CAT Score vs Percentile
CAT score vs percentile is not a fixed table. It changes with slot normalization, paper difficulty, and candidate distribution. Use the bands here only as planning guidance.
CAT score vs percentile planning bands
| Band | Meaning | Planning use |
|---|---|---|
| Very high band | Usually requires a top-end scaled-score profile | Most relevant for old IIM planning |
| High band | Competitive score range in many past discussions | Useful for IIM and tier-1 college targeting |
| Moderate band | Can be relevant for broader MBA college lists | Target selection matters strongly |
| Low band | Often needs wider school list or another attempt | Use profile strengths carefully |
The table is not an official score conversion and is not affiliated with IIM, CAT, or any institute.
What is CAT score vs percentile?
It describes how a score relates to rank among candidates. The relationship changes by exam year, normalization, section difficulty, and candidate distribution.
How to use this page
Use bands for mock-test benchmarking. Use official results and target institute pages for application decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Can a raw CAT score directly predict percentile?
No. Raw or mock scores can only indicate a likely band. Official percentile depends on scaled score and the final candidate distribution.
Should I target percentile or score?
Use scores for mock-test practice and percentile for admissions planning. IIMs and MBA colleges generally use CAT percentile and other profile factors for shortlisting.