Hello aspirant,

For CAT, in written exam you need to score 98+ percentile if you are from general category. In interview round, marks of 12th, 10th and graduation do matters. As they will call for interview after looking your profile which include previous years marks. But If you score more than 99 percentile and can ace the personal interview you can definitely make through the CAT. Work hard, it will pay off 

Best of luck!!

Hi Nikhil, 

You can start your preparation for CAT immediately if you are seriously willing to pursue MBA. 2019 or 2020 won't matter much.  You can give 2019 CAT exam just to know the level of preparation and as you said you have 5 months give your best effort in these 5 months. Complete syllabus as soon as possible effectively and in the process you are also preparing for 2020 attempt as well.  Wish you all the best.