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Calculate CAT percentiles using one of three methods: from a dataset of scaled scores (midrank method), from rank & total candidates, or from counts of candidates less/equal. CAT percentiles are typically computed as percentage of candidates scored lower (midrank used for ties).
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Appearing in the CAT exam is no small feat. Every year lakhs of aspirants aim to step into one of the top B-schools in India. If you are among them, you must be aware of the CAT percentile system. It is as important as preparing for the test itself. Most people confuse percentage with percentile and wonder that if you score 95 marks, what will be your percentile? Also, how to compare your score with other candidates. This is where you will need a CAT percentile calculator. It helps you predict your position in the CAT exam among other test-takers and predict your chances of making it into the IIMs or other top B-schools.
Here, we have provided the CAT percentile Calculator, its importance, how to access this tool, and why it is important to calculate CAT percentile.
Before everything, let’s start with the basics. Your percentile in the CAT exam is the percentage of candidates who scored below you. It is not similar to your percentage score. It is basically a relative measure that ranks your performance against other test-takers. For example, if your CAT percentile is 90, it means that you have scored better than 90% of all the students. This means that even if you have the same marks as the other candidate, your percentile can differ depending on how well others have performed.
There are three different ways to calculate CAT percentile. The first one is from the dataset of scaled scores, the second one is from the rank and total candidates, and the third one is from the counts of candidates less/equal. We have discussed the steps to calculate the CAT percentiles.
1. First, choose the calculation method, a dataset of scaled scores is highly recommended.
2. Enter your scores for different sections with a comma, space and separated by a newline.
3. Click on the ‘calculate percentile’ option to find your answer.
The data for the CAT score vs percentile changes every year based on the overall difficulty level and the total number of students appearing for the exam. The CAT scores are normalised to calculate the corresponding percentile. It is the CAT percentile based on which the candidates are shortlisted for the next selection rounds. This technique is mainly used to bring equivalence to the different test papers and variations in the CAT question papers.
This way, the performance of every candidate can be judged fairly. The CAT score of 115 - 122 corresponds to a percentile of 99.5 or more than that. Here’s the table showing the CAT score vs the percentile of the 2024 exam:
| Percentile | Overall Score |
|---|---|
| 80 | 43 |
| 85 | 49 |
| 90 | 57 |
| 95 | 70 |
| 98 | 85 |
| 99 | 96 |
| 100 | 151 |
In the CAT exam, your percentile matters more than your raw score. Most of the top business schools use the percentile system to shortlist candidates for the next selection round. The selection round includes a group discussion, a written ability test and a personal interview.
Here’s why it is important to calculate the CAT percentile:
Defines your competitiveness: The CAT exam is considered one of the most prestigious exams in India. Your percentile in this entrance exam will determine your position among the large pool of aspirants.
Essential for shortlisting candidates: Every management institute sets its own CAT percentile cut-off for different category students (general, OBC, SC/ST). If you are unable to meet the minimum percentile eligibility, you won’t be called for further rounds.
Shows consistency: A good percentile score across all three sections reflects that you are a balanced performer.
Boosts your confidence: Knowing your percentile gives you confidence and assures you that your preparation, knowledge and understanding are good.
Your CAT percentile plays a decisive role in determining which college you will get shortlisted for. With the aim of studying at the top business school in the country, every year, approximately 3 lakh students appear for the CAT exam. Out of which, only 10,000 - 30,000 students are able to clear the CAT exam.
| Year | Percentile | No. of Students Qualified |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 100% | 14 (13 Males; 1 Female) |
| 2024 | 99.99% | 29 (27 Males; 2 Females) |
| 2024 | 99.98% | 30 (29 Males; 1 Female) |
| 2023 | 100% | 14 (All Males) |
| 2023 | 99.99% | 29 (28 Males; 1 Female) |
| 2023 | 99.98% | 29 (All Males) |
| 2022 | 100% | 11 (All Males) |
| 2022 | 99.99% | 22 (21 Males; 1 Female) |
| 2022 | 99.98% | 22 (19 Males; 3 Females) |
| 2021 | 100% | 9 (All Males) |
| 2021 | 99.99% | 19 (All Males) |
| 2021 | 99.98% | 19 (18 Males; 1 Female) |
Some of the colleges that you may target based on the CAT percentile are as follows:
| Percentile | Colleges |
|---|---|
| 99+ | IIMs, IITs, FMS etc. |
| 95 to 99 | MDI, New IIMs, IISc, Baby IIMs etc. |
| 90 to 95 | IMI, IMT, DSE etc. |
People often get confused between percentage and percentile. Let’s break that series here once and for all. Here’s a comparison table of percentage vs percentile:
| Percentage | Percentile |
|---|---|
| It is a measure of numbers out of 100. | It is a ranking method to determine the value scored above or below other percentages. |
| It is specific to a single individual’s score or data. | Percentile considers the scores of the entire group to show rank distribution. |
| Formula used: (Marks obtained / Total marks) x 100 | Formula used: (Number of students scoring less / Total students) x 100 |
| A score of 85% means 85 out of 100 marks. | The 80th percentile means that 80% of the group scored less than or equal to that score. |
Now that you know how the CAT percentile works and how to calculate it, let’s find some ways to boost your percentile in the upcoming CAT exam.
1. Don’t just attempt, focus on accuracy: Try to maximise accuracy instead of just randomly guessing, because negative marking can drastically reduce your score.
2. Take regular mock tests and practice exams: On a weekly basis or whatever your schedule says, attempt mock tests. Then you can analyse your mock test results using the CAT percentile calculator to track improvements and understand your weaknesses.
3. Balance sectional scores: Remember, institutes like IIM have sectional cut-offs, which means that excelling in one section and failing in another can disqualify your candidature.
4.Review and revise again: The most important trick to excel in any exam is to revise regularly. In fact, spent the last month revising the core subjects, shortcuts, and formulas.
5. Improve your time management skills: You can do so by practising solved papers or attempting previous years papers.
There are many misconceptions revolving around the CAT percentile. Let’s bust some of them today:
There are many misconceptions revolving around the CAT percentile. Let’s bust some of them today:
❌ Myth 1: Percentile is based on marks only.
✅ Truth: It depends on relative performance.
❌ Myth 2: A high raw score guarantees a 99th percentile.
✅ Truth: The percentile relies on paper difficulty and how others perform.
❌ Myth 3: Sectional percentiles do not matter in the final rank.
✅ Truth: Institutes like IIMs consider sectional percentiles equally as the overall percentile.
Having a thorough understanding of your CAT percentile is crucial in your preparation. By using a CAT percentile calculator, you can get a clear picture of what’s going to be your standing in the competition. This will essentially help you in determining the future course of action. Remember, here your goal is not to score high, but to work smarter. Use every tool, mock test and attempt every insight to get closer to your dream b-school.
