What is CAT Score?
The CAT exam evaluates candidates on three major sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Each section carries a specific weightage, and candidates are scored based on their performance in these sections.
What is Scaled Score?
A scaled score is a standardized score that has been adjusted or converted to a common scale for comparison purposes. In the context of standardized tests like the CAT, a scaled score is derived from the raw scores obtained by test-takers and is used to compare performances across different versions of the exam or different sections of the same exam. It allows for fair comparison of performances despite variations in difficulty levels or formats of test questions.
What is CAT Percentile?
- It is utilized by top MBA colleges/institutes in India to assess MBA aspirants’ performance and eligibility for admission.
- It’s calculated based on a candidate’s performance relative to others who have taken the CAT exam.
- For instance, scoring in the 90th percentile indicates performing better than 90% of other aspirants.
- MBA colleges use this %iles to shortlist candidates for subsequent rounds like group discussions and personal interviews.
- Each IIM and other top B-schools establish %ile of CAT cut-offs for Personal Interview calls.
While some demand higher percentiles, others have relatively moderate selection criteria. - A higher %ile enhances the likelihood of admission to top IIMs/B-schools.
Factors Affecting CAT Exam Cutoff
Several factors can influence the CAT cutoff:
- Number of Test Takers for the CAT Exam: If the number of test-takers increases, the CAT cut-off generally rises. This is because, while the number of candidates called for further processes remains the same, a higher number of test-takers means those receiving admission calls will have higher cutoffs.
- Difficulty Level of the Exam: An increase in the difficulty level of the CAT tends to lower the %iles. This occurs because the scores of the majority of candidates drop when the exam is more challenging.
- Number of Seats in the Institute: When the number of seats increases, colleges call more candidates to fill these seats, leading to a decrease in the CAT cutoff. Conversely, for a limited number of seats in top B-schools, the cutoffs are very high and competitive.
- University/College Reputation: The reputation of a university and its cutoff score are closely linked. Top institutes attract the best candidates with high percentiles. Therefore, a university that achieves higher ranking and reputation will consequently have a higher cutoff.
What is CAT Percentile Predictor Tool?
It is an artificial tool developed by our Expert Team which is used to estimate a candidate’s CAT percentile score in the CAT exam based on their performance in mock tests, previous years’ data, and other factors. It helps candidates predict their standing relative to other test-takers.
How to Predict CAT percentile of CAT 2023 Exam
CAT percentile is calculated based on three parameters:
- The Total number of candidates appeared in CAT exam,
- The difficulty level of questions across all slots.
- And their individual performance in the CAT exam
For example : If 2,00,000 students appeared in CAT exam and you have scored 2000 rank, then
Your CAT Percentile calculation:
Formula to Calculate = [1 – { 2000/2,00,000 }] * 100 = 99 %ile.
This is Called CAT Percentile of 99. You can also calculate CAT percentile using this formula.
What is CAT College Predictor?
Predictor is a tool designed for CAT aspirants by Expert Team, enabling them to forecast potential admissions to B-schools. It achieves this by evaluating multiple factors like academic performance, work experience, category, CAT score, and gender.
By employing predictive algorithms and scrutinizing admission criteria of top IIMs, this tool furnishes individualized advice, enabling candidates to make informed choices regarding their management studies’ college selections.
This tool based on their CAT performance in 2023 uses smart algorithms and checks IIM admission criteria to help students pick the right college for their management studies.
Predictor will help you to predict your percentile. Use Predictor to know your eligibility criteria and predict yourself for getting admissions in different level of MBA colleges and IIM Institute.
Calculate CAT Score vs Percentile- Predictor 2023
Candidates can check the CAT percentile- predictor using our CAT Score Calculator. calculate performance in CAT for the year 2022. Use CAT score to check your CAT percentile as per CAT 2022 and CAT 2023. High CAT percentile will increase your chance of getting into top Colleges. Compare CAT score versus percentile, and use a predictor for high performance.
IIM & Non – IIM Call Predictor
Here is the Table developed by our Expert Team. We have mentioned Category wise Minimum Percentage required for IIM Admission. With the help of this tool you can get an idea of minimum score in order to receive a call from IIM and other top MBA colleges. It is important to note that each IIM has on unique eligibility criteria and weightage for the cat.
CAT 2023 – CAT 2024
According to the percentile of 2023, you can get an idea of CAT 2024, how should I prepare and how much should I score to get top IIM’s or top MBA colleges of India. Using the CAT 2023 score vs percentile data, candidates can determine if they have achieved a good CAT score, aiming for an 85 percentile or higher to secure an IIM call. They can then check their CAT 2023 percentile and compare their score to assess their performance.
