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Every MBA aspirant dreams of cracking CAT with 100 percentile to secure a seat at India’s top B-schools like the IIMs. With over 2 lakh candidates appearing each year, CAT remains one of the toughest exams in India. Whether you’re a fresher or a working professional, your 100th percentile strategy for CAT exam must include consistency, clarity, and smart preparation. This guide explores how to score 100 percentile in CAT using proven methods, CAT toppers preparation tips, and a personalised CAT 2025 perfect score plan that actually works.
A few important topics for the CAT VARC 2025 syllabus are as follows.
Reading Comprehension | Fill in the Blanks |
Article Usage | Verbal Reasoning |
Verbal Logic | Subject-Verb Agreement |
Paracompletion and Inference | Sentence Completion |
Phrase Modifiers | Parts of Speech |
Grammar | Different Usages of the Same Word |
One Word Substitution | Sentence Correction |
Analogies | Idioms |
Syllogisms | Foreign Language Words Used in English |
Antonyms | Errors in Tenses |
Types of Clauses | Prepositions |
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The CAT exam pattern will be based on the three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Ability (QA). Candidates will have 40 minutes to work on each section, and the exam will likely be conducted in both multiple-choice question (MCQ) and non-MCQ formats.
Below is the CAT exam pattern 2025, which will be helpful for all the candidates.
Particulars | Details |
Mode of the CAT 2025 exam | Computer-based test |
Sections in CAT 2025 |
|
Section-wise duration of the CAT exam | 40 minutes per section (Total 120 minutes) |
Total number of questions in CAT 2025 | 68 (Expected) |
Section-wise questions |
(Keep in mind that this is not fixed and can be changed.) |
CAT Total marks | 204 |
Medium of the CAT exam | English |
Type of questions | MCQs and Non-MCQ |
Marking Scheme for CAT 2025 |
|
How to Achieve a 100 Percentile in CAT? This is one of the central questions asked by the CAT aspirants. One of the major misconceptions that candidates must understand is that a 100 percentile in CAT does not mean 100% marks in the CAT exam. In CAT, the 100 percentile marks would indicate that the candidate has secured more marks than the other candidates. Achieving 100 percentile marks in CAT can secure admission using their CAT scores.
A 100 percentile means that a candidate is among the top 10 test takers of the CAT. The CAT 100 percentile score varied from 70 to 90 per cent marks out of the CAT maximum marks. A 100 percentile in CAT means potentially, a candidate must have secured 140 to 180 marks.
You don’t need to attempt all questions to crack the CAT with 100 percentile, only the right ones. Most CAT toppers aim to solve around 45–50 questions with 90%+ accuracy. Scoring 100 percentile in CAT 2025 is about precision, time management, and sticking to a personalised, smart attempt strategy.
Understand the Exam Format
The first step in any 100 percentile strategy for CAT 2025 is understanding the paper’s structure. CAT consists of three sections: VARC (24 questions), DILR (20 questions), and QA (22 questions). To score 100 percentile in CAT, your goal isn’t to attempt everything; it’s to attempt wisely. Top scorers usually attempt about 70% of the total questions, focusing on areas where they can maximise accuracy.
Focus Areas in CAT
Your preparation must centre around your personal strengths and weaknesses. To truly understand how to score 100 percentile in CAT, shift your focus from quantity to quality. This means building strong foundations in your best-performing areas and ensuring consistent high accuracy. Whether it’s VARC, DILR, or QA, choose your battles wisely. Build your CAT perfect score plan by identifying which 15–20 questions you can solve accurately in each section.
CAT Toppers Tips
One common thread in all CAT toppers preparation tips is consistency. Toppers don’t just practise randomly, they plan, execute, and review smartly. Use mocks to simulate the real exam and track your performance honestly. Maintain a notebook to record mistakes and revisit them weekly. Revise fundamentals instead of constantly chasing new material. If you want to crack CAT with 100 percentile, adopt the mindset of elite performers: analyse deeply, revise regularly, and stay calm under pressure..
Mindset & Exam Day Strategy
Your exam-day mindset is just as crucial as your months of preparation. Many aspirants lose marks not because they didn’t know the answers, but because they panicked or misjudged time. A calm, focused approach is key to cracking CAT with 100 percentile. Start the test by quickly scanning each section to identify your target questions. Skip the tricky ones early and return later if time permits. Trust your preparation and stick to your CAT perfect score plan.
Time Allocation and Smart Attempts
A big part of the 100th percentile strategy that CAT 2025 aspirants need to master is time allocation. Use the 40 minutes per section wisely. Aim for 18–20 accurate attempts in VARC, 12–15 in DILR, and 16–18 in QA, depending on your strengths. Don’t feel pressured to attempt more just for the sake of it. Cracking the CAT with 100 percentile isn’t about speed, it’s about choosing the right questions and executing calmly.
