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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.
The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode) will conduct the CAT 2025 college entrance test tomorrow for 2.95 lakh candidates. Candidates who haven't got hold of their CAT 2025 admit card, must download it through the official website at iimcat.ac.in.
The college entrance test for admission to MBA and other management courses will be conducted in three shifts. As per the exam timings – slot 1 will be held from 8:30 am to 10:30 am, slot 2 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm and slot 3 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
IIM CAT 2025 MBA college entrance test tomorrow from 8:30 pm. (Representational image: Freepik)
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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.
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 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:
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,
Here are Documents Required for CUSAT CAT (NRI Quota):
To know more access below mentioned link:
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/cusat-cat-application-form
Hope it helps.
You can get the previous year's CUSAT CAT papers in pdf format sample papers from careers360 article. Follow the link given below from careers360 to get the the CUSAT CAT previous years question papers.
Link- https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/cusat-cat-sample-papers
Hello,
Since the CAT application form correction window is closed, you must contact the CAT help desk immediately to explain the situation, as you can't edit a wrong date of birth after submission. If it's a major error like date of birth, you may need to go to the exam center with proof and the correct admit card, although getting it corrected before the exam date is the most important first step.
I hope it will clear your query!!
Hi there,
You have to apply separately for each symbiosis college, like SIBM Pune, as they as not automatically included. The CAT form automatically includes many IIMs, but the SNAP exam is a separate test that is given for admission to Symbiosis Institute, which requires its own separate application and fee.
Hope it helps!!!
Toppers usually study 3–6 focused hours a day, but it’s not just about time — it’s about smart preparation and consistency. Focus on quality practice, regular mocks, and targeted revision.
Check this complete guide to learn how toppers plan their day and reach 99 percentile: Read Now
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