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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
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 |
Typically, 105-115 marks (out of 204) are required for a 98 percentile in CAT. However, the exact score may vary based on the difficulty level and candidate performance.
Yes, balanced performance across VARC, DILR, and QA is crucial as each section contributes equally to the overall percentile.
No, admission to IIMs depends on other factors such as academic profile, work experience, and performance in the interview and WAT rounds.
Percentile in CAT is calculated based on the scaled score, considering the relative performance of all candidates and normalization for difficulty across slots.
Candidates with a 98 percentile can get calls from IIM Lucknow, Indore, Kozhikode, and sometimes IIM Calcutta or Bangalore, depending on their profiles.
A tougher exam generally reduces the marks needed for higher percentiles, as scaling adjusts for the difficulty level.
Absolutely! With the right preparation and strategy, candidates from all academic backgrounds can achieve a 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.
Yes, regular mock tests help improve time management, accuracy, and familiarity with the exam pattern, which are key to scoring 98 percentile.
Focus on understanding concepts, practice extensively, analyze mock test performance, and maintain a consistent study routine.
With 55 marks in CAT 2024, candidates can expect a 95 percentile.
KL-MAT exam syllabus usually covers Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, English or Verbal Ability, and General Knowledge or Current Affairs. It is designed similar to other MBA entrance exams but at a moderate level. Yes, KL University accepts CAT scores for admission into MBA along with MAT, XAT, CMAT and its own KL MAT. If you already have a valid CAT score, you don’t need to appear for KL MAT separately. The difference between CAT and other management entrance exams is mainly in difficulty level and competition. CAT is the toughest and is accepted by IIMs and top B schools across India.
Hello Aspirant,
I saw a cat. The cat found an old map inside a drawer of the king's palace.
Here's why:
"a cat": It's the first time we mention the cat, so it's indefinite.
"The cat": Now we're talking about that specific cat we just mentioned, so it's definite.
"an old map": It's the first time we mention a map, and "old" starts with a vowel sound, so "an."
"a drawer": It's one of possibly many drawers, not a specific one known to us yet.
"the king's palace": This is a specific, unique place, so "the."
Hello Kapish
You can find the last 5 year questions of DILR for CAT at Careers360 website. Moreover, you can find the previous year papers of all the subjects i.e. DILR, Quants and VARC. I am attaching the link through which you would be able to access the same.
Here's the link:
CAT Previous Year Papers by CAREERS360
Sample paper of DILR:
CAT Sample Paper (DILR) by CAREERS360
Thank You!!!
Hello Divya,
Yes, candidates with an online BBA can sit for both CAT and GMAT provided that the degree is from a recognized (UGC approved in India or accredited abroad) institution. The leading B-schools in both India and abroad do not look down upon online degrees as long as the degree is from a recognized body, they will mostly be looking at your test scores, academic performance, work experience, and profile holistically. What matters is the legitimacy of the institution and how you showcase your abilities, not whether your degree was obtained online or in-person.
Yes, someone with an online BBA can sit for both CAT and GMAT, provided the degree is from a UGC recognized university. Top B-schools in India (like IIMs) and abroad generally accept online degrees if they are valid, and you won’t be marked down just because it’s online. What matters more is your entrance exam score, academic record, work experience, and overall profile.
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A Sales Manager leads a sales team to meet targets, formulates strategies, analyses performance, and monitors market trends. They typically hold a degree in management or related fields, with an MBA offering added value. The role often demands over 40 hours a week. Strong leadership, planning, and analytical skills are essential for success in this career.
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A Marketing manager plans and executes marketing initiatives to create demand for goods and services and increase consumer awareness of them. A marketing manager prevents unauthorised statements and informs the public that the business is doing everything to investigate and fix the line of products. Students can pursue an MBA in Marketing Management courses to become marketing managers.
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Digital marketing is growing, diverse, and is covering a wide variety of career paths. Each job function aids in the development of effective digital marketing strategies and techniques. The aims and objectives of the individuals who opt for a career as a digital marketing executive are similar to those of a marketing professional: to build brand awareness, promote company services or products, and increase conversions. Individuals who opt for a career as Digital Marketing Executives, unlike traditional marketing companies, communicate effectively through suitable technology platforms.
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In a business analyst job role a lot of analysis is done, things are learned from past mistakes and the successful strategies are enhanced further. A business analyst goes through real-world data in order to provide the most feasible solutions to an organisation. Students can pursue Business Analytics to become Business Analysts.
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