Top 5 Common Mistakes While Filling The CAT Form
“Are you about to take the CAT plunge? Beware of these form-filling landmines!”
Amidst the enthusiasm of CAT 2023, where aspirations run high and preparations are in full swing, a common hurdle emerges—errors while filling out the application form. But fear not! We’re here to help you navigate this challenge and ensure your CAT form is a flawless masterpiece.
“Pause for a moment, not just any form, but the CAT form itself. Take a deep breath, because we are here once more, ready to shield you from the pitfalls that can, at best, add unnecessary stress to your journey, and at worst, jeopardize your coveted spot in your dream B-school.
Avoid these Top 5 Common Mistakes while filling the CAT (Common Admission Test) form. Ensure a smooth application process and maximize your chances of success with these insightful tips and insights.”
Personal Details
Believe it or not, amidst the complexities of CAT preparation, it’s the simplest details that often trip us up. We’re talking about the fundamentals we tend to overlook—our own names, mobile numbers, and emails. (And yes, those occasional head-scratching moments in Quant and DILR too!)
As you embark on the CAT form-filling journey, these initial fields demand your utmost attention. They’re the gateway to your aspirations! Your name, mobile number, and email—these are the cornerstones. Expect separate OTPs for mobile and email verification, so stay vigilant. And, in the whirlwind of it all, don’t let your username and password slip away, for they’re the keys to your future.
A snapshot of you, captured in a recent photograph, is the finishing touch. Remember, it’s not just for the form; it’s also destined for your admit card. Keep a couple of extras handy; they might just be your ticket to success. For the official Photo Specifications, Click Here.
Academic and Work Experience details
This section of the CAT form demands your utmost precision. Academic and work-ex details are not just data; they’re the foundation upon which B-school dreams are built.
Here’s the golden rule: Check, double-check, and then triple-check those marks. In this realm, even the slightest oversight can have colossal consequences for your admissions. Stay vigilant, and your path to success will remain unobstructed.
Another crucial step in the CAT form-filling journey is the conversion of your CGPA to percentage, a task that requires meticulous attention. Typically, Boards and Universities provide a formula for this conversion, which should be your go-to guide.
However, if you find yourself in a situation where your educational institution doesn’t have a specific conversion scheme in place, fear not. The official registration guidelines offer a clear directive: “If any Board/University/Institution confirms that there is no scheme for converting CGPA into equivalent marks, the equivalence would be established by dividing the candidate’s CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA, and multiplying the result with 100.”
So, in this number-crunching dance, precision is key, and the CAT path remains smooth for you.
In the Work Experience section, you’re required to fill your work-ex duration till 31st July, 2023. Only full-time work experience after graduation counts. Any Part-time/Project/Internship/Articleship/Pre-graduation work experience is not considered. And this work experience has to be paid.
Certificates
The category section of the CAT 2023 form is where you carve your unique identity, yet it’s also a labyrinth where confusion can creep in. Here’s a guiding light: ensure that the certificates you’re uploading are the genuine articles, following the precise format stipulated on the official CAT website.
But that’s not all. The validity of your certificates is a treasure chest of opportunity. Take, for instance, your NC-OBC Certificate, a vital piece of the puzzle. It must bear the official seal of the Government of India and holds its value for a limited 6-12 months span, subject to state regulations.
In this journey of precision, let your category shine, and let your certificates pave the way for your future.
Selecting Programs
Here’s a common pitfall that candidates often stumble into while navigating the CAT form: being overly selective when choosing specific IIMs or programs. But here’s a golden nugget of advice: at this stage, go ahead and select ALL programs offered by ALL the IIMs.
Why, you ask? Well, the future is an enigmatic canvas, and you never quite know what it holds. By casting a wide net now, you preserve your options for later. Plus, here’s the good news: interviewers aren’t going to scrutinize your choices. Once you’ve made your selections, there’s no turning back the clock. So, for the sake of your CAT journey, consider embracing the “select ALL” mantra!
Selecting Interview and Test Cities
The CAT form offers you a canvas with six choices for your preferred test cities, each a potential stepping stone to your dream. These selections determine your test centre, and while rarity has its charm, it also extends to the scenario where none of your preferred cities are available. In such cases, fret not; we’ll ensure you land in a nearby test city.
Now, here’s the twist: While the allure of Goa might be tempting, and its siren call hard to resist, consider this—choose cities aligned with your current location or, better yet, where you’ll be in November, on the all-important D-day. Goa can certainly wait; perhaps it can be your post-victory, celebratory holiday after conquering the CAT!
When it comes to selecting your interview cities, picture this: the interview season is a whirlwind, wrapping up in just a few weeks. To ensure you’re at your absolute best during these crucial moments, we recommend keeping your interview cities in close proximity. Minimize the fatigue of constant travel, and watch your performance shine during those make-or-break interviews.
IN CONCLUSION…
There you have it, the quintessential top 5 errors that often sneak into the CAT form-filling process. Once your canvas is painted with your aspirations, remember this golden rule: before you hit that submit button, take a moment to meticulously review every stroke.
But here’s a little secret: the power of fresh perspective is like a hidden gem. Don’t hesitate to invite a second set of eyes to explore your form. In the world of CAT, precision reigns supreme, and with this collective effort, you’re poised for success!
Perhaps not the all-seeing eyes, but a trusted friend or family member can be your guardian angels in this final phase. Enlist their help to give your form a quick once-over.
With this support, you’re well on your way to a CAT form as pristine as a clear night sky. Wishing you all the success in the world! May your CAT form be a beacon of error-free perfection, and may your path ahead be blessed with stress-free brilliance