Understanding the CAT Exam and Scoring for 99 Percentile

Introduction to CAT Exam Pattern

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a crucial examination for candidates planning to pursue postgraduate management programs in India. The exam consists of three sections: Quantitative Ability (QA), Data Interpretation Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability Reading Comprehension (VARC). Achieving a 99 percentile score demands a meticulous understanding of the exam pattern and a strategic approach to solving the paper.

Typical Scores Needed for 99 Percentile

Generally, one needs to solve approximately half of the total number of questions correctly to secure a 99 percentile in the CAT. Historically, the number of correctly solved questions has shown a decrement over the years. For instance, in CAT 2021, it was around 50 questions, while in CAT 2022, it was even less than 45 questions.

Scoring Breakdown

Here is a detailed breakdown of the required scores for 99 percentiles in recent years:

CAT 2018: Approximately 154 out of 300 total marks CAT 2019: Approximately 158 out of 300 total marks CAT 2020: Approximately 101 out of 228 total marks CAT 2021: Approximately 98 out of 198 total marks

While these numbers give an approximate idea, the exact score required can vary based on the difficulty level of the paper.

Strategic Approach Based on Exam Difficulty

The required number of correct answers depends on the difficulty level of the questions. Based on the performance of top scorers, here are the suggested strategies:

2016 Exam Pattern

QA (Quantitative Ability) - Moderate DILR (Data Interpretation Logical Reasoning) - Tough VA (Verbal Ability) - Easy

For exams with a moderate QA section and tougher DILR and VA sections, solving approximately 70 questions with a maximum of 5 incorrect attempts would be sufficient.

2017 Exam Pattern

QA (Quantitative Ability) - Easy DILR (Data Interpretation Logical Reasoning) - Tough VA (Verbal Ability) - Easy

For exams with an easy QA section and tougher DILR and VA sections, solving up to 75 questions with a maximum of 5 to 6 incorrect attempts would be effective.

In both cases, the range for correct answers is between 70 to 75 questions, with approximately 5 to 6 incorrect answers.

Expert Insights

Rahul Sir, a renowned CAT coach, advised:

“Based on the ongoing CAT pattern, for a 99 percentile, you should attempt about 70 to 75 questions, with a maximum of 5 incorrect answers.”

This expert advice underscores the critical need for a balanced approach to solving the paper, focusing on both accuracy and efficiency.

Conclusion

The path to a 99 percentile in CAT requires a careful balance of solving the right number of questions and maintaining accuracy. While the exact number may vary based on the difficulty level and paper pattern, adhering to strategic solving techniques and consistent practice can significantly enhance your chances of achieving a top score.