CAT 2023, CAT Score Vs Percentile
| Percentile | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
| 100 | 61.66 | 50.4 | 49.46 | 142.9 |
| 99.99 | 57.19 | 42.66 | 44.89 | 19.76 |
| 99.9 | 51.14 | 36.58 | 34.96 | 101.09 |
| 99.5 | 44 | 30.58 | 28.28 | 84.29 |
| 99 | 39.83 | 27.29 | 26.74 | 76.15 |
| 95 | 28.78 | 18.92 | 16.87 | 54.86 |
| 90 | 23.37 | 15.63 | 13.63 | 46 |
| 80 | 17.58 | 11.67 | 9.2 | 34.36 |
Subject Wise – VARC
| VARC Section | No Of Questions |
| VA | 2×4 = 8 |
| RC | 4×4 = 16 |
| Percentile | CAT Score |
| 100 | 57 |
| 99.9 | 48 |
| 99.5 | 43 |
| 99+ | 40 |
| 98 | 35 |
| 95 | 29 |
| 90 | 24 |
Subject Wise – DILR
| DILR Section | No Of Questions |
| DI | 5X4=20 |
| LR | |
| Percentile | CAT Score |
| 100 | 48 |
| 99.9 | 39 |
| 99.5 | 34 |
| 99+ | 29 |
| 98 | 27 |
| 95 | 19 |
| 90 | 24 |
Subject Wise – QA (Quantitative Aptitude)
| VARC Section | No Of Questions |
| QA | 2×4 = 8 |
| RC | 4×4 = 16 |
| Percentile | Score |
| 100 | 57 |
| 99.9 | 47 |
| 99.5 | 43 |
| 99+ | 33 |
| 98 | 29 |
| 95 | 22 |
| 90 | 17 |
Minimum Percentile Required to get into IIM’s

Conclusion
Candidates can utilize the CAT 2023 exam to calculate their CAT raw score and performance in each section of CAT. Those aiming for a 70 percentile can check their CAT percentile using a predictor like the IIM call predictor 2023, predictor 2023-24, or CAT predictor. Additionally, candidates can use the scaled CAT response sheet to check their performance in each section and predict their chances of getting a 99th percentile. It’s essential to stay updated on any changes in the CAT exam pattern or criteria for admission to IIMs and other institutes.
Candidates can calculate their CAT performance for the year CAT 2022 using the updated CAT score versus percentile data; they can check their expected CAT score and percentile using the CAT college predictor.
With 66 questions in CAT, getting a 70 percentile requires high performance in many CAT sections. Candidates can use their CAT score to predict their performance in each section and compare it from the 2017 CAT data onwards. You will get an overall idea.
Frequently Asked Questions on CAT ( Calculation of Metrics)
Q.1: What do you mean by percentile in CAT?
Answer: It indicates that a candidate’s performance is relative to other candidates performance in the Exam. For example, suppose any students scored 90 percentile, it means he/she have scored better than 90% of test-takers.
Q.2: Do IIMs and top MBA colleges release any cut-offs for admission on their websites?
Answer: No, no any IIMs or any top MBA colleges of India release any admission cut-offs on their websites. The cut-offs are estimated by the students and others based on admission data available over the years.
Q.3: What percentile is considered safe for getting admission in top IIMs?
Answer: The answer will be 99 percentile in CAT 2024 will be safe for getting admission in top IIMs including IIM mumbai, IIM Bangalore, IIM Lucknow.
Q.4: Is there major difference in CAT Score Versus Percentile in CAT 2020, CAT 2021, CAT 2022, CAT 2023?
Answer: Yes definitely Each year has different number of Candidates appear in Exam, Different difficulty level of Exam, different Criteria set by top colleges.
Q.5: What is the CAT cut off for top IIMs – BLACKI for General category?
Answer: For General category students, the CAT cut-offs at top IIMs – Bangalore, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Kozhikode, and Indore (BLACKI) are typically high, usually in the range of 98-100 percentile.
Q.6: What is the minimum CAT percentile requirement for getting admission in IIM?
Answer: The minimum percentile requirement for admission to IIMs varies from year to year and depends on factors such as the number of applicants and the specific institute’s selection criteria. Generally, a percentile above 90 is considered competitive for securing admission to IIMs.
Q.7: What is a good attempt in CAT 2023?
Answer: A good attempt in CAT 2023 depends on both accuracy and the number of questions attempted. To achieve a 99 percentile, it was necessary to score 84 marks by correctly answering at least 27 questions. A good attempt with moderate to good accuracy would be 33-35 questions.
Q.8: Which IIM conducts the toughest CAT?
Answer: In 2021, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore) conducted the toughest CAT Paper for the past eight years.
Q.9: What is CAT percentile, and how does it relate to scores?
Answer: CAT Common Admission Test percentile indicates a candidate’s performance compared to others. Scores determine percentiles, with higher scores in CAT generally corresponds to higher percentiles.
Q.10: How can I check my CAT result and percentile?
Answer: You can access your CAT result, including percentile, through the official CAT website or portal.
Q.11: Is there a CAT percentile calculator available online?
Answer: Yes, there are various available sites online can estimate your CAT percentile based on your raw score and other factors.
Q.12: What percentile is considered good for CAT aspirants?
Answer: Achieving a percentile above 90 is generally considered excellent for all aspirants of CAT.
Q.13: How can I predict my percentile for CAT Exam 2023 – 24?
Answer: Utilize CAT percentile predictors available online, which analyze your performance and provide an estimate based on past trends and algorithms.
Q.14: Can I use my Score to apply to colleges accepting CAT scores?
Answer: Score of CAT is automatically converted into Percentile. Either you calculate from your side or use online Formula to get into Percentile.
Q.15: What factors does CAT percentile depend on?
Answer: CAT percentile depends on various factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, the number of questions attempted, and the accuracy of responses.
Q.16: Where can I find updated information about CAT and its percentile requirements?
Answer: Stay updated through official CAT websites, educational portals, and CAT preparation materials for the latest information and trends.
Q.17: Is 90 percentile is good for getting admission in TOP IIM’s?
Answer: Yes, You can get admission second level IIM’s
Q.18: What can I expect from 70 percentile in CAT?
Answer: At a 70 percentile, you may not be eligible for the top-tier IIMs or other highly reputed B-schools. However, you can still apply to several decent management institutes. These may include newer IIMs, private universities, and state-level colleges that accept lower scores.