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What is a Good CAT Score - All CAT aspirants have a desire to get into top IIMs, but only some can convert to those top MBA colleges. So what is a good CAT score that a candidate should score to get a call from one of the best MBA colleges in the country? This article on Careers360 tries to answer that by looking at and analysing the previous cutoffs of IIMs and other top management colleges. The cutoff list for CAT for all institutions accepting CAT scores will be released in January 2025. A good score in CAT will depend on many things such as the difficulty level as pointed by the exam analysis, performance of other candidates, and the number of applicants (competition) for the exam. In this article, we will be discussing what is a good CAT score and tips and strategies for how to crack CAT exam. Additionally, we'll provide practical CAT preparation tips for high scores and discuss effective techniques to crack the CAT exam.
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Candidates appear for CAT 2024 are advised to attempt questions from all sections judiciously so they score a good percentile in the CAT exam. The good CAT score differs from institute to institute, as each B-school has a different CAT cutoff to shortlist candidates for selection rounds. For example, to get admission into IIMs, a student should get a minimum 95 percentile compared to other B-schools like IIFT, IITs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR that accept CAT scores below 95 percentile.
So, is 120 a good score in CAT? The answer is yes. Scoring 120 is considered good in the CAT exam. Scoring above 120 puts you in the top 10% of test-takers, better than 90% of others. However, certain MBA colleges offer MBA admission on average CAT scores, and many B-schools offer MBA admission on low CAT scores.
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On the other hand, third-tier B-schools may accept candidates with a bit low CAT scores in comparison to IIMs. Take a look at the breakdown of the CAT percentile in the table below:
Percentile | Score VARC | Score DILR | Score QA | Overall Score |
99.5 | 42 | 30 | 30 | 86 |
99 | 36 | 25 | 25 | 74 |
95 | 30 | 20 | 22 | 52 |
90 | 24 | 14 | 13 | 42 |
80 | 20 | 11 | 9 | 35 |
70 | 18 | 9 | 7 | 30 |
As per experts, the difficulty level of CAT 2024 will be moderate to difficult. Here we have provided the CAT 2024 expected score vs percentile on the basis of CAT cutoff marks vs percentile on the basis of the past few years' trends.
Percentile | Score VARC | Score DILR | Score QA | Overall Score |
99.5 | 42 | 30 | 30 | 86 |
99 | 36 | 25 | 25 | 74 |
95 | 30 | 20 | 22 | 52 |
90 | 24 | 14 | 13 | 42 |
80 | 20 | 11 | 9 | 35 |
70 | 18 | 9 | 7 | 30 |
When preparing for the CAT exam, understanding what constitutes "good attempts" is crucial for maximizing your score. A good attempt in CAT refers to the number of questions answered accurately while balancing speed and accuracy. It’s not just about answering more questions; it's about ensuring that your attempts are strategically chosen to minimize negative marking. Generally, aiming for 70-80% accuracy with a sufficient number of good attempts can significantly boost your percentile. Remember, quality over quantity is key in determining your overall performance.
Section No. | Section Name | Total No. of Qs | Good Attempts |
I | VARC | 24 | 16-18 |
II | DILR | 20 | 9-11 |
III | QA | 22 | 9-11 |
TOTAL | 66 | 34-40 |
The good CAT score required to qualify for admission will vary from one institute to another. The B-schools accepting CAT scores can be divided into three tiers, which are mentioned in the table below:
Tier wise CAT scores for B-schools
Tier | Minimum CAT score | Minimum Sectional Score |
Top tier | 200 | 80-85 |
Middle tier | 120 | 40-50 |
Low tier | 100 | 30-40 |
For candidates who do not qualify for any of the tiers above, B-schools accepting low CAT score are a good option to choose. They can also appear for other national-level entrance exams like CMAT, XAT, SNAP, etc., which are reputed and accepted by many of the top B-schools.
B-schools accepting CAT scores and IIMs will release their respective cutoff based on CAT score. Candidates meeting the minimum cutoff criteria for the B-school will be shortlisted for the selection rounds as per the institutes they will apply. The good percentile in the CAT exam 2024 to clear the CAT cutoff will be determined on various factors such as:
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To achieve a good CAT score, one has to draw a study timetable and CAT exam strategy to ace the examination. Some of the proven tips for CAT preparation 2024 include:
Time is key to succeeding in the CAT exam, and time management, therefore, becomes important for candidates looking to achieve a good score in CAT 2024. When you start preparing for the CAT exam 2024, you must have a proper timetable wherein each section gets enough time to be covered completely. Candidates must know that the sectional time limit will be imposed in CAT 2024. For each section, students will be given 40 minutes; speed matters a lot while solving CAT questions, particularly from sections like QA and DI, which are more time-consuming.
