172 management schools other than IIMs have subscribed to CAT scores this year.

Updated on: Saturday, October 06, 2012

In a record, 172 management schools other than IIMs have subscribed to Common Admission Test (CAT) scores this year. In 2011, the number stood close to 130. A total of 2.14 lakh aspirants have registered for the 21-day long computer-based test that will begin from October 11. CAT 2012 is being coordinated by IIM-Kozhikode.

There has been a gradual increase in the number of non-IIM institutions using CAT scores despite the dwindling number of applicants since the last three years. In fact, the trend gained momentum in 2011 when six IITs, Faculty of Management Studies, Delhi University and Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar, among others subscribed to the scores.

This year has also witnessed a marginal increase of 4.39% in the number of CAT takers. Last year, 2.05 lakh candidates registered for the exam while 2008 recorded the highest number of registrations with 2.76 lakh students applying. However, in 2010, the figure slipped to 2 lakh.

"The slight increase in the number of applicants this year is a positive indication that postgraduate management programmes at IIMs and other B-schools that accept CAT scores still offer an attractive future to many aspirants. We are yet to analyze the factors that have contributed to the growth of institutions as well as candidates," said professor S S S Kumar, convenor of CAT 2012 .

Like previous years, Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Pune are the cities where maximum number of candidates are scheduled to take the admission test. "National Capital Region has recorded the highest number of registrations," said Kumar.

Meanwhile, the admission test which is known for springing up surprises has nothing new to offer this year. "IIMs are pretty much moving towards standardizing CAT and hence no surprises are expected this year. Speed and strategy are not major issues any longer. What is important is to remain calm and not to make basic mistakes. In relative terms, it still remains a tough test. Also, the selection process has become more transparent now. Eight years ago, we didn't know how much we scored. IIMs are now looking for people who fit their requirements rather than toppers," said director MBAGuru and IIM-Kolkata alumnus, Deekshant Sahrawat.

172 management schools other than IIMs have subscribed to CAT scores this year.

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