Understanding CAT Cut Offs for IIMs: Previous Year and Expected Trends

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a critical entrance exam for securing a seat in one of the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Every year, thousands of aspirants vie for a limited number of seats, making the competition extremely tough. One of the most crucial aspects that candidates focus on is the CAT cut off, which varies across different IIMs. In this blog, we will delve into the previous year's CAT cut-offs and explore the expected trends for the upcoming year.

What is CAT Cut Off?

CAT cut off is the minimum score or percentile that candidates must secure to be shortlisted for the next stages of the admission process, which typically includes Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI). The cut off marks are determined by various factors including the difficulty level of the exam, the number of candidates appearing for the test, and the overall performance of the candidates.

Factors Influencing CAT Cut Offs

Several factors influence the CAT cut off each year:

1. Number of Applicants: Higher the number of applicants, higher the competition, and consequently, the cut off.
2. Difficulty Level: If the CAT exam is tougher in a particular year, the cut off tends to be lower.
3. Seat Availability: The number of seats available at each IIM affects the cut off. More seats can lead to a slightly lower cut off.
4. Reservation Policies: The cut off also varies for different categories such as General, SC, ST, OBC, and PWD.

CAT Exam Cut Off for 2023: Section-Wise

Check the CAT cut off for IIM in VARL, DILR, and QA sections. 

Expected CAT Cut-Offs for 2024

Based on the trends from previous years, the expected cut-offs for CAT 2024 are likely to follow similar patterns, with slight variations. Here’s what candidates can anticipate:

Sectional Cut-Offs

Apart from the overall cut-offs, candidates must also meet the sectional cut-offs for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). For instance, IIM Bangalore’s expected sectional cut-offs for the General category are:

Reservation and Admission Process

IIMs follow reservation policies as per the Government of India norms. Here’s a breakdown of the reservation percentages:

• Scheduled Castes (SC): 15%
• Scheduled Tribes (ST): 7.5%
• Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL): 27%
• Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 10%
• Persons with Disabilities (PwD): 5%

The admission process generally involves:

1. CAT Exam: Candidates appear for the CAT exam and score above the qualifying cut-off.
2. Shortlisting: Based on CAT scores, academic records, and other criteria, candidates are shortlisted for WAT, GD, and PI.
3. Final Selection: A composite score is calculated based on CAT score, WAT/GD/PI performance, and academic diversity and work experience.

Conclusion

Preparing for CAT and aiming for top IIMs requires not only a good grasp of the subjects but also a strategic approach to meet the cut-off requirements. Understanding the cut-off trends and preparing accordingly can significantly enhance the chances of securing admission to these prestigious institutes.