When preparing for the CAT (Common Admission Test), one of the most frequently asked question is, "What is the difference between CAT score and CAT percentile?" Understanding these concepts is crucial for any aspirant aiming to secure a spot in top business schools across India. In this blog, we'll delve into the difference between CAT score and percentile and how to calculate them.
Understanding CAT Score
The CAT score refers to the raw score a candidate achieves in the exam. The CAT exam comprises three sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): Number of Questions- 24
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) ): Number of Questions- 20
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA) ): Number of Questions- 22
Scores are calculated based on the correct answers and the penalty for incorrect responses (negative marking).
For every correct answer, you gain 3 marks, and for each incorrect answer, 1 mark is deducted. The total raw score is the sum of the marks obtained in all three sections.
Understanding CAT Percentile
The CAT percentile is a relative score that indicates how well a candidate has performed compared to other test-takers. It tells you the percentage of students who scored lower than you in the exam.
For instance, if you have a 95 percentile, it means you performed better than 95% of the candidates who took the exam.
Difference Between CAT Score and Percentile
- CAT Score: This is your raw score based on the number of correct and incorrect responses. It is an absolute measure of your performance.
- CAT Percentile: This is a comparative score that shows your performance relative to other candidates. A higher percentile reflects that you have outperformed a larger number of candidates.
The key difference lies in the fact that while the CAT score is a reflection of your individual performance, the percentile shows how well you did compared to others.
How to Calculate CAT Score
To calculate your CAT score, follow these steps:
1. Correct Answers: Multiply the number of correct answers by 3 (since each correct answer gives you 3 marks).
2. Incorrect Answers: Multiply the number of incorrect answers by 1 (since each incorrect answer results in a negative mark of 1).
3. Total Score: Subtract the total marks lost due to incorrect answers from the marks gained from correct answers.
For example, if you answered 60 questions correctly and got 20 wrong, your score calculation would look like this:
- Correct answers: 60 × 3 = 180
- Incorrect answers: 20 × 1 = 20
- Total score: 180 – 20 = 160
How to Calculate CAT Percentile
The CAT percentile is calculated using a specific formula that ranks your performance relative to others. Here's a simplified formula for calculating the CAT percentile:
Percentile = [(Total number of candidates – Your rank) / Total number of candidates] × 100
Let’s break it down:
If 100,000 candidates appeared for CAT and your rank is 2,000, then your percentile would be:
Percentile = [(100,000 – 2,000) / 100,000] × 100 = 98th percentile
This means that you performed better than 98% of the candidates.
Why is CAT Percentile Important?
While the CAT score is important, the percentile is often more critical for admissions. Most B-schools in India consider the CAT percentile rather than the raw score when shortlisting candidates for the next round of the admission process. A higher percentile increases your chances of getting into top IIMs and other prestigious institutions.
Understanding the difference between CAT score and percentile is essential for CAT aspirants. While the score reflects your individual performance, the percentile determines where you stand among your peers. Both are crucial, but ultimately, the percentile plays a pivotal role in securing admission to top management institutes.
To ace the exam, focus on maximizing your score, as this will naturally boost your percentile. Keep practicing, take mock tests, and stay consistent with your preparation.
Good luck with your CAT preparation!
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