Most frequently asked question from CAT 2026 score vs percentile: “What score do I need to achieve for a 99+ percentile?” Knowing the relationship between raw scores and percentiles is vital in order to set preparation goals. As CAT is a scaled test, the percentile varies with the difficulty level, normalization procedure, and candidates’ total performance. Your ultimate reference guide for CAT 2025 Score vs Percentile is here.
CAT 2026 Score vs Percentile (Expected Range)
Here’s a general breakdown based on previous year trends. Note: These are estimated and can vary each year depending on paper difficulty and normalization.
| Overall Scaled Score | Expected Percentile |
| 100 – 105+ | 99.9+ percentile |
| 95 – 100 | 99.5 – 99.9 percentile |
| 85 – 94 | 99 – 99.5 percentile |
| 70 – 85 | 97 – 99 percentile |
| 60 – 70 | 95 – 97 percentile |
| 50 – 60 | 90 – 95 percentile |
| 40 – 50 | 85 – 90 percentile |
| 30 – 40 | 75 – 85 percentile |
| 20 – 30 | 60 – 75 percentile |
Sectional Score vs Percentile (Approximate)
CAT percentiles are also calculated section-wise. Here’s how individual section scores roughly align with percentiles:
VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension – 24 Qs)
| Score | Percentile |
| 35+ | 99+ |
| 30 | 95+ |
| 24–28 | 90–95 |
DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning – 20 Qs)
| Score | Percentile |
| 30+ | 99+ |
| 25–30 | 95–99 |
| 20–25 | 90–95 |
QA (Quantitative Aptitude – 22 Qs)
| Score | Percentile |
| 34+ | 99+ |
| 28–34 | 95–99 |
| 22–28 | 90–95 |
Why Do Score vs Percentile Fluctuate?
- Normalization: CAT uses a normalization process due to different slots having varying difficulty.
- Competition: Percentile reflects your performance relative to others.
- TITA Questions: These have no negative marking, allowing more risk-taking.
- Paper Difficulty: A tougher paper usually means lower raw scores can still yield higher percentiles.
Target Score Strategy for CAT 2026
| Target Percentile | Safe Raw Score |
| 99.9+ | 105+ |
| 99+ | 90–100 |
| 95+ | 65–75 |
| 90+ | 50–60 |
| 85+ | 40–50 |
Pro Tip: Aim to score equally well across all sections to clear sectional cutoffs, especially for IIMs.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the CAT score vs percentile mapping in a clear way allows you to plan realistically and check your improvement. Don’t forget, CAT is not only about getting a high score — it’s about scoring higher than others. Keep estimating your percentile using mock tests periodically and accordingly sharpen your strategy.
For latest updates on CAT 2025 score calculators, percentile predictors, and cutoffs for IIMs & other top B-schools, follow official sources like trusted portals like Career Mantra.
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