CAT 2025 Marks vs Percentile: How Many Marks for 99, 95 and 90?

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RishmaSri RamakrishnanAuthor

CAT 2025 Marks vs Percentile: How Many Marks for 99, 95 and 90?

If you’re writing CAT** 2025**, you’ve probably already wondered:

“Exactly how many marks do I need for 99 percentile?”
“What’s a safe score for 95 percentile and baby IIMs?”
“CAT 2023 needed fewer marks for 99 than CAT 2024 – what does that mean for CAT 2025 marks vs percentile?”

For CAT aspirants, understanding past performance trends, scoring patterns, and how these impact your preparation strategy is crucial to maximize your chances of achieving a high percentile.

The truth is: CAT is a percentile‑based exam.

Your CAT marks (raw score) matter, but your CAT percentile is what decides your shortlists, because it shows your performance relative to all the test takers. CAT percentile shows your rank among all candidates and is a key metric for admissions.

On this page, we’ll unpack:

CAT 2025 marks vs percentile (expected)usingcurrent exam trends
How CAT 2023 & 2024 marks mapped to percentiles, so you see the pattern LPT+2Collegedunia+2
What a good score and safe score look like for different types of MBA colleges
How to use Mockat’s CAT Percentile Predictor for CAT 2025 once the exam is done
Understanding the CAT exam pattern and how it relates to scoring and percentiles

Short version: by the end, you’ll know what to aim for, not just “study hard and hope for the best”—and why understanding the CAT score versus percentile relationship is key for your strategy. Understanding CAT score vs percentile is crucial for effective goal setting and optimizing your exam strategy.

1. Why CAT 2025 Marks vs Percentile Matters

1.1 Marks alone don’t decide your future

In CAT, two students can have similar marks but very different futures:

One with 95+ percentile gets multiple IIM and top non‑IIM calls.
Another with 80 percentile may need to target different MBA colleges or consider another attempt.

That’s because CAT percentile tells B‑schools:

Your relative ranking
Your candidate’s performance relative to other test takers
How ready you are for their program compared to the entire pool

1.2 Marks vs percentile = clarity + realistic planning

Understanding CAT 2025 marks vs percentile helps you:

Set clear score targets instead of vague ones
Decide what is a good score vs a safe score for your dream colleges
Avoid under‑ or over‑estimating yourself after the exam

2. Quick Refresher: What Is CAT?

2.1 Common Admission Test basics

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national‑level exam conducted by the IIMs.

It’s used for MBA admissions into:

21 IIMs
Several top B‑schools and MBA colleges across India

2.2 Who takes CAT?

Every year, 2.8–3.0 lakh+ candidates appear for CAT, competing for a limited number of seats in top MBA programs. This large pool of CAT test takers highlights the intense competition and the significance of percentile ranking among all CAT test takers.

So, when you see “99 percentile”, that’s top 1% out of nearly 3 lakh candidates appearing – a very small club.

3. CAT 2025 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

3.1 CAT 2025 structure at a glance

As per the official advertisement and major prep sites, CAT 2025:

Date: 30 November 2025 (3 slots, 2‑hour CBT)
Sections:
- VARC – Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
- DILR – Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
- QA – Quantitative Aptitude / Quantitative Ability
Duration: 120 minutes
Sectional time limit: 40 minutes per section
Questions (expected): about 68 questions overall

3.2 Marking scheme and negative marking

The CAT marking scheme is simple:

+3 marks for each correct answer
–1 mark for each incorrect answer in MCQs (negative marking)
0 marks for unattempted questions and TITA (non‑MCQ) incorrect answers

So the total marks for CAT 2025 are expected to be:

Total marks = 68 × 3 = 204

This means your total marks obtained will lie between 0 and 204 (in theory), though most serious test takers land in a narrower band.

4. Raw Marks, Scaled Scores and Percentiles

4.1 Raw marks vs scaled score

First, you get your raw marks:

Raw marks = (3 × number of correct answers) – (1 × number of MCQ wrong answers)

But CAT runs in three slots with slightly different difficulty levels.

To keep things fair:

Your raw marks are converted into a scaled score
Scaling adjusts for differences in difficulty level across slots

4.2 Why scaled scores matter

The scaled score is what actually gets used for:

Marks vs percentile tables
Final percentile calculation
Shortlisting at IIMs and other B‑schools

So when you see a chart that says “95 percentile ≈ 70 marks in CAT 2025”, that usually refers to scaled marks or an estimated mapping from raw to scaled.

