Summary: The question "What is the minimum marks to qualify for CAT Examination?" must be on the minds of the majority of students taking the exam. Let's explore the significance of individual sectional scores and buckle up for an adventure in CAT-land!

If you want to study management in India, the Common Admission Test (CAT) is a pathway to some of the top B-Schools in India.

However, many aspiring CAT applicants are curious about the minimum score required to pass the CAT exam.

In this article, we will delve into the topic and offer you an in-depth overview of the cutoff marks required to pass the CAT exam.

So, let us explore the details and throw light on this essential component of the CAT entrance examination.

Download FREE Study Material for CAT Exam 2024 by SuperGrads

What is the minimum marks to qualify for CAT Examination?: Understanding CAT Exam Scoring 

Before we delve into the question, "What is the minimum marks to qualify for CAT exam?" it's important to understand how the exam is graded.

The CAT exam uses a scaled scoring system that includes both the number of correct and incorrect answers.

There are three sections as per CAT exam pattern 

Sections	Total No. of Questions	MCQs	TITA Questions	Marks
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)	24	21	3	72
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI & LR)	20	14	6	60
Quantitative Ability (QA)	22	14	8	66
Total	66	49	17	198

As per the CAT Marking scheme, each correct answer is worth three points, while each incorrect answer results in a penalty of one mark.

The scoring system for CAT 2024 is listed in the following table:

Type of Questions in CAT question paper pattern	Correct Answer	Incorrect Answer
MCQ	3	-1
Non-MCQ	3	0

Did you know?

• In terms of both the number and proportion of real test takers, CAT 2022 shatters all prior records.
• Bangalore IIM 2.22 lakh of the 2.55 lakh registered applicants for the CAT 2022 exam actually showed up to take it on November 27.
• It rises to 87%, the greatest number of CAT exam takers in the previous ten years. This includes 4 transgender people, 35% females and 65% males. More than 73 thousand individuals applied for the CAT 2022 in each of the 3 spots.

1. What is the minimum marks to qualify for CAT Examination?: CAT Exam Percentile and Qualification 

The CAT exam does not have a particular qualifying mark, unlike traditional exams, which have a fixed minimum passing percentage.

• The CAT exam is graded on a percentile scale, which assesses your performance in comparison to other candidates who took the same exam.  
• Your CAT percentile indicates the proportion of individuals who scored lower than you on the exam.
• The greater your percentile, the better your chances of admission to top management schools. 

Read more: CAT Exam Syllabus

CAT Section-Wise Cut Off 2024

Check the expected cut-off in the VARL, DILR and QA sections. 

Section	99.5%tile	99%tile	95%tile	90%tile
Overall	108	95	68	58
VARC	47	38	29	24
DILR	37	30	22	20
QA	46	37	27	21

For CAT exam passing marks you must meet the cut off scores. 

How much marks required to clear CAT?

Check the cut off scores for CAT, in the previous years. 

2. What is the minimum marks to qualify for CAT Examination?: Benchmark Percentiles for Top B-Schools 

Tt is important to understand the minimum percentiles required for admission to top B-Schools through CAT.

The cutoff percentiles vary from year to year and are influenced by factors such as the exam's difficulty level and the number of applicants.

A CAT percentile of 90 or higher is generally regarded as competitive for admission to the IIMs.  

However, it's important to note that each B-School has its own selection standards and may take into account additional factors such as academic performance, work experience, and personal interviews. 

Here's CAT percentile over previous years.

CAT Percentile	Marks in CAT 2020	Marks in CAT 2019	Marks in CAT 2018	Marks in CAT 2017	Marks in CAT 2016
99.9	131	196	192	208	191
99.5	115	170	170	183	168
99	102	157	155	173	153
95	77	120	125	139	123
90	63	90	110	121	108
85	55	87	90	103	93
80	49	75	80	98	84
70	36	57	62	83	68

Check: CAT Mock Test Series

3. What is the minimum marks to qualify for CAT Examination?: CAT Exam Difficulty and Score Analysis 

To acquire a deeper understanding of the minimum passing marks for CAT exam, it is necessary to analyse the exam's difficulty level and associated scores.

The CAT exam is well-known for its difficult nature, which tests candidates' analytical and problem-solving abilities.  

The general difficulty level of the exam varies from year to year.

Based on historical statistics, an overall score of approximately 150-160 out of 300 might be considered a fair starting point for a competitive percentile. 

Check: CAT Marks vs Percentile

What is the minimum marks to qualify for CAT Examination?: Importance of Individual Sectional Scores 

Aim for a balanced performance across all parts to maximize your overall CAT score and improve your chances of admission. If required, join CAT coaching Classes to get the guidance required to clear the exam.

Your CAT percentile is important in gaining admission to top B-Schools, with a percentile of 90 or higher often considered competitive. 

Focus on performing well in all sections, analyse previous CAT exam patterns, and aim for a score that matches the standards of your preferred B-School.

Check: CAT Cut-Off Marks

Approximate Sectional Cut Off for CAT 2024 is listed in the table below. 

Institute	Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension	Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning	Quantitative Aptitude	Overall Percentile
IIM Ahmedabad	70	70	70	80
IIM Bangalore	80	75	75	85
IIM Calcutta	80	80	75	85
IIM Lucknow	85	85	85	90
IIM Kozhikode	75	75	75	85
IIM Indore	80	80	80	90
IIM Shillong	75	75	75	85
IIM Udaipur	70	70	70	92
IIM Ranchi	70	70	70	92
IIM Raipur	70	70	70	92
IIM Rohtak	-	-	-	95
IIM Trichy	>=70	>=70	>=70	>=92
IIM Kashipur	70	70	70	92
IIM Sirmaur	70	70	70	92
IIM Bodhgaya	70	70	70	92
IIM Vizag	70	70	70	80
IIM Amritsar	75	75	80	85
IIM Jammu	65	65	65	90
IIM Nagpur	65	65	65	90
IIM Sambalpur	70	70	70	92

Check: Previous Year CAT Question Papers

Aspiring candidates should prepare thoroughly, stay updated on exam patterns, and aim for a score that aligns with their target institutions' admission requirements.

Key Takeaways:

• CAT uses a percentile system to assess candidates, indicating their performance relative to others who took the same exam.
• A CAT percentile of 90 or higher is typically competitive for admission to IIMs and other leading management institutions.
• In addition to the overall score, sectional scores play a significant role in the admission process, so candidates should aim for balanced performance.
• Achieving a high CAT percentile requires thorough preparation, a deep understanding of the exam's format, and a targeted approach based on your preferred B-School admission standards.

Check: CAT Exam Preparation Strategy