The Common Admission Test or CAT is one of the most prestigious and undoubtedly the most competitive entrance exams in India for admission to top business schools, including the Indian Institutes of Management or IIMs and other top private management institutes for MBA. Year after year, the number of aspirants attempting this examination continues to rise steadily with opportunities being limited. This trend raises an important question—what factors contribute to this growing interest among the test-takers? Let us explore the reasons behind Why Every Year CAT Test Takers Number is Increasing and how societal, educational and other economic factors come into play.
Rising Trend in CAT Test Takers Over the Years
| CAT Year | Total Registered Candidates | Total Test Takers |
| CAT 2024 | 3,29,000 | 2,93,000 |
| CAT 2023 | 3,28,000 | 2,88,000 |
| CAT 2022 | 2,55,501 | 2,22,184 |
| CAT 2021 | 2,29,969 | 1,91,660 |
| CAT 2020 | 2,27,835 | 1,90,144 |
| CAT 2019 | 2,44,169 | 2,09,926 |
| CAT 2018 | 2,41,000 | 2,09,405 |
| CAT 2017 | 2,31,067 | 1,99,632 |
Rising Demand for Management Education
One of the primary reasons which we believe for the increase in CAT aspirants is the growing demand for management education in India and abroad. In today’s very dynamic job market, employers increasingly look for candidates with strong leadership, analytical and managerial skills and are not restricted to just technical skills. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is also often seen as a road to high-paying jobs and better career prospects irrespective of your current field. As all industries are becoming more complex and globalized, the demand for skilled managers who can handle a set of diverse challenges is rising. Students as well as working professionals, both are eager to undertake management programs that will equip them with essential skills and also broaden their career horizons. This demand is surely driving a higher number of applicants for entrance exams like CAT every year.
The Prestige of IIMs and Other Top B-Schools
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-Schools are synonymous to excellence in management education. The brand value associated with an IIM/SPJIMR/XLRI degree attracts lacs of aspirants each year. These institutions not only provide world-class education but also have an impressive placement record with lucrative salary packages and job designations. Moreover, the alumni network of these colleges is extensive and highly influential, providing the students with valuable connections and further career opportunities. The success stories of such distinguished IIM alumni further inspire candidates to aim for these top institutions, contributing to an increase in CAT registrations. Hence, this is one of the reasons Why Every Year CAT Test Takers Number is Increasing.
Better Awareness and Information Availability
In the past, access to information about competitive exams like CAT was very limited. However, with the advent of the internet and other social media platforms, aspirants now have easy access to a plethora of information about exam patterns, preparation strategies and other success stories. Online communities and forums like the one iQuanta presence have made it easier for candidates to ask for guidance and share resources among peers. The availability of free and affordable online courses has also somewhat boosted CAT preparation, enabling more aspirants from very diverse backgrounds to take their best shot at the exam. Earlier, MBA was considered to be an elite degree due to its limited presence and higher cost of education. However, now with more globalised mindset, a lot of people irrespective of their backgrounds are appearing for the CAT.
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Economic Aspirations and Financial Independence
Economic factors surely play a crucial role in the decision-making process of students as well as working individuals. With rising living costs and increasing financial responsibilities, many young professionals look out for higher-paying jobs to secure their future financially. An MBA from a reputed institution is often seen as a stepping stone towards this common goal. Additionally, the shine of international job opportunities and the chance to work with the top multinational companies motivates many aspirants to pursue an MBA degree. CAT as an exam serves as a gateway to these aspirations, getting more and more candidates to register for the exam each year. Otherwise also, whenever the job market goes down, people focus on pursuing a master’s degree to compensate a poor job or no job at all. Hence, this is one of the reasons Why Every Year CAT Test Takers Number is Increasing.
Career Growth and Transition Opportunities
Many working professionals take the CAT exam to move to better job roles or switch their current industries altogether. An MBA serves as a platform to enhance their skill set and gain a competitive edge in this tough job market. Professionals from technical backgrounds, such as engineering and IT, often look out for an MBA to move into managerial roles and have broader career paths. The flexibility offered by such as the executive MBA programs and other part-time courses has further encouraged working professionals to consider taking the CAT exam. These courses ensure that their current job is not hampered at all while they pursue their course easily.
Government Initiatives and Educational Policies
There are multiple government initiatives aimed at promoting higher education and skill development in general that have also contributed to the growing number of CAT aspirants. Further, there are scholarship programs, financial aid schemes and ease of educational loans that make management education more accessible to students from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds. Furthermore, the growing trend towards entrepreneurship and other innovations in several government policies has motivated many young individuals. And these MBA programs are now equipped to gain the necessary skills to start and manage their own ventures. Hence, this is one of the reasons Why Every Year CAT Test Takers Number is Increasing.
Impact of Peer Influence and Societal Expectations
In India, societal expectations and peer influence play a very significant role in shaping your career choices. When your friends or family members achieve success through higher education like an MBA degree, it creates a chain effect, which further inspire you pursue it to get that kind of success. There is a prestige associated with being a CAT qualifier and securing admission to a top B-school often becomes a status symbol amongst friends and family, motivating even more students and professionals to attempt the CAT exam.
Changing Perceptions of Success
In the past, traditional career choices like engineering, medicine and government jobs were considered the gold standard for success in the society. However, the perception of success has thoroughly evolved over the years, especially in the last decade or two. Today, a career in management is considered as equally prestigious and rewarding, just like other degrees. This shift in mindset in the society has led to a surge in interest in management education and consequently, an increase in CAT registrations which is now quite evident.
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Increased Confidence in Women Aspirants
Another very popular and visible trend contributing to the rise in the number of CAT test-takers is the increasing participation of women in management. Educational institutions and even other organizations are actively promoting gender diversity and encouraging women to pursue management education and representation in leadership positions. Many B-schools now offer scholarships and have certain special initiatives to support women candidates only. This positive change has empowered more women to take the CAT exam, get into a top B-School and pursue their dreams of becoming successful managers, leaders and entrepreneurs.
Test Flexibility and Enhanced Preparation Resources
The CAT exam format has evolved over the years to become more candidate-friendly than it was before. The introduction of online test-taking formats compared to its pen-paper format, and flexible testing environments which increased the number of test centres have made it much easier for aspirants to attempt the exam. Additionally, the availability of numerous coaching centres, online mock tests and preparation resources has made CAT preparation more accessible to people and their preparation efficient. Aspirants can now have their study schedules according to their convenience, making it easier for working professionals with job and students to prepare for the exam with ease.
Gaining the Competitive Edge
Economic uncertainties and negative job market fluctuations often drive individuals to opt for higher education to upskill and stay relevant in a tough job market. During economic downturns, the number of CAT aspirants tends to increase exponentially as more professionals look for opportunities to improve their qualifications and secure better job opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, highlighted the importance of adaptability and need of continuous learning. Many professionals used this time to prepare for competitive exams like CAT, contributing to the rise in the number of test-takers. And further, this became a trend, leading to steady rise in number of test-takers.
The Psychological Aspect of Competition
Human psychology also plays a significant role in the increasing number of CAT test-takers. The competitive nature of the exam itself creates a sense of challenge and excitement among all the aspirants. The desire to prove oneself amongst their family and friends and achieve a significant milestone may motivate many individuals to take up the challenge of the CAT exam. Moreover, factors like social recognition and validation that come with cracking a competitive exam like CAT/XAT often serve as additional motive for aspirants.
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