CAT Composite Score Calculator
After CAT, each IIM calculates a composite score using its own weights for CAT percentile, academics, diversity and work experience. This page explains the method and helps you estimate your position.
Calculate Your CAT 2026 ScoreYour slot
Typical components of a composite score
| Component | What is counted |
|---|---|
| CAT | Overall percentile or scaled score |
| Class 10 | Percentage or normalised board score |
| Class 12 | Percentage or normalised board score |
| Graduation | Percentage, often normalised by stream |
| Work experience | Months of full-time experience, often capped |
| Diversity | Gender and/or academic background points |
How to estimate your composite score
- Calculate your CAT score above and note your estimated percentile.
- Open the admission policy of the IIM you are targeting.
- Convert each component to points using its published scale.
- Multiply by the weights and add them up; compare with the previous year's shortlist range if available.
Why weights differ
Each IIM publishes its own admission policy with exact weights. Use the policy of the IIM you are targeting for the final calculation.
Improving your composite position
- CAT percentile is the only component you can still change this year.
- Sectional balance matters because sectional cut-offs come before composite ranking.
- Apply widely: different weightages favour different profiles.
CAT 2026 marking scheme
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 72 | 40 min |
| DILR | 22 | 66 | 40 min |
| QA | 22 | 66 | 40 min |
| Total | 68 | 204 | 120 min |
+3 per correct answer · −1 per wrong MCQ · 0 per wrong TITA · 0 unattempted
Frequently asked questions
Is the composite score the same at every IIM?
No. Every IIM uses its own formula, so your composite score differs from one institute to another.
Where can I find each IIM's weights?
In the admission policy document on each IIM's website, usually published before or after CAT results.
Does work experience always help?
Many IIMs reward work experience up to a cap, but some programmes favour freshers. Check the policy for each one.
Can a high CAT percentile offset low academics?
Partly. Because academics carry fixed weight, a very high percentile helps, but it may not fully offset low Class 10 or 12 marks at some IIMs.