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.

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 ?

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.