Too many failed CAT attempts? What next? Alternatives to Take

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the widely attempted management entrance exams. This exam records around 2,50,000 aspirants attempting the exam every year with a very low success rate, i.e., roughly 2-3%. A long list of candidates fails the exam every year. The CAT Result 2025 will be released in January 2026.

Many of them face too many failed CAT attempts despite giving their 100% or scoring 99 percentile, even on their 4th or 5th attempt. Certain reasons affect a good score and prevent you from qualifying for the exam. However, plan B must always be prepared. After 3-4 failed CAT attempts, candidates often ponder over what next or what alternatives to take. One must also analyse the reasons why they fail the CAT exam again and again.

Why do Aspirants Fail the CAT Exam?

The first CAT failure can be endured easily, as the candidates attempting it are aware of the low success rate with high competition. However, it shall be difficult for candidates to give their 4th- 5th attempt and still fail. Based on previous records and talks with such CAT aspirants, people have analysed certain points where the candidates lack and thus face failure despite giving their 100%.

1. Not Attempting Enough Mock Tests

Attempting CAT mock tests 2025 is one of the most important steps in preparing for the CAT exam. The official mock tests are organized in a way to replicates the actual CAT exam. The question pattern, difficulty level, and time duration are all in context to the original exam. Thus, attempting mock tests and sample papers will help the candidates get acquainted with new question patterns and check their preparation at ground level. Candidates often just attempt 2-3 mock tests organized by the conducting body and ignore other formats. Attempting as many questions as possible is the key to coming across all forms of them.

2. Not Starting Early

A major drawback of failing CAT exam is not starting with the preparation at the right time. One must understand that the syllabus and difficulty level of the CAT exam are tough and it levels up with each passing year. Thus, starting early is crucial in its preparation. Candidates are advised to start at least a year before the scheduled exam date to cover the entire syllabus on time. Try completing the syllabus in the first six months, and dedicating the remaining six months for revision and tests. A thorough practice and revision will acquaint the candidates with all formats of questions with less pressure.

3. Pressurizing Yourself

Since the CAT success ratio is too low in comparison to the number of candidates attempting the exam, thus the pressure on the candidates is too much. Candidates are advised to start early to avoid any last-minute rush or the fear of not studying much. Practice meditation and relax your nerves from taking that extra pressure. An exam cannot decide your entire future.

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Next Step After Too Many Failed CAT Attempts

Even after giving your 100% or scoring 99 percentile, candidates fail the CAT exam several times. However, one must always be prepared with plan B. Here are a few steps mentioned to guide you for the next steps to be taken after too many failed CAT attempts.

1. Consider Other MBA Entrance Exams

There are several other MBA entrance exams apart from the Common Admission Test (CAT), such as MAT, XAT, SNAP, and NMAT. These tests are comparatively easier in comparison to the CAT exam and can be easily cracked. Thus the candidates are advised to consider other management exams and prepare for them.

The syllabus too is similar to that of the CAT exam and one shall not face an entire shift. Attempting other exams and selecting top B schools in India will help save time. Except for a few, most of the hiring companies visit all colleges for placement.

2. Explore New Perspectives

Reconsider your decision to do an MBA. There are various other perspectives that one can opt for better placements, such as state government jobs, UPSC, startups, social work, and others. Sometimes people get influenced by their seniors or people around them and take up an MBA as their passion, which later turns out to be a rat race. You are advised to get out of the zone and explore something new.

Also Check: CAT vs IIFT

3. Take a Drop Year

Attempting exams year after year facing failure, and repeating the same next year may be exhausting and mentally tiring. Since the syllabus and pattern remain the same, the preparation remains the same. Thus the candidates are advised to take a drop for a year and invest the time in entertainment and self-development. Explore new places, learn new activities, indulge in social work, or start freelancing or part-time jobs for a change. After a long break of a year with a lot of new activities, the coming year shall count to be more promising and fresh.

4. Go for Government Exams Like SSC, Railway, Bank

Government vacancies are announced almost every year with a good number of seat and comparatively less competition than CAT. Several Group A and B posts promise a high-ranked job with a better package and position. Government jobs will provide you with a social identity as you shall be holding tough positions throughout. The job will also be promising, unlike MBA private hiring.

Click to Read the Top 22 Highest Paying Government Jobs in India 2025

5. Proceed Conjunctly

If even after too many failed CAT attempts you have the passion to pursue an MBA, you are advised to start preparing for it in conjunction with your job. Fetch yourself a private job, probably a work-from-home and prepare for the exam together. CAT preparation needs a lot of financial aid and must not be forced upon parents for the long term. Thus, make yourself financially independent and aid your preparation yourself. This shall also bring a change in the candidate's routine.