The much-awaited Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024 results have been officially announced by IIM Calcutta on December 19, 2024. Candidates who appeared for the exam can now access their scorecards on the official website iimcat.ac.in. This blog provides all the essential details about the CAT results, steps to check your score, analysis of this year’s results, and guidance on the next steps in the admission process.
Key Highlights of CAT Results 2024
- Result Declaration Date: December 19, 2024
- Exam Date: November 24, 2024
- Conducting Body: IIM Calcutta
- Total Candidates Registered: Approximately 3.25 lakh
- Total Candidates Appeared: Approximately 2.93 lakh
- Test Centers: 389 across India
Steps to Check Your CAT Results 2024
Follow these simple steps to access your scorecard:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to iimcat.ac.in.
- Login: Enter your User ID and Password.
- Access Scorecard: Click on the “CAT 2024 Scorecard” link.
- Download: View and download your scorecard for future reference.
Details Mentioned on the Scorecard:
- Candidate’s Name and Roll Number
- Section-Wise Scaled Scores
- Overall Scaled Score
- Sectional Percentiles
- Overall Percentile
CAT 2024 Exam Analysis
This year, CAT 2024 witnessed a few notable trends:
1. Exam Difficulty:
The overall difficulty level of CAT 2024 was moderate to difficult, with the Quantitative Ability (QA) section being particularly challenging for many candidates. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) was slightly easier compared to previous years, while Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) had a balanced difficulty level.
2. Attendance Rate:
Out of the 3.25 lakh registered candidates, 2.93 lakh appeared for the test, reflecting a participation rate of 90.2%.
3. Sectional Performance Insights:
- VARC: High scoring section for most candidates. Key focus areas included reading comprehension and para jumbles.
- DILR: Questions required strong analytical skills, with a mix of familiar and new problem formats.
- QA: The toughest section for the majority, with an emphasis on arithmetic and algebra.
4. Percentile Trends:
Candidates achieving scores above 155 were expected to secure a 99+ percentile, making it a competitive year for top scorers.
Understanding CAT Scores and Percentiles
The CAT scorecard includes your raw scores, scaled scores, and percentiles. Here’s a breakdown:
- Raw Score: Total marks obtained in the exam, calculated as per the marking scheme (correct answers minus penalties for incorrect ones).
- Scaled Score: Adjusted scores to ensure fairness across different exam slots.
- Percentile: Indicates the percentage of candidates you outperformed. For example, a 95th percentile means you performed better than 95% of the candidates.
Post-Result Process: What’s Next?
1. Shortlisting by Institutes
After the results, IIMs and other participating institutes will release their shortlists for further admission rounds. These typically include:
- Written Ability Test (WAT): A short essay-writing exercise to assess written communication skills.
- Group Discussion (GD): A group activity to evaluate teamwork, communication, and analytical abilities.
- Personal Interview (PI): A one-on-one interaction to gauge personality, aspirations, and suitability for a management program.
2. Applications to Non-IIM Institutes
Many top B-schools, including SP Jain, MDI, and FMS, accept CAT scores but require separate applications. Check their official websites for specific deadlines and criteria.
Top Colleges Accepting CAT 2024 Scores
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
- IIM Ahmedabad
- IIM Bangalore
- IIM Calcutta
- IIM Lucknow
- IIM Kozhikode
- IIM Indore
Other Renowned B-Schools
- Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi
- SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai
- Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon
- Xavier School of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur
- Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad
Check full list of – MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Scores in India
Interpreting Your CAT Scores
Here’s a general guide to help you assess your score:
- 99+ Percentile: Likely to secure calls from IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta.
- 95-99 Percentile: Eligible for newer IIMs, SPJIMR, and MDI.
- 85-95 Percentile: Consider institutes like IMT, TAPMI, and GIM.
- Below 85 Percentile: Explore other reputed private B-schools or appear for exams like XAT, NMAT, or MAT.
Strategies to Prepare for WAT, GD, and PI
Written Ability Test (WAT):
- Practice essay writing on current topics like AI advancements, climate change, and global economic trends.
- Focus on structure, clarity, and conciseness.
Group Discussion (GD):
- Stay updated on recent events and trends.
- Practice group activities to improve articulation and confidence.
Personal Interview (PI):
- Prepare answers for common questions like “Why MBA?”, “Tell me about yourself,” and “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
- Highlight achievements and work experience effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I request a re-evaluation of my CAT score?
No, CAT results are final and cannot be re-evaluated or rechecked.
2. What if I forget my login credentials?
Use the “Forgot User ID/Password” option on the login page to recover your details.
3. Will my raw score be mentioned on the scorecard?
No, only scaled scores and percentiles are displayed on the scorecard.
4. Can I use my CAT score for international MBA programs?
Some international programs, particularly in South Asia and Singapore, may accept CAT scores. Check with individual institutions for confirmation.
