CAT results: At least 40 from Gujarat in 99th percentile

AHMEDABAD: As the results for the Common Admission Test (CAT), for admission to premier management institutes, was declared on Saturday afternoon, more than 40 students from Gujarat have scored in the 99th percentile. Across the country, about 11 students were in the 100th percentile. The majority of the students who scored high in the CAT code are engineering graduates.

This year, the CAT was organized by IIM Calcutta. The examination was controversial this year as the results were allegedly leaked two days before the official announcement. According to some coaching classes, the result for Gujarat improved from 2017, from 30-odd students last year, in the 99th percentile was higher than 40 this year.

“Awareness about the format has grown and there is more interest among Gujarat students in the IIMs. Of course, everyone would like to get into the top three IIMs. Call letters for interviews will soon be received by successful candidates from different IIMs on the basis of the scores,” said a coodinator with an Ahmedabad-based coaching class, while admitting that due to the quantitative skew of the exam, students from engineering backgrounds have a better shot at success.

Of the 11 students who ranked at the top, in the 100th percentile, seven were from IITs. Of the 21 in the 99.99th percentile, 19 are from engineering backgrounds. All IIMs, including IIM-Ahmedabad, are now emphasizing on more diversity in terms of educational background and gender.

“Compared to 2.31 lakh students last year, this year 2.41 lakh took the test. The number of girl students has also increased over the years,” said a CAT coaching class official.