CAT 2019 Slot 2: Marks vs Percentile Analysis for Indian Students
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2019 was conducted across multiple slots, with Slot 2 typically referring to the second time slot of the day. For Indian students aiming to understand their performance or strategize their prep, converting raw marks to percentiles is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the key insights:
1. CAT 2019 Structure & Slot 2 Details
Sections in Slot 2:
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): 8 questions, 10 marks.
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): 16 questions, 16 marks.
Quantitative Ability & Data Analytics (QA/DA): 8 questions, 12 marks.
Total Marks: 38 out of 76 (for the entire exam).
2. Marks to Percentile Conversion
CAT percentiles reflect a candidate’s relative performance compared to others. Official percentile data is not disclosed, but based on historical trends and third-party analyses (e.g., by platforms like CATresult, V牲et), approximate conversions for Slot 2 are:
Marks
Approximate Percentile
Key Insight
25+
85+
Top 15%
20-24
75-84
Top 16-25%
15-19
65-74
Top 26-35%
10-14
55-64
Top 36-45%
Below 10
Below 55
Needs improvement
Note: Percentiles are calculated per section, with overall percentile being a weighted average.
3. Factors Influencing Slot 2 Performance
VARC (Verbal & Reading): High-scoring section; focus on grammar, synonyms, and speed reading.
DILR (Data Interpretation): Time-consuming; practice with mixed graphs and caselets.
QA/DA (Quantitative): Calculations-heavy; prioritize number systems and algebra.
4. Strategies to Improve Marks & Percentile

Section-Specific Practice:
VARC: Daily RC practice (20+ passages) and vocabulary building.
DILR: Timed practice on 20-minute sets (2-3 caselets).
QA/DA: Master shortcut formulas (e.g., profit/loss, ratios).
Mock Tests: Aim for 90+ percentile in mocks to gauge slot performance.
Time Management: Allocate 30 mins to DILR, 25 mins to VARC, and 20 mins to QA/DA.
5. Limitations & Official Guidance
No Official Data: CAT percentiles are calculated post-exam using all candidates’ scores. Slot-specific breakdowns are rarely public.
Reliable Sources: Cross-check with CAT 2019 Answer Key (IIM Kozhikode) and trusted prep forums like MBA Unlocked.
6. Why Slot 2 Matters
Consistency: Strong performance in multiple slots boosts overall percentile.
Admission Chances: IIMs and top B-schools consider percentiles for shortlisting. A Slot 2 percentile of 80+ increases录取 odds significantly.
Final Tip: Use Slot 2 marks to identify weak areas. For instance, scoring below 15 in QA/DA suggests revisiting fundamentals. Pair marks with percentile trends to set realistic goals for CAT 2024/25.
Prep smarter, not harder—focus on high-weightage topics!
Data derived from community discussions and historical trends. For official updates, refer to IIM-CAT guidelines.
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