Online MBA Vs CAT Reattempt: Which MBA Path Is Right for You?

Over 2 to 3 lakh aspirants appear for the CAT exam every year with high hopes of getting admission to the IIMs or top business schools in India. The harsh reality is that approximately 2% of the participating candidates actually make it to the IIMs. For most of the candidates, the journey gets a little more complicated. Why? Because they are stuck between the choice of reattempting the CAT exam in the next year and exploring alternative paths like the online MBA.

When CAT results do not match your expectations, a decision point arises. At this juncture, most of you must be struggling with the thought of investing another year in CAT preparation and putting your career growth on pause. On the other hand, you have the option to pursue an online MBA while continuing your work as usual without any pause. This is not an uncommon situation, and many working professionals no longer rely that much on CAT for a quality MBA degree. However, there’s no denying that the prestige and credibility of IIM are unmatched.

So, what’s the right course then? In this blog, let’s understand both options in detail, their benefits and the difference each of them will have on your future.

What is CAT Exam and why does it Matter?

CAT or Common Admission Test (CAT), is the gateway for aspirants to pursue postgraduate management programmes in India. It is one of the toughest exams in India and is thus considered the most valuable. CAT is conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management for admission to MBA programmes. This IIM MBA entrance exam marks the entry point for MBA in many reputed colleges like MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, NMIMS, and others, apart from IIMs.

The CAT exam assesses you in three key areas: 

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  Quantitative ability, in which your problem-solving skills and numerical aptitude are evaluated.
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  Data interpretation and logical reasoning, where your analytical and logical thinking are tested.
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  Verbal ability and reading comprehension section tests your communication and comprehension skills.

But why does CAT hold such high value?

CAT is not just any MBA entrance exam, it is the boarding pass to India’s most elite management institutions. Therefore, scoring the highest marks in CAT turns into a fierce competition. Having appeared in the CAT benefits you in many ways, like:

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  CAT scores are a basic requirement for admission to IIMs and various other business schools in India.
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  It gives you placement power. When you study at one of the top institutes in the country, you naturally attract the best recruiters in the market. Thus, it enhances your career opportunities.
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  All this leads to wider and better networking opportunities. In top-tier institutions, you get access to a vast network of industry professionals and alumni.

Also Read: How many students appear for CAT every year?

Challenges Faced During CAT

Competing in the CAT exam is no cakewalk. Every year, lakhs of students appear for only a fraction of available seats. Candidates face many challenges during this period; here are a few of them:

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  It becomes tough to beat the high competition and cut-throat percentile.
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  You need an intense preparation of 8 to 12 months, for which you might have to quit your job.
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  All the intense preparation may lead to mental stress and burnout.
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  It leaves at the beginning again if you are not able to qualify for the exam.

Online MBA: The Modern Alternative

Not every candidate is ready to invest another year in preparing for the CAT exam. Instead, they find a smarter and efficient way to earn their MBA degree. What’s this new age alternative? It’s the flexible online MBA programme which gives you access to a learning experience at top business schools like NMIMS, Symbiosis, Amity and others. While there are many myths and questions that surround the online MBA degree, there are interactive and UGC approved institutions which go beyond the rumours.

If you choose to go for an online MBA programme, you won’t have to wait for another year to appear in the CAT exam. Now, the list of top online MBA colleges in India not only includes few IIMs but also other universities such as NMIMS and Symbiosis. This will accelerate all your career plans because a delayed MBA means a longer wait time for career growth and a salary hike.

What are the Benefits of an Online MBA?

Wondering how an online MBA benefits you in this situation? Here’s the answer:

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  Flexible learning structure: You can study at your own pace from anywhere while working, making it easier to balance work and academics. In this programme, you learn via live lectures, evening classes, recorded lessons, regular assignments and projects.
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  No quitting or hitting a pause: If you do not want to hit pause on your dream of acquiring an MBA degree, online education is your way. Unless you quit your job and go for a regular MBA. Whereas, if you wish to prepare more and reattempt the CAT exam, you will have to hit a pause on your future plans for yet another year.
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  Validity and credibility across the globe: Yes, your online MBA degree is valid across the globe for further education and jobs, provided you have pursued it from a UGC-DEB-approved university.
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  No CAT dependency: It doesn’t matter whether you have qualified for CAT or not, most universities do not require direct admission criteria for their online MBA programme.

Also Read: Job Opportunities and salary after online MBA

Comparison Between Online MBA vs Reattempting CAT

Let’s break down the different aspects of both options to help with your decision:

Summing Up

Choosing between an online MBA and reattempting the CAT is not about finding the universal option. It is about choosing the better choice for you. If you are ready to dedicate another year and chase CAT, go for it. Whereas, if you want quick growth and are working, an online MBA would be a better choice for you. Both career paths can yield excellent results if done with consistency and determination. So, to find the right, you must identify your needs, expectations and entire situation.