How to Score 99 Percentile in CAT 2025: Expert Strategy, Attempts & Subject-Wise Tips

How to score 99 Percentile in CAT 2025: Scoring a 99 percentile or higher in the CAT exam is essential for securing admission to the prestigious IIMs and other top B-Schools in India. Each year, over 3 lakh candidates compete, yet only a select few achieve this elite benchmark. The CAT percentile measures your performance relative to others, not just the number of correct answers. Small differences in accuracy, attempts, and question difficulty can drastically affect your percentile. In this article, we have discussed what does it mean to score 99 Percentile, good attempts to score, and subject-wise preparation tips to ace CAT 2025 with a high percentile.

This Story also Contains

1. What is CAT 99 Percentile?
2. Good Attempts Required to Score 99 Percentile in CAT 2025
3. CAT Score Vs Percentile
4. Understanding the CAT Exam Pattern
5. CAT 2025 Subject Wise Syllabus
6. CAT 2025 Preparation Subject Wise Plan to Score 99 Percentile
7. Mistakes to Avoid for Scoring High Marks in CAT 2025
8. Important E Books to Score CAT 99 Percentile

Check out the CAT 2025 Syllabus here.

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CAT 2025

CAT 2025 DILR Syllabus

CAT 2025 QA Syllabus

CAT 2025 VARC Syllabus

What is CAT 99 Percentile?

Scoring a 99 percentile in the CAT exam indicates that a candidate has performed better than 99% of all other test-takers in that particular year. It’s important to understand that the CAT percentile doesn’t reflect your raw score or marks; instead, it’s a rank-based metric that shows your relative performance compared to the rest of the aspirants. For example, if 2 lakh candidates appear for the exam and you are in the top 2,000, your percentile would be around 99. This makes the CAT percentile a crucial indicator of where you stand in a highly competitive field.

Achieving a 99 percentile is highly significant for those aiming to secure admission into top B-schools in India. Prestigious institutes like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, and IIM Kozhikode often have CAT cutoffs ranging from 98 to 100 percentile for General category students. Scoring above the 99 percentile not only improves your chances of meeting these cutoffs. But it also helps in getting shortlisted for the Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI) rounds.

Good Attempts Required to Score 99 Percentile in CAT 2025

Scoring the 99 percentile in CAT is not about hitting a fixed number of questions. But, it is more about strategy, accuracy, and consistency. While there is no set rule, correctly attempting around two-thirds of the total questions in each section is a smart starting point. However, this strategy does not guarantee a 99 percentile score.

The CAT exam is unpredictable, and while the number of questions has remained mostly stable in recent years, changes are always possible. Hence, it is important to be adaptable and well-prepared for any pattern the paper might take. Just focusing on the number of questions will not be enough and you also need to be precise and avoid unnecessary negative marking.

Your final CAT percentile is determined by three major factors:

• CAT exam pattern and marking scheme

• Accuracy level

• CAT Normalisation Process

This means even two candidates with the same raw score might end up with different percentiles depending on the difficulty of their respective test slots.

CAT Score Vs Percentile

It is important to understand score calculation before determining the CAT percentile. As per the CAT marking scheme, every correct answer awards 3 marks, while each incorrect answer leads to a deduction of 1 mark. However, questions left unanswered—whether MCQs or TITA (Type in the Answer)—carry no penalty, so they don’t affect your score negatively.

Unlike other exams, here the scores are not determined after adding up all the correct and incorrect answers. Instead, the authorities use a process called CAT normalisation to ensure fairness across different exam slots. Since not every slot has the same level of difficulty, raw scores are adjusted to account for these variations.

For instance, if one slot had easier questions and another was more difficult, normalisation adjusts the scores so that no group has an unfair advantage or disadvantage.

After normalisation, your adjusted or “scaled” scores are ranked in descending order to determine your percentile. A percentile reflects your position relative to other test takers.

