CAT percentile matters for only 2% of companies at new IIM placements - 10th/12th/UG and work-ex are far more important. The ex-placecom AMA host was explicit: "Only in a very few companies. Maybe 2% of the companies asked for CAT percentile data.
What matters most is the 10/12/UG and related work-ex." At IIM Rohtak (Rs 16L fees, Rs 18 LPA avg) and similar new IIMs, recruiters filter on acads first, work-ex second, and CAT only for specific analytical roles. This is counter-intuitive because high CAT percentile got you admission but stops mattering at placements.
The rare exceptions: some consulting firms (mostly Big 4 analytics), data science roles, and roles at quant-heavy firms occasionally ask for CAT scores. Practical implication: a 97 percentile candidate with 9/9/9 acads beats a 99 percentile candidate with 7/7/7 acads for 98% of placement shortlists at new IIMs. Don't oversell your CAT percentile in interviews - mention it once if asked, then pivot to work-ex and projects.
Focus your CV on acad achievements (ranks, scholarships), quality work-ex (top firms, big projects), and concrete skills (CFA, PMP, domain certifications). CAT score is a one-time entry ticket, not an ongoing asset for placements. Check your eligibility at collvera.