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CAT Exam Result 

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most prestigious and competitive management entrance exams in India. Conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), the CAT exam opens the doors to admission in not only the IIMs but also in several other top-tier B-schools across the country. Each year, lakhs of aspirants compete for a limited number of seats, making the announcement of the CAT exam result a significant milestone in every MBA aspirant’s journey.

When Are CAT Results Announced?

CAT is usually conducted in the last week of November or the first week of December. The result is generally declared in the first or second week of January of the following year. For instance, if CAT 2024 is conducted in November 2024, the result can be expected around early to mid-January 2025.

The results are published online on the official CAT website (https://iimcat.ac.in). Candidates are required to log in using their CAT user ID and password to access their scorecard.

How to Check the CAT Result

Here is a step-by-step guide to check the CAT result:

  1. Visit the official CAT website.
  2. Click on the ‘CAT Scorecard’ link.
  3. Log in using your CAT credentials.
  4. The scorecard will be displayed on the screen.
  5. Download and take a printout for future reference.

The scorecard includes the following details:

  • Candidate’s name and registration number
  • Date of birth
  • Section-wise scaled scores and percentiles
  • Overall scaled score and percentile
  • Instructions for the next steps

Understanding the CAT Scorecard

The CAT scorecard provides both scaled scores and percentiles for each section as well as the overall performance. There are three main sections in the CAT exam:

  1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
  2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
  3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

The scaled score is derived from the raw score using normalization techniques to ensure fairness across different slots. The percentile indicates the percentage of candidates who scored less than or equal to the candidate in that particular section and overall.

What is a Good CAT Percentile?

A percentile score above 99 is considered excellent and increases the chances of getting calls from top IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, or Calcutta. However, even a percentile in the 90-95 range can fetch calls from several reputed institutes such as MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, and new IIMs.

Here’s a rough idea of how percentiles translate to college calls:

  • 99-100 Percentile: Top IIMs (A, B, C), FMS Delhi, XLRI (through XAT), etc.
  • 95-98 Percentile: New IIMs, IITs (DoMS), MDI, SPJIMR (with profile), etc.
  • 90-94 Percentile: IMI Delhi, TAPMI, FORE, IRMA, etc.

Post Result: What’s Next?

Once the result is out, the next steps include:

  • Shortlisting: Based on CAT score, academic background, work experience, and other factors, B-schools release their shortlist of candidates for the next round.
  • WAT-PI Rounds: Shortlisted candidates appear for Written Ability Tests (WAT), Group Discussions (GD), and Personal Interviews (PI).
  • Final Selection: Final admission is based on a composite score of CAT percentile, WAT-PI performance, academic record, diversity factor, and work experience.

It is crucial to start preparing for these rounds as soon as the results are announced since they play a vital role in final selection.

Tips for Candidates Post CAT Result

  1. Analyze Your Score: Understand your strengths and weaknesses based on the scorecard. This can help in PI preparation.
  2. Apply to Suitable B-Schools: Based on your percentile, shortlist the institutes you are eligible for.
  3. Work on Communication Skills: The interview rounds test your clarity of thought, communication, and awareness.
  4. Stay Updated: Read newspapers, follow business news, and stay aware of current affairs.
  5. Mock Interviews: Join coaching institutes or online platforms offering mock interviews and feedback.

Conclusion

The CAT result marks the beginning of a new chapter in the life of an MBA aspirant. While a high percentile opens doors to prestigious institutes, it is the holistic preparation, personality, and performance in the subsequent stages that ultimately secure admission. Candidates must stay motivated and focused as they move forward in their B-school journey.

Success in CAT is not just about getting a great score—it’s about what you do after the result that truly shapes your future.