5. How CAT Percentile is Calculated

5.1 Basic percentile logic

CAT uses the standard percentile calculation idea:

Percentile = (Number of candidates scoring less than you / Total number of candidates) × 100

So if your candidate’s rank is in the top 1%:

You’re above 99% of other candidates
Your CAT percentile will be around 99

5.2 Why percentile depends on others

Your percentile depends on:

The difficulty level of the paper
The performance of all the test takers
How many people scored equal to you

That’s why CAT marks vs percentile trends change each year – even if your raw marks look similar.

6. CAT Marks vs Percentile: 2022 and 2023

Before talking about CAT 2025 marks vs percentile, let’s look back.

A percentile chart can help visualize the relationship between marks and percentiles for different years.

By analyzing previous years' data, candidates can estimate their expected marks required to achieve a target percentile in CAT 2025.

6.1 CAT 2023 marks vs percentile (overall)

Multiple analyses (InsideIIM, iQuanta, LPTEdtech, Cracku) broadly agree on CAT 2023:

Approximate overall marks vs percentile 2023:

101+ marks → about 99.9 percentile
76 marks → around 99 percentile
61 marks → around 97 percentile
54–56 marks → around 95 percentile
44–45 marks → around 90 percentile
35 marks → around 80 percentile

CAT 2023 had:

Slightly easier VARC
Tougher DILR & QA

So a relatively lower total score could still give a high percentile.

6.2 CAT 2022 marks vs percentile (overall)

In CAT 2022, the paper was a bit different:

About 84 marks gave 99 percentile
Around 62 marks gave 95 percentile
Around 49–50 marks gave 90 percentile
Around 36 marks gave 80 percentile

Already, you can see how marks for the same percentile can shift.

7. CAT 2024 Marks vs Percentile – The Bridge to 2025

7.1 99 percentile marks in 2024 vs 2023

CAT 2024 turned out to be easier overall than 2023 in VARC and QA for many test takers, so marks needed for top percentiles went up.

Several analyses and news pieces suggest 99 percentile in CAT 2024 was around 95–96 marks
That’s noticeably higher than 76 marks for 99 percentile in CAT 2023

7.2 95 and 90 percentile bands in 2024

For 2024, different sources place:

95 percentile around 70 marks
90 percentile around 57–60 marks
80 percentile around 43–45 marks

These marks vs percentile ranges for 2024 are exactly what analysts are using to forecast CAT 2025.

8. Expected CAT 2025 Marks vs Percentile (Overall)

Now, let’s talk about what CAT 2025 marks vs percentile might look like.

The expected CAT score for the 99th percentile in 2025 is projected to be around 100-105 marks, while for the 95th percentile, it may be in the range of 80-85 marks. Generally, a good CAT score is considered to be one that places you above the 95th percentile, as this significantly increases your chances of admission into top MBA colleges. Your overall scores in the CAT exam play a crucial role in determining your percentile, as higher total marks generally correspond to higher percentile rankings. Candidates should analyze their expected score based on the exam’s difficulty level, number of test-takers, and previous years’ trends to estimate their likely performance and set realistic preparation goals.

8.1 Big picture: 99, 95, 90 percentile in CAT 2025

Indicative CAT 2025 marks vs percentile (out of ~204):

99.5 percentile → ~104 marks (± a few marks)
99 percentile → ~95–100 marks
97–98 percentile → ~85–95 marks
95 percentile → ~70–80 marks
90 percentile → ~58–65 marks
80 percentile → ~43–48 marks

Different websites give slightly different bands, but they all sit in this neighbourhood.

So if you’re aiming 99 percentile, a safe mental picture is:

Target roughly 95–105 marks in CAT 2025.

8.2 Why these numbers are “ranges”

These numbers are ranges because:

Nobody knows the exact exam difficulty level of CAT 2025 yet.
If VARC or DILR becomes tougher, same percentile may come at a slightly lower score.
If sections are easier, you may need a higher score for the same percentile.

Treat them as score vs percentile 2025 guide‑rails, not guarantees.

9. Section‑Wise Marks vs Percentile for CAT 2025

9.1 VARC marks vs percentile (expected)

From recent VARC tables:
In past years, around 40+ scaled marks in VARC corresponded to 99 percentile.

Around 28–30 marks often mapped to 95 percentile.

For CAT 2025, you can think:

99 percentile in VARC: approximately 39–45 marks
95 percentile: around 28–33 marks
90 percentile: around 23–26 marks

9.2 DILR marks vs percentile (expected)

DILR has been the wildcard section in recent years.

Trend suggests:

99 percentile DILR: around 35–40 marks
95 percentile: around 20–22 marks
90 percentile: around 15–17 marks

Because DILR puzzles vary a lot, small differences in marks here make big percentile jumps.

