Does a year gap for CAT preparation adversely affect my chances of admission in IIMs?

As per my experience I don't think that an year gap affects for CAT preparation adversely affects your chances of getting admission in any institute in IIMs or any other institute of India. The entire interview process is meant to gauge the students on their knowledge, skills and attitudes as well as their inclination of doing a MBA program. If you are dropping out of your current job for one year there should be a justification as to what were the reason for opting out of your job. There are various examples of students who have scored a hundred percentile while working and thus the interviewers always discuss the reasons for dropping out. But, if you are able to justify it well and convince them about yourself. I personally don't think that it would negatively affect your chances into IIMs or any other institute of India.

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Hello, As far as my concern goes, no an year gap for CAT preparation does not adversely affect your chances of getting into an IIM. All that matters is how well you have utilised the time. And if that one year gap preparation helps you score a score enough to crack CAT, then there you go. Your percentile would speak for that gap year of yours. Go ahead. Preapare well. Good Luck.

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As long as one has spent his/her time wisely and made the most of that in one year gap, it will not adversely affect one's chances of admissions in any of the IIMs (or other top ranked non-IIMs for that matter). It is quite possible that one could not devote enough time and manage both the college studies and CAT preparation at the same time while pursuing graduation. Thus, one is forced to take a year's drop to ensure better results in CAT and other exams. It is strongly recommended not to take a gap solely for the CAT preparation, as not only it is necessary, but also it will create a negative impact during the admission process of the various B-schools. During this gap, I advise the aspirants to spend time in a very productive manner. This is possible by involving in one or many of the following: doing certification courses related to your area of interest or would-be MBA specialization, internship, social work, research papers, etc. This will, undoubtedly, ensure your resume stands out from the other freshers and thereby reducing the existing cut-throat competition. Lastly, I would conclude by saying that if you really want to take a gap for CAT preparation then you can go ahead. But rather make the most of it and strengthen your chances of converting your interview call. Wish you all the best for your CAT preparation!

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Yes, it does affect your chances of getting admission from IIMs if you only gap the year for preparation of CAT exam. I will advise you not to drop a year just for the CAT preparation. It will be better that you can do something productive along with preparation which can convince the interview panel then you have better chances of admission. Something productive can be startup, MOOCs, Industrial training, internships, publications, etc. I wish you Good Luck for CAT exam and for its preparation! But, please don't drop a year just for CAT exam preparation. I hope this helps you!

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