CAT 2023: Hits 3.3L Record Registrations
There is a record rise in the upcoming CAT registration marking it to 3.3 lakh; CAT, or Common Admission Test, the well- known MBA entrance exam in India shows an exponential rise in registration numbers this year. In comparison to 2.5 lakh last year, there is an increase of 30%. In 2022, the rise was 11%.
The competitive exam conducted once a year, is organised by IIMs (Indian Institute of Managements) to select candidates for their postgraduate management courses as well as for Doctorate programmes. The test is also an eligibility criterion in other business schools in India as well.
“Registrations this year are the highest in the history of CAT, ever since it was started in 1977. In absolute numbers, an increase of 75,000 applications, year-on-year, is a record,” Prof. Sanjeet Singh from IIM-Lucknow told TOI.
Experts observe that the rise in number is due to students’ constant interest in the field of management and in IIMs. Prof. Singh added that “I believe increased publicity about CAT on social media platforms and adding more test cities with increase in exam centres, particularly in tier-II cities, have resulted in this highest-ever registrations.”
Hike in Female Registrations
Among the 3.3 lakh participants, 38%, i.e., 1.17 lakh are female. Female registrations are also increased 3%. In order to improve gender diversity and representation in management courses, IIMs undertook several steps over the past decade. Proper awareness campaigns, changing societal outlook towards women’s role, financial support and empowering workshops, government initiatives, and industry collaboration are among the few notable initiatives that resulted in the rise in female participation.
The online test is set for three hours, including sections Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The format of the exam is available on the official website for candidates to get familiar.
The exam is scheduled to be held on November 26.