9.3 QA marks vs percentile (expected)

QA has swung between tough and moderate across 2022–2024.

Typical pattern:

99 percentile QA: around 34–40 marks
95 percentile: around 20–25 marks
90 percentile: around 15–18 marks

For CAT 2025, aim for balanced sectional performance, not just chasing overall marks.

10. Slot‑Wise Variation and Normalization in CAT 2025

10.1 Three slots, one leaderboard

CAT 2025 will be held in three slots on 30 November 2025.

Each slot:

Has its own mix of questions and difficulty level
Produces slightly different raw marks distributions

To be fair, CAT uses:

Normalization across slots
Scaled scores for every candidate

So, marks vs percentile for Slot 1 vs Slot 2 vs Slot 3 is balanced before the final percentile rank is assigned.

10.2 Why you can’t exactly copy a friend’s score

Two friends with the same raw marks but from different slots may end up with slightly different scaled scores.

That’s why you should treat any CAT 2025 marks vs percentile table as an approximation, not a strict formula.

11. What Is a “Good Score” and a “Safe Score” in CAT 2025?

11.1 From score bands to “good” outcomes

Based on 2021–2024 data and 2025 predictions:

You can think of good score bands like this:

110–120+ marks → exceptionally strong, often 99.5+ percentile in many years
95–105 marks → 99 percentile range (old IIM calls possible if profile fits)
70–80 marks → roughly 95–96 percentile (great for new IIMs, strong non‑IIMs)
60–68 marks → roughly 90–94 percentile (baby IIMs and solid Tier‑1/Tier‑2 schools)
43–50 marks → roughly 80–85 percentile (decent Tier‑2 MBA colleges)

11.2 “Good” vs “safe” depends on your dream list

If your dream is IIM A/B/C, a good score is basically 95–105+ marks.
If you’d be happy with a strong institute of management studies, 70–80 marks may be enough.
For some Tier‑2 options, even 60–65 marks can be a safe score with a solid profile.

So “good” vs “safe” is always tied to your target colleges.

12. How Colleges Use CAT Marks vs Percentile

12.1 Old IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, etc.)

Top IIMs (A, B, C, I, K, L, etc.) usually look for:

Overall CAT percentile in the high 97–99+ range
Strong sectional percentiles, not just high total

The difference between 98 and 99 percentile here can be a small score difference (maybe 8–10 marks) but a huge jump in competition.

12.2 New and baby IIMs

Newer and baby IIMs often shortlist around:

90–95 percentile overall
Sectional cut‑offs around 75–80 percentile or higher

Here, CAT 2025 marks vs percentile in the 60–80 marks band becomes crucial.

12.3 Strong non‑IIM B‑schools

Top non‑IIM B‑schools like FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, IMT, IITs (DoMS) typically look for:

95+ percentile overall
Sometimes specific percentile range like 96–99 depending on program

Marks in the 70–95 range can therefore be very powerful, even if you don’t hit 99+.

13. CAT Score vs Percentile Trend: What the Data Shows

Understanding the CAT score vs percentile trend is crucial for every CAT aspirant aiming for top B-schools. The relationship between your CAT score and the percentile you achieve is not fixed—it evolves each year based on the exam’s difficulty level and the performance of all test takers. By analyzing these trends, you can set smarter targets and adapt your preparation strategy to the realities of the CAT exam.

13.1 Year-on-year changes in marks required for top percentiles

If you look at the data from recent years, it’s clear that the marks needed to reach the highest percentiles in the CAT exam can vary significantly. For example, in CAT 2020, a score of around 130 marks was required to hit the 99.9 percentile. Fast forward to CAT 2024, and that number dropped to approximately 123 marks for the same percentile. This shift highlights how the CAT score vs percentile mapping is not static—what counted as a high score one year might not be enough the next, or vice versa. For aspirants, this means it’s essential to keep an eye on the latest CAT score vs percentile data and adjust your preparation and expectations accordingly. Setting your goals based on the most recent trends ensures you’re aiming for the right target, not just relying on outdated benchmarks.

13.2 Factors influencing trend shifts

So, what causes these changes in the CAT score vs percentile trend? The most significant factor is the difficulty level of the CAT exam in a given year. When the paper is tougher, even lower raw scores can translate into higher percentiles because most test takers find it challenging. Conversely, an easier exam means you’ll need a higher CAT score to achieve the same percentile. The number of test takers also plays a role—more candidates increase competition, which can shift the score required for top percentiles. Finally, the CAT normalization process ensures fairness across different slots by adjusting raw scores based on the relative difficulty level of each slot. This means your relative performance compared to other test takers is what truly matters, not just your raw marks. Understanding these factors helps you interpret CAT score vs percentile data more accurately and plan your preparation with confidence.

