CAT Result 2024: Release Date, How to Check, and What’s Next

CAT 2024 results have been announced by the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, and approximately 2.49 lakh candidates out of 2.93 lakh registered applicants appeared for the examination. This year, 14 candidates achieved the prestigious 100 percentile, showcasing exceptional performance.  

Among these top scorers, Maharashtra emerged as the leading state with the maximum 100 percentiles, followed by Telangana, with 2 candidates achieving the perfect score. Additionally, 1 candidate from Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh secured this elite distinction. These results highlight not only the competitive nature of the exam but also its geographic diversity.

Outstanding Performers

This year’s results reflect the continued dominance of candidates from engineering backgrounds, highlighting their strong performance in the exam.

The CAT result refers to the Common Admission Test (CAT) Result, it is a standardised test conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their postgraduate management programs. The CAT exam is known for its rigorous nature and is considered one of India's most challenging entrance examinations. 

CAT Result 2024 Overview

The CAT Result 2024 was declared on December 19, 2024, during the afternoon hours. Candidates can now download their scorecards, including sectional and overall marks. This information is critical for determining eligibility for the next phases of the MBA admission process.

CAT Latest Updates

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta has announced the results of the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024. Candidates can access their scorecards on the official website, iimcat.ac.in, by logging in with their credentials.

This year, 14 candidates achieved a perfect 100 percentile, while 29 candidates scored 99.99 percentile. On November 24, 2024, approximately 2.93 lakh candidates appeared for the examination across 389 test centres in India.

Following the release of results, each IIM will publish a shortlist based on candidate percentiles and cut-off scores. The subsequent selection phases include group discussions (GD) and personal interviews (PI), culminating in final admissions determined by overall performance.

Candidates are advised to regularly check the official CAT website and individual IIM portals for updates on the admission process and further instructions.

How to Check CAT Results Online

The CAT 2024 result was released on December 19, 2024, and can be accessed on the CAT's official website, iimcat.ac.in.

To check your CAT result, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official CAT website: iimcat.ac.in [invalid URL removed]
2. Use your registered credentials (User ID and Password) to access the portal.
3. Click on the "CAT 2024 Scorecard" link.
4. View, download, and print your result for future reference.

Key Points to Remember:

• Ensure your login credentials are handy.
• Use a stable internet connection to avoid disruptions.
• If you face any issues, use the "Forgot Password" option or contact CAT helpline support for assistance.

CAT Result Percentile Analysis

The CAT result percentile indicates your relative performance compared to other candidates who appeared for the exam. It signifies the percentage of candidates who scored below you. For instance, a 95 percentile means you performed better than 95% of the test-takers.

Factors Affecting CAT Percentile:

• Difficulty Level of the Paper: The overall difficulty level of the exam can influence the distribution of scores and percentiles.
• Performance of Other Candidates: Your percentile is determined by your score to the scores of other candidates.
• Scaling Process: The CAT exam undergoes a scaling process to adjust for variations in difficulty levels across different sections and slots.

Percentile Calculation Formula

Percentile=(1−Rank of CandidateTotal Number of Candidates)×100\text{Percentile} = \left(1 - \frac{\text{Rank of Candidate}}{\text{Total Number of Candidates}} \right) \times 100Percentile=(1−Total Number of CandidatesRank of Candidate​)×100

• Rank of Candidate: Your rank among all test-takers.
• Total Number of Candidates: The number of candidates who appeared for the exam.

Interpreting Your CAT Percentile:

• 95+ Percentile: Considered a good score, increasing your chances of admission to top IIMs and other prestigious B-schools.
• 90-95 Percentile: A good score that opens doors to many top B-schools, including some IIMs.
• 80-90 Percentile: A decent score that can get you into several good B-schools.
• Below 80 Percentile: While still competitive, your options might be limited to lower-ranked institutions.

Key Points:

• The CAT percentile is more important than the raw score for admission purposes.
• A high percentile in all three sections (VARC, DILR, QA) is crucial for increasing your chances of admission.
• Consider your overall profile, including academics, work experience, and extracurricular activities, when applying to B-schools.

What to do After CAT Results

The CAT result is a crucial milestone, but it's just the beginning of your MBA journey. Here's a breakdown of what to do after receiving your CAT results:

1. Analyze Your Results and Set Targets:

• Evaluate Your Performance: Understand your strengths and weaknesses by analyzing your sectional scores and percentiles.
• Set Realistic Goals: Based on your score, shortlist B-schools that align with your aspirations and have achievable cutoffs.

