Long-post please read until the end.
I dont post or use reddit that often but it’s better to ask here rather than getting unrealistic advice from chat gpt.
As the title suggests, i’m confused on which B-school entrance exam should i give.
Let me give you some context/my academics report till now.
10th:- 8.8CGPA or 83.6% (CBSE) (completed in 2017)
12th:- 72.6% (CBSE) (completed in 2019) (not very proud with my results but we have to live with it)
Graduation:- B.Tech CSE with 7.96 CGPA or 79.60% (completed in 2023)
Currently working as a Software developer, will be completing 3 years in the same company in which i joined in this December.
Reason from shifting to Management from Tech heavy profile:-
To be very honest, i was never really good at coding. My coding skills DSA etc. are weak so M.Tech is not an option for me.
Since my coding skills were weak i decided to take up Data Science during my 3rd year but unfortunately didn’t land a job in the same profile and had to make do with a backend developer role which i somehow managed. Tried to switch back to what i like (data science/analytics roles) but didn’t get any opportunities.
Was really very curious about the management/consultant type roles hence decided to switch. I don’t mind the transition from Tech to Management.
Coming to the entrance exams.
During my initial research, found out that even if i get a good percentile in CAT (hypothetically speaking) due to my low academic scores, i will be rejected by most IIMs.
Shifted my focus to GMAT FE. But there ROI is very low. The fees to give the exam is high, the fees of institutions are high as well, but that was alright since i had my parent’s support.
Recently got to know about FMS, that with low academics but high CAT score, there’s a sliver of chance that one could get accepted in it.
My main question is, considering my background, average academics and work experience. Should i stick with GMAT only or give CAT as well.
Giving CAT only makes sense when (again hypothetically speaking) i get high percentile and get accepted by a good institution regardless of my average academics.
Thanks for reading.
TLDR:- Average/poor academics with 2.5 years of work experience. Which entrance exam should i go for CAT or GMAT?