Understanding the Ideal CAT Score for Admission to Top B-Schools

The Consortium of Management Entrance (CAT) is a crucial examination in India for admission to several top business schools. However, the ideal score for admission to the best colleges depends largely on your profile and the college you target. This article delves into the nuances of CAT scores, providing insights for various categories of candidates.

CAT Scores for Different Category Candidates

For a typical candidate:

Old IIMs: A score in the 99.5th percentile is ideal for admission. Candidates from GEM (Government Employee Minority) or GNEM (Government Non-Employee Minority) categories might need to score higher, possibly a perfect 99.5th percentile, due to stringent criteria. For reserved categories, a score above 90th percentile is sufficient. New IIMs and Top B-Schools: For a normal candidate, a score above the 97th percentile is ideal. GEM or GNEM candidates with a troubled academic history should aim for the 99th percentile. Reserved category students need to secure a score above the 75th percentile to significantly increase their chances. Tier 3 Colleges: For institutions like IMI and KJ Somaiya, a candidate needs to secure around the 90th percentile. GEM and bad GNEM candidates should strive for at least the 94th percentile. Reserved category students should remain hopeful and aim for any available percentile, as outcomes can be unpredictable.

Assuming Similar Difficulty Level

To gain a better understanding, let’s consider the performance needed to secure a specific percentile:

80th Percentile: 15 attempts, 80 accuracy per section. 85th Percentile: 20 attempts, 70 accuracy per section. 90th Percentile: 20 attempts, 75 accuracy per section. 95th Percentile: 20 attempts, 80 accuracy per section.

Current Trends and Scoring Pattern

Based on the patterns of the last two years, for CAT 2017, if the exam is at the same difficulty level as CAT 2016, the following scores could secure places in top colleges:

A score between 170 and 190 out of 300, assuming a 45 in each section, is ideal. This score line is predicted to secure admission to top colleges with the following section-wise distribution: 50-60-70.

Conclusion

The ideal CAT score for admission to top business schools varies based on several factors, including the category of the candidate, the desired college, and the overall difficulty level of the exam. It is essential for candidates to understand their profile and aim for the appropriate percentile to maximize their chances of securing admission to their preferred B-Schools.