CAT Percentile 2024, Calculation Percentile, What is A Good CAT Score

A strong CAT score for leading B-schools generally ranges from 198 to 180 raw marks. These scores are later converted into CAT percentiles to finalize results. However, what qualifies as an impressive CAT score can differ among institutions because each college establishes its own CAT cutoff score to select candidates.

To select the appropriate B-school, it’s crucial to estimate your expected CAT percentile. Utilizing a CAT 2024 percentile predictor tool can help in identifying schools that match your budget and align with your exam performance or score.

The best B schools have a higher range of CAT thresholds, 90+ percentile, while the mid-range B-School cutoff range, 75% 80th percentile and the lower B-School limits have a cutoff range of around 50 percentiles. The Result of the CAT will be published in December 2024/January 2025.

CAT Percentile 2024

A percentile represents the relative position of a candidate compared to others who took the exam. To calculate percentiles in CAT, institutions follow a specific marking and equating process. Raw scores are adjusted by equating and standardized across different sections. These standardized scores are then converted into percentiles to facilitate selection.

Candidates can access their CAT scorecards online. Based on their CAT percentile, overall CAT score, and sectional cut-offs, candidates receive interview calls from various IIMs and other non-IIM management institutions for the subsequent rounds of selection.

What is a CAT Score?

The CAT score reflects a candidate’s performance in the entrance exam, which consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). In total, candidates attempt 66 questions across these sections, with the maximum achievable score being 193 marks.

Candidates’ CAT scores are calculated based on the marking scheme of the exam. Each correct answer earns +3 marks, while each incorrect answer results in a deduction of -1 mark. Unattempted questions do not affect the score. The CAT score is calculated using the following formula:

CAT Score=(Number of Correct Answers×3)−Number of Incorrect Answers

This formula considers only the correct and incorrect responses to determine the candidate’s total raw score in the CAT exam.

What is a CAT Percentile Predictor?

The CAT percentile predictor utilizes data from over 40,000 students who participated in last year’s CAT exam to estimate your CAT score and percentile based on your actual exam performance. With an anticipated 3 lakh+ candidates expected to appear this year, understanding your projected results early can help you strategize effectively for IIM MBA admissions, considering the intense competition. It’s wise to stay informed and explore your options well in advance.

How is the CAT Percentile Calculated?

The CAT percentile is determined by converting each candidate’s raw score to a standardized scale. Through the normalization process, any variations in exam difficulty across different slots are adjusted. The CAT percentile is calculated using the formula:

This calculation ensures that each candidate’s percentile reflects their performance relative to all other candidates who took the exam, considering the same scale and standardization across multiple slots.

IIM Admission Criteria and Selection Process

The admission criteria and selection process for management courses at IIMs and other B-schools typically follow several stages:

• CAT Percentile: Candidates must achieve a valid CAT score. Admission to IIMs is primarily based on CAT scores. Older IIMs like Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Lucknow, and Kozhikode typically shortlist candidates with CAT percentiles of 99+; newer IIMs like Mumbai, Kashipur, Bodh Gaya, Vizag, and others may shortlist candidates with CAT percentiles ranging from 85 to 90.
• Written Test/GD and Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited to participate in a written ability test, group discussion, or personal interview, depending on the institute’s selection process.
• Release of Final Admission Results by IIMs: After completing the selection process, final admission results are announced. The final composite score of a candidate is considered, incorporating parameters such as previous academic performance, CAT score, work experience, performance in GD and interview rounds, and gender diversity. The weightage assigned to each parameter varies between institutes.

CAT Cut-off 2024 (Expected)

Candidates achieving a 99+ percentile in CAT qualify for management programs at the six older IIMs, while those in the 90-95 percentile range are eligible for newer IIMs. Pursuing an MBA from IIMs is a coveted goal, offering top-tier education and ample opportunities for skill enhancement in management and entrepreneurship. IIM graduates also attract high-paying job offers from leading companies.

Here’s a summary of CAT cutoff percentiles, course fees, and average packages offered by various IIMs and other top B-schools:

Top IIMs

Other IIMs

Other Top B-Schools

CAT Score vs Percentile 2024

Analyzing CAT scores and percentiles helps candidates understand how their raw scores translate into percentiles. Referencing the expected CAT 2024 score vs percentile table, derived from previous years’ cutoffs and percentile data, provides insight into this conversion process.

Factors Influencing CAT 2024 Cut-Off

After completing the CAT exam, candidates access their scorecards online. Each institute then sets its unique cutoff score for the admission process, which is influenced by several factors:

• Challenge Level of the Exam: The difficulty of the CAT exam in a given year affects the cutoff scores.
• Number of Candidates: The total number of candidates taking the CAT exam can impact cutoffs, with higher competition potentially raising the cutoffs.
• Previous Years’ Cut-Offs: Institutions often consider trends from past years to set current cutoffs, ensuring consistency and competitiveness.
• Seat Availability: The number of available seats in specific colleges also plays a crucial role in determining cutoff scores, as institutions manage admissions based on capacity.

Section-Wise Good CAT Score

Securing an 80+ percentile in CAT enables candidates to seek admission in esteemed B-Schools such as IBS Hyderabad, IIT Delhi, NIT Trichy, and Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management. Candidates achieving a 70 percentile in CAT are more likely to find admission opportunities at B-schools like JIMS, XIME Bangalore, and IILM Institute of Higher Education, Delhi.

The table below outlines section-wise target questions and required accuracy rates for achieving a good score in the CAT exam:

Candidates can gauge their performance in the CAT exam using the following percentiles:

• Excellent: 90-99 percentile
• Good: 80-89 percentile
• Average: 70-79 percentile
• Bad: Below 60 percentile

What Constitutes a Strong CAT Score in 2024?

A competitive CAT score in 2024 is essential for gaining admission to prestigious management colleges. Below is a summary of the ranges for both overall and sectional scores that are considered indicative of a strong CAT performance:

Good CAT Score for IIM Admission

Scoring 99+ percentile in CAT is highly regarded for securing admission into top IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore. Achieving a 99 percentile can also pave the way for admission to IIM Calcutta. However, several IIMs admit candidates with CAT scores as low as 90 percentile.

Good CAT Score for Non-IIMs

Non-IIM institutions across India also utilize CAT scores as a criterion for selecting candidates for their MBA programs. Here are some of these institutions along with their corresponding CAT percentile cutoffs:

CAT Percentile 2024 FAQs

Candidates with questions about the CAT Percentile 2024 can leave comments in the comments box.

Sunil Kushwaha

As a dedicated Biology Science graduate, I’m passionate about sharing the latest updates in national and state entrance exams through my blog. I aim to keep aspiring students informed about exam trends, important dates, and changes in syllabi. With a keen interest in education, I strive to offer valuable insights for students navigating the competitive landscape of entrance examinations and admission tests. Stay updated with me.