Every MBA aspirant in the country dreams of cracking one of the most competitive exams- CAT, i.e the Common Admission Test, conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) every year. It is not a rare sight to find CAT preparation books in the hands of every other aspirant. From coaching centers to online resources, the CAT fever is at par with IIT-JEE and NEET exams.
Getting a good CAT percentile is one of the primary screening parameters of getting into a good Business school – IIMs and other top B-schools like GD Goenka University. The exam is 2 hours long, has 3 sections and the medium of the exam is English. There is a lot of anticipation and confusion after the exam about the results because of the CAT percentile vs score dilemma.
CAT: Registration and eligibility
CAT registration is done online by filling out the registration form, filling out preferences, and paying the registration fee. The eligibility is a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in graduation with a relaxation of 5% for those belonging to reserved categories. Apart from IIM preferences, which are in the registration form, CAT is also used to apply for prestigious schools like GD Goenka University and other private institutions, registration which are separate.
CAT exam and pattern
The duration of the test is 2 hours and consists of three sections namely-
- Quantitative Aptitude – Consists of Number, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Mensuration, Modern Maths related 26 questions.
- Verbal and Reading Comprehension– Consists of Passages, Fill in the blanks, Para Jumble, Para Completion, Fact Inference Judgement, Sentence Correction related 26 questions.
- Data Interpretation– Logical Reasoning- Consists of Tables, Pie Charts, Seating Arrangement, Logical Deduction, Cause and Effect, Calendars, Clocks, Blood Relations, Venn Diagrams related 24 questions.
In the CAT percentile vs score comparison, the result of the exam is the score, and the unit used to evaluate the percentage of students above or below a certain number is the percentile. IIMs have high percentile requirements, while other top-tier colleges like GD Goenka University and SPJIMS have comparatively lower percentile requirements.
What is the CAT Percentile?
A percentile is defined as a tool that is used to calculate the percentage of students who appeared for the exam, above or below you in the merit list. Moreover, in the CAT percentile vs score graph, there is no specific method or formula through which one can figure out and calculate the score needed to achieve a particular percentile as it depends on and varies with the level of difficulty of the exam.
How is the CAT percentile calculated?
Here is a simple method to calculate the percentile from the score achieved. The vague CAT percentile vs score might look something like:
- Percentile = ( 1 – All India Rank(Total Candidates in the Exam) * 100%
Step 1: Total number of students who appeared for the exam
Step 2: Assign a rank to the candidates based on the scaled score
Step 3: Calculate your CAT percentile based on the above formula
Top colleges accepting CAT scores
- INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT: There are very few places that attract the attention of not just management aspirants but almost everyone. A brand name across the globe, the IIMs have one of the best course structures and industry outreach. More than in India, the institutions are widely popular even abroad. CAT is held every year for admissions to IIMs with a high CAT percentile vs score ratio and if you’re someone looking for exponential growth and global business exposure, don’t even think twice and start preparing!
- FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, NEW DELHI: The institute was established in 1954 at the Delhi School of Economics campus and is one of the top management schools in India. Apart from harboring one of the most well-read and experienced teachers and faculty, it also has a decent quality infrastructure. MBA and PGDM are the best courses out of all the specializations and the institute provides various workshops and seminars. Well-connected and located in the capital, it is very good on the placements front.
- GD Goenka University: Ranked number 1 by The Times of India Engineering Institute Ranking Survey 2019, the campus of GD Goenka University boasts a state-of-the-art infrastructure with all facilities. The highlight of the MBA program is their well-designed course structure and the emphasis they put on practical training more than theory. They accept CAT scores with a pretty high percentile cut-off.