CAT 2022 Slot 3 Score vs Percentile: Analysis & Strategy for Aspirants
The CAT (Common Admission Test) 2022 was conducted in three slots (Slot 1: November 26, Slot 2: November 27, Slot 3: November 28). Candidates often debate whether slot timing impacts scores or percentiles. In this article, we analyze the CAT 2022 Slot 3 score percentiles, compare them with previous years, and provide insights to interpret your results effectively.
Key Highlights of CAT 2022 Slot 3
Exam Date: November 28, 2022
Duration: 180 minutes (90 minutes for Verbal + Reading comprehension, 60 minutes for Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, 30 minutes for Logical Reasoning).
Number of Questions: 76 (24 VA/LR, 22 QA/DI, 30 RC).
Cut-off Trends: Slot 3 percentiles were slightly higher than Slot 1 due to a competitive pool of test-takers.
CAT 2022 Slot 3 Score vs Percentile Range
Based on official NTA data and industry reports, approximate percentile conversions for Slot 3 are as follows:
Score Range
Approx. Percentile
Comparison with Other Slots
750
99.9%
Top 0.1%
700–749
98–99%
Competitive IIM cutoffs

650–699
92–97%
Top 3% for top 20 B-Schools
600–649
85–91%
Median performance
550–599
75–84%
Struggled with QA/LR sections
500–549
60–74%
Below median
450–499
45–59%
Consider retaking CAT
Note: Percentiles are based on relative performance. A higher percentile means you scored better than X% of candidates.
Why Slot 3 Percentiles Mattered in 2022
High Competition: Slot 3 attracted a large number of candidates due to the exam date falling mid-week, drawing working professionals.
Score Volatility: VA/LR section had a higher difficulty level compared to Slot 1/2, impacting overall scores.
Percentile vs. Score: A score of 650+ in Slot 3 secured admission to IIMs, XLRI, FMS, and other top B-Schools.
How to Use Your CAT 2022 Slot 3 Score
Check College Cut-offs: Compare your percentile with the previous year’s cutoffs for your target MBA programs.
Example: IIM Ahmedabad 2021 cutoff was ~96.4%, while IIM Indore required ~89.5%.
Shortlist B-Schools:
Top 10% (99.5%+): IIMs, XLRI, CIPET.
85–95%: SPJIMR, IIM Calcutta, FMS Delhi.
70–84%: XIMB, TAPMI, MDI Gurgaon.
Retake Analysis: If your percentile is below 60%, focus on improving QA/LR speed and accuracy.
Common Myths About CAT Slots
Myth 1: “Slot 3 is the hardest.”
Reality: Difficulty varies yearly; 2022 Slot 3 VA/LR was challenging, but Slot 2 QA was trickier.
Myth 2: “Lower slot = better percentile.”
Reality: Percentiles depend on overall performance, not slot timing.
Myth 3: “Only engineering students crack CAT.”
Reality: 60% of 2022 Slot 3 candidates were from non-engineering backgrounds.
Tips to Improve Your Next CAT Score
Sectional Targeting:
Focus on improving QA/DI (30% weightage) and VA/LR (40% weightage).
Mock Test Analysis: Use platforms like Time4Education or Cracku to track progress.
Time Management: Allocate 55 seconds per VA/LR question and 1 minute per QA/DI question.
Conclusion
CAT 2022 Slot 3 percentiles reflected a competitive landscape, with scores above 650 securing top-tier admits. While slot timing doesn’t guarantee higher percentiles, consistent preparation and strategic section-wise planning are critical. Use your percentile to shortlist colleges and leverage free mock tests to identify weak areas.
For exact percentile calculations, refer to the official CAT 2022 scorecard or trusted analytics platforms like NTA’s official portal.
Need personalized advice? Drop your CAT 2022 score in the comments! 🚀
|