Everything about the CAT 2023 Exam: Weightage, Cutoff Score

Tejanand Rompicherla -

The CAT, which stands for Common Admission Test, is a highly prestigious examination for admissions into the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) campuses offering MBA, PGPM, Fellow programs, and other management courses. The examination is conducted annually and the CAT 2023 notification is released for the admissions into academic year 2024-25. Every year more than two lakh candidates appear for it, creating a competitive atmosphere. Questions about the CAT cutoff and how to prepare for the rigorous IIM selection process are at the forefront of their minds.

To assist aspirants in their journey, here is a comprehensive analysis of CAT-2022 results, details of the third stage of the IIM selection process, and strategies for achieving success. Additionally, CAT-2023 cutoff estimations provide valuable insights and guidance to the candidates. With all this information and support, hopeful candidates can better navigate the path toward achieving academic and professional goals.

Day by Day more students of graduation courses are preparing for management courses, especially IIMs. As a result, more than two lakh candidates are appearing for CAT every year. However, admission in IIMs is not done by CAT score alone. Along with CAT, in the third phase, students have to excel in Group Discussion, Interview, and Written Test.

Difficulty of the CAT Exam

The CAT exam was conducted in three slots on 27 November 2023 this year. It was felt that this year's exam was of moderate difficulty. While CAT was conducted in three sections, 24 questions were asked about Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, 20 questions about Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and 22 questions about Quantitative Ability.A total of 66 questions for 198 marks were allocated.

In Slot-1. ARC section questions are somewhat easy, Logical Reasoning and data Interpretation questions are of moderate difficulty, and Quantitative Aptitude questions are easy. Opinions were expressed that slot 2 is somewhat more difficult than slot 1. Questions are said to be tough in the VARC section. Although the questions of the DILR section are easy..the candidates state that they face time constraints as the questions require calculations. Experts say that the third slot is easier compared to the first two slots. The questions asked from the VARC and DILR sections were easy. As a result, those who appeared for the exam in this slot got a chance to answer a large percentage of the questions. However the Quantitative Ability section is said to be difficult.

99 percentile with 50 percent Marks

It seems that those who score 50 percent of the total 198 marks in the exam are likely to score 99 percent. Similarly, those who scored 73-77 marks have more than 97 percentile and those with 63-67 marks have a chance to get 95 percent percentile. Experts suggest that candidates who are expected to score at this level should prepare for the third stage selection process conducted by IIMs.

IIMs consider other factors besides the CAT score. CAT score is only a useful tool to apply for the programs of interest in the respective IIMs. The admissions will be finalized only if the candidates who have applied like this show their talent in the group discussion, retention ability test, and personal interview conducted by the IIMs at the third stage.

Cutoff Percentile

All the IIMs conduct the admission process by releasing notifications at different stages. Only candidates with a certain cutoff percentile in CAT are allowed to apply. If the final list is prepared, taking into consideration the percentile of the students whose admissions have been finalized in the last two or three years, admission is given only if the percentile is above 93 percent. The statistics of past admissions make it clear that to get admission in the first generation IIMs like IIM-Kolkata and IIM-Ahmedabad.

The Three Important Things

After examining the applications received on the basis of CAT score, in the next stage, retention ability tests and group discussions are conducted. Candidates who have shown talent in these will have a personal interview at the end. If you succeed in this interview as well.. it is like getting admission to IIMs.

Group discussion

The process is to be conducted in the respective IIM campuses for the candidates who have qualified for the second round selection. Group Discussion. Candidates are organized into groups and given a topic to discuss. From core to contemporary, these things are there. Therefore, experts suggest that the candidates should increase their knowledge of the subject along with contemporary issues from now.

Retainability Test

After the group discussion, another test where the candidates have to prove their talent is the retention ability test. In this, the questions are asked in such a way that the candidates can express their opinions or suggestions by mentioning any specific topic. Candidates have to write their answers in between three hundred to four hundred words regarding one topic. These subjects also include subject knowledge and social awareness.

Personal Interview

Candidates who are successful in group discussion, written ability test.. the last process to face.. personal interview. In this interview, a committee of expert professors will ask questions about the student's real interest in management education, his future goals, and the ways he has chosen to achieve them.

Weightage Method in CAT

In order to release the final list of candidates in the respective programs in IIMs. CAT score, GD, RAT, talent in personal interviews, and many other factors are taken as standard, and specific weightage is also given to them. 35 to 50 percent weightage is given to GD and PI in the total weightage system of one hundred marks. In the name of diversity weightage, gender diversity, and cultural diversity are given weightage at the rate of three to five percent. Many IIMs also implement the academic weightage rule. There is a separate weightage for each of the 10th class, intermediate, and bachelor degree courses. IIMs give special weightage to those with professional qualifications in academic weightage. This weightage is between two to three percent. Five to ten percent weightage is given to candidates with work experience. This weightage is also based on the sector in which the candidates are working and the total years of experience. Academic diversity is also being emphasized with the intention of providing opportunities to non-engineering students in IIMs.

Gender weightage in CAT

Gender weightage is another innovative approach followed by IIMs. This gender diversity policy is being implemented to encourage female students to enroll in management education.

  • IIM Kolkata is allocating three additional marks to women students in the name of Gender Diversity Weightage.
  • IIM Lucknow is allocating two points to female students.
  • It is noteworthy that IIM Rohtak allocates 30 points in the entire selection process under the name of gender diversity and non-engineering factors.
  • IIM Raipur allocates 20 percent weightage to gender diversity.
  • IIM-Udaipur 15 points.
  • IIM-Kashipur allots three points.

A maximum of 40 percent for CAT

The weightage given to the CAT score is 40 percent in the final list design. IIMs give 40 to 50 percent weightage to group discussions and personal interviews. About 20 percent weightage is given to profile, work experience etc. In order to have a high percentage of weightage in the CAT score.. to consider their application in the calculation of weightage.. candidates have to obtain the minimum cutoff marks in terms of sectional cutoffs and overall cutoffs in CAT as specified by the respective IIMs.

About 12 Thousand Seats

Around 12 thousand seats are available for all courses in IIM campuses starting from PG program in management to the fellow program in management. Among these, the number of seats in the PG program in management, where a seat is available with a bachelor's degree qualification and passing CAT, is up to five thousand.

In conclusion, the CAT 2024 exam is a crucial milestone for aspiring management students seeking admission into esteemed business schools. Understanding the weightage and cutoff score of this examination is essential to strategize effectively and secure a spot in their desired institutions. With the Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning sections each carrying distinct weightage, test-takers must focus their preparation accordingly. The CAT 2024 cutoff score will act as the gateway to the prestigious B-schools, setting the standard for selection. Aspirants must dedicate themselves to rigorous preparation, stay updated on the latest exam trends, and maintain a positive mindset to achieve success in this highly competitive endeavor. Remember, the CAT is not just an exam; it is a journey of self-discovery, perseverance, and determination that will shape the future of tomorrow's business leaders. Good luck to all the CAT 2024 aspirants on this transformative expedition!