Many aspirants believe that only students with excellent academic records can make it to the IIMs. But the truth is far from it. Every year, hundreds of students with average or even low academics score 99+ percentile in CAT and secure admission to top B-schools. If your past marks haven’t been great, don’t worry — CAT 2026 gives you a fresh start. This exam isn’t about your grades; it’s about your aptitude, consistency, and smart strategy. In this blog, we’ll break down how students with low academics can still achieve a 99 percentile in CAT 2026, and how enrolling in the right CAT Course can make a huge difference.
Why CAT 2026 is a Great Equalizer?
CAT (Common Admission Test) doesn’t test your college GPA or school marks. It focuses on your logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and verbal ability — skills that anyone can develop with time and practice. Whether you scored 60% in graduation or 95%, everyone gets the same question paper and the same opportunity. That’s what makes CAT one of the fairest exams in India. Here’s why low academics don’t define your CAT result:
- CAT percentile depends solely on your exam performance.
- Even with lower marks, you can get into top B-schools if you ace CAT and perform well in interviews.
- Several IIMs now follow profile-balanced shortlisting, where high CAT scores can offset lower academics.
Real Stories: From Low Academics to 99+ Percentile
Every year, students from iQuanta’s CAT Course prove that academic records don’t determine CAT success.
- A B.Com graduate with 65% in college scored 99.45 percentile after 8 months of structured preparation.
- A non-engineer with average marks in school secured admission to IIM Kozhikode, thanks to consistent mock analysis and disciplined study.
These examples show that what matters is
strategy, not your past performance.
How to Score 99 Percentile in CAT 2026 with Low Academics
1. Focus on Your Strengths Identify which section you’re good at — VARC, DILR, or QA — and use it to maximize your percentile.
For example, non-engineers often excel in VARC, while engineers may find QA easier. Your CAT 2026 preparation plan should be built around leveraging your natural strengths while improving weak areas.
2. Build Conceptual Clarity Even if your academic background isn’t strong, you can excel by mastering the basics.
- For Quant, start with NCERT-level Arithmetic and gradually move to advanced topics.
- For VARC, read editorials daily and practice Reading Comprehension (RC).
- For DILR, solve 2–3 sets daily from previous CAT papers or your CAT Course materials.
Joining a structured
CAT Course like
iQuanta’s CAT 2026 program ensures you cover every topic with conceptual clarity.
3. Take Mocks and Analyze Them Religiously Mocks are your best teachers. Start taking
sectional tests early and move to
full-length mocks by July 2026. After each mock:
- Analyze your accuracy, speed, and time spent per question.
- Revisit wrong questions and understand your reasoning mistakes.
- Keep a mistake journal to avoid repeating errors.
Even with low academics, a disciplined mock strategy can push your percentile beyond 99.
4. Stay Consistent Low academic scores often stem from inconsistent effort — but CAT rewards
daily discipline.
Set a study routine:
- 3–4 hours daily of focused preparation
- 1 hour for revision
- Weekend mock test & analysis
Consistency transforms average performers into 99-percentilers.
5. Choose the Right CAT Course A good
CAT Course provides structure, mentorship, and regular feedback — essential for students starting from scratch. When selecting a CAT course, look for:
- Live concept classes (for interactive learning)
- 24×7 doubt-solving (so you never get stuck)
- Mock tests & analysis tools
- Mentor guidance from past IIM students
Platforms like
iQuanta offer all these features in one place. Their
CAT 2026 Course focuses on helping both average and low-academic-background students achieve top scores through a personalized strategy.
Top IIMs That Give Weightage to CAT Percentile Over Academics
Even if your academic history isn’t ideal, some IIMs prioritize CAT performance. Here are a few examples:
| Institute | Weightage to CAT Score |
| IIM Calcutta | 56% |
| IIM Kozhikode | 45% |
| IIM Indore | 40% |
| IIM Lucknow | 60% |
| IIM Shillong | 70% |
With a
99+ percentile in CAT 2026, you can easily make it to these IIMs — even if your school or college marks weren’t high.
Bonus Tip: Develop Your Profile Alongside CAT Prep
While you focus on your CAT 2026 preparation, also work on your profile to balance low academics:
- Take internships or certifications in business, finance, or analytics.
- Participate in case competitions or group discussions.
- Develop good communication and presentation skills for interviews.
This combination of a
strong CAT score + improved profile can easily outweigh low academic marks.
Final Thoughts
Your academic past doesn’t define your future — your CAT 2026 strategy does.
With the right mindset, daily discipline, and guidance from a structured
CAT Course, you can transform your profile and achieve a
99+ percentile. CAT rewards
aptitude, logic, and perseverance, not your report card. So start preparing today, believe in your potential, and let your CAT score speak louder than your marks.
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