If you’re preparing for the CAT exam, you’ve probably heard about scores and percentiles — but what exactly do they mean? How do they relate to each other? And why is understanding this connection so crucial for your MBA dreams? Don’t worry; this guide will explain everything in a simple, clear, and relatable way.
What Is the CAT Score?
The CAT score is the total marks you earn based on your answers in the exam. The CAT exam consists of sections like Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI). Each correct answer earns you points (+3 marks), while incorrect answers might deduct points (-1 mark), and some questions don’t carry any marks.
Your total marks in the exam give your CAT score, which is an absolute number. For example, if you score 150 out of 204 marks, that is your raw or actual CAT score [1].
What Is the CAT Percentile?
The CAT percentile is a relative measure. It shows how well you’ve performed compared to all other candidates who took the test. If you have a 90 percentile, it means you scored higher than 90% of all test-takers. In simple words, your performance puts you in the top 10% of candidates.
Percentiles are vital because they often determine whether you get shortlisted for top MBA colleges, like the IIMs or other prestigious B-schools [2].
How Do Scores and Percentiles Connect?
Think of the score as your raw marks based purely on how many questions you answered correctly. The percentile, however, compares your score with everyone else’s, putting your performance into context.
Example for Better Clarity
Suppose 3,00,000 students appeared for the CAT exam. You scored enough to rank 6,000th among all candidates. Using the formula:
Your CAT percentile = [1 – (your rank / total candidates)] × 100
= [1 – (6000 / 300000)] × 100 = 98
This means you are in the 98th percentile — you performed better than 98% of test-takers!
Why Is Understanding the Relationship Important?
Knowing how your raw score translates into a percentile helps you set realistic goals and understand where you stand. Generally, to secure admission into top colleges like the IIMs, you need to target a percentile above 99. This high percentile requires scoring well because the percentile is influenced by the overall difficulty level and the performance of other candidates.
Past Trends and Score Percentile Relationship
Based on recent data, achieving a score of around 96+ in CAT usually results in a percentile of 99 or above. For instance, in 2024, a score of approximately 123 out of 204 might correspond to the 99.9 percentile [3].
How To Improve Your Scores and Percentiles?
To raise your percentile, focus on increasing your raw score by practicing more questions, mastering exam strategies, and taking mock tests under timed conditions. Also, understanding the difficulty level of your exam sessions can help you plan better.
Summary
– The score is your raw marks based on correct/incorrect answers.
– The percentile shows your performance relative to other candidates.
– Higher scores usually lead to higher percentiles, but the exact relationship varies depending on exam difficulty and candidate performance.
Final Tips for Aspirants
1. Aim for high scores in each section, not just overall.
2. Practice regularly with mock tests to understand the exam pattern.
3. Stay updated, with past years’ trends to estimate what scores correspond to your target percentiles.
4. Remember, a high percentile is what matters most for top MBA colleges, and it’s a reflection of competitive performance relative to others.
Conclusion
- Understanding the difference and connection between CAT scores and percentiles can boost your confidence and strategy for exam day. Focus on improving your raw scores, and the percentiles will follow. Stay consistent in your preparation, and you’ll be on your way to cracking the CAT and securing a seat at your dream B-school!
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