CAT Percentile Predictor 2026
Enter your correct and wrong answers for VARC, DILR and QA. The predictor calculates your raw score with the official marking scheme and converts it into an estimated percentile band using an indicative score-to-percentile model built from past results.
Calculate Your CAT 2026 ScoreYour slot
How the CAT percentile prediction works
- Raw score: we apply +3 / −1 / 0 to your section-wise responses.
- Slot adjustment: a small factor reflects how tough your slot was compared with others.
- Percentile curve: your adjusted score is read against an indicative score-to-percentile curve and shown as a band.
- Sectional view: we show each section's score so you can check sectional cut-offs separately.
CAT 2026 exam pattern used for prediction
The predictor validates your entries against the CAT 2026 pattern, so you cannot enter more answers than a section has questions.
| Section | Questions | Max marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 72 | 40 min |
| DILR | 22 | 66 | 40 min |
| QA | 22 | 66 | 40 min |
| Total | 68 | 204 | 120 min |
Why we show a band, not one number
IIMs normalise raw scores across slots into scaled scores, and percentiles are computed from scaled scores across all test-takers. That data is not public until results, so any pre-result figure carries uncertainty.
A band (for example 94–96) is a more honest estimate than a single figure and is enough to plan applications.
What changes your final CAT percentile
- Slot difficulty: a tougher slot needs fewer raw marks for the same percentile.
- Overall paper difficulty compared with previous years.
- Number of test-takers and how they performed.
- Sectional balance: a very low section can hurt shortlists even with a good overall percentile.
Predictor vs calculator: which should you use?
Use the main CAT score calculator once your response sheet is out: paste the link and it reads every answer, so your score is exact. Use this predictor right after the exam when you only remember your attempts, or to test what-if scenarios.
Next steps after predicting your percentile
- Check IIM-wise and sectional cut-offs for your estimated percentile.
- Use the IIM Call Predictor to see which institutes may shortlist you.
- Keep an eye on application deadlines for CAT-accepting B-schools.
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
How accurate is a CAT percentile predictor?
It gives a useful band, not an exact number. Normalisation across slots means the official percentile can differ by a small margin.
How do I calculate my CAT percentile from my score?
Calculate your raw score with +3/−1/0 marking, then read it against a score-vs-percentile table. This predictor does both steps for you.
Can I predict my sectional percentile?
Yes, once sectional data is loaded into our model. Until then we show sectional scores and the overall estimate.
Does my slot matter?
Yes. Tougher slots usually need fewer raw marks for the same percentile. Select your slot before calculating.
Is my data saved when I use the predictor?
Manual entries are not linked to your name or contact details. You can choose to contribute your score anonymously to improve averages.
When will official CAT 2026 percentiles be released?
Results are expected in early January 2027, based on the pattern of previous years. The scorecard shows overall and sectional percentiles.