A timetable also helps candidates know which topic or section to prioritise first and modify their timetable as they assess their performance by giving CAT mock tests or solving past year CAT question papers.
Know how the CAT cut off marks vs percentile are calculated here
Section | Total Number of Questions | Duration for all Category | Duration for PwD Category |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 26 Questions | 40 Minutes | 53 Minutes and 20 Seconds |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 Questions | 40 Minutes | 53 Minutes and 20 Seconds |
Quantitative Ability (QA) | 26 Questions | 40 Minutes | 53 Minutes and 20 Seconds |
Total | 66 Questions | 120 Minutes | 159 Minutes and 60 Seconds |
To know how to manage their stress level and time during D-day, students must take the mock test of CAT. Solving the CAT sample papers will help candidates become familiar with the exam environment and, most importantly, can know the detailed exam pattern of CAT. Also, CAT mock tests will help students become familiar with their strengths and weaknesses, which will help to gauge the preparation level and achieve a good CAT score.
Before taking any entrance test, students need to appear for test series, which act as stepping stones to success. With the advancement in technology, students can now appear for online CAT test series with the help of e-learning websites that determine their scores and preparation levels. Giving such tests helps understand the weak and strong areas and prepare further accordingly so students can achieve a good CAT score to get admission at one of the top B-schools.
Students can avail themselves of the opportunity to have web chatting sessions and take help from experts for the test series designed by them. They give you assistance and tips to prepare for CAT 2024.
By solving the CAT 2024 mock tests, students must know their weaknesses and strengths to execute the strategy for CAT preparation. This practice will inculcate strategic planning, positivity, lots of practice, self-guidance, and hard work. Students must know that there are no shortcuts to success. One has to pay for it. One must work hard towards its weaknesses sincerely to ace CAT exam 2024.
While preparing to get a good score in CAT 2024, it is important to keep your level of enthusiasm and positivity high to confront any kind of challenge or difficulty. While writing the CAT exam, students must not only check their accuracy but also their level of anxiety. It is crucial to know how you can manage the stress level while solving the CAT questions. Remember, when you are writing an exam like CAT 2024, it is not completely about the number of questions you attempt but the quality and accuracy to get a good percentile in CAT.
A score range between 104 to 108 is considered a very good score in the CAT exam. If a candidate able to score that much then their CAT percentile range is 99+.
Usually, a CAT percentile score of 90 or above is considered as a good score and its can help candidates to bag a MBA seat at some of the top business schools in India.
As per previous year CAT Cutoffs, candidates are required to secure more then 90 percentile in CAT to get a call from IIMs.
It’s hard to say exactly how tough the CAT 2024 will be since it depends on various factors like the difficulty level of the questions and how well you’ve prepared. Generally, the CAT can be challenging because it tests a wide range of skills, but with good preparation and practice, you can handle it. It’s a good idea to stay focused on your studies, understand the test pattern, and practice with previous years’ papers to get a feel for what to expect.
Scoring a 99 percentile in CAT 2024 will require a mix of strategic preparation and smart test-taking. Start by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly. Focus on building a strong foundation in areas like Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, and Verbal Ability. Practice regularly with mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy. Analyze your performance in these mocks to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Work on your weak areas while also refining your strengths.
The CUSAT CAT previous year question papers are available on the Careers360 website. You can find question papers from 2012 to 2023, which can be downloaded in PDF format HERE
Additionally, the official website of Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) also provides previous year question papers. To access them, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the CUSAT official website - admissions.cusat.ac.in.
- Click on the resources tab from the homepage.
- Select the previous year's question papers from the drop-down menu.
- Select the Common Admission Test (CAT) question papers link.
- Now click on the B.Tech course.
By practicing with these previous year question papers, you can get familiar with the exam pattern, identify important topics, and improve your time management skills.
Hey Shathvika,
Let's dive deep into MBA Entrance Exams (Other than CAT)
1. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
Conducted by: XLRI, Jamshedpur
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.
- Duration: 3 hours.
- Marks: No negative marking for General Knowledge.
Key Highlights:
- The Decision-Making section tests analytical and situational judgment skills.
