based on your CAT score, followed by further rounds like Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussions (GD), and Personal Interviews (PI) to secure a seat at your desired institution for an MBA program