What to expect for 90 Percentile in CAT 2025?

Mahima Gupta

Updated On: November 30, 2025 12:53 PM

Based on past trends, a 90 percentile CAT 2025 result typically translates to an overall score of around 51.5 marks, with VARC near 26.6, DILR about 17.8, and QA roughly 15.6 marks.
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What to expect for 90 Percentile in CAT 2025?What to expect for 90 Percentile in CAT 2025?

90 Percentile in CAT 2025: What to expect? Scoring in the 90 percentile for CAT 2025 usually means an overall score of about 51.5–52 marks (a little higher if your test slot was easier), which puts you comfortably in the top 10 % of all candidates. To reach this level, you’ll need roughly 26.6 marks in VARC, about 17.8 marks in DILR, and roughly 15.6 marks in Quantitative Ability. With these sectional scores, you can expect interview calls from many of the newer and “baby” IIMs, such as Nagpur, Sambalpur, Amritsar, and Jammu, and you may also catch the eye of older institutes like IIM Lucknow and IIM Indore if your marks are strong. While a 90 percentile score is definitely “very good” and opens many doors, it does not guarantee admission to the top three IIMs, which typically require a 98‑99 percentile.

Also read | CAT 2025 Exam Live; Marks vs Expected Percentile, Exam Analysis, Student Reviews

90 Percentile in CAT 2025: Detailed analysis of what to expect?

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Here's a detailed overview of the projected outcomes for attaining the 90 percentile in CAT 2025 -

Expected Overall Score for 90 Percentile in CAT 2025

An overall score of around 51.5–52 marks in CAT 2025 is generally enough to reach the 90 percentile, though the exact number may vary slightly depending on the difficulty level of your slot.

Also read | CAT 2025 Slot 1 Question Paper Memory-based; List of questions asked in the first slot exam

Expected Sectional Marks vs 90 Percentile in CAT 2025

  • VARC: 90 percentile is likely to fetch about 26.6 marks out of 72, roughly 9‑10 correct answers (each worth 3 marks).
  • DILR: Around 17.8 marks out of 66 can be fetched, with such a percentile, about 6‑7 question sets correct (or 12‑14 correct answers)
  • Quantitative Ability: With such a percentile, roughly 15.6 marks out of 66 are likely to be fetched, about 5‑6 correct answers.

90 Percentile in CAT 2025: Expected Interview Calls from IIMs

  • Scoring 90 percentile is regarded as strong for most IIMs, especially the newer and “baby” institutes. The data shows that IIMs like Nagpur, Sambalpur, Amritsar, and Jammu shortlist candidates with overall percentiles in the 90‑95 range .
  • Even some of the older IIMs (e.g., IIM Lucknow, IIM Indore) may give you a call if your sectional scores are high and your overall academic profile is strong.

Is 90 percentile considered “Very Good” in CAT 2025?

Absolutely, 90 percentile is definitely “very good” for CAT 2025. It places you in the top 10 % of all test‑takers, a group that commands respectable salary packages and ample campus opportunities. While it may not guarantee a seat at the top three IIMs (which usually need 98‑99 percentile), it’s more than enough to get a spot in top B schools.

Also read | CAT 2025 Marks vs Expected Percentile Analysis |

Concept Marks vs Percentile Analysis Link
100 - 120 Marks 100 to 120 Marks in CAT 2025 means how much percentile expected?
90 Marks 90 Marks in CAT 2025 means how much percentile expected?
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Also read | CAT Slot-wise marks vs expected percentile |

Concept Link
Slot 1 CAT Slot 1 Expected Percentile Score 2025

Also read - CAT 2025 Attempts vs Marks Analysis Links |

Concept Link
10 Good Attempts 10 Good Attempts in CAT 2025 means how many marks and percentile expected?
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Also read | CAT Percentile Expectations |

Concept Link
95 Percentile What to expect for 95 Percentile in CAT 2025?
Also Read | CAT Section-wise marks vs percentile |
Section Marks vs Percentile Link
VARC CAT 2025 VARC Marks vs Expected Percentile

Also read | CAT Cutoffs |
Concept Link
General category IIM General Category CAT Shortlisting Cutoff 2025

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