13. Using Mock Tests to Track Your Marks vs Percentile

13.1 Why mock marks vs percentile are useful

During prep, mock tests are your testing lab.

They give you a raw score after each attempt.
Good mock platforms map that to an estimated percentile based on their test takers.

Tracking your mock test marks vs percentile over time shows:

Whether your overall score is trending upward
If one section is dragging your percentile down
How close you are to your target score for CAT 2025

13.2 Avoid over‑fitting to one platform

Remember:

Each coaching platform has a different pool of other test takers.
So the percentile comparison is approximate.

Use mocks to see trajectory, not to predict your exact CAT percentile.

14. What To Do After CAT 2025: Estimating Your Percentile

14.1 Step 1 – Use the response sheet to find your marks

Once the CAT response sheet and answer key are out:

Mark each correct answer and incorrect answer.
Apply +3 / –1 / 0 to get your raw marks section‑wise and overall.
Now you have your total marks obtained.

14.2 Step 2 – Compare with marks vs percentile tables

Check updated CAT 2025 marks vs percentile tables published by reputed platforms.
Locate your overall score in those ranges.
Note the percentile range that matches your band (e.g., 70–80 marks ≈ 95–96 percentile).

14.3 Step 3 – Use Mockat’s CAT Percentile Predictor

Now plug your expected raw marks into:

Mockat’s CAT Percentile Predictor for CAT 2025 (your pillar page)

The percentile predictor will:

Factor in score distributions from many test takers
Give you a refined percentile estimate
Help you align your MBA admissions shortlist quickly, instead of waiting in confusion

15. Common Misconceptions About CAT 2025 Marks vs Percentile

15.1 “My friend said 90 marks is always 99 percentile”

Nope.

In 2020, around 101 marks were needed for 99 percentile.
In 2023, about 76 marks gave 99 percentile.
In 2024, estimates say around 95 marks gave 99 percentile.

So the score required for a specific percentile changes.

15.2 “Percentile is just a fancy word for percentage”

Not at all.

Percentage = marks out of total (e.g., 50% in an exam).
Percentile = where you stand compared to other candidates.

A 60% score could be 80 percentile in a tough exam or 50 percentile in an easy one.

15.3 “Sectional marks don’t matter if my total is high”

Most IIMs and top B‑schools use sectional cut‑offs as well.

You could have a great total but miss an IIM call if one section’s percentile is low.
That’s why section‑wise marks vs percentile matters just as much.

16. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How many marks do I need for 99 percentile in CAT 2025?

Based on CAT 2022–2024 and 2025 expected tables:

A 99 percentile is expected around 95–105 marks in CAT 2025.

Q2. What about 95 percentile and 90 percentile?

Indicative ranges:

95 percentile → ~70–80 marks
90 percentile → ~58–65 marks

These are estimates; actual numbers depend on the paper.

Q3. Is 80 percentile in CAT 2025 useful?

Yes.

Around 43–50 marks (80–85 percentile) can still get you into decent MBA colleges and institute of management programs, especially if your profile is strong.

Q4. Does the CAT scorecard show marks or only percentile?

Your CAT scorecard shows:

Section‑wise scaled scores
Section‑wise percentiles
Overall scaled score
Overall CAT percentile

Q5. How accurate are marks vs percentile predictions before the exam?

They’re based on:

Previous year’s analysis
Current exam trends
Reasonable assumptions about exam difficulty level

They are guides, not guarantees. Once the paper is done, updated CAT 2025 marks vs percentile tables become more accurate.

18. Conclusion: Key Takeaways for CAT 2025 Aspirants

As you prepare for CAT 2025, remember that mastering the CAT score vs percentile relationship is one of the smartest moves you can make. The CAT exam is all about relative performance—how your raw scores stack up against thousands of other test takers, factoring in exam difficulty and the normalization process. By studying past CAT score vs percentile trends, you can set realistic score targets and avoid surprises on exam day.

Make use of tools like the CAT score calculator to estimate how your raw scores might translate into percentiles, and regularly review percentile data from previous years to understand the shifting landscape. This approach will help you predict your chances at top B-schools and fine-tune your preparation strategy. Ultimately, achieving a high percentile in the CAT exam isn’t just about solving more questions—it’s about understanding the CAT score vs percentile correlation, managing your time and accuracy, and staying adaptable as trends evolve. With the right insights and consistent effort, you’ll be well-positioned to reach your MBA goals.