you just need to get your OBC certificate corrected and need to inform the CAT helpdesk about this error.
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98 Percentile in CAT 2024: Scoring a 98 percentile in the CAT (Common Admission Test) is a dream for many MBA aspirants. This score places candidates in the top 2% of test-takers, significantly increasing the chances of admission to premier institutes like the IIMs and other top B-schools in India. However, achieving this percentile requires a clear understanding of the score dynamics and preparation strategy.
In this article, we break down the approximate marks required to secure a 98 percentile in CAT 2024, the factors influencing percentile calculation, and tips to achieve this target.
The CAT exam comprises three sections:
Each section is scored out of 68 marks, making the total score 204. However, the scaled score (adjusted based on difficulty levels) determines the percentile.
While the exact marks needed for a 98 percentile vary each year due to factors like exam difficulty and performance of candidates, historical data provides a rough estimate:
VARC: 35-40
DILR: 30-35
QA: 35-40
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These figures are indicative and can shift based on the normalization process and varying levels of competitiveness.
Several factors play a role in determining how many marks correspond to a 98 percentile:
A 98 percentile opens doors to top B-schools such as:
These institutes often shortlist candidates with a strong CAT score coupled with an excellent academic and co-curricular profile.
Securing a 98 percentile in CAT requires a combination of smart preparation, focused practice, and a clear understanding of scoring patterns. By aiming for a score of 105-115, you can significantly boost your chances of joining a top-tier MBA program.
Stay committed, analyze your performance, and align your efforts with past trends to make your CAT 2024 journey a success.
Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Slot 3 | ||||||||||
Percentile | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
99% | 39-40 | 31-32 | 30-31 | 90 | 41-42 | 27-28 | 28-29 | 87 | 42-43 | 28-29 | 30-32 | 93 |
95% | 31-32 | 24-25 | 23-24 | 66 | 33-34 | 22-23 | 22-23 | 63 | 34-35 | 23-24 | 24-25 | 68 |
90% | 25-26 | 19-21 | 17-18 | 56-57 | 26-27 | 18-19 | 16-17 | 55-56 | 27-28 | 19-20 | 17-18 | 58-60 |
85% | 22-23 | 16-18 | 14-15 | 45-46 | 23-24 | 15-17 | 13-14 | 44-45 | 24-25 | 16-17 | 14-15 | 46-48 |
80% | 20-21 | 13-14 | 12-13 | 40-41 | 21-22 | 12-14 | 11-12 | 39-40 | 22-23 | 13-14 | 12-13 | 42-44 |
70% | 16-17 | 11-12 | 10-11 | 35-36 | 17-18 | 11-12 | 10-11 | 35-36 | 18-19 | 12-13 | 11-12 | 37-38 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
With 55 marks in CAT 2024, candidates can expect a 95 percentile.
Focus on understanding concepts, practice extensively, analyze mock test performance, and maintain a consistent study routine.
Yes, regular mock tests help improve time management, accuracy, and familiarity with the exam pattern, which are key to scoring 98 percentile.
On average, 2-3 hours of consistent daily study over 6-8 months, combined with mock tests and analysis, can help achieve this target.
Absolutely! With the right preparation and strategy, candidates from all academic backgrounds can achieve a 98 percentile.
A tougher exam generally reduces the marks needed for higher percentiles, as scaling adjusts for the difficulty level.
Candidates with a 98 percentile can get calls from IIM Lucknow, Indore, Kozhikode, and sometimes IIM Calcutta or Bangalore, depending on their profiles.
Percentile in CAT is calculated based on the scaled score, considering the relative performance of all candidates and normalization for difficulty across slots.
No, admission to IIMs depends on other factors such as academic profile, work experience, and performance in the interview and WAT rounds.
Yes, balanced performance across VARC, DILR, and QA is crucial as each section contributes equally to the overall percentile.
On Question asked by student community
With a 70 percent in CAT Examination, you can go for various B-Schools or private collages. The S. K. Patel Institute of Management in Gandhinagar is an option for those who score 70-80 percent in their CAT examination or The Gujarat Institute of Management (GIM) in Goa with a cutoff of 60-80 percentage. These are the collages you can look for in Gujarat or nearby.
Collage in other regions: BA Colleges Accepting 70-80 Percentile in CAT 2025
Thank You.
Hello dear candidate,
NO. your application for CAT will not rejected for wrong gender small mistake in the OBC NCL certificate. You will be considered as an OBC candidate.
you just need to get your OBC certificate corrected and need to inform the CAT helpdesk about this error.
Hello,
Here are some top MBA colleges in India with fees under Rs. 2 lakh and their exam/cutoff details:
SIMSREE, Mumbai – Fee around Rs. 1.3–1.4 lakh for 2 years. Accepts CAT, CMAT, MAH-CET, MAT, ATMA. Cutoff is very high, usually 99+ percentile in CAT/CMAT.
PUMBA (Dept. of Management Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University) – Fee around Rs. 1.2–1.3 lakh. Accepts CAT, CMAT, MAH-CET, ATMA. Cutoff approx. 75+ percentile in CAT, 90–95+ percentile in CMAT, high scores in MAH-CET.
TISS, Mumbai (MA HRM & other management-related programmes) – Fee around Rs. 1.7–1.9 lakh. Accepts CAT for some courses. Qualifying cutoff is around 60–70 percentile, but final selection cutoffs are higher.
These are the main government institutes where the full MBA/PG programme fee is within Rs. 2 lakh. Cutoffs vary slightly each year and by category, but SIMSREE and PUMBA generally need high scores, while TISS has its own process along with CAT shortlisting.
Hope it helps !
Hey! With a NEET score of 344 in the ST category, it is highly unlikely to get admission in any government BDS college in Delhi through the All India Quota. The cutoff for government BDS seats in Delhi usually falls around 400–450 for ST category, so your score is below that range.
You can consider private dental colleges, state quota seats in other states, or reattempt NEET next year to improve your chances.
Hello dear candidate,
YES, with NEET score 344in the ST category you have high chances of getting admission in a BDS College in J&K through JKBOPEE counselling.
check the seat availability and next participate in JKBOPEE Counselling with all the necessary documents.
Thank you.
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