CAT 2021 Slot 3: Marks vs Percentile Analysis for Indian aspirants
The CAT 2021 exam, conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) network, saw significant variations in difficulty levels across sections and slots. Slot 3 (originally scheduled for 20 November 2021 but shifted to 21 November due to technical issues) witnessed a mix of high-difficulty questions in Quantitative Ability (QA) and Verbal & Reading Comprehension (VRC), while Data Interpretation & Analysis (DIA) and Logical Reasoning (LR) were relatively balanced. Below is a detailed breakdown of marks vs percentile trends for Slot 3, critical for Indian test-takers to strategize their 2022 prep.
Key Observations for CAT 2021 Slot 3
QA Section:
Difficulty: 85–90% (based on post-exam discussions).
Marks vs Percentile:
85+ marks ≈ 98th percentile+ (top 2% candidates).
75–84 marks ≈ 92nd–95th percentile.
60–74 marks ≈ 85th–90th percentile.
Why? Puzzles like work-force rate and algebraic equations were time-consuming, penalizing slower solvers.
VRC Section:
Difficulty: 75–80% (moderate).
Marks vs Percentile:
35+ marks ≈ 95th percentile+ (top 5% in VRC).
25–34 marks ≈ 85th–90th percentile.
15–24 marks ≈ 70th–80th percentile.
Why? RCs were lengthy (3–4 paragraphs), andPara RCs tested inference skills rigorously.
DIA Section:
Difficulty: 70–75% (balanced).
Marks vs Percentile:
28+ marks ≈ 90th percentile+
20–27 marks ≈ 80th–85th percentile
<20 marks ≈ 70th percentile–
Why? Caselet DI with multiple tables and a twist-based pie chart dominated, favoring analytical thinkers.
LR Section:
Difficulty: 65–70% (moderate).
Marks vs Percentile:
30+ marks ≈ 88th percentile+
22–29 marks ≈ 75th–85th percentile
<22 marks ≈ 65th percentile–
Why? Set-based puzzles (e.g., scheduling, blood relations) required clarity in process of elimination.
Critical Takeaways for Indian Aspirants
Focus on QA and VRC:
Top 10% percentile cutoffs for IIMs often require QA ≥75 and VRC ≥35. Slot 3’s QA difficulty suggests that scoring above 80+ may now be mandatory for top IIMs.
DIA as a Differentiator:
Candidates scoring ≥28 in DIA had a 90%+ chance of securing admission in IIM Rohtak, Indore, and IPM Bangalore. Prioritize practice with caselets and multi-variable tables.
Time Management:
QA (40 mins) and VRC (35 mins) were the most time-critical sections. Candidates who skipped 2–3 QA questions to save time for DIA/LR often performed better overall.
Percentile vs Marks Non-Linear Correlation:
A 10-mark gap in QA (e.g., 85 vs 75) often translates to a 5–8 percentile difference, while VRC gains are more volatile due to subjective RC answers.
2022 Preparation Strategy
QA: Master advanced topics like number systems, permutation combinatorics, and probability. Use mock tests with difficulty filters.
VRC: Practice Para RCs (focus on inference) and * Grammar correction* (error spotting).
DIA: Solve 3–4 caselets daily; learn to visualize data through charts.
LR: Build frameworks for set-based puzzles (e.g., scheduling, binary logic).
For Indian aspirants, Slot 3’s 2021 performance underscores the need for speed in QA, accuracy in VRC, and analytical rigor in DIA/LR. Use percentile-to-marks charts from reliable sources (e.g., CAT 2021 Answer Key by Toppers) to gauge targets.
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