CAT Marks VsPercentile: Detailed Guide To comparison Process

CAT Exam: Admission to the IIMs and Other Prestigious Management Institutions

CAT (Common Admission Test) is a highly competitive exam that is essential for admission to Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other prestigious management institutions. This exam is conducted annually on a rotating basis by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). One of the key aspects of the CAT exam is the scoring system, which is based on both marks and percentiles.

The Difference Between CAT Marks and Percentiles

CAT marks refer to the raw scores that a candidate obtains on the exam. These scores are based on the number of correct answers and can range from 0 to 300. Percentiles, on the other hand, refer to the percentage of candidates who score lower than a particular candidate. For example, a percentile of 90 means that a candidate has scored higher than 90% of the other candidates.

CAT marks are a direct representation of a candidate's performance on the exam, whereas percentiles are a relative measure of performance. CAT marks tell you how many questions a candidate answered correctly, whereas percentiles tell you how a candidate's score compares to the scores of other candidates.

The Conversion Process

In order to compare CAT marks and percentiles, you need to understand the conversion process. The conversion process involves taking the raw scores (marks) and converting them into percentiles. This is done by comparing the scores of all the candidates and determining the percentage of candidates who scored lower than a particular candidate.

For example, if there are 100 candidates who took the CAT exam and a candidate scores 200 marks, they would be in the top 20% of candidates, as 80% of candidates scored lower than 200 marks. In this case, the candidate would have a percentile of 80.

It is important to note that the conversion process can vary depending on the number of candidates and the difficulty level of the exam. If the exam is particularly difficult, the percentiles may be lower, even if the marks are high.

Conclusion

CAT marks and percentiles are both important measures of a candidate's performance on the exam. Understanding the difference between CAT marks and percentiles, and the conversion process, can help candidates better understand their performance on the exam and improve their chances of getting into a top management institution.