Introduction to CAT Scoring and Percentile Analysis

Congratulations on your performance in CAT 2017! This article is a detailed analysis of how your performance in various sections of the CAT can translate to your expected percentile, particularly focusing on how your performance as a non-engineer can affect your percentile and interview prospects. Let's dive into the details.

Your Performance in CAT 2017

Firstly, let me present the data you shared about your CAT 2017 performance:

In VARC (Verbal and Reading Comprehension), you attempted 34 questions and had an accuracy of 85%. Assuming 34 attempted and 28 correct, this would yield a score of approximately 78.

In the DI-LR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning) section, you attempted 11 questions and got 10 correct. This would give you a score of around 29.

In the Quant section, you attempted 20 questions and assuming 17 correct, you would get a score of roughly 48.

Adding these scores, your total raw score would be around 155. After normalization, this could potentially result in around a 95-97th percentile. However, it is important to note that this is a prediction and should not be taken as a definite result.

Discussion on Performance by Section

Vision and Analytics (VARC): With 85% accuracy, you performed very well in the VARC section, especially given that you only attempted 34 questions. If you had attempted all 44 questions, the accuracy would be slightly lower, but your overall score would still be around 90, which is very impressive.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI-LR): Here, you attempted 11 questions and got 10 correct. Assuming there were a total of 12 questions, you missed one, which is still a very good score. This translates to a raw score of 29, which, after normalization, could still place you in the top 1%.

Quantitative Ability (QA): Attempting 20 questions and getting 17 correct is excellent performance. Assuming there were 40 questions in total, this would mean you missed 3 questions, resulting in a raw score of 48. This is also a very strong score.

Impact of Non-Engineer Status

Regarding your status as a non-engineer, it is crucial to understand that CAT does not favor or disadvantage candidates based on their engineering background. The CAT is a level playing field for all participants, regardless of their academic background. Your performance as a non-engineer is likely to be seen positively, as it demonstrates your ability to handle complex logical reasoning and problem-solving tasks, which are crucial skills for any aspiring manager.

While the data analysis suggests a raw score of around 151, which could potentially translate to above the 99th percentile, this is a prediction and not a definite statement. Each year, the normalization process can vary, and other factors such as the difficulty level of the paper and the distribution of scores can influence the final percentile.

Final Thoughts and Advice

Until the final scores are released, it is important to remain calm and focused. Continued effort and positive mindset can greatly influence not just your scores but also your interview performance. For non-engineers, your unique perspective and strong performance in reasoning and logical tasks can be a significant advantage in the interview process.

Best wishes for your final CAT results and interview calls. Stay confident and prepared!