Great Lakes - PGPM & PGDM 2025
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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
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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.
With a 65 percentile in CAT, getting admission to USMS (Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University) may be difficult, as its cutoff is usually 75-85 percentile or higher for the general category.
However, you can consider other good MBA colleges that accept 60-70 percentile in CAT, such as:
Christ University, Bangalore
Institute of Public Enterprise, Hyderabad
Amrita School of Business, Kochi
PES University, Bangalore
KIIT School of Management, Bhubaneswar
Rajagiri Centre for Business Studies, Kochi
Army Institute of Management, Kolkata
Research their admission criteria, placements, and faculty to choose the best fit.
Hello
With a 65 percentile in CAT , USMS (GGSIPU) admission is difficult as its cutoffs are usually higher. However, you can explore private and tier-2/tier-3 MBA colleges that accept lower CAT scores.
Options to Consider:
1. Private MBA Colleges :
Amity University, Noida
LPU (Lovely Professional University)
Alliance University, Bangalore
Christ University, Bangalore
Apeejay School of Management, Delhi
2. B-Schools Accepting Lower CAT Percentile :
BIMTECH (PGDM-Retail/IB/Insurance)
XIME Bangalore
ITM Navi Mumbai
IPE Hyderabad
Jaipuria Institute of Management
3. Other Entrance Exams :
Appear for MAT, CMAT, XAT (low percentile accepted by some colleges)
Consider state-level exams like MAH CET, KMAT or TANCET .
Hope this gives you the clarity you need.
Hello there,
With your
academic profile (General, Male, Non-Engineer)
, you should
target MBA colleges that focus more on CAT percentile than past academics.
Target Colleges & Minimum CAT Percentile:
You
can
get a good MBA college with
strategic applications
and
high CAT/XAT percentile.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
Hi,
As per your given JEE Main percentile which is 88.34 in the SC Category, Your Predicted JEE MAINS 2025 rank may range between 147086 - 170102.
Based on the previous year analysis, According to your JEE MAINS percentile and category you have less possibility of getting a seat for admission in NIT Surathkal.
Some of the other colleges in which you have chances to get admission includes:
You can predict more colleges using the JEE MAINS 2025 college predictor tool.
Hope this information will help you
With your academic background, you have a good chance of getting into some of the top IIMs. Here's a breakdown of your profile:
- Class 10:91.6% - Excellent!
- Class 12:66% - Average, but not a deal-breaker
- B.Tech Computer Science: 8.4 CGPA - Very good!
Assuming you score well in CAT , here are some IIMs you might have a good chance of getting into:
- IIM Ahmedabad: Although the qualifying CAT cut off is 85 percentile, the final cut off typically goes up to 99-100 percentile.With a good CAT score, you might be considered.
- IIM Kozhikode: The CAT cut off for IIM Kozhikode is typically around 95-98 percentile. Your academic profile and a good CAT score might make you a competitive candidate.
- IIM Indore:The CAT cut off for IIM Indore is typically around 90-95 percentile. With a good CAT score and your academic background, you might have a chance.
Keep in mind that CAT cut offs can vary from year to year, and other factors like work experience, extracurricular activities, and personal interviews also play a significant role in the admission process.
To increase your chances, focus on scoring well in CAT, and make sure you have a strong overall profile.
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