CAT 2024 QA Score vs Percentile: Complete Analysis for IIM Aspirants

The Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section of the Common Admission Test (CAT) has always been one of the most critical and unpredictable sections of the exam. For many aspirants, QA becomes the deciding factor between achieving a 90 percentile, a 99 percentile, or missing the IIM call altogether.

In CAT 2024, the QA section continued its pattern of being conceptual, calculation-based, and moderately challenging, rewarding aspirants who focused on conceptual clarity, accuracy, and smart question selection.

Understanding the score vs percentile mapping is vital for aspirants aiming for the 2025–27 admission cycle, as it helps evaluate performance realistically and build a strategic preparation approach for CAT 2025.

This article provides a comprehensive, research-backed breakdown of the CAT 2024 QA section, including percentile distribution, difficulty analysis, expected cut-offs, and preparation insights, based on graphical data from MyCollegeRoute.

What the QA Score-to-Percentile Trends Show

99.9 Percentile (45 Marks): The Top 0.1%

Scoring 45+ marks in QA placed candidates in the top 0.1 percentile — a level achieved by less than 300 aspirants nationwide.

These test-takers demonstrated:

• Exceptional command over arithmetic and algebra
• Rapid calculation skills
• Low error rate
• Ability to identify high-value solvable questions
• Strong mock-test consistency

This score typically leads to interview calls from:

• IIM Ahmedabad
• IIM Bangalore
• IIM Calcutta
• IIM Lucknow
• FMS Delhi

99–99.5 Percentile (33–36.5 Marks): Strong Competitor Zone

A score between 33 and 36.5 fetched the 99 to 99.5 percentile range — making aspirants eligible for almost all top-tier IIMs except A, B, and C in some cases.

These candidates usually:

• Attempted 15–18 questions
• Maintained 80–90% accuracy
• Strengthened core topics like arithmetic & algebra
• Maximized easy-to-medium questions
• Avoided risky guesswork

This band ensures calls from:

• IIM Kozhikode
• IIM Indore
• IIM Shillong
• IIM Ranchi
• IITs (MBA programs)

95 Percentile (22 Marks): Competitive Range

At 22 marks, aspirants entered the 95 percentile zone — strong enough for many new IIMs and leading private B-schools.

This percentile band often includes candidates who:

• Attempted around 10–12 questions
• Had decent conceptual clarity
• Faced time pressure but used selective accuracy

MBA colleges accessible at this level:

• IIM Udaipur
• IIM Trichy
• IIM Raipur
• IMT Ghaziabad
• TAPMI
• GIM Goa

90 Percentile (17 Marks): Solid Foundation

Scoring 17 marks corresponds to the 90 percentile, representing aspirants with foundational understanding but inconsistent speed or accuracy.

These aspirants usually:

• Attempted 8–10 questions
• Struggled with time or tricky algebra
• Performed well in Arithmetic but not Geometry/Modern Math

Suitable institutions include:

• Baby IIMs
• MDI Murshidabad
• K J Somaiya (select profiles)
• LBSIM
• Welingkar

80–85 Percentile (11.6–13.7 Marks): Early Preparation Stage

Candidates scoring 11.6–13.7 marks usually had:

• Good basics
• Improving speed
• Challenges with tricky topics like Geometry or Numbers
• Partial mastery over Algebra

This percentile is strong for:

• Christ University
• BIMTECH
• IFMR
• IMI Bhubaneswar

It forms a strong baseline for CAT 2025 aspirants.

75 Percentile (~10 Marks): Beginner to Intermediate Level

Scoring ≤10 marks suggests:

• Strong potential
• Moderate concept clarity
• Need for structured revision
• Time management struggles

Aspirants can target strong Tier-2 and Tier-3 B-schools while improving for the next attempt.

Sectional Analysis of CAT 2024 QA

The Quant section focused on conceptual understanding rather than complex computation. Here’s the topic-wise breakdown:

Arithmetic (Most Weightage – 9 to 10 Questions)

Included:

• Percentages
• Profit & Loss
• SI/CI
• Ratio & Proportion
• Time, Speed, & Distance
• Time & Work

Easy to moderate, accuracy-driven, ideal for boosting score rapidly.

Algebra (High Weight – 6 to 7 Questions)

Included:

• Quadratic equations
• Inequalities
• Logarithms
• Functions
• Progressions

Moderate difficulty, central to 99+ percentile scoring.

Geometry & Mensuration (3 to 4 Questions)

Included:

• Triangles
• Circles
• Coordinate geometry
• Mensuration basics

Moderately tricky, with data visualization challenges.

Number System (1 to 2 Questions)

Stable weightage, involving divisibility, remainders, or digit counts.

Modern Math (2 to 3 Questions)

Included:

• Permutations & Combinations
• Probability
• Set theory

Often moderate to tough, attempted selectively by most aspirants.

Key Takeaways from CAT 2024 QA

• Accuracy mattered more than attempts.

Even top scorers attempted 16–18 questions with 90% accuracy, not all 22 questions.

• Arithmetic dominated scoring

Students who mastered Arithmetic saw the largest increase in percentile rank.

• Algebra was the differentiator.

High percentile students solved 4–5 Algebra questions accurately.

• Slot difficulty was normalized effectively.

This results in tight competition between the 95th and 99th percentiles.

• Low negative marking was crucial

Top percentile candidates avoided unnecessary risks.

Expected QA Cut-Offs for IIM Shortlisting (CAT 2024)

How QA Scores Affect Overall CAT Percentile

Even:

• A 17-mark QA score can lift the overall percentile to 95+ with strong LRDI/VARC.
• A 30+ QA score almost guarantees 97–99 percentile overall.
• A 45+ score secures a 99.8–100 percentile, heavily influencing IIM ABC calls.

QA remains a high-impact section for aspirants targeting the top 10 B-schools in India.

 Tips for CAT 2025 QA Preparation

• Build strong basics in Arithmetic & Algebra
• Practice 40–50 QA sectional tests
• Maintain an error log
• Focus on 90% accuracy before increasing speed
• Solve PYQs from 2017–2024
• Do 10–12 mocks with deep analysis
• Prioritize concept clarity, not rote formulas

Conclusion

The QA section of CAT 2024 proved once again that conceptual clarity, calculated risk-taking, and effective time management separate high scorers from the rest. The score-to-percentile mapping shows how even small jumps in marks can significantly impact percentile, interview shortlists, and eventual B-school conversions.

For aspirants preparing for CAT 2025, the message is clear:

"Focus on fundamentals, practice strategically, and aim for high accuracy — QA can become your strongest scoring lever."