CAT 2024 Cutoff May Rise Due to ‘Easier’ Exam, Experts Suggest

The cutoff for the CAT 2024 exam is expected to increase, as many students and teachers have described the exam as ‘easier’ compared to previous years.

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Calcutta, conducted the CAT exam on November 22, 2024. According to feedback from both students and teachers, the difficulty level of CAT 2024 was lower than the previous year, which could lead to higher cutoffs for admission to top MBA colleges in India.

What Does This Mean for Students?

Each IIM sets its own qualifying cutoff, which means the required CAT score can vary from one institute to another. However, it’s important to note that while the CAT score is a significant part of the admission process, it is not the only factor. After the exam, IIMs shortlist candidates based on their CAT score for further rounds, which include the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interviews (PI). The final admission decision is based on a combination of the CAT score, WAT, and PI performance.

Expected Increase in Cutoff

This year, with more students likely achieving high percentiles due to the ‘easier’ exam, the CAT cutoff could rise. For example, if a candidate scored a 100 percentile last year with a score of 95 (out of 198), they might need to score around 105-110 this year to achieve the same percentile.

As more students secure higher scores, top IIMs and other leading MBA institutions may raise their cutoffs.

CAT 2024: What’s at Stake?

For institutions like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta, the competition this year is expected to be tougher. The final percentile score required for admission could even reach 100 percentile for general category candidates.

CAT Result 2024

The CAT 2024 results will be released by IIM Calcutta in January 2025, although the exact date has not yet been confirmed. Last year, results were announced in December, but this year, students should stay updated by checking the official IIM Calcutta website at iimca.ac.in.

This year’s ‘easier’ exam means more students in the higher percentile range, making the competition tougher for those aiming for top IIMs. Stay prepared, and keep track of all updates as the result announcement nears!