Understanding the CAT score versus percentile is an important factor that influences preparation strategies. It sets realistic standards for the candidates to score a certain number of marks to get the required percentile to get admission into their preferred university.
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Understanding the difference between the CAT score and a percentile is essential for candidates aspiring to pursue management courses in India. CAT is one of the most important entrance exams in India for admissions to top schools like IIMs, FMS, SPJIMR, IITs, and others.
There is a slight difference between CAT score vs percentile, which affects the admission of candidates to these schools. Stay tuned to this article to understand how the CAT percentile is calculated.
What is a CAT Score?
CAT Score is the raw marks obtained by the candidate in the examination based on the CAT marking scheme in the three sections, namely:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
CAT Marking Scheme
The exam is a total of 300 marks calculated based on the marks for correct and incorrect answers.
| Topic | Details |
| Correct answer | +3 marks |
| Incorrect answer | -1 mark (negative marking is applicable in multiple-choice questions) |
Once the raw score is calculated, then it is skilled for various adjustments according to the difficulty of different slots.
Also Read: How to Prepare for CAT Exam at Home?
What is a CAT Percentile?
CAT represents the percentage of candidates whose marks are equal to or less than the exam score of a particular candidate. It indicates the rank of the candidate compared to others and reflects their performance. For example, if you have a 99th percentile, it means you have outperformed 99% of the candidates.
Formula to calculate CAT Percentile:
Percentile = [(N - Rank) / N] x 100
Where,
N= Total number of candidates who appeared for the exam.
Rank= Candidate’s position relative to the other candidates based on your scaled score.
Also Read: How to prepare for CAT Personal Interview?
CAT Score vs CAT percentile Table
Based on the previous years' trends and scores, the table given below provides details of CAT score vs expected CAT percentile. Candidates can use it to understand what scores they need to get to lie in an expected range of percentile and start preparing accordingly.
| CAT Score | Expected Percentile |
| 70 - 85 | 70 - 80 |
| 85 - 100 | 80 - 85 |
| 100 - 110 | 85 - 90 |
| 110 - 120 | 90 - 92 |
| 120 - 130 | 92 - 95 |
| 130 - 140 | 95 - 98 |
| 140 - 150 | 98 - 99 |
| 150 - 180 | 99 - 99.5 |
| 180 - 200+ | 99.5 - 100 |
Also Read: How to Score 99 Percentile in CAT 2025?
Factors Affecting CAT Score vs Percentile
There are various factors that influence the CAT percentile. Some of them are given below.
- Difficulty level of the exam
- The normalisation process
- Total number of candidates who appeared for the exam
- Previous years trends
Tips to maximize CAT percentile
Some of the tips that the candidates can utilize to score high CAT percentiles are:
- Focus on accuracy and time management: Negative marking leads to a decrease in scores. Hence the candidate must perform only the questions he or she feels confident in while keeping time management in mind.
- Prioritize strong sections: everybody has a weak point and strengths. Candidate must perform mock tests to understand their strengths and weaknesses and use them for the exam day.
- Regularly practicing mock tests and Sample Papers : regularly practicing the previous years paper mock test and sample papers can help the candidates understand the pattern in a better way and understand their strengths and weaknesses. This helps them to perform better in the exam.
Also Read: List of Government Jobs after MBA 2025
List of Colleges Accepting CAT Score vs Percentile
Listed below are some of the top colleges that accept CAT scores, categorized by different ranges of CAT percentiles. Candidates can find the details in the provided table.
Also Read: List of MBA colleges for 60-70 percentile in CAT 2025
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