So, if you score in the 95th percentile, it means you performed better than 95% of the candidates. For example, if 1,00,000 students appeared for the exam and your rank is 10,000, then 90,000 students are behind you, placing you at the 90 percentile mark. This percentile is not just your raw marks but is what most B-schools look at while shortlisting candidates.

Understanding the CAT Exam Pattern

To understand how many marks are required for a 99 percentile in CAT, it's essential to first look at the exam’s marking structure. Here’s a breakdown of the CAT Exam Pattern below:

• The CAT exam consists of 68 questions, with each question carrying 3 marks, making the maximum possible score 204.

• Every correct response in the exam earns the candidate 3 marks, regardless of the section or question type.

• For every incorrect answer in the multiple-choice questions (MCQs), 1 mark is deducted as a penalty for negative marking.

• If a candidate chooses not to attempt a question, no marks are awarded or deducted does not affect the score.

• Questions, where the candidate has to type in the answer (TITA), do not carry negative markings, even if answered incorrectly.

CAT 2025 Subject Wise Syllabus

The CAT 2025 subject-wise syllabus covers three main sections, Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR). Each section includes important topics that test different skill sets like math, grammar, logic, and comprehension. Knowing the detailed syllabus for each subject helps you focus your preparation effectively and understand which areas need more attention for a higher score in the CAT 2025 exam.

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

We have provided below the major sections of CAT 2025 VARC syllabus:

• Verbal Ability

• English Usage or Grammar

• Close Passage

• Synonyms Antonyms

• Facts-inferences-judgments

• Jumbled Paragraph

• Reading Comprehension

• Verbal Reasoning

• 4 RC passages with 18 MCQs

• VA – 8 Non-MCQs are subdivided into para summaries, context sentences, and para jumbles

Expected Weightage and Number of Questions in VARC CAT

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) in CAT 2025

Given below is the major sections in CAT 2025 DILR syllabus:

• Caselets

• Blood Relation

• Calendars

• Bar Graphs

• Column Graphs

• Tables

• Cube

• Clock

• Binary Logic

• Line Charts

• Combination of two or more types linked to each other

• Syllogism

• Venn Diagram

• Pie Chart

• Number and Letter Series

• Seating Arrangement

Expected Weightage and Number of Questions of DILR

Quantitative Ability (QA) in CAT 2025

Given below are the major sections in the quantitative aptitude syllabus of the CAT 2025.

• Algebra

• Higher Maths

• Geometry

• Trigonometry

• Mensuration

• Arithmetic

Expected Weightage and Number of Questions of Quantitative Aptitude

CAT 2025 Preparation Subject Wise Plan to Score 99 Percentile

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

1. Make Newspaper Reading a Daily Habit
Consistent reading is the foundation of scoring well in VARC. The newspaper is one of the best and most diverse reading resources available. If you’re just starting out, begin by reading the front page daily. Once comfortable, gradually shift to the editorial and opinion sections to expose yourself to more complex arguments and perspectives.

2. Build Vocabulary Through Context and Practice
Strong vocabulary is essential for tackling reading comprehension and verbal questions effectively. Instead of rote learning word lists, focus on understanding new words in context. Maintain a notebook where you jot down unfamiliar words, their meanings, and example sentences. This not only improves retention but also helps you apply them more naturally while solving questions.

3. Use Root Words to Decode Vocabulary
Learning root words can be a powerful technique to understand unfamiliar words. For example, the root word FID, meaning trust, helps decode several terms like confident, fidelity, confidential, and perfidious. Understanding roots allows you to guess the meaning of words without memorising them individually, making your learning process more efficient.

4. Use Mnemonics for Better Memory Recall
Mnemonic devices can help you remember difficult words by associating them with familiar ideas or images. This technique is especially helpful when learning abstract or confusing vocabulary. Creating silly or imaginative connections between the word and its meaning makes it easier to recall during the exam.

5. Study from Vocabulary-Building Books
Books like Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis are excellent tools for developing vocabulary in a structured way. Go through the exercises regularly and revise frequently to retain what you learn. Spaced repetition and revision are key to long-term memory.

