Scoring well in the CAT exam is not only about solving complex questions, it is also about accuracy, smart strategy, and understanding the percentile-to-correct-questions relationship.
As per the CAT Mark vs Percentile, a slight difference in the marks can have a huge impact on the percentile.
- If you get 3–4 more answers right, you can jump from 80 percentile to 90 percentile.
- If you get 2–3 more answers right, you can jump from 95 percentile to 99 percentile.
In CAT, you don’t need to attempt many more questions to get a much higher percentile. Just a small increase in correct answers can create a huge jump in your rank.
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Understanding the CAT Percentile vs Correct Questions
The CAT percentile varies significantly with even slight changes in the correct answers. Around 15 correct answers, with 5 accurate questions per section, can provide you with around 80 percentile.
The percentile can rise to 80 by only 18 correct answers, requiring just 3 more than the previous bracket.
CAT percentiles are highly sensitive. The difference between 80 percentile and 90 percentile can be as small as 3–4 questions, while the jump from 95 to 99 percentile can be just 2–3 questions. This makes accuracy the real game-changer.
| Percentile | Right Questions (Per Section) | Total Right Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 80 %ile | 5 / 5 / 5 | 15 |
| 85 %ile | 6 / 6 / 6 | 18 |
| 90 %ile | 7 / 7 / 7 | 21 |
| 95 %ile | 8 / 8 / 8 | 24 |
| 97 %ile | 9 / 9 / 9 | 27 |
| 99 %ile | 11 / 11 / 11 | 33 |
Also Check:
- Top MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT Scores
- 60 Marks in CAT Percentile: Check List of Accepting Colleges
- CAT 2025 Score Calculation
CAT Previous Year Question Paper
| CAT 2024 Question Paper | Download PDF |
|---|---|
| CAT 2023 Question Paper | Download PDF |
| CAT 2022 Question Paper | Download PDF |
| CAT 2021 Question Paper | Download PDF |
| CAT 2020 Question Paper | Download PDF |
CAT Section-wise Questions
In the CAT exam, mastering QA, staying accurate in VA, and strategically tackling DILR are key to maximizing percentile.
- Verbal Ability (VA) will have around 5 doable RC-heavy questions from sources like The Indian Express and The Guardian, where accuracy matters more than attempts.
- Quantitative Ability (QA) will offer about 15 solvable questions on topics like Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, Percentages, and Ratios, making it the highest-scoring section for prepared candidates.
- DILR has 2–3 logic-heavy sets requiring careful selection and systematic reasoning.
| Section | Expected Doable Questions | Sources / Themes / Nature | Key Insights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability (VA) | ~5 highly doable questions | RCs from The Indian Express, The Guardian, Smithsonian; themes include animals (elephants, horses, dogs), science, and social commentary | RC-heavy section; accuracy matters more than attempts |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | ~15 solvable questions with 2–3 months prep | Core Arithmetic topics: Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, Percentages, Ratios | Most scoring section for prepared candidates; mastering basics gives 15+ correct |
| DILR | 2–3 solvable sets | Logic-heavy sets require clarity and patience | Focus on the reasoning approach; selecting the right sets is crucial |
Also Check:
- CAT Preparation of Quantitative Aptitude 2025
- CAT Preparation of Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning 2025
- CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension 2025 Preparation
Why Accuracy Matters More Than Attempting Too Much
The accuracy matters more than the attempts, because even a small improvement like just 2-3 extra correct answers can boost your percentile significantly, i.e., shift from 95 to 99 percentile.
Candidates targeting the 80-85 percentile are required to answer 18–21 correctly out of a total; the 90 percentile will require 24, the 95 percentile 27, and the 99 percentile will need 29-31 correct answers.
Strategy to Reach Your Target Percentile
| Target Percentile | Correct Questions Needed | Key Strategy Focus |
| 80–85 %ile | 18–21 correct | Master basic arithmetic; prioritise accuracy; avoid risky attempts |
| 90 %ile | 24 correct | Improve RC accuracy; solve at least 2 DILR sets; maintain consistent accuracy |
| 95 %ile | 27 correct | Build strong command over QA; focus on high-accuracy attempts; avoid time sinks |
| 99 %ile | 29–32 correct | Improve reading speed; build mental stamina; avoid tricky questions; maximise accuracy |
Check:
- How to Manage Sectional Time in CAT 2025?
- Unacademy CAT: Online Classes, Fee Structure, and Test Series
- Last Month Strategy for CAT 2025: Section-wise Preparation Tips
Preparation Recommendations
- Start early and allocate 3-4 months for preparation.
- Dedicate 6 hours per day to focused study on one topic at a time.
- Emphasize practice on RCs, especially those resembling online RC passages with animal themes (elephants, horses, dogs, etc.).
- Focus on quantitative aptitude questions, aiming to solve at least 15 consistently.
- Use mock tests to gauge progress and adjust preparation strategies accordingly.
- Aim to achieve an 80th percentile as a baseline to access reputable MBA programs.
- For aspirants targeting top IIMs, strive for 90+ percentile through accurate answering and time management.
- Stay motivated by following structured guidance and engaging with inspirational content and mentors.
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