Why and How Are There More 99 Percentilers This Year Compared to Previous CAT Exams Despite a Decrease in Test Takers?
As the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) define the 99th percentile based on the number of takers who scored less than or equal to you out of the total number of test takers, it is a common belief that if the number of test takers decreases, the number of 99 percentile scorers would also go down. However, recent data from the Common Admission Test (CAT) reveals a surprising trend: the number of 99 percentilers has surprisingly increased. This article will uncover the reasons behind this phenomenon.
Key Factors in CAT Performance
When considering the performance in CAT exams, it's essential to recognize the difference between two critical measures: the 99 percentile and the 100 percentile. The 99 percentile indicates the percentage of test takers who scored lower or equal to a particular candidate, while the 100 percentile represents the candidates who performed the best, regardless of the number of test takers. Therefore, it is entirely possible for the number of 99 percentilers to rise even if the total number of test takers has decreased.
Reasons Behind the Increase in 99 Percentilers
The rise in the number of 99 percentile scorers can be attributed to the difficulty level of the CAT exam. This year's exam was notably easier compared to previous years, particularly in key areas such as arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. When compared to the CAT13 exam, which was more focused on geometry and verbal questions, this year's exam incorporated a broader range of question categories, ensuring a more balanced test.
Exam Difficulty and Question Distribution
Notably, this year's CAT exam featured a more diverse distribution of question types. For instance, there were numerous arithmetic questions, supplemented by a smaller number of questions from other categories. This balance made the exam less skewed towards specific areas, allowing students with a broader skill set to perform well.
Moreover, the verbal section of the exam saw a reduction in the difficulty level. Many students felt that the verbal questions were more straightforward than anticipated, further contributing to the improved overall performance. This change in difficulty encouraged many students to perform better, pushing them into the 99 percentile range.
Student Preparation and Expectations
Another significant factor contributing to the increase in 99 percentilers is the preparation strategy of the students. Many candidates had anticipated a correlation between the number of questions and the difficulty level, expecting increased difficulty with more questions. However, this expectation was not met, as the exam turned out to be less challenging overall.
As a result, students who had prepared thoroughly for a variety of question types and were well-equipped to handle diverse topics performed exceptionally well. This unexpected outcome led to a higher number of students achieving scores in the 99-100 percentile range, despite the decrease in the total number of test takers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the increase in the number of 99 percentile scorers in this year's CAT exam is due to the exam's broader question distribution and reduced difficulty level. While it is impossible for the 99 percentile score to increase if the total number of test takers decreases, the emergence of more 99 percentilers highlights the adaptability of well-prepared students. This experience underscores the importance of a balanced preparation strategy and understanding that exam difficulty can vary even when the number of test takers changes.