2. Prepare for the Admission Process:

• Research B-schools: Thoroughly research the shortlisted B-schools, including their admission criteria, selection process (WAT/GD/PI), fee structure, placements, and specializations.
• Build Your Profile: Enhance your profile by:
• Work Experience: Gain relevant work experience through internships or part-time jobs.
• Extracurricular Activities: Engage in volunteering, social work, or other activities that showcase your leadership and teamwork skills.
• Certifications: Consider relevant certifications like CFA, FRM, or Six Sigma to strengthen your application.
• Prepare for WAT/GD/PI: Practice writing essays, participating in group discussions, and preparing for personal interviews.

3. Apply to B-schools:

• Meet Deadlines: Keep track of application deadlines for your target B-schools and submit applications on time.
• Application Forms: Fill out application forms accurately and comprehensively, highlighting your achievements and goals.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): Craft a compelling SOP that showcases your motivation, career aspirations, and suitability for the program.
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Request LORs from professors, supervisors, or mentors who can vouch for your skills and character.

4. Attend Interviews and Group Discussions:

• Research the Panel: Learn about the panellists' backgrounds and areas of expertise.
• Practice Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews with friends, family, or mentors to gain confidence and refine your answers.
• Be Yourself: Project confidence, enthusiasm, and a genuine interest in the program.

5. Make Your Final Decision:

• Evaluate Offers: Carefully consider all offers received, weighing factors like program rankings, specializations, placements, and financial aid.
• Visit Campuses: If possible, visit shortlisted campuses to get a feel for the environment and culture.
• Consult with Seniors and Mentors: Seek guidance from seniors, alumni, or career counsellors to make an informed decision.

CAT Result Trends Over the Years

The CAT result trends over the years show that the exam has become increasingly competitive. Here are some key observations:

1. Number of Test Takers

• The number of candidates registering for CAT has seen steady growth, with approximately 2.93 lakh registrations in 2024.
• The actual number of test-takers typically ranges from 85–90% of total registrations.

2. Difficulty Levels by Section

The perceived difficulty of the three sections—VARC, DILR, and QA—varies each year.

• Quantitative Ability (QA): Consistently the toughest section for most candidates.
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): Difficulty fluctuates yearly, often the game-changer for top percentiles.
• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): Generally considered manageable, but accuracy is critical.

3. Percentile Distribution Trends

The percentile brackets remain competitive, with only the top-performing candidates achieving 99+ percentiles.

• Perfect Scores (100 Percentile): Usually achieved by a small group, predominantly male and engineering graduates.
• Top Percentile Candidates: The majority are from engineering backgrounds, though diversity has improved with initiatives by IIMs.

4. Sectional Score Distribution

• VARC: Scores are relatively higher due to less variability in difficulty.
• DILR: Performance fluctuates the most, impacting overall scores significantly.
• QA: Challenges in this section often lead to lower average scores.

5. Diversity Improvements

Efforts by IIMs to improve diversity have led to:

• Increased female participation.
• More non-engineering candidates achieve high scores.
• Separate weightage for academic and gender diversity in some IIMs.

6. Scaling and Normalisation

• CAT scores are scaled to account for variations in difficulty across different slots.
• Scaled scores are then converted into percentiles, ensuring fairness.

7. Cut-offs and Admission Trends

• IIM Cut-offs: Top IIMs (A, B, C) generally require 98+ overall percentile with sectional cut-offs of 85–95 percentile.
• New IIMs: Cut-offs are lower, ranging from 90–96 overall percentile.
• Non-IIM Institutes: Cut-offs depend on institute reputation and seat availability, typically ranging from 80–95 percentile.

Conclusion

Understanding your CAT result and percentile is crucial for the next stages of the MBA admission process. Analyze your strengths and weaknesses, set realistic goals, and shortlist B-schools based on their cutoffs and your aspirations.

While the competition is fierce, with the number of test-takers steadily increasing, there are ways to strengthen your profile. Consider gaining relevant work experience, participating in extracurricular activities, or pursuing certifications.

Remember, the CAT result is just one part of the selection process. Prepare for WAT/GD/PI rounds, showcase your communication and interpersonal skills, and make informed decisions when considering B-school offers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is CAT result declared?

Ans: Yes, the CAT Result 2024 has been declared on December 19, 2024. Candidates can check their results on the official website, iimcat.ac.in.

Q2: Is CAT score of 90 good? 

Ans: A CAT score of 90 percentile is considered good and places you among the top 10% of test-takers. It can qualify you for admission to several reputed MBA colleges, including some newer IIMs and other top B-schools like IMT Ghaziabad, XIMB, and TAPMI. However, the acceptability depends on the specific cut-offs of the institutes you’re targeting.

Q3: How can I check my CAT 2024 result?

Ans: You can log in to the official IIM CAT website, iimcat.ac.in, using your CAT ID and password to download your scorecard.

Q4: What is included in the CAT 2024 scorecard?

Ans: The scorecard includes sectional and overall scaled scores and percentiles.