- General Knowledge is evaluated during interviews, not for percentile calculation.
Official Website: https://xatonline.in
---
2. SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
Conducted by: Symbiosis International (Deemed) University
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: General English, Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency, and Analytical & Logical Reasoning.
- Duration: 1 hour.
- Marks: Total 60 marks (MCQs).
Key Highlights:
- Specifically for admission to Symbiosis institutes like SIBM Pune and SCMHRD.
- Easy-to-moderate difficulty level.
Official Website: https://snaptest.org
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3. CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
- Duration: 3 hours.
- Marks: 400 marks.
Key Highlights:
- Accepted by over 1,000 AICTE-approved institutes.
- Includes an optional Innovation & Entrepreneurship section.
Official Website: https://cmat.nta.nic.in
---
4. MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
Conducted by: All India Management Association (AIMA)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, and Indian & Global Environment.
- Duration: 2.5 hours.
- Marks: 200 marks.
Key Highlights:
- Held multiple times a year in PBT, CBT, and IBT modes.
- Accepted by more than 600 MBA colleges in India.
Official Website: https://mat.aima.in
---
5. NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test)
Conducted by: Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Marks: 360 marks.
Key Highlights:
- Allows three attempts, with the best score considered.
- Accepted by NMIMS and partner universities worldwide.
Official Website: https://www.mba.com/exams/nmat
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6. IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade)
Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (final-year students can also apply).
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Quantitative Analysis, Reading Comprehension & Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Marks: 300 marks.
Key Highlights:
- Specifically for IIFT’s flagship MBA in International Business.
- General Knowledge plays a significant role in shortlisting.
Official Website: https://iift.nta.nic.in
---
7. TISSNET (Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test)
Conducted by: Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: English Proficiency, Mathematics & Logical Reasoning, and General Awareness.
- Duration: 100 minutes.
- Marks: 100 marks.
Key Highlights:
- Focused on social sciences, HRM, and public policy programs.
- General Awareness is crucial (with emphasis on current affairs).
Official Website: https://admissions.tiss.edu
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8. MICAT (MICA Aptitude Test)
Conducted by: MICA, Ahmedabad
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree and a valid CAT/XAT/GMAT score.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Psychometric Test, Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability, General Awareness, Divergent-Convergent Thinking, and Descriptive Test.
- Duration: 2.5 hours.
Key Highlights:
- Psychometric Test is a qualifying section.
- Specifically for MICA’s flagship PGDM-C program in Strategic Marketing and Communications.
Official Website: https://www.mica.ac.in
---
9. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
Conducted by: Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
Eligibility: No specific eligibility; bachelor’s degree recommended.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.
- Duration: 3 hours 7 minutes.
- Marks: 800 (scaled score).
Key Highlights:
- Globally recognized for MBA programs.
- Popular for Indian B-schools like ISB, SPJIMR, and Great Lakes.
Official Website: https://www.mba.com
---
10. MAH-CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test)
Conducted by: Maharashtra State CET Cell
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Logical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension.
- Duration: 2.5 hours.
- Marks: 200 marks (MCQs).
Key Highlights:
- Accepted by top Maharashtra B-schools like JBIMS, SIMSREE, and PUMBA.
- Known for its speed-intensive nature with 200 questions in 150 minutes.
Official Website: https://cetcell.mahacet.org
Let me know if you have any doubts regarding a specific exam or any other query.
Have a nice day !!
Hello Ayush,
K.R. Mangalam University utilizes a blend of MCQs, descriptive formats, and practical assessments to evaluate student performance. The continuous evaluation system ensures that students are assessed regularly throughout the semester, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of their academic progress.
Hello,
Here are some simple tips to prepare for the CUSAT CAT exam:
1. Focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Maths (PCM).
2. Give equal time to all subjects.
3. Use NCERT Books as they are best for basics.
You can refer to following study materials for better practice :-
Hope it helps !
Hello there,
Yes, you can apply for CAT examination after completion of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) .
The Common Admission Test (CAT) has no restrictions regarding your educational background thus allowing you to submit your application following your completion of a Pharm. D degree.
The Common Admission Test permits candidates to take the exam after completing any undergraduate degree without any restrictions to the area of study. The professional doctoral degree of Pharm. D (Doctor of Pharmacy) functions as an equivalent to bachelor's level for CAT eligibility recognition.
Therefore, Candidates who received their Pharm. D degree can pursue the CAT exam application process based on their qualification standards.
Hope this will help!
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