Achieving 100 percentile in CAT doesn’t mean getting every question right. It means outperforming all other candidates. Since CAT is a relative grading exam, even a score of around 105–115 marks out of 198 (based on CAT 2023 trends) can fetch you a 100 percentile. Your goal should be to maximise accuracy rather than aim for full marks.
Below is a generalised Marks vs Percentile table based on the past 3 years’ CAT trends:
Total Score (Out of 198) | Approx. Percentile |
105–115 | 100 percentile |
98–104 | 99.8 – 99.99 |
90–97 | 99.5 – 99.8 |
80–89 | 99.0 – 99.5 |
70–79 | 98.0 – 99.0 |
60–69 | 95.0 – 98.0 |
50–59 | 90.0 – 95.0 |
Based on recent CAT papers, here’s what a near-perfect score plan looks like across the sections:
Section | Raw Score | Target Attempts | Ideal Accuracy |
VARC | 40–46 | 18–20 | 90–95% |
DILR | 32–36 | 12–14 | 90–100% |
QA | 35–40 | 16–18 | 90–95% |
This translates to 105–115 total, which has historically landed the 100 percentile.
Here’s a complete Section-Wise Strategy for 100 Percentile in CAT 2025, using real CAT topper insights and focusing on what truly works. Each section demands a unique approach, so let’s break it down with relevant keywords like how to score 100 percentile in CAT, 100 percentile strategy CAT 2025, CAT toppers preparation tips, crack CAT with 100 percentile, and CAT perfect score plan.
VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)
The VARC section is often unpredictable, and that's why it requires clarity, practice, and strategy over brute force. To score 100 percentile in CAT VARC, focus on comprehension, not speed. The most effective 100 percentile strategy CAT 2025 aspirants follow includes reading editorials daily, practising RC sets from past CAT papers, and building a habit of reading critically, understanding tone, intent, and inferences.
Prioritise Reading Comprehension (RC) over Verbal Ability (VA), RC typically carries more weight.
Practice 4 RCs a day, time-bound, and analyse errors deeply.
For VA (like para jumbles, odd sentence out), rely on logic and sentence flow.
DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning)
DILR is all about smart selection. Most sets are time-consuming, so choosing the right two or three sets is the real game-changer. For your CAT perfect score plan in DILR, focus on practising caselets, puzzles, and unconventional set types regularly.
Practise 2 DILR sets daily from mixed-level difficulty.
Build the ability to leave a set within 2–3 minutes if it looks too lengthy or confusing.
Take one mock section every third day and analyse it set-by-set.
QA (Quantitative Aptitude)
Quant is often seen as the scoring section, and rightly so, concept clarity is the cornerstone here. Your 100 percentile strategy for CAT 2025 in QA should involve mastering basic concepts, then practising problem types under time pressure.
Start with NCERT or Arun Sharma to get fundamentals right.
Maintain a formula notebook and revise it weekly.
Practice 30–40 Quant questions daily, across topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems.
Focus more on arithmetic and Algebra; they form the bulk of the paper.
Candidates who are willing to take the CAT exam 2025 must have complete knowledge and detailed information related to the number and type of questions asked, the CAT syllabus and sections, the time allotted, the CAT marking scheme, and other relevant details. All such information is to be acknowledged through the CAT exam pattern.
Below are the major preparation tips to get the CAT 100 percentile, which both experienced and fresher candidates can follow.
Understand the Basics First
Never Miss Out Mocks
Keep an Eye on the Net Correct Attempt
Know the CAT Normalisation Process and Answer Respectively
Understand the Denotation of Time Management
Initially, for the beginning months of CAT 2025 preparation, the focus of all candidates should be on getting their basics strengthened for the CAT 2025 examination.
Conceptual clarity is the fundamental requirement during the CAT 2025 preparation of the candidates. While preparing, candidates must have some hard copies of the CAT syllabus and move accordingly.
One can not solve questions until the basics related to the topics are clear.
Candidates can focus on the areas where they feel they are not strong, and should take the initiative to focus on and enhance their preparation in weaker areas.
By attempting a CAT mock test, candidates can understand and assess the level of difficulty of the CAT entrance exam.
One of the major Preparation Tips to achieve a 100 percentile score, as advised by the CAT topper, Lakshya Kumar, is to take regular mock tests (once a week) starting from April.
After posting any mock, take some time to analyse the test and identify what went wrong, and then focus on that aspect to improve it with your CAT preparation strategy. Nothing can beat mock tests of CAT if candidates wish to understand their current preparation level and understand how to score 100 percentile in CAT 2025.
