CAT 2023 Score VS Percentile : A comprehensive Analysis

Before delving into the analysis of CAT score versus percentile in 2023, let's grasp the concept of the CAT score. It refers to the cumulative marks obtained by a student in the CAT exam, taking into account the designated marking scheme. Essentially, the CAT score represents the sum of marks obtained by a candidate across all three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) (24 questions), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) (20 questions), and Quantitative Ability (QA) (22 questions). The CAT raw score serves as the fundamental basis for the subsequent analysis of CAT marks versus percentile. The CAT exam awards 3 marks for every correct answer and deducts 1 mark for every incorrect answer. There is no penalty for an unattended question. Moreover, for every incorrect answer for a NON-MCQ question, there is no penalty.

What is the CAT scaled score?

The CAT exam is conducted in multiple sessions, typically three. As the question papers differ slightly between sessions, a normalized process is used to create a scaled score. This ensures fairness and equality when comparing performance. The scaled score may differ from the raw score in various ways depending on the difficulty of each section.

Section Wise Questions Distribution and Marks

Section	Number of Questions	Time Allotted (In Minutes)	Marks (+3 for every correct answer -1 for every incorrect answer)
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)	24	40	72
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)	20	40	60
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	22	40	66

CAT PERCENTILE

What is CAT Percentile?

A percentile is a metric utilized to assess the proportion of students in the merit list who rank above or below a specific individual. For instance, achieving a score of 80 percentile on the CAT indicates that 80% of the test takers obtained lower scores than you. Consequently, candidates with a percentile of 80 or higher can be considered part of the top 20 % among all the test takers.

InsideIIM's CAT 2024 free mini-mock tests

Percentile Vs Marks Distribution (CAT 2023) (Overall)

InsideIIM has conducted comprehensive data research to compile an extensive analysis of overall scores versus percentiles for the year 2023. The following table shows the comparison between the score and percentile for CAT 2023.

Percentile	Scaled Score
100	138.59
99.95	106.95
99.9	101.43
99.5	84.29
99	76.02
98.5	71.15
98	66.68
97.5	63.64
97	61.56
96.6	59.99
96	58.1
95.5	56.41
95	54.86
94	53.32
93	52.35
92	51.95
91	46.13
90	45.16
85	42.29
80	41.19
75	40.02
70	38.94

CAT 2022 VS CAT 2023: A Comparative Analysis

Percentile	Scaled Score (2023)	Scaled Score (2022)
100	138.59	145.83
99.95	106.95	115
99.9	101.43	109.9
99.5	84.29	92.87
99	76.02	83.64
98	66.68	73.88
96.6	59.99	65.4
95.5	56.41	59.75
93	52.35	53
90	45.16	48.44
85	42.29	41.32
80	41.19	36.02
70	38.94	28.5-29

CAT 2023 VS CAT 2022: Attempt Rate Analysis

Percentile	Required Correct Attempts (2023)	Required Correct Attempts (2022)
100	47	49
99.95	36	38
99.9	34	37
99.5	28	31
99	26	28
98	22	24
96.6	20	22
95.5	19	20
93	18	18
90	15	16
85	14	14
80	14	12
70	13	10

#Figures for the number of correct attempts have been rounded off. Please note that this doesn’t include negative markings.

The comparison between CAT 2023 and CAT 2022 shows that CAT 2023 was tougher. To get the same percentile in CAT 2023, you need to answer fewer questions correctly compared to CAT 2022. This suggests that the CAT exam is getting harder over time. Test-takers should be aware of this trend and adapt their study plans accordingly to improve their chances of doing well.

We will provide a detailed analysis of the score vs. percentile for VARC, DILR & QA soon. In the meantime, you can start preparing for CAT 2024 by taking InsideIIM’s free mini-mock tests available here

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