We are excited to be proven right in our sectional and overall cutoff predictions. Given that IIM A has announced its sectional percentile cutoffs and that the definition of the sectional percentages has changed, we are in a position to compute the exact cutoff marks for an IIM A call.

*In case you are wondering why the Max Possible is not 100 in all cases, well, there were errors in the test. As a result some questions were not considered in the overall score.

Since each question had 4 marks, our sectional cutoff predictions were just 1 question off the mark for DI and Quant. They were only 2 questions off the mark for Verbal. Our overall IIM A cutoff was less than 1 question off the mark from our prediction.

We will be posting updates to the CAT 2006 results on our forum. So, visit the CAT 2006 Analysis page on the Peak Seekers forum regularly.

All of what you read above is our analysis after the declaration of the CAT results (Jan 2, 2007). Below this line, you can read the analysis we had posted on the day of the CAT results. Please note how near-exact our forecasts were. In fact, the IIM A cutoff of 120 is almost what we had predicted with 123.

Quant: As with Peak Seekers tests, the emphasis was on Algebra (8 questions), Number Systems (5 questions) and Geometry (4 questions). Additionally, there were questions on percentage (1 question), Ratios (3 questions), Speed (1 question), Permutations and Combinations (2 questions) and Set Theory (1 question). Incidentally, there was an error in the set theory question (at least in the test form we examined). The value 28 was misprinted as 8. Overall Quant: Barring 6-7 tough questions, most others were easier than one expects in the CAT. Once again in line with most of the Peak Seekers prepCATs. Our Estimated Cut Off for Quant in CAT 2006: 50 points.

Data Interpretation and Analytical Reasoning: The Analytical Reasoning section (5 questions) was quite easy and offered students a cool 20 marks. The 5 question DI set on networks (akin to the one in Peak Seekers prepCAT 27) was quite easy too. The 5-question tabular DI (regarding marks in various subjects) was a bit tougher, but should have been attempted. The remaining 2 sets of 5 questions each were in caselets which were pretty tough. Overall DI & AR: Above average level of difficulty. But, if the correct (i.e. easy) questions were chosen one could score at least 15 easily. Our Estimated Cut-Off for DI & AR in CAT 2006: 40 points.

Verbal: There were 3 tough RCs of 5 questions each. Fairly boring and tough to read passages, unless sociology is your passionate hobby In RC too, there was the usual CAT mistake. At least in test form no. 444, in Q 30, the 3rd choice was incomplete and the 4th and 5th choices were missing. CAT makers probably do not adequately appreciate the frustration that these mistakes cause. Other than the 3 RCs, there was one set of 5 questions on the Fact-Inference-Judgment kind of question (which was present a in a couple of Peak Seekers prepCATs too). These were fairly tough. The remaining 5 questions involved identifying the best last sentence in a paragraph -- once again fairly tough. For the first time in the past 18 CATs that we have monitored, the section on Jumbled Sentences was missing. Overall Verbal: Fairly tough verbal section. Our Estimated Cut-Off for Verbal in CAT 2006: 33 points.

Note that we have lowered our estimates of cut-offs since we first posted them. However, it seems that compared to our peers, we still are on the higher side. We feel committed to these scores and estimate that many others are not adequately factoring in the changes in the CAT this year -- fewer questions, more time, easier Math, etc. But, this is a matter of discussion. So, why not head to the Peak Seekers discussion forum ?

Peak Seekers: Borivli: 64506555 | Thane: 25305700 | Vile Parle: 26108001

All that is stated above is an opinion. Before making any significant career decisions, please consult a counselor at Peak Seekers.