Apart from CAT mock tests, candidates are advised to check the previous year's question papers of CAT. Once done with the syllabus, candidates should set aside time to attempt at least one paper per day, keeping in mind both speed and accuracy simultaneously.
According to the marking scheme of CAT 2025, each correct answer is worth three marks, 0 for every unattempted question, and a deduction of 1 mark for each wrong answer. For the CAT TITA questions, there is no negative marking.
Let us say a candidate named XYZ has attempted a total of 76 questions, out of which he gets 41 correct and 35 incorrect. Following the marking scheme, he will score 41 × 3, i.e., 123 for correct answers. Additionally, 35 marks (-1 for each of the 35 wrong answers) will be deducted from his total score of 123. Since there is no negative marking for unattempted questions, they will not affect the CAT score or the CAT percentile. Here, the net score of the candidate will be 123-35= 88. Hence, candidates should carefully answer the questions. It is advisable to attempt only those questions that can be answered with 100% certainty. Avoid tricky or complicated questions, as they may result in losing what has been gained from other aspects.
Check here- CAT Percentile Predictor
Check out the table below, which shows the number of candidates who scored in the 100th percentile from 2018 to 2023.
Year | Number of candidates |
2023 | 14 |
2022 | 11 |
2021 | 9 |
2020 | 9 |
2019 | 10 |
2018 | 11 |
Every year, the result of the CAT is declared only after it has been normalised. As mentioned above, CAT is the most awaited exam, which is taken up by lakhs of candidates; hence, it is conducted in two slots. Thus, to ensure impartiality in the performance of candidates taking up the exam, IIMs have a CAT normalisation process. As one of the Major Preparation Tips to achieve a 100 per cent CAT percentile, candidates taking the exam must be aware of the normalisation process and ensure that their scorecard is unbiased and correctly verified by the Indian Institute of Management, without any discrepancies.
As per one of the CAT toppers, Lakshya Kumar, time management should be considered equally important as the other three sections in the CAT entrance exam. It is not just preparing for the three sections, but preparing all three within the stipulated two hours. To achieve fruitful & desired results, candidates must try to build a reasonable study timetable and divide it in such a way that daily, three sections are covered.
The message from CAT toppers for next year's CAT takers is also provided in this article, along with tips on how to score in the 100th percentile in CAT 2025. Rahul Gupta, who scored 100 percentile in CAT, says, “My message to future aspirants is start your preparation early and do not wait till the last stage. Most importantly, what will make you get an edge over others is consistency. You must take your preparation seriously, quickly identify your mistakes and also take the mock tests regularly."
Another CAT topper who scored 100 percentile in CAT, Rishi Mittal said, "I think the right set of mentors, seniors to guide and friends to support you academically and non academically is very important. Rest, all the things like determination, perseverance, honesty, and consistency are a must."
Securing a 100 percentile in CAT 2025 demands more than just hard work, it requires a smart, well-structured strategy. Aspirants aiming for top B-schools must follow a proven approach rooted in discipline, accuracy, and consistent effort. Here's a refined CAT perfect score plan that includes expert-backed methods and CAT toppers preparation tips to help you crack CAT with 100 percentile:
1. Begin Preparation Early
Starting early is a hallmark of every 100 percentile strategy for CAT 2025. An early start gives you the edge to cover the entire syllabus, revise multiple times, and work on your weak areas without stress. It also allows enough time for solving mock tests and refining your approach.
2. Create a Personalised Study Timetable
Understanding your learning style is critical if you want to score 100 percentile in CAT. Assess your strong and weak sections, then build a realistic and balanced timetable. Dedicate more time to challenging areas while revising your strengths regularly. A well-planned schedule is the foundation of every CAT perfect score plan.
3. Choose the Right Study Material
Relying on the best resources is non-negotiable. Use CAT-specific books by trusted authors, top-rated online platforms, and coaching support if necessary. Your 100 percentile strategy for CAT 2025 should focus on clarity, not quantity. Study fewer sources deeply rather than jumping between too many.
4. Strengthen Basic Concepts
Conceptual clarity is key to solving complex problems quickly and accurately. Toppers consistently emphasise mastering the fundamentals of Quant, LRDI, and VARC. Whether you’re a fresher or a working professional, strong basics will help you stay confident under pressure and crack CAT with 100 percentile.
5. Take Full-Length Mock Tests Regularly
Mock tests are at the heart of every CAT topper's preparation tip. They resemble the actual exam environment and train your mind to handle pressure, manage time, and spot the best questions to attempt. Take at least 30–40 CAT mocks before the exam and review each one in detail to improve steadily.
6. Solve Previous Year CAT Papers
Practising past papers helps you understand question trends, difficulty levels, and topic weightage. Integrating this step into your CAT perfect score plan ensures you’re not surprised on test day. It also helps refine your selection strategy, deciding which questions to attempt and which to skip.
