Increased demand for Management PG Programme

Updated on: Friday, September 28, 2012

Management continues to be a dream career for several students across the country. No wonder, there is an increasing demand for postgraduate management education programmes. That's the reason why more and more students want to appear for Common Aptitude Test (CAT). The primary registration data for CAT 2012 shows four per cent rise over the last year. The number of CAT aspirants has gone up by 9,000 for the CAT 2012, scheduled between October 11 and November 6.

According to management experts, increase in CAT aspirants is a positive sign, as it shows a rising demand for postgraduate management programmes at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and reputed B-schools.

In spite of the rising number of CAT aspirants, it remains a fact that only a handful would make it to IIMs. However, experts underline the need for students to stay focussed since CAT scores can be a determining point in their admission process. With many prestigious business schools considering CAT scores, experts say students have a plenty of opportunities.

A CAT aspirant must explore all options, opines Dr (Capt) C M Chitale, head of the Department of Management Sciences, University of Pune (PUMBA). "Opportunities are numerous. A management aspirant must do thorough research and check which reputed B-schools consider CAT scores. IIM is undoubtedly the best option but not all can get in. Again, there is gradation among IIMs. The best institute counts and so does one's scores to meet expectations of management institutes."

What is more important for a student is to assess aptitude and capability before weighing options, Chitale feels. "While appearing for CAT, students must have a clear idea as to what if they could not make it to an IIM. We have observed that students are just lured by management career and opt for it without understanding details. Inclination, ability and aptitude are essential. Students must be specific as management education has a number of specializations."

Santosh Kasture, a management expert and founder director, Fast Track Management Consultants, says, "In all, 13 IIMs consider CAT scores for MBA programmes. IIM-Ahemdabad is on the top while IIM Raipur, Trichy, Kozhikode are at the bottom on the list for cut off score/choice of MBA aspirants. Besides IIM, there are 150 B-schools that consider CAT scores."

About the rising number of CAT aspirants, Kasture says, "CAT registration number has been increasing for the last four years. As 150 management institutes besides IIM consider CAT scores, it's the best platform. The recent decision of the Union government about FDI in retail and other sectors will also boost this trend in near future as management will be a lucrative career option."
Santosh Kasture, a management professional gives a list of B-Schools besides IIM's which consider valid CAT Score:

XLRI, Jamshedpur

National Institute of Industrial Engineering, Mumbai

Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies

Management Development institute, Gurgaon

Institute of Management Technology, Nagpur

KJ Somaiya Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai

SP Jain institute of Management and Research, Mumbai

Institue of Management, Nirma University, Ahemadabad

Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development, Pune

National Institute of Bank Management, Pune

Balaji Institute of Telecom & Management, Pune

MIT School of Business, Pune

Increased demand for Management PG Programme

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