CAT 2024: 98 Percentile in CAT Means How Many Marks - A Detailed Guide!

CAT 2024: 98 Percentile in CAT Means How Many Marks - A Detailed Guide!

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Himanshu ShekharUpdated on 19 Dec 2024, 02:50 PM IST

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.

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CAT 2024: 98 Percentile in CAT Means How Many Marks - A Detailed Guide!
98 Percentile in CAT Means How Many Marks

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.

Understanding CAT Scoring and Percentiles

The CAT exam comprises three sections:

  1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
  2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
  3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

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.

How Many Marks for 98 Percentile in CAT?

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:

  • Overall Score: 105-115 out of 204
  • Sectional Scores:
    • 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.

Factors Influencing Percentile Calculation

Several factors play a role in determining how many marks correspond to a 98 percentile:

  1. Exam Difficulty: Tougher papers often lead to lower marks for higher percentiles.
  2. Candidate Pool: The number and performance of test-takers significantly affect percentile brackets.
  3. Sectional Weightage: Each section contributes equally to the overall percentile, so balanced performance is essential.
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Tips to Score 98 Percentile in CAT 2024

  1. Analyze Previous Year Trends: Study past years’ score-percentile relationships to set realistic targets.
  2. Focus on Strengths and Weaknesses: Identify your strong areas and maximize your sectional scores while improving weak sections.
  3. Time Management: Practice mocks to optimize time across sections effectively.
  4. Mock Tests and Analysis: Regularly attempt mocks and analyze them to fine-tune your strategy.
  5. Consistency in Preparation: Follow a structured study plan and avoid last-minute cramming.

Why Aim for 98 Percentile?

A 98 percentile opens doors to top B-schools such as:

  • IIMs: Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, and more.
  • Other Premier Institutes: FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, etc.
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These institutes often shortlist candidates with a strong CAT score coupled with an excellent academic and co-curricular profile.

What is the meaning of 98 Percentile in CAT?

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.

CAT 2024 Score vs Percentile

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)

Q: What percentile is 55 marks in CAT?
A:

With 55 marks in CAT 2024, candidates can expect a 95 percentile.

Q: What is the ideal preparation strategy to achieve 98 percentile in CAT?
A:

Focus on understanding concepts, practice extensively, analyze mock test performance, and maintain a consistent study routine.

Q: Are CAT mocks essential for scoring 98 percentile?
A:

Yes, regular mock tests help improve time management, accuracy, and familiarity with the exam pattern, which are key to scoring 98 percentile.

Q: How many hours of study are required to score a 98 percentile in CAT?
A:

On average, 2-3 hours of consistent daily study over 6-8 months, combined with mock tests and analysis, can help achieve this target.

Q: Can a non-engineer score a 98 percentile in CAT?
A:

Absolutely! With the right preparation and strategy, candidates from all academic backgrounds can achieve a 98 percentile.

Q: How does the CAT difficulty level impact the marks for a 98 percentile?
A:

A tougher exam generally reduces the marks needed for higher percentiles, as scaling adjusts for the difficulty level.

Q: Which IIMs accept candidates with 98 percentile?
A:

Candidates with a 98 percentile can get calls from IIM Lucknow, Indore, Kozhikode, and sometimes IIM Calcutta or Bangalore, depending on their profiles.

Q: How is the percentile calculated in CAT?
A:

Percentile in CAT is calculated based on the scaled score, considering the relative performance of all candidates and normalization for difficulty across slots.

Q: Does scoring 98 percentile guarantee admission to IIMs?
A:

No, admission to IIMs depends on other factors such as academic profile, work experience, and performance in the interview and WAT rounds.

Q: Is sectional balance important to achieve a 98 percentile in CAT?
A:

Yes, balanced performance across VARC, DILR, and QA is crucial as each section contributes equally to the overall percentile.

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Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

Hello,

To get admitted to the Institute of Management Studies (IMS), BHU, for an MBA in 2026, you must clear the CAT entrance exam. For that you need to fill out the application form of the CAT in August 2026, which you can get on the Official CAT website

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello

You can get all the papers on the Careers360 website. To access the paper and download it for practice, just visit here:

https://design.careers360.com/articles/nift-cat-2024-question-paper-with-solutions

Hope it will help you!!

Hello dear candidate,

Yes, you have a very good chance of getting a BPT seat with 488 out of 600 and TS EAMCET rank of 14,000 under the ST category.

As the cut off of BPT for ST category students are generally between 25,000 to 45,000 ranks, depending upon the college and you have TS EAMCET rank of 14,000.

Thank you.

If you got 802 marks in Telangana Intermediate and belong to the ST category, you have a fair chance to get admission in a BPT course in 2025, but it depends on the college and cut-off. Most BPT colleges in Telangana ask for 12th marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and some also use the TS EAMCET rank for admission. The cut-off for ST students is usually lower than for general students, but it changes every year. It is better to check the previous year’s cut-offs of the colleges you want to apply to.

Hello, Getting shortlisted for IIM Lucknow or IIT Bombay (SJMSOM) with your profile is challenging, primarily due to your 58% in Class 10th, which significantly impacts the composite score calculation for both institutes. While your 98 percentile CAT score is excellent, and your 24 months of work experience, B.Com (Hons) background (providing academic diversity, especially for IIM-L), and KVS National player status are valuable additions, top IIMs and IITs heavily weigh consistent academic performance. Your 74% in 12th is also on the lower side. IIM Lucknow places substantial weight on 10th and 12th marks, making a call quite difficult despite your strengths. You likely have a relatively better, though still uncertain, chance at IIT Bombay, as their weighting might be slightly less penalizing for past academics compared to IIM-L, and your high CAT score is a major factor. However, the low 10th score remains a significant hurdle for both prestigious institutions.

I hope you found this information helpful and for study related queries you can ask in careers360 app, Have a great day and!