CAT 2024 Result Analysis: A Deep Dive Into Gender, Academic, and Regional Trends
Patel
10/03/2025
Table of Contents
The much-anticipated Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024 results have finally been released, and as always, they bring with them a lot more than just percentiles. This year’s data offers valuable insights into the changing landscape of management education in India—particularly how candidates across different genders, academic backgrounds, and states performed.
While numbers do tell a story, it’s the trends and implications behind them that make the CAT 2024 results particularly noteworthy. Here’s a comprehensive look at how this year shaped up, and what future aspirants can learn from it.
Overview: Key Statistics from CAT 2024
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Candidates Registered | Over 3.3 lakh |
| Candidates Who Appeared | Approx. 2.88 lakh |
| Number of 100 Percentilers | 14 candidates |
| Gender Distribution (100%) | All 14 were male |
| Highest Percentile by a Female Candidate | 99.97 percentile |
| Dominant Academic Background | Engineering (10 out of 14) |
| Top Performing States | Maharashtra, Telangana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh |
These numbers form the basis of an even deeper story—one that speaks to systemic patterns, regional disparities, and the need for greater diversity in top-tier management education.
Gender Dynamics: A Call for Balance
Despite increasing participation from female candidates over the years, CAT 2024 once again saw all 100 percentile scorers being male. The highest score by a female candidate, while commendable at 99.97 percentile, highlights the persistent gender gap in the top bracket.
There is no question that women are capable of excelling in management education—numerous case studies from IIMs and top B-schools prove that. The gap, then, points more toward systemic barriers than individual capability.
Factors such as access to quality coaching, societal expectations, and confidence levels often affect female candidates disproportionately. It’s imperative for the ecosystem—educators, platforms, institutions, and even families—to encourage equal participation and opportunity in competitive exams like CAT.
Academic Background: Engineers Still Rule the Roost
Once again, engineering graduates dominated the CAT 2024 top ranks. Out of the 14 students who scored 100 percentile, 10 hailed from engineering disciplines. The remaining four came from other academic streams, which—although a minority—does show that non-engineers are increasingly cracking the code to CAT success.
| Academic Background | No. of 100 Percentilers |
|---|---|
| Engineering | 10 |
| Non-Engineering | 4 |
This trend isn’t surprising, considering that CAT traditionally emphasizes quantitative ability, data interpretation, and logical reasoning—areas where engineering students tend to be more comfortable due to their academic training.
That said, the success of non-engineers underscores the fact that a strong strategy, smart preparation, and time management can overcome any academic background limitations.
Regional Patterns: Urban Powerhouses and Emerging States
| State | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Produced the highest number of 100 percentile scorers |
| Telangana | Strong representation from Hyderabad and nearby regions |
| Delhi | Continues to produce consistent high performers |
| Uttar Pradesh | Marked increase in top-scoring candidates |
| West Bengal, Bihar | Emerging as significant contributors |
Metro cities and urban centers continue to dominate in producing high scorers—owing to better infrastructure, access to elite coaching, and awareness. However, there’s a visible shift taking place. Candidates from tier-2 and tier-3 cities are beginning to compete on an equal footing, thanks largely to online learning platforms that have democratized access to quality preparation.
This shift is crucial for the future of management education in India—it ensures regional representation and brings diverse perspectives into classrooms, which is essential in a globally competitive business environment.
Implications for Future Aspirants
So what can 2025 CAT aspirants take away from this?
- Background Doesn’t Limit Potential: Whether you’re from commerce, arts, or science, strategic preparation can bridge any academic gap.
- Consistency Over Genius: Many top scorers are not “born brilliant” but succeed through daily practice and discipline.
- Leverage Digital Learning: Use technology to access mock tests, analysis tools, and mentorship—especially if you’re from a non-metro region.
- Diversify Your Preparation: Don’t just focus on quants. DI-LR and VARC are equally important and often overlooked.
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FAQs – CAT 2024 Result Trends
Q1. How many candidates scored a perfect 100 percentile in CAT 2024?
A: A total of 14 candidates scored 100 percentile.
Q2. Were any female candidates among the 100 percentile scorers?
A: No. The highest percentile scored by a female candidate was 99.97.
Q3. Is CAT dominated by engineers every year?
A: While engineers do tend to perform well, many non-engineers have also scored above the 99 percentile in recent years.
Q4. Which states produced the highest number of top scorers?
A: Maharashtra, Telangana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh led the list.
Q5. Is coaching necessary to score well in CAT?
A: Coaching can help, especially for structured guidance, but self-study and consistency can also lead to great results.
Looking Ahead: The Future of CAT
The results of CAT 2024 hint at incremental but promising shifts in how candidates from across the country are preparing and performing. While disparities in gender and regional performance remain, there’s a slow but steady movement toward inclusion, diversity, and equal access.
If these trends continue—and with the right push from policy makers and educators—CAT in the coming years could see a truly representative cohort entering India’s top B-schools.
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