How to Score 99 Percentile in CAT | Percentilers — Percentilers

CAT Strategy · · 3 min read
How to Score 99 Percentile in CAT | Percentilers — Percentilers

Quick Answer: Aiming for 99 percentile in CAT? Get preparation tips, and study plans to help you reach the top percentile in the CAT exam.

How to Score 99 Percentile in CAT | Percentilers

Written by Pranshul Verma

February 6, 2026

How to Score 99 Percentile in CAT

Thinking about How to Score 99 Percentile in CAT, Let’s find the answer. The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most challenging and high-profile competitive exams in India. Over two lac candidates apply for the exam every year for only a limited number of seats. The exam is conducted in nearly 150 cities across the country to shortlist the students for the IIM colleges.

 The CAT 2021 exam will happen in November, with the last date of registration being in September. Over the years, we have seen a few IIM aspirants scoring 99 percentile in CAT. Of course, it is not easy for everyone to achieve this score. A small number of less than 1% of candidates do that. If you are doing CAT preparation, then one of your dreams might be to score 99 percentile in the CAT Exam.

Based on the insights from those who have achieved this, we have shared a robust CAT preparation strategy and tips that can help you to achieve the 99 percentile in CAT. Remember, there is no shortcut to this, other than the hard work done smartly.

Create a preparation strategy

How to start preparation? What are the right ways to prepare for CAT? These are some of the common questions asked by aspirants when looking for ways to crack the management entrance exam.

 Your strategy should start with going through the latest exam pattern and updated CAT syllabus. Next, you should find your strong and weak areas in all the sections and subjects. This is because there is no ideal strategy. You have to create a personalized one depending on the time left for the exam, weak and strong areas, etc.

Don’t attempt all the questions

This is the most important part. You need to attempt a limited number of questions, rather than all questions to avoid negative marking. You get +3 marks for every right answer and -1 mark for every wrong answer, except the TITA questions.

So, how many questions to attempt to score 99% in CAT 2021?

According to those who scored 99+ percentile and the experts in the management field, the number of questions to attempt is around 65. Section-wise, you should answer 26-28 for VARC, 18-20 for DILR, and about 25 for QA.

Accuracy levels

Without working on the accuracy levels of answering the questions, the dream of scoring 99+ percentile will remain unachieved. You can’t go with the hit-and-trial method in competitive exams like CAT. You need to be sure about your answers. For this, you should work on your ability to answer more accurately. As per the toppers, your answers’ accuracy level must be over 85%, even if you attempt fewer questions.

Work on time and speed

You get three hours for all three sections in the exam, which means you have 60 minutes for each section. You have to answer fast and effectively, as well as learn time management to be able to score high. This will come with regular practice, attempting mock tests, opting for the best Online CAT coaching, and study material.

Analyze your preparation

You need to regularly test your preparation level for CAT to understand where you stand. This can be done by attempting mock tests. Along with regular mock test practice, you also need to analyze the results to find what went right and what went wrong. You need to identify your weak areas so that you can improve and put in your hard work accordingly.

Play smartly on exam day

The final stage is the day of the exam. You have to attempt and answer the questions smartly to be able to score 99 percentile in CAT. Remember that you should not give more than a couple of minutes to a single question. If you find it hard to answer, better skip to the next one. Attempt those questions first that you think can be answered accurately. It will not only lift your confidence but also save you more time to attempt the remaining questions.

 Wrapping Up:

These are some of the crucial tips to follow while planning for the CAT exam and to achieve the 99 percentile in the CAT. Choosing the best coaching for CAT, the right preparation books and study material, working on weaknesses, and playing smartly during the exam are the keys to success. Those who have achieved this goal also focused majorly on these points.

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