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    98 Percentile in CAT 2026: Marks Required, Colleges, IIMs & Score vs Percentile
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    • 98 Percentile in CAT 2026: Marks Required, Colleges, IIMs & Score vs Percentile

    98 Percentile in CAT 2026: Marks Required, Colleges, IIMs & Score vs Percentile

    Gursimran KaurUpdated on 04 Sep 2026, 03:45 PM IST

    98 Percentile in CAT 2026: Scoring a 98 percentile in the CAT (Common Admission Test) is a dream for many MBA aspirants. This score places candidates in the top 2% of test-takers, significantly increasing the chances of admission to premier institutes like the IIMs and other top B-schools in India. However, achieving this percentile requires a clear understanding of the score dynamics and preparation strategy.

    This Story also Contains

    1. Understanding CAT Scoring and Percentiles
    2. What is the meaning of 98 Percentile in CAT?
    3. CAT 2026 Slot-wise Score vs Percentile (Expected)
    4. Why Aim for 98 Percentile?
    98 Percentile in CAT 2026: Marks Required, Colleges, IIMs & Score vs Percentile
    98 Percentile in CAT Means How Many Marks

    In this article, we break down the approximate marks required to secure a 98 percentile in CAT 2026, the factors influencing percentile calculation, and tips to achieve this target.

    Understanding CAT Scoring and Percentiles

    The CAT exam comprises three sections:

    1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
    2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
    3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

    Each section is scored out of 68 marks, making the total score 204. However, the scaled score (adjusted based on difficulty levels) determines the percentile.

    How Many Marks for 98 Percentile in CAT?

    While the exact marks needed for a 98 percentile vary each year due to factors like exam difficulty and performance of candidates, historical data provides a rough estimate:

    • Overall Score: 105-115 out of 204
    • Sectional Scores:
      • VARC: 35-40

      • DILR: 30-35

      • QA: 35-40

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    These figures are indicative and can shift based on the normalisation process and varying levels of competitiveness.

    Factors Influencing Percentile Calculation

    Several factors play a role in determining how many marks correspond to a 98 percentile:

    1. Exam Difficulty: Tougher papers often lead to lower marks for higher percentiles.
    2. Candidate Pool: The number and performance of test-takers significantly affect percentile brackets.
    3. Sectional Weightage: Each section contributes equally to the overall percentile, so balanced performance is essential.
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    Tips to Score 98 Percentile in CAT 2026

    1. Analyse Previous Year Trends: Study past years’ score-percentile relationships to set realistic targets.
    2. Focus on Strengths and Weaknesses: Identify your strong areas and maximise your sectional scores while improving weak sections.
    3. Time Management: Practice mocks to optimise time across sections effectively.
    4. Mock Tests and Analysis: Regularly attempt mocks and analyse them to fine-tune your strategy.
    5. Consistency in Preparation: Follow a structured study plan and avoid last-minute cramming.

    What is the meaning of 98 Percentile in CAT?

    Securing a 98 percentile in CAT requires a combination of smart preparation, focused practice, and a clear understanding of scoring patterns. By aiming for a score of 105-115, you can significantly boost your chances of joining a top-tier MBA program.

    Stay committed, analyse your performance, and align your efforts with past trends to make your CAT 2026 journey a success.

    CAT 2026 Slot-wise Score vs Percentile (Expected)

    Check out the following tables, which mention the CAT 2026 section-wise scores that all candidates must target (slot-wise).

    CAT 2026 Slot 1

    Percentile

    VARC

    DILR

    QA

    Overall

    99

    39-40

    31-32

    30-31

    90

    95

    31-32

    24-25

    23-24

    66

    90

    25-26

    19-21

    17-18

    56-57

    85

    22-23

    16-18

    14-15

    45-46

    80

    20-21

    13-14

    12-13

    40-41

    70

    16-17

    11-12

    10-11

    35-36


    CAT 2026 Slot 2

    Percentile

    VARC

    DILR

    QA

    Overall

    99

    41-42

    27-28

    28-29

    87

    95

    33-34

    22-23

    22-23

    63

    90

    26-27

    18-19

    16-17

    55-56

    85

    23-24

    15-17

    13-14

    44-45

    80

    21-22

    12-14

    11-12

    39-40

    70

    17-18

    11-12

    10-11

    35-36


    CAT 2026 Slot 3

    Percentile

    VARC

    DILR

    QA

    Overall

    99

    42-43

    28-29

    30-32

    93

    95

    34-35

    23-24

    24-25

    68

    90

    27-28

    19-20

    17-18

    58-60

    85

    24-25

    16-17

    14-15

    46-48

    80

    22-23

    13-14

    12-13

    42-44

    70

    18-19

    12-13

    11-12

    37-38


    Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT 98 Percentile

    Some of the top MBA colleges that will typically accept a 98 percentile in the CAT 2026 exam are as follows:

    IIM IndoreIIM Kozhikode
    IIM LucknowIIT Roorkee
    IIT BombayIIT Delhi
    FMS DelhiMDI Gurgaon
    SPJIMR MumbaiFORE School of Management
    IIM RaipurIIM Rohtak
    IIM TrichyIIFT Delhi
    IMT GhaziabadIIM Kashipur

    Why Aim for 98 Percentile?

    A 98 percentile opens doors to top B-schools such as:

    • IIMs: Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, and more.
    • Other Premier Institutes: FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, etc.
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    These institutes often shortlist candidates with a strong CAT score coupled with an excellent academic and co-curricular profile.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: What percentile is 55 marks in CAT?
    A:

    With 55 marks in CAT 2026, candidates can expect a 95 percentile.

    Q: What is the ideal preparation strategy to achieve 98 percentile in CAT?
    A:

    Focus on understanding concepts, practice extensively, analyze mock test performance, and maintain a consistent study routine.

    Q: Are CAT mocks essential for scoring 98 percentile?
    A:

    Yes, regular mock tests help improve time management, accuracy, and familiarity with the exam pattern, which are key to scoring 98 percentile.

    Q: How many hours of study are required to score a 98 percentile in CAT?
    A:

    On average, 2-3 hours of consistent daily study over 6-8 months, combined with mock tests and analysis, can help achieve this target.

    Q: Can a non-engineer score a 98 percentile in CAT?
    A:

    Absolutely! With the right preparation and strategy, candidates from all academic backgrounds can achieve a 98 percentile.

    Q: How does the CAT difficulty level impact the marks for a 98 percentile?
    A:

    A tougher exam generally reduces the marks needed for higher percentiles, as scaling adjusts for the difficulty level.

    Q: Which IIMs accept candidates with 98 percentile?
    A:

    Candidates with a 98 percentile can get calls from IIM Lucknow, Indore, Kozhikode, and sometimes IIM Calcutta or Bangalore, depending on their profiles.

    Q: How is the percentile calculated in CAT?
    A:

    Percentile in CAT is calculated based on the scaled score, considering the relative performance of all candidates and normalization for difficulty across slots.

    Q: Does scoring 98 percentile guarantee admission to IIMs?
    A:

    No, admission to IIMs depends on other factors such as academic profile, work experience, and performance in the interview and WAT rounds.

    Q: Is sectional balance important to achieve a 98 percentile in CAT?
    A:

    Yes, balanced performance across VARC, DILR, and QA is crucial as each section contributes equally to the overall percentile.

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