CAT (Common Admission Test) is a national-level management entrance exam for admission to top MBA colleges in India. CAT score and percentile are two terms that often confuse candidates. In this article, we will discuss the difference between CAT score and percentile, and how to calculate them.

How to Calculate the CAT Score?

CAT score is the total marks obtained by a candidate in the exam. The CAT exam consists of three sections – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Each team has a maximum score of 100. 

The total score of the CAT is the sum of the sectional scores. For example, if a candidate scores 80 in VARC, 70 in DILR, and 90 in QA, then the total CAT score is 240.

What is CAT Percentile?

The CAT percentile is the percentage of candidates who scored less than or equal to the candidate in the CAT exam. It is a relative ranking system that compares a candidate’s performance to that of other candidates. For example, if a candidate scores in the 90 percentile, it means that 90% of the candidates who appeared for the exam scored less than or equal to the candidate.

How is the Percentile for CAT Calculated?

The CAT percentile is calculated based on the following formula:

Percentile = [(N- Rank of the candidate)/N] x 100

Where N is the total number of candidates who appeared for the exam.

Top MBA Colleges in India Accepting CAT Percentile:

CAT score and percentile play a crucial role in the admission process of MBA colleges in India. Some of the top MBA colleges in India accepting CAT percentile are:

1. Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A) – IIM-A is one of the top MBA colleges in India and requires a CAT score of around 99 percentile for admission.
2. Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIM-B) – IIM-B is another leading MBA college in India and usually sets a CAT score cutoff of 98-99 percentile.
3. Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi (FMS Delhi) – FMS Delhi is a prestigious MBA college that usually requires a CAT score of around the 97-98 percentile for admission.
4. Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (IIM-C) – IIM-C is one of the oldest IIMs in India and typically sets a CAT score cutoff of around 96-97 percentile.
5. Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur (XLRI) – XLRI is a top-ranked MBA college in India and generally requires a CAT score of around 95-96 percentile for admission.

Please note that these cutoffs are indicative and can vary depending on various factors, such as the number of applicants, the difficulty level of the CAT exam, and the availability of seats in the respective MBA programs.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the CAT score and percentile are two different concepts that play a crucial role in the admission process of MBA colleges in India. Understanding the difference between them is essential for candidates who want to pursue an MBA from a top college.