CAT Score 2024: 14 Students Achieve 100 Percentile – Engineers Lead the Way!

The CAT score for 2024 is out, and the results have once again highlighted the dominance of engineering students in one of India’s most competitive management entrance exams. The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta announced the results on December 19, 2024, and the numbers are impressive. Out of the 3.29 lakh registered candidates, 2.93 lakh appeared for the exam, with 14 students achieving a perfect 100 percentile CAT score.

If you’re an MBA aspirant or just curious about the trends in CAT results, here’s a detailed breakdown of the 2024 CAT score trends, top performers, and what lies ahead for candidates.

What is the CAT Score?

The CAT score is the result of the Common Admission Test (CAT), a national-level entrance exam for admission to India’s top business schools, including the prestigious IIMs. The score is calculated based on a candidate’s performance in three sections:

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

The CAT score is used by IIMs and over 86 other institutions to shortlist candidates for the next stages of the admission process, which include Written Ability Tests (WAT), Group Discussions (GD), and Personal Interviews (PI).

CAT 2024 Results: Key Highlights

1. Participation and Performance:
   • Out of 3.29 lakh registered candidates, 2.93 lakh appeared for the exam.
   • The demographic breakdown of registered candidates included:
     • 67.53% from the General category.
     • 16.91% from NC-OBC.
     • 8.51% from SC.
     • 2.25% from ST.
     • 4.80% from EWS.
     • 0.44% from PwD.
2. Top Performers:
   • 14 students achieved a perfect 100 percentile CAT score.
   • Among them, 13 are engineers, and 13 are male candidates, with only one female candidate achieving this feat.
   • 29 candidates scored 99.99 percentile, including 25 engineers and 4 non-engineers. This group comprised 27 males and 2 females.
   • 30 students achieved a 99.98 percentile.
3. Gender Representation:
   • Male candidates dominated the top scorers, with only a handful of female candidates making it to the highest percentiles.

Engineers Dominate CAT Scores Once Again

The trend of engineers excelling in CAT continues in 2024. Out of the 14 candidates who achieved a perfect 100 percentile CAT score, 13 are from engineering backgrounds. This dominance can be attributed to the strong analytical and quantitative skills that engineers bring to the table, which are critical for excelling in the CAT exam.

Even among those who scored 99.99 percentile, 25 out of 29 candidates were engineers. This trend underscores the importance of quantitative and logical reasoning skills in achieving a high CAT score.

What’s Next for CAT Aspirants?

1. Shortlisting for IIMs:
   • The IIMs will now release their shortlists for the next stage of admissions, which includes:
     • Written Ability Tests (WAT)
     • Group Discussions (GD)
     • Personal Interviews (PI)
   • Shortlisting will be based on CAT scores and institute-specific criteria, such as academic performance, work experience, and diversity factors.
2. Non-IIM Institutions:
   • Apart from the IIMs, 86 non-IIM institutions will also accept CAT 2024 scores for their management programs.
   • Candidates are advised to verify the registration status of these institutions on the official CAT website before applying.

How to Check Your CAT Score

If you haven’t checked your CAT score yet, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the official CAT website.
2. Log in using your application credentials (User ID and Password).
3. Download and save your scorecard for future reference.

Your CAT scorecard will include your overall percentile, section-wise scores, and percentile rankings.

What Does Your CAT Score Mean?

Your CAT score determines your eligibility for the next stages of the admission process at IIMs and other top B-schools. Here’s a quick guide to understanding your score:

• 100 Percentile: Exceptional performance, likely to secure calls from top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta.
• 99+ Percentile: Excellent score, with strong chances of getting shortlisted by Tier-1 IIMs and other top institutes.
• 90-99 Percentile: Competitive score, with opportunities at Tier-2 IIMs and other reputed B-schools.
• Below 90 Percentile: While challenging, you can still explore options at other management institutes that accept CAT scores.

Implications of the CAT 2024 Results

The CAT 2024 results reaffirm the exam’s reputation as one of the most competitive and challenging management entrance tests in India. The dominance of engineers and male candidates among the top scorers raises questions about the need for greater diversity in management education. However, the inclusion of non-engineering and female candidates among the top percentiles is a positive sign of increasing inclusivity.

Tips for Future CAT Aspirants

If you’re planning to take the CAT exam in the future, here are some tips to achieve a high CAT score:

1. Focus on Quantitative Ability: Strengthen your math and problem-solving skills, as QA is a critical section.
2. Practice Logical Reasoning: Regularly solve puzzles and practice DILR sets to improve your speed and accuracy.
3. Enhance Verbal Skills: Read extensively and practice RC passages to excel in the VARC section.
4. Take Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions with mock tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
5. Time Management: Learn to allocate time effectively across sections to maximize your score.

Conclusion

The CAT score 2024 results have set the stage for the next phase of admissions to India’s premier management institutes. With 14 students achieving a perfect 100 percentile and engineers continuing to dominate, the competition remains fierce. Aspiring MBA candidates should now focus on preparing for the next stages of the selection process to secure their spot in the country’s top business schools.

Whether you’re a top scorer or aiming to improve your performance next year, remember that the CAT score is just one part of the journey. Stay motivated, work hard, and keep your eyes on your MBA dreams!

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