CAT 2024 Results: Cut-Offs for General, OBC, and SC Categories

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of India’s most competitive entrance exams. It opens doors for candidates aspiring to attend some of the country's top management institutions. With the CAT 2024 results now out, candidates are eager to understand the cut-offs for different categories: General, Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Scheduled Castes (SC). This article provides a detailed analysis of these cut-offs, offering insights to help candidates plan their next steps effectively.

Significance of CAT Cut-Offs

CAT cut-offs are the minimum percentile scores that candidates must achieve to be shortlisted for the next stage of the admission process. These cut-offs vary by institute and are influenced by several factors, including the difficulty level of the exam, the number of candidates appearing, and the availability of seats in each category.

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Expected CAT 2024 Cut-Offs

For CAT 2024, the cut-offs are anticipated to follow a similar trend as previous years. Here is an overview of the expected cut-offs for the General, OBC, and SC categories for some of the top IIMs:

Table: Expected CAT 2024 Cut-Off Percentiles

IIM	General Cut-Off (%)	OBC Cut-Off (%)	SC Cut-Off (%)
IIM Ahmedabad	99+	94+	75+
IIM Bangalore	99+	94+	75+
IIM Calcutta	99+	95+	75+
IIM Lucknow	97+	90+	70+
IIM Indore	97+	90+	70+
IIM Kozhikode	97+	90+	70+

Factors Influencing CAT Cut-Offs

Several factors contribute to determining the CAT cut-offs each year:

1. Exam Difficulty: A tougher exam typically results in lower cut-offs.

2. Number of Applicants: An increase in applicants may lead to higher cut-offs due to greater competition.

3. Seat Availability: The number of seats in each category affects the cut-offs.

4. Institute-Specific Policies: Each IIM has its criteria, including weightage given to academic scores, work experience, and diversity.

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Category-Wise Analysis

General Category

For General category candidates, the cut-offs are typically the highest, often exceeding 99 percentile for top IIMs. A stellar CAT score, combined with a strong academic record, is crucial for securing a call from institutes like IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, or Calcutta.

OBC Category

OBC candidates enjoy a slightly relaxed cut-off compared to the General category. However, with increasing competition, the cut-offs for this category are also rising, hovering around the 90-95 percentile range for most top IIMs.

SC Category

SC category candidates have significantly lower cut-offs, often around the 70-75 percentile for top IIMs. This provides a fair opportunity for candidates from this category to access premier management education.

Beyond Cut-Offs: The Selection Process

Meeting the cut-off is just the first step in the IIM admission process. The subsequent stages include:

1. Written Ability Test (WAT): Evaluates a candidate’s writing skills.

2. Group Discussion (GD): Tests communication and teamwork abilities.

3. Personal Interview (PI): Assesses overall personality, clarity of goals, and domain knowledge.

Each IIM assigns different weightages to these components, along with the CAT score, to create a holistic assessment of candidates.

Tips for Aspirants

• Understand Your Strengths: Focus on areas where you can maximize your score.

• Stay Updated: Keep track of announcements regarding the results and cut-offs.

• Prepare for the Next Stages: Start preparing for WAT, GD, and PI to stay ahead of the competition.

• Analyze Trends: Review previous years’ cut-offs to set realistic expectations.

  
  

As CAT 2024 results approach, understanding the expected cut-offs for various categories can help candidates plan their next steps effectively. While meeting the cut-off is vital, excelling in the subsequent selection stages is equally important. With thorough preparation and a clear strategy, aspirants can achieve their dream of joining a prestigious IIM.

Stay tuned for the official results and detailed cut-offs, which will soon be announced on the official CAT website. Best of luck to all CAT 2024 aspirants!