6. Increase Your Reading Speed with the Pacer Method
To tackle long RC passages, improving your reading speed can be a game changer. Try the Pacer Method, use your finger or a pen to guide your eyes across the lines as you read. This technique reduces distractions and helps you stay focused on the text.

7. Expand Your Eye Span
Eye span refers to the number of words your eyes can capture in one glance without shifting. By training yourself to read chunks of words instead of one at a time, you can improve both speed and comprehension. Practice regularly with varied reading materials to develop this skill.

8. Master Para-jumbles Through Consistent Practice
Para-jumbles require logical sequencing skills, and the best way to improve is through frequent practice. Begin with shorter sentences to build confidence. Don’t focus on speed initially, accuracy is more important. Over time, you’ll naturally develop the speed to handle more complex questions efficiently.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

1. Quickly Scan All Sets Before Starting
At the beginning of the DILR section, use the “View Question Paper” option to glance through all four sets. Spend no more than 1–2 minutes identifying which sets seem manageable. This will help you prioritise the sets that are less time-consuming or align better with your strengths.

2. Begin with the Easiest Set First
Choose the set that appears most straightforward or familiar to you and start with that. This approach builds momentum and helps secure marks early on, leaving tougher sets for later if time allows.

3. Don’t Get Stuck on Difficult Questions
If a particular question is taking too long to solve, skip it and move to the next one. Time is limited, and it’s smarter to solve multiple easier questions than to struggle endlessly with one. Revisit tough questions only if time remains toward the end.

4. Attempt Non-MCQs Without Fear
Non-MCQ (TITA) questions don’t carry negative markings, so it’s worth attempting them even if you're not completely sure of the answer. However, be cautious—these questions are often time-intensive and demand careful analysis, so approach them wisely.

5. Practice and Familiarise with Question Types
DILR can feature a variety of question formats like bar graphs, seating arrangements, caselets, and Venn diagrams. Get familiar with these formats through regular practice to reduce surprises during the actual exam.

6. Use Shortcuts and Logical Tricks
Efficiency is key in DILR. Practice using shortcuts and logical patterns to save time. These might include number grouping, elimination methods, or visual aids—whatever helps you crack the logic faster.

7. Make Quick Notes and Draw Diagrams
As you read a DILR set, jot down important details and relationships in a simplified form. Tables, symbols, or flowcharts can help you organise complex information and spot patterns more easily.

8. Carefully Evaluate All Answer Options
Avoid the temptation to mark the first option that seems correct. DILR often includes closely related options that test attention to detail. Read all the choices thoroughly before finalising your answer.

9. Avoid Rushing to Conclusions
Even if an answer seems obvious, double-check your logic and calculations. DILR questions are designed to mislead at times, so always verify your approach and consider alternate possibilities before locking in an answer.

Quantitative Ability (QA)

1. Begin with Core Mathematical Concepts
Start your preparation by mastering the fundamentals of mathematics. Build a strong base in essential topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems. Understanding these core areas thoroughly is vital before moving on to complex problem-solving or shortcuts.

2. Practice Widely Across Topics
Consistent practice across various Quant and DI topics is key to improving accuracy and speed. Focus on solving a wide range of problems from arithmetic (percentages, ratios, averages), algebra (equations, inequalities), geometry (mensuration, properties of shapes), and data interpretation (tables, pie charts, bar graphs).

3. Learn to Optimise Time with Smart Techniques
Efficiency matters in CAT. Always look for quicker ways to solve problems. Use standard formulas and shortcuts to reduce calculation time. For example, in successive profit and loss problems, instead of detailed steps, you can apply a direct formula like:
Net % profit/loss = (Gain% - Loss% - (Gain% × Loss%)/100)
This method not only saves time but also minimises calculation errors.

