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The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024 results, announced recently, concluded the first phase of the MBA admissions process. The exam, held on November 24th across 170 cities, saw approximately 2.93 lakh candidates participate. The results, normalized to account for varying difficulty levels across the three exam slots (forenoon, afternoon, and evening), revealed a 99th percentile score of approximately 93 marks out of a possible 204. This signifies a significant benchmark for aspiring MBA students. The normalized scores also revealed that the 95th percentile corresponded to 71 marks and the 90th percentile to 58 marks. A total of 14 candidates achieved a perfect 100th percentile score, a testament to their exceptional preparation and performance. Geographic distribution of top scorers showed Maharashtra leading with five 100th percentilers, followed by Delhi and Telangana with two each. The gender distribution among the top scorers highlighted a disparity, with 13 males and only one female achieving the 100th percentile.
The normalization process, crucial for ensuring fairness, involved significant adjustments based on the perceived difficulty of each slot. Initial observations suggest the forenoon slot was relatively easier, leading to a considerable reduction in scores for candidates in this slot. Conversely, the afternoon slot, deemed the most challenging, saw scores marginally increased. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section showed consistent difficulty levels across all slots, requiring minimal score adjustments. However, the Quantitative Ability (QA) and Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (DILR) sections exhibited considerable variations in difficulty, making them the primary focus of score normalization. For instance, LRDI scores for forenoon slot candidates were scaled down by as much as 4.5 points, while VARC scores for the afternoon slot and QA scores for the evening slot saw reductions of 1-3 points. This highlights the importance of understanding the complexities of the normalization process and its impact on individual performance.
The percentile cut-offs for securing seats at various management institutes, including the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), are not uniform. They vary significantly based on category (General, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, PwD), gender, academic credentials, and academic diversity. While CAT percentiles are calculated based on total scores, individual section percentiles are also declared. Institutes often impose sectional percentile cut-offs as well, adding another layer of complexity to the selection process. This means candidates need to perform well not only on the overall test but also in individual sections to remain competitive. The IIMs are expected to release their second-stage shortlists within the next two to three weeks, potentially extending interview invitations to general category students with as low as a 90th percentile score, provided they meet specific academic and diversity criteria. Reserved category cut-offs are expected to be significantly lower than the 90th percentile.
The second phase of the admissions process will involve a Written Ability Test (WAT) and a Personal Interview (PI) at most IIMs. Several non-IIM institutions will also use the CAT scores for their second-stage shortlists and will incorporate additional evaluation methods, such as Group Interviews, Group Discussions, Group Exercises, AI Interviews, and Case Discussions, into their selection process. This second phase, scheduled to commence in January and extend until May, is crucial as it will significantly influence the final admission outcome. Preparation for the WAT and PI is critical; candidates must thoroughly prepare in areas such as current affairs, economics, management principles, and their undergraduate academic subjects. Interviewers will assess candidates’ self-awareness, general awareness, critical thinking skills, learning aptitude, and overall suitability for a management program.
The final merit list for admission to B-schools will depend on a cumulative score considering the CAT score, scores from the second-stage processes (WAT, PI, etc.), academic profile, and diversity factors. The weightage assigned to each component will vary depending on the institution. This holistic evaluation reflects the importance of a well-rounded profile beyond just the CAT score. The CAT exam, traditionally held on the last Sunday of November, serves as a critical milestone for prospective MBA students. The 2024 results and their analysis provide valuable insights for future aspirants, helping them tailor their preparation strategies for upcoming exams. Understanding the score normalization process, the varying importance of different sections, and the importance of the second-stage interviews are all critical components to success in future CAT attempts. The author's expertise, having over 15 years of experience in CAT training and as an IIM Ahmedabad alumnus, underscores the significance of strategic preparation and comprehensive understanding of the admission process.
Source: CAT result 2024: 99th percentile score will likely be 93 marks