Communication skills are important at the GD/ interview stage. If you are weak in this, I suggest you go through my book, ‘An Introduction to CAT-Tips from an IIM Alumnus’ carefully. It can be purchased from: http://www.pearsoned.co.in/web/books/9788131733400_An-Introduction-to-the-CAT_Sidharth-Balakrishna.aspx or from leading retail shops. My book provides you clear tips on how to go about GDs and Interviews, what kind of questions/ topics you get, what your answer can be etc You should put in at least 3-4 hours now every day for CAT.( Answered by Mr.Sidharth Balakrishna, Author & IIM C Alumnus )

: It will be profitable if you make it to a good, top-notch institute. Just getting a degree may not help; it must be from a good institute. Evaluate the quality of institute carefully; and more information on how to do this is given in my book. Link to its site, from where it can be purchased is: http://www.pearsoned.co.in/web/books/9788131733400_An-Introduction-to-the-CAT_Sidharth-Balakrishna.aspx or from leading retail shops.( Answered by Mr. Sidharth Balakrishna, Author & IIM C Alumnus)

Distance learning is a mixed bag, and may or may not help you. Some of the IIMs, SP Jain, Symbiosis etc offer such programs for executives/ distance courses.(Answered by Mr. Sidharth Balakrishna, Author & IIM C Alumnus)

You should only take CAT if you are in your final year of Graduation-or as per the terms and conditions in the prospectus. Not adhering to these terms, could be a risk and may result in penalties. Please have a look at the prospectus for the terms and conditions-varies from institute to institute.( Answered by Mr.Sidharth Balakrishna, Autor & IIM C alumnus)

Your graduation marks are also counted for your MBA admissions in the aggregate final score for most MBA institutes. So you need to pay attention to both!( Answered by Mr.Sidharth Balakrishna, Author & IIM C alumnus)

My own book ‘An Introduction to the CAT’, published by Pearson Education will help you for CAT. This has been a best seller and has received excellent feedback from the market. http://www.pearsoned.co.in/web/books/9788131733400_An-Introduction-to-the-CAT_Sidharth-Balakrishna.aspx You can get this book through an on-line purchase or through leading retailers. (Answered by Mr.Sidharth Balakrishna,Author & IIM C Alumnus)

Your previous academic record is one of the criteria that some (not all) MBA colleges look at, but it is not the only criteria. Your performance in the written exam, GD/ Interviews etc also will play a role. So you should definitely try!( Answered by Mr.Sidharth Balakrishna,Author & IIM C Alumnus)

You will have to see as to which institutes in Canada accept this score. Your extra-curriculars and work experience should be highlighted, which will increase your chances.( Answered by Mr. Sidharth Balakrishna, Author & IIM C Alumnus)

Certifications may not help too much at the Interview stage at least for the top institutes, but could help sometimes in time of placements. (Answered by Mr. Sidharth Balakrishna, Author & IIM C Alumnus)

You will have to look at the prospectus of the various institutes that you apply to. Mostly, the IIMs ask for ‘fully-paid work experience after Graduation’. A proper certificate proving work experience will be needed. (Answered by Mr. Sidharth Balakrishna, Author & IIM C Alumnus)