Introduction
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of India’s most prominent entrance examinations conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). CAT scores are used by over 150 business schools in India for admission to their postgraduate and fellowship programs such as Post Graduate Program, Fellow Program in Management and Management Development Program [1]. The CAT exam is held annually and tests candidates in three sections – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. Performance in CAT plays a significant role in determining admission prospects of candidates to top B-schools in India.
About the CAT
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based test for admission to graduate management programs in India. The CAT is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It is considered one of the toughest exams in India, with over 200,000 students competing for around 2,000 seats in the 20 IIMs across the country.
The CAT serves as the entrance exam for admission into the postgraduate and fellow management programmes offered by the IIMs. These prestigious programmes include the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), PG Programme in Management for Executives (PGPEX), Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) and several other variants. By clearing the CAT, candidates can get admission into these coveted MBA and management programmes.
Exam Format
The CAT exam consists of three sections that test verbal ability, quantitative ability, logical reasoning, and data interpretation skills:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension: This section has 24 questions that must be attempted in 40 minutes. It tests vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension and critical reasoning skills. Questions are in the form of passages followed by questions.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning: This section has 26 questions to be solved in 40 minutes. It evaluates analytical thinking and problem solving abilities through chart/data analysis, arrangements, linear seating, scheduling, grouping and ordering questions.
Quantitative Aptitude: There are 26 questions in this 40 minute section covering arithmetic, algebra, geometry, probability and other math topics. Speed and accuracy is tested for math problem solving.
Citing the source for exam format overview: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cat-exam-pattern
Scoring Pattern
The CAT exam follows a scaled scoring system. Candidates receive a scaled score between 100 to 300 for each section – Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) (Shiksha, 2021). The final score is calculated by taking the average of scaled scores from all three sections. So the lowest possible score in each section is 100.
The overall score is not just the sum of sectional scores. This is because each section has a different difficulty level which is accounted for by scaling. Even if a candidate scores low in one section, they can compensate in other sections. According to the CAT marking scheme, +3 marks are awarded for each correct answer and -1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer (Byjus, 2022). There is no negative marking for unattempted questions.
So the lowest possible total score in CAT exam is 300, if a candidate scores 100 in all 3 sections. Typically, only 1-2% of test takers score below 60 percentile or under 180 marks in the overall CAT exam (MBAUniverse, 2022).
Lowest Possible Score
The lowest possible raw score in the CAT exam is 0. This would mean getting no questions correct across all 3 sections – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. However, CAT uses a normalization process to calculate scaled scores, so the lowest possible scaled score may vary each year.
According to experts, the lowest scaled score seen is usually around -3. This translates to roughly the bottom 1 percentile. Even scoring a very low raw score of 5 questions correct could result in a scaled score of around -2, still at the bottom 1 percentile (Source). Essentially, to score the absolute minimum in CAT, one would have to attempt very few questions correctly or leave the majority of sections blank.
Factors for Low Scores
There are several potential factors that can contribute to someone scoring low on the CAT exam, even with preparation. Some of the main reasons include:
Lack of Preparation
Sufficient and focused preparation is key for the CAT. Candidates who do not put in enough time studying and practicing for the exam format often score lower than expected. According to an article on Unstop.com, relying too heavily on a particular section while neglecting others during CAT preparation can also lead to lower scores across sections.
Exam Pressure
The high-pressure environment of the CAT exam can negatively impact some candidates’ performance and scores. Test anxiety, nerves, and difficulty managing time during the exam are common issues. According to a Quora post, stress and lack of familiarity with the exam format and environment can hinder scores despite preparation.
Negative Marking
The CAT exam has negative marking, meaning candidates lose points for incorrect answers. Guessing or answering questions quickly without thought to avoid negative marks can drag down scores. According to TheCATWriter.com, focusing on difficulty level rather than area knowledge when selecting questions to answer can also lead to more negative marks and lower scores.
Analysis of Low Scores
Candidates who score low on the CAT exam tend to struggle with certain question types and sections more than others. Looking at performance analysis can help identify areas of weakness.
Question-wise, low scoring candidates often struggle with critical reasoning and reading comprehension questions that require deeper analysis and inference skills. They also tend to score lower on quantitative questions involving geometry, algebra and data interpretation 1.
Section-wise, the verbal ability section poses more difficulty for lower scorers compared to the other two sections of quantitative ability and data interpretation & logical reasoning. Within verbal ability, reading comprehension and verbal reasoning sub-sections require stronger vocabulary, grammar and analytical abilities 2.
By analyzing individual performance to identify weaker areas, low scoring candidates can focus their preparation efforts accordingly. Targeted practice and training in those topics and skills can help improve overall CAT performance.
Improving Low Scores
There are several strategies students can use to improve low scores on the CAT exam:
Better Preparation: Students should thoroughly review the syllabus and ensure they have a strong grasp of all the concepts that could be tested. Focusing on weaknesses and spending more time practicing questions in those areas can help improve scores (Source).
Time Management: Completing mock exams under timed conditions and analyzing where time was lost can reveal areas for improvement. Students should work on test-taking speed and efficiency (Source).
Mock Tests: Taking regular mock tests helps simulate exam conditions, build stamina, and provide performance benchmarks. Reviewing mocks to identify weak areas allows tailored preparation (Source).
Success Stories
There are many inspiring stories of candidates who significantly improved their CAT scores after initially scoring low or failing. According to InsideIIM (https://insideiim.com/20-stories-read-boost-motivation-cat-2020), one candidate went from scoring in the 39th percentile in his first CAT attempt to getting calls from IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore the next year. Another candidate shared on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-cat-failure-story-swaraj-panda) that he only scored in the 96th percentile on CAT 2015, but after retaking the exam he was able to get into a top IIM. Stories on Quora (https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-most-inspirational-CAT-Entrance-Success-story-you-ever-heard) mention candidates going from single digit scores to getting into IITs and other top institutes after persevering and retaking entrance exams.
Conclusion
In conclusion, scoring extremely low on the CAT exam is rare but can happen due to a variety of factors. With thorough preparation, a calm mindset on exam day, and determination to continue trying, it is possible to significantly improve your score. The key takeaways are:
- The lowest possible score on CAT is 0.
- Scoring very low could be due to inadequate prep, test anxiety, or external factors.
- Analyze your weaknesses and create a strategic prep plan to strengthen those areas.
- Stay motivated by learning from others who improved from low to high scores.
- Don’t lose hope. With focus and hard work, major score improvements are achievable.
Scoring low on the CAT exam doesn’t mean you cannot succeed. Put your best efforts into thoughtful preparation, practice, and a positive mindset. You have the potential to significantly improve your score over time. Be encouraged by others who overcame early struggles, and keep striving towards your goals.