Achieving 99%ile is an ambition of many CAT aspirants. They prepare for months, give their best, and score well. Around 3 lakh aspirants take the CAT exam every year. Of which around 3000-4000 students can only make it to 99 percentile club. Many assume that such a score is sufficient to get a call from IIMs. But reality tells a different story. Hundreds of 99%ilers are left upset when the IIM shortlists are declared. Wondering why the 99+ percentile does not guarantee a seat at the IIMs? You are not alone. It continues to be a topic of constant discussion. This is because IIMs follow a detailed shortlisting process, where the CAT score is just one of several parameters. Past academics, work experience, diversity, and sectional scores are also equally important in the shortlisting process. Read on to know the truth behind 99%ile but No IIM Call and other relevant details.
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Is 99%ile= IIM Call a Myth?
Students have believed that 99%ile CAT score ensures an IIM call for many years. But that is a myth, unfortunately. IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, or Calcutta do not consider only CAT scores for shortlisting. Past academics, work experience, and diversity are also important components of shortlisting. Given below is an example to explain this scenario:
Example:
Suppose two aspirants score 99.5%ile in CAT:
- Candidate R: 96% in Class 10, 93% in Class 12, 86% in graduation, Two years of work experience.
- Candidate S: 76% in Class 10, 70% in Class 12, 65% in graduation, fresher.
Outcome: Candidate R will receive IIM calls. Candidate S may receive none even after scoring the same CAT percentile.
How IIM Shortlisting Actually Works?
The shortlisting criteria vary from IIM to IIM. They consider many components to shortlist for the Personal Interview (PI) and the Writing Ability Test (WAT). The CAT scores are one of the crucial factors. But it is not the only parameter. Below is an overview of the weightage of several components considered in the IIM shortlisting.
| Parameter | Weightage Range |
| CAT Percentile | 25%- 65% |
| Class 10 Marks | 5%-20% |
| Class 12 Marks | 5%-20% |
| Graduation Marks | 5%-20% |
| Academic Diversity | 5%-10% |
| Gender Diversity | 2%-5% |
| Work Experience | 5%-20% |
This highlights that candidates with good academic records and low CAT percentiles can secure an IIM call. They might be preferred over someone with a higher CAT percentile but weaker academics.
CAT Weightage Criteria Across IIMs
Every IIM has different shortlisting rules for MBA admissions. Some give more weightage to CAT. While many others prefer academics and diversity for shortlisting. This indicates that the selection process is not simple. Many factors are considered by IIMs when shortlisting the candidates. Check below the CAT weightage criteria of different IIMs.
IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA)
- CAT Percentile Weightage: 65%
- 35% weightage for 10th, 12th, Graduation marks, work experience, and gender diversity.
- Application Rating (AR) scores are used at various stages of the selection process.
IIM Bangalore (IIMB)
- CAT Weightage: 55%
- Strong emphasis on graduation scores and work experience/professional course.
- Aspirants from commerce, arts, and other non-engineering backgrounds may receive a diversity advantage.
IIM Calcutta (IIMC)
- CAT Weightage: 56%
- 4 extra points will be allocated for female and transgender aspirants only.
- The IIMC shortlisting components are CAT scores, 10th/12th marks, and the gender diversity factor.
IIM Lucknow (IIML)
- CAT Weightage: 60%
- Considers 12th marks, graduation, work experience, and diversity factor for academics and gender.
Why You Don’t Get an IIM Call Even at 99%ile?
A 99%ile in CAT does not mean that you will get an IIM call. This is because the CAT score is just a part of the shortlisting process. Academic records, work experience and diversity play an essential role. Check key reasons why many 99+ percentilers fail to get IIM calls:
Poor Academic Scores
IIM considers candidates with strong academic scores. This involves scores in 10th, 12th, and graduation. Low marks here can bring down your composite score. For example, if your 12th marks were 60% you may lose 10–15 points. It will become difficult to compete with aspirant who has 90%+.
Academic Stream Bias
Certain IIMs offer a diversity advantage to non-engineers. If you are an engineer, you are also competing with lakhs of other engineers who have high CAT scores. This can make the competition tougher for you.
Gender Diversity Factor
Several IIMs award additional points to female candidates to ensure balanced representation. This implies that a female candidate with 98%ile may get preference over a male candidate with 99.5%ile.
Lack of Work Experience
Work experience holds about 5%-20% weightage in the IIM shortlisting criteria. If you are a fresher, you will get zero points here. Aspirants with 2 to 3 years of experience in top companies often get an advantage here.
Sectional Cut-offs
Sectional CAT cutoffs also play an important role in IIM shortlisting criteria. In many cases, candidates clear the overall cutoff percentile but fail in one section,i.e. VARC/DILR. This is also one of the reasons why 99%ilers do not get an IIM call.
How to improve Your Chances for the IIM Call?
Cracking the CAT with a high percentile is only the first step to securing an IIM call. IIMs consider various parameters apart from the CAT score. So, you should focus on improving your overall profile. Here are the tips and tricks to improve your chances for the IIM Call:
- You must target Non-IIMs so that you have other backup options.
- Build a strong profile by improving graduation scores if still studying. Secure internships and get work experience in leading companies.
- Highlight your diversity factor if you are a non-engineer or a female candidate. If not, focus on achieving a high CAT percentile.
- Focus on current affairs and prepare profile-related answers. This can improve your chances of success in the WAT-PI.
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Final Thoughts on 99%ile but No IIM Call?
A 99%ile in CAT indicates outstanding preparation and dedication. But it does not ensure a call from IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, or Calcutta. IIM considers various factors when shortlisting:
- Strong academic records.
- 2-3 years of work experience.
- Balanced sectional scores.
- Gender Diversity
- Academic Diversity, etc
Failing to get an IIM call is not the end of your dreams. Your percentile can still get you a seat in top B-schools. Popular options include FMS, XLRI, SIBM and many others. They offer academic excellence and the best placement opportunities.
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