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98 Percentile in CAT 2025: 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.
Around 2.58 lakh candidates appeared for the exam out of 2.95 lakh registered, and they are eagerly awaiting their CAT 2025 results and the opportunity for MBA admission.
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In this article, we break down the approximate marks required to secure a 98 percentile in CAT 2025, the factors influencing percentile calculation, and tips to achieve this target.
CAT 2025 Important Links
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 normalisation process and varying levels of competitiveness.
Several factors play a role in determining how many marks correspond to a 98 percentile:
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, analyse your performance, and align your efforts with past trends to make your CAT 2025 journey a success.
Check out the following tables, which mention the CAT 2025 section-wise scores which all candidates must target (slot-wise).
CAT 2025 Slot 1 | ||||
Percentile | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
99 | 39-40 | 31-32 | 30-31 | 90 |
95 | 31-32 | 24-25 | 23-24 | 66 |
90 | 25-26 | 19-21 | 17-18 | 56-57 |
85 | 22-23 | 16-18 | 14-15 | 45-46 |
80 | 20-21 | 13-14 | 12-13 | 40-41 |
70 | 16-17 | 11-12 | 10-11 | 35-36 |
CAT 2025 Slot 2 | ||||
Percentile | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
99 | 41-42 | 27-28 | 28-29 | 87 |
95 | 33-34 | 22-23 | 22-23 | 63 |
90 | 26-27 | 18-19 | 16-17 | 55-56 |
85 | 23-24 | 15-17 | 13-14 | 44-45 |
80 | 21-22 | 12-14 | 11-12 | 39-40 |
70 | 17-18 | 11-12 | 10-11 | 35-36 |
CAT 2025 Slot 3 | ||||
Percentile | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
99 | 42-43 | 28-29 | 30-32 | 93 |
95 | 34-35 | 23-24 | 24-25 | 68 |
90 | 27-28 | 19-20 | 17-18 | 58-60 |
85 | 24-25 | 16-17 | 14-15 | 46-48 |
80 | 22-23 | 13-14 | 12-13 | 42-44 |
70 | 18-19 | 12-13 | 11-12 | 37-38 |
Some of the top MBA colleges that will typically accept a 98 percentile in the CAT 2025 exam are as follows:
| IIM Indore | IIM Kozhikode |
| IIM Lucknow | IIT Roorkee |
| IIT Bombay | IIT Delhi |
| FMS Delhi | MDI Gurgaon |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | FORE School of Management |
| IIM Raipur | IIM Rohtak |
| IIM Trichy | IIFT Delhi |
| IMT Ghaziabad | IIM Kashipur |
A 98 percentile opens doors to top B-schools such as:
IBSAT 2025-Your gateway to MBA/PGPM @ IBS Hyderabad and 8 other IBS campuses | Scholarships worth 10 CR
Highest Package 27.25 LPA | Top 100 Average package 16.65 LPA | AACSB Accredited | Ranked 52 by QS International
These institutes often shortlist candidates with a strong CAT score coupled with an excellent academic and co-curricular profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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 2025, candidates can expect a 95 percentile.
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.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
With a projected CAT percentile of 87% but not clearing sectional cutoffs, your chances at top IIMs are limited because they require both overall percentile and sectional minimums. However, you still have a good shot at other reputed management institutes and non-IIM B-schools. Consider colleges like NMIMS, SPJIMR, IMT, TAPMI, Great Lakes, and other well-ranked private or state-level B-schools that accept CAT scores and weigh your profile holistically. Your academic record, BSc in Animation with 80%, and 5 years of work experience at Ubisoft India are strong points and may help in institutes that value work experience in their selection process. Also, explore institutes that accept XAT, MAT, or CMAT, where your profile can be competitive.
Hope this helps you.
Good Morning,
NIT Rourkela CAT cutoff range is between 70-85 percentiles for the general category. 70 is the minimum percentile needed to apply, and 85 is the highest percentile. However, the maximum percentile depends on the particular year competition. It can be changed.
Thank You.
If you filled the UGC NET form under EWS but you don’t have a valid EWS certificate, then forget using the EWS category. They won’t accept it. You’ll automatically be treated as General category during document verification.
And no, this won’t make your form “invalid” or “illegal.” It just means you won’t get the EWS benefit.
So yes — you can still go for General category posts and Professor recruitment. Just don’t try to submit a fake/invalid certificate; that will get you disqualified.
Hello,
If your CAT admit card shows your surname first followed by your first name as entered in the form, it is correct. You do not need to worry about this format as long as it matches the details you provided. Ensure all other information on the admit card is accurate and carry it to the exam along with the required identification documents.
Hope this helps you.
Hello,
If your CAT admit card has a different date of birth than your Aadhaar card, you should get it corrected immediately . Here’s what you can do:
Check the CAT website : Log in to your candidate portal and look for the option to correct personal details.
Contact the CAT helpdesk : Email or call them explaining the issue. Attach a copy of your Aadhaar card as proof.
Do not ignore it : The date of birth must match your ID, otherwise you may face problems at the exam or during admission.
Usually, the CAT authorities allow corrections before the exam, so act quickly.
Hope it helps !
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