CAT (Common Admission Test) is one of the most popular and preferred exams in India for pursuing an MBA, with admission largely depending on its scores. It serves as the gateway to prestigious IIMs and other top B-schools in the country, offering significant career growth and opportunities. Due to its importance, CAT attracts the highest number of aspirants every year, all competing for a place in the best management institutes.
In 2024, a total of 3,29,000 students registered for the exam, out of which 2,93,000 appeared. Despite this, the competition remains intense, with thousands of candidates vying for a limited number of seats in top MBA colleges and participation increasing each year.
With CAT 2025 tentatively scheduled for November 30, many aspirants are feeling anxious and uncertain about how to crack the exam. The rising competition and increasing number of participants add to their concerns, making it crucial to understand the challenges and strategies required for success.
Why do so many students register for the CAT exam?
There are three key reasons behind this trend. While these reasons are subjective, they align with real-world scenarios.
First, many colleges and universities lack a strong curriculum or industry tie-ups, making it difficult for students to secure good job opportunities. Without practical experience or the right skills, many graduates, especially from Tier-2 and Tier-3 colleges, see CAT as a pathway to a better career and job prospects.
Second, an MBA is not just about securing high-paying jobs; it also offers skill development, professional networking, a strong alumni base, industry exposure, and a competitive environment. Many working professionals aspire to these benefits, which would otherwise take years to achieve, making an MBA an attractive option.
Third, the availability of quality jobs in India is not keeping pace with demand. Many roles offer low salaries and poor work environments. The younger generation is aware of these challenges, which motivates them to work hard for a year or two, aiming for an MBA that can lead to better job opportunities and a more stable career. This awareness drives their dedication and willingness to put in the effort required.
The number of CAT exam takers from 2010 to 2024
| Year | Number of Candidates Registered | Number of Candidates Appeared (Test Takers) | Percentage Increase/Decrease in Test Takers (%) |
| 2010 | 2,04,000 | 1,85,000 | |
| 2011 | 2,05,000 | 1,86,000 | 0.54 |
| 2012 | 2,14,000 | 1,95,000 | 4.8 |
| 2013 | 1,94,516 | 1,73,714 | (-)10.9 |
| 2014 | 1,96,988 | 1,70,000 | (-)2.13 |
| 2015 | 2,18,664 | 1,79,602 | 5.64 |
| 2016 | 2,32,434 | 1,95,679 | 8.95 |
| 2017 | 2,31,067 | 1,99,632 | 2.02 |
| 2018 | 2,40,338 | 2,09,405 | 5.1 |
| 2019 | 2,44,169 | 2,09,926 | 0.24 |
| 2020 | 2,27,835 | 1,90,144 | (-)9.42 |
| 2021 | 2,29,969 | 1,91,660 | 0.79 |
| 2022 | 2,55,501 | 2,22,184 | 15.92 |
| 2023 | 3,23,000 | 2,88,000 | 29.6 |
| 2024 | 3,29,000 | 2,93,000 | 1.73 |
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How to stay ahead of the competition for CAT?
In recent years, the number of CAT aspirants has significantly increased. Naturally, this raises concerns about factors like rising exam difficulty, a tougher selection process, gap years, job uncertainty, and more.
However, struggle is a part of everything—waking up early, working, driving, or even managing daily tasks. The key is to choose the struggle that leads to the greatest rewards.
An MBA from a top college can open doors to a well-paying job, a better work environment, an improved lifestyle, and long-term career stability. So, instead of fearing the competition, focus on the following things to maximize your chances of success:
Factors That Can Give You an Advantage over Others in CAT
Strong Mindset
A strong mindset is crucial in your journey to scoring 99+ percentile. Believing in yourself is the first step—no one else can do this for you. You have to push yourself and stay committed to the process.
Well-Structured and Updated Study Material
The quality of your study material plays a major role in your success. A well-structured and updated resource, designed to mirror the real CAT exam, can significantly boost your competency and aptitude. At iQuanta, we provide up-to-date study materials aligned with the latest CAT syllabus and difficulty level. Our personalized modules and preparation plans cater to all types of aspirants. However, it’s recommended to stick to one or two reliable study sources instead of overwhelming yourself with too many.
Concept Classes + Application-Based Learning
If you’re enrolled in a coaching institute, that’s great. If not, make sure to follow classes that not only cover concepts but also focus on their application. At iQuanta, we offer a dual pedagogy approach, ensuring you understand both theory and its practical application. This method helps you perform at your full potential on exam day.
Instant Doubt Solving
Instant doubt resolution can significantly boost your chances of scoring 99+ percentile. When your doubts are cleared immediately, you can focus on your preparation without any lingering confusion, ensuring a smooth study plan. At iQuanta, we provide instant doubt-solving within 15 minutes in our paid group. Simply post your query, and our experts will resolve it—whether it’s 3 AM or 9 PM. We’ve got you covered.
Mock Tests
More than 50% of CAT aspirants don’t attempt even a single mock test, fearing low scores and letting their ego hold them back—a costly mistake. Mock tests are crucial as they simulate the real exam environment, complete with time pressure and competition. At iQuanta, we offer first-class mock tests along with an AI-enabled dashboard to simplify your performance analysis, helping you improve efficiently.