7. Take Care of Mental and Physical Health
CAT preparation can be intense, but maintaining a balanced lifestyle is essential to performing at your peak. Eat healthy, get adequate sleep, and stay active through regular exercise. Meditation or mindful breathing can help reduce stress and increase focus. Remember, to score 100 percentile in CAT, your mind and body must be in sync.
Understanding the CAT exam question paper pattern, essential topics with high weightage, and the types of challenging questions becomes easier with CAT previous year question papers with solutions. Candidates can download CAT question papers for the past six years (2022-2024) in slot-wise format directly from this page. Additionally, review the official CAT mock test to gain an understanding of the exam format.
CAT Question Paper Year | CAT Question Download Link |
CAT Previous Year Question Paper PDF Free Download 2024 | |
CAT Previous Year Question Paper PDF Free Download 2023 | CAT 2023 Slot 1 Question Paper (Memory Based) .pdf |
CAT Previous Year Question Paper PDF Free Download 2022 | |
Careers360 offers a wide range of preparation resources for CAT 2025, including detailed syllabus breakdowns, topic-wise study material, and expert strategy articles. Candidates can also access mock tests and previous year question papers to strengthen their exam readiness. These resources are designed to help aspirants build a strong foundation and improve their performance in all three sections of the CAT exam.
eBook Title | Download Links |
3000+ Most Important Words - Vocabulary Builder | |
500+ Most Important Idioms and Phrases | |
300+ Most Important Phrasal Verbs | |
CAT 2025 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Study Material | |
Permutation & Combination - Video Lectures and Practice Questions | |
Mastering DILR Questions with Expert Solutions | |
CAT 2025 Exam's High Scoring Chapters and Topics | |
Mastering CAT Exam: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages | |
CAT 2025 Mastery: Chapter-wise MCQs for Success for VARC, DILR, Quant | |
CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers | |
CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, coaching isn’t mandatory. Many toppers prepare on their own using online resources, previous year papers, and structured mock tests. What matters is discipline and a proper study plan.
On average, 3–4 focused hours a day are enough. It’s not about long hours but consistent, smart preparation—especially through mock tests and error analysis.
Focus on accuracy, not speed. Attempt questions you’re confident about, manage your time wisely, and stay calm during the exam. This is the key to cracking CAT with 100 percentile.
Yes. You don’t need to attempt all questions. Most 100 percentilers attempt around 45–50 questions with very high accuracy (90–95%).
To manage CAT exam stress, maintain a healthy lifestyle by engaging in regular exercise, getting adequate sleep, consuming a balanced diet and engaging in physical exercises. Take regular breaks during preparation, maintain social connections, and avoid comparing your progress with others. On exam day, reach the centre early, stay calm, and trust your preparation.
On Question asked by student community
Yes, you can pursue an MBA at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, through the CAT exam.
Eligibility Criteria:
Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university.
Entrance Exam: A valid CAT score is required for admission.
Admission Process:
Application: Register online through the BBAU admission portal.
Entrance Exam: Appear for the CAT exam and obtain a valid score.
Counseling: Shortlisted candidates will be called for counseling based on their CAT scores.
Document Verification: Submit necessary documents for verification.
Fee Payment: Complete the fee payment to confirm admission.
Course Details:
Duration: 2 years (full-time).
Specializations: Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, among others.
Placement Opportunities:
BBAU has a strong placement record, with top companies recruiting MBA graduates.
For more details and to apply, visit the official BBAU MBA admission page
Hello Amgothu
With 305 marks in ICAR PG and being from ST category, your chances of getting an AIEEA (CAT) seat is good, especially in plant sciences and less competitive subjects
Hello
As you said you by mistakenly done that, you don't need to get worry regarding that ,
Just inform the help desk and carry the correct certifications , the state certificate will not disqualify you .
The steps you can follow is -
1. You can check if the correction window is available or not
2. Contact the CAT desk immediately.
Hope this helps
In CAT registration, you cannot create a new user ID with the same mobile number, even if you use a different email ID. Each mobile number and email can be linked to only one account. If you already registered once, the system will not accept a duplicate with that number. To register again, you must use a new mobile number and new email ID. If you lost your old login, you can recover it through the forgot password/user ID option on the CAT portal.
Yes, you can fill the CAT form even if you currently have a backlog. CAT eligibility requires you to be in your final year of graduation or already graduated backlogs don’t stop you from applying.
While filling the form:
Enter the aggregate percentage/CGPA of marks you have obtained up to the latest semester for which results are declared (in your case till 4th semester).
There will be an option to mention that you have a backlog.
If you clear the backlog later, you’ll just need to show the updated marks during admission.
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