4. Use Applied Examples to Understand Formulas
Whenever you learn a formula, understand its application through example problems. For instance, if two articles are sold at the same price, one at 20% profit and the other at 20% loss. You can either work through step-by-step cost price and selling price calculations or directly use the shortcut formula mentioned above to quickly find a net loss of 4%.

5. Maintain Concise Revision Notes
Make your own summary notes that include essential formulas, rules, and tricky concepts along with 1-2 sample problems. These notes should be compact and revision-friendly, especially for use in the final days before the exam. Focus on organising notes by topic—like ratio formulas, percentage rules, or geometric properties.

6. Memorise Key Relationships in Data Interpretation
In DI, knowing how to calculate values from charts quickly is critical. For example:

• Value of a sector in a pie chart = (Angle/360°) × Total Value

• Or, Value of sector = (Percentage/100) × Total Value
  These relationships help you avoid unnecessary calculations and extract data more efficiently during the exam.

Mistakes to Avoid for Scoring High Marks in CAT 2025

Preparing for CAT 2025 requires more than just hard work, it demands smart strategy and awareness of common pitfalls. Avoiding key mistakes significantly improves your chances of scoring high and securing a top percentile in CAT 2025.

1. Ignoring Sectional Time Limits

CAT has a strict sectional time limit of 40 minutes for each section, Quant, VARC, and DILR. Ignoring this can lead to poor time distribution and rushed attempts. Many candidates focus too much on one section and end up with insufficient time for the others. Practice using mock tests or practice papers regularly to build speed. Respecting the sectional time limits is crucial for attempting a balanced number of questions in all sections.

2. Guessing Too Many Questions

CAT penalises incorrect answers in MCQs with negative markings, so random guessing reduces your overall score. Many aspirants attempt to increase their attempts through guesswork, especially when under pressure. This strategy often backfires, lowering your accuracy and percentile. Instead, focus on solving questions you’re confident in and skip uncertain ones. Accuracy matters more than quantity when aiming for a 99+ percentile in CAT 2025.

3. Skipping Mock Test Analysis

Simply taking mock tests is not enough analysing them is where the real learning happens. Many students overlook this step and repeat the same mistakes. Reviewing CAT Mock Test performance helps identify weak areas, improve time allocation, and build smarter strategies. Look at question types you frequently miss, evaluate your accuracy, and track progress. For CAT 2025, mock test analysis is essential to refine your approach and boost your overall performance.

4. Ignoring Weaker Sections

A common mistake is over-preparing strong sections while avoiding weaker ones, especially if it's DILR or VARC. But CAT scores are sectionally normalised, and each section matters equally. Ignoring one section can ruin your percentile even with strong scores elsewhere. Devote time to improving weaker areas, practice targeted questions, and take sectional mocks. A well-rounded performance is key to cracking CAT 2025 and clearing IIM cutoffs.

5. Relying Only on Coaching Material

While coaching materials provide structured guidance, depending solely on them limits your exposure to diverse question types. CAT often features unconventional sets, especially in DILR and VARC, that require out-of-the-box thinking. Supplement your study with online resources, previous year papers, and mock tests from various sources. CAT 2025 preparation demands a flexible and adaptive learning strategy, not just routine practice from one institute’s modules.

6. Not Adapting to Changing Question Patterns

CAT is known for unpredictable changes in question style, structure, or difficulty level each year. Sticking rigidly to fixed preparation patterns can leave you unprepared for surprises. For instance, DILR sets may get trickier, or VARC emphasises inference-based reading. Track recent CAT trends, adjust your prep strategy regularly, and practice with varied mock formats.

Important E Books to Score CAT 99 Percentile

E-books play a crucial role in CAT 2025 preparation, especially for aspirants aiming for a 99 percentile. They offer easy access to well-structured content, allowing students to study anytime, anywhere. Careers360 has curated a comprehensive collection of CAT e-books that cover all critical areas—Quant, VARC, and DILR. These resources include expert strategies, topic-wise practice sets, and exam insights, helping candidates build accuracy, speed, and exam temperament essential for a top percentile score.