What Percentile is 150-175 Marks in KMAT Kerala 2026?

After every KMAT Kerala exam, students often wonder about their score and how it will determine the percentile. Percentiles matter because they determine which colleges to target. Those who score between 150 and 175 marks in KMAT Kerala generally question what percentile they will get and which colleges to opt for. The 150-175 score range in KMAT Kerala functions as the low score range. You can only expect a percentile range of 20th to 40th. This clearly means the overall performance is not good.

Percentile depends on various factors such as the difficulty of the paper, the total number of examinees, and the overall score distribution. Based on past trends, we can make an estimate of the range of percentiles according to the scores. In this blog, we will break down what percentile to expect if a candidate scores between 150 and 175. Further, the article will mention what you should do next to maximise your admission chances.

Also Check - KMAT Kerala 2026: What 175-200 Marks Mean for Your Percentile?

How Do Marks and Percentiles Work in KMAT Kerala?

The scores in KMAT Kerala determine the percentiles. The KMAT Kerala examination system employs negative marking, which awards four points for correct answers and deducts one point for incorrect answers. You should answer questions with precision rather than attempt all questions without assessment. Those who use strategic attempts to answer questions will achieve better results than those who try to answer all questions. Marks/scores in KMAT are unlike your percentile, because they are based on the relative performance. Remember that in order to enter the best B-schools in Kerala, it is necessary to have a high percentage of marks.

Sectional Score Distribution for Total KMAT Score

Here’s a realistic distribution of total scores in KMAT Kerala 2026.

170 Score Breakdown in KMAT Kerala 2026

If you score at least 40 marks in QA and LR, 30 marks in English, 35 marks in DI, and 25 marks in GK, your total would be 170 marks.

Key Insight: You need to achieve at least 75-90+ points in every section to meet your requirements. The performance requires balanced results, which include strong QA and LR capabilities to reach the 80th percentile score range. You should target 80-95% accuracy to maintain your position in the higher score range because maximum attempts will not help. Your score will decrease by 30 to 40 marks because of negative marking when you make 8 to 10 incorrect guesses.

Predicted Percentile for 150-175 Marks in KMAT Kerala 2026

Based on this table, you can see what percentile you can expect at KMAT of 150 and 175. The approximate figures can shift depending on exam difficulty.

*Note: Percentile ranges are estimated and may vary based on session difficulty and normalisation.

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What Factors Affects Your KMAT Percentile?

The percentile can vary slightly even if students score the same marks. Several factors influence this.

1. Difficulty Level of the Paper

It is assumed that fewer students will score high marks if the paper is tough. Then, 150 marks can fall under a higher percentile. If the paper is easy, many students may secure high marks. This may result in a low percentile.

2. Number of Test-takers

The total number of test-takers will directly determine the level of the KMAT exam. A larger candidate pool can slightly compress percentile scores.

3. Distribution of Scores

The percentile will be packed if students score around the same marks.

What Students Found in KMAT Previous Year

Many aspirants who scored around 150 in KMAT Kerala share that this score often becomes an "unsafe score" because it didn’t allow them to enter top-tier private MBA colleges. A strong GD/PI performance and academic profile did help them to enter tier two or three B-schools. The KMAT 2025 coaching feedback and trend posts show that students with 150+ scores could only get into tier-3 colleges, while toppers needed 550+ scores and exceptional interview abilities.

Also Check - Is 90+ Percentile with 200 Marks in KMAT Kerala 2026 Possible?

150-175 Marks in KMAT Kerala: Good Score or Not?

You must be wondering if a score of 150–175 will be sufficient for the 2026 KMAT Kerala. So, the honest answer is NO. Scoring around 150-175 is not a good enough score to get you into the top B-schools. To be in the safe zone, you must aim for a 350-400+ score range.

Cut-off Trends of MBA Colleges

• Students with the 70th to 85th percentile can expect to attend private MBA colleges in Kerala.

• Applicants with the 85th to 95th percentiles can expect reputed private and semi-government colleges.

• Aspirants with 90+ percentiles can expect top colleges in the state.

How to Improve Your Overall Performance Beyond KMAT Score

Marks and percentiles are not the only factors for admissions in MBA colleges. Many colleges evaluate students on the following basis:

Strong Academic Background

A consistent academic record in class 12 and graduation can positively impact your selection.

Work Experience

Several years of work experience can make your profile stand out during interviews.

Personality and Communication

Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) will take place as part of the personality tests. You need to have good communication skills to ace this test and get into the top management college.

Also Check - 200-250 Marks in KMAT Kerala 2026: What Rank Can General/ST Category Expect?

How Can You Increase Your Overall KMAT Scores in Session 2?

You can improve in future attempts or other management entrance exams, and here are some strategies:

Focus on These Sections That Will Give High Scores

KMAT Kerala includes the following sections:

• Quantitative Ability

• Logical Reasoning

• English Language Skills

• Data Interpretation

• General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Take Mock Tests Seriously

Mock tests help you understand the pattern well.

• Regularly sit for full-length mocks.

• Practicing with a timer for each section.

• Revising and analysing the mocks.

Improvement in Time Management

Many aspirants fail to attempt questions even if they know the answers. Practising sectional time limits and learning to skip difficult questions can increase your score.

Realistic 90+ Percentile Strategy (Target: 350-450+)

To enter the 90th percentile range, you generally need 350+ marks. That means improving both volume and accuracy.

Expert Tips To Jump From 150 to 380+ in KMAT Kerala

To achieve 380+ from a base score of 150, you need to change your focus from taking maximum tests to achieving maximum test results. The negative marking system, which awards four points for correct answers and deducts one point for incorrect answers. It will allow you to increase your score by eliminating eight to ten wrong answers. You should develop Quantitative Ability and Logical Reasoning skills as your primary study goal, which requires you to achieve a score of 50 or higher in each subject area. The solution to improve your Data Interpretation speed with better results should be to start obtaining basic English marks during the early phase of the test.

You should complete full-length mock tests every week while dedicating most of your time to reviewing your mistakes instead of practising untested material. You should monitor your weak points while training yourself to avoid making blind guesses so that you can achieve an accuracy level between 80 and 85%. The process of reaching 200+ requires you to stop studying more and instead choose better study methods.

We have talked about how multiple factors, along with the exam percentile, play a significant role in deciding the overall rank in KMAT Kerala 2026. The relationship between multiple factors and competitive exam percentiles has been explained through this explanation. So, if your KMAT 2026 score is around 150-175, expect somewhere between the range of the 20-40th percentiles. Even though the result depends on the competition level of the examination, this score will not help you secure admission into many reputable MBA colleges in Kerala.

To confirm your admission in Kerala management college in 2026, you must also keep practicing for the GD and PI rounds. CollegeDekho mentors who will guide you throughout the counselling procedures.

If you have further queries regarding admission to top private management colleges in India , you can write to hello@collegedekho.com or call our toll free number 18005729877, or simply fill out our Common Application Form on the website.