Navigating the CAT Percentile Maze: Your Path to the Old IIMs

Every year, b-school enthusiasts gear up to crack the Common Admission Test (CAT) with the ultimate goal of securing a spot at one of the prestigious old Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The success rate profoundly depends on the CAT percentile you achieve. In this article, we will delve into the nuances of these percentiles and provide insights to help you navigate the path to the old IIMs with confidence.

Understanding the Percentile Matrix

The CAT percentile has a direct impact on your chances of receiving calls from the old IIMs. Here are the general guidelines based on past trends:

99.5 Percentile or above: At this score, students are virtually guaranteed to receive calls from multiple old IIMs, including IIM ABC, given their strong academic and extracurricular profiles. 98.5 Percentile: While this score is at the upper end, it might still grant you a call from prestigious institutions like IIM LI K. 98 Percentile: A score in this range may secure you a call from IIM Shillong. 96 Percentile: This score range usually garners recognition from all the new IIMs, who are also part of the old IIM group.

It is clear that higher percentiles increase your chances of securing calls from multiple IIMs, but even a 96 percentile can land you in an IIM. Therefore, it is essential to focus on achieving the highest possible score, regardless of the specific number you aim for.

Strategies and Preparation Tips

The success rate in IIM admissions and the CAT percentile criteria can vary each year. It's important to target your goals based on your own preparation and performance rather than external conditions.

For general category candidates, aiming for a percentile above 99.5 is mandatory to secure a call from at least one of the old IIMs, as experienced by many applicants. My personal experience with a 99.47 percentile saw me receive a call from IIM Indore.

For candidates with academic records below 60, achieving a higher percentile becomes critical. If your CGPA is less than 60, you should aim for a CAT percentile above 99.9. This reflects the intense competition and emphasizes the need for exceptional scores. Remember, success often lies in the preparation process, and you must give your 100 percent to CAT preparation while always having a contingency plan B and C.

Conclusion

For a safer application to the old IIMs, a CAT percentile of 99 or above is recommended. With a solid academic background, hard work will ultimately pay off. In addition to your CAT preparation, stay updated on current affairs to excel in the WAT (written ability test) and PI (personal interview). This holistic approach will enhance your chances of securing a call from the top IIMs.