CAT 2023: 3.3 Lac candidate apply for CAT All Time High, 30% Increase from Last Year
CAT 2023 Applications hits record high of 3.3 lakhs. It's a 30% surge from last year’s application. Know CAT registration trends and the factors behind the surge
Anil Solonki23 Sept, 2023
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CAT 2023 : Candidates Applied for CAT 2023 have set a record of 3.3 lakh. Compared to last year’s CAT Application, a remarkable 30% more candidates have completed the registration process. This surge in ACT registrations is significant, considering that in 2022, the increase was only 11%.
This year's registrations mark the highest in the entire history of CAT since its inception in 1977. Notably, it never crossed the 3-lakh mark before. Over the past few years, there has been an increase of 75,000 CAT Applied, which is a record itself. Experts attribute these high numbers to the enduring interest of students in the field of management, particularly in the IIMs. The CAT exam 2023 for admission to IIMs and other prestigious management institutes is scheduled to take place on 26 November 2023. Referring to the increase in registration, it is expected that this year's competition level for CAT will be the highestCAT 2023: Trends Over the Past Decade
Out of the total number of candidates who registered for the CAT exam , nearly 87% participated in the exam last year. Among these, 35% were female, 65% were male, and 4 were transgender candidates. Although there was a slight decrease in CAT registrations during the COVID-19 pandemic, the registration upturned last year. The table below shows the number of applications received for CAT over the past ten years.| Year | CAT Registration |
| 2023 | 3.3 lakh |
| 2022 | 2.55 lakh |
| 2021 | 2.30 lakh |
| 2020 | 2.28 lakh |
| 2019 | 2.44 lakh |
| 2018 | 2.41 lakh |
| 2017 | 2.31 lakh |
| 2016 | 2.32 lakh |
| 2015 | 2.19 lakh |
| 2014 | 1.97 lakh |
CAT 2023: How Many Students Appeared for CAT 2023
A whopping 3.3 lakh aspirants registered for CAT 2023. Out of this, nearly 1.17 lakh are female candidates, which amounts to 38% of the total registration. The CAT 2023 entrance exam will be conducted by IIM Lucknow on 26 November. Looking at the increased number of CAT Applications, it is anticipated that at least 2.3 lakh candidates will participate in the CAT 2023 entrance exam. CAT 2023 registrations surged by 30% compared to the previous year is the highest increase so far.CAT 2023: Reasons for Surge in Application
The surge in the CAT 2023 Applications is the result of social media promotions and a shift in the job market. Today, candidates with an MBA degree are preferred for various high-paying job roles. The following points elaborate on the reasons for the surge in CAT 2023 Applications:-
Social Media Accessibility
- Different social media platforms encourage candidates to pursue an MBA for a prosperous future.
- Social media promotion campaigns for the CAT exam also contribute to the surge in registration numbers.
- The expansion of CAT test centres, particularly in tier-II cities, enhanced candidates’ accessibility to the CAT exam, attracting a more diverse pool of candidates.
-
Economic Uncertainty
- The recent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in job losses, reduced incomes, and business closures.
- To seek job security, a growing number of professionals opt for higher education, particularly MBA from top-ranked institutions like the IIMs.
- Having an MBA degree helps candidates acquire new skills and address the uncertainties prevailing in the economic landscape. Additionally, MBA increases candidates’ chances of getting high-paying job roles.
CAT 2023: How many candidates appeared for CAT 2022?
In CAT 2022, a total of 2.55 lakh candidates filled out the application form. Out of these candidates, 2,22,184 took the test, representing more than 86% of the registered candidates. Of these 2.22 lakh candidates who took the exam, 65% were males, 35% were females, and 4 candidates identified as transgender. Previously, IIM Bangalore, the conducting body of CAT 2022, reported an 11% rise in total registrations. This included a 6% increase in registrations from specific category candidates. CAT 2022 marked the first instance of using digital campaigns to raise awareness of the exam. The campaign also informed candidates about the applications and the extension of the application deadline. The table below shows details of candidates who appeared for CAT 2022:| CAT shift | CAT 22 registered candidates | CAT 2022 appeared candidates | % candidates appeared for CAT 2022 |
| 1 | 85061 | 73655 | 86.59 |
| 2 | 85463 | 74611 | 87.30 |
| 3 | 84977 | 73918 | 86.99 |
| Total | 255501 | 222184 | 86.69 |
CAT Negative Marking Policy
CAT is a computer-based test conducted in three shifts- morning, afternoon, and evening. Each candidate is allowed to appear for CAT in only one shift. There has been a change in the CAT exam duration for CAT 2023, reducing it from 3 hours to 2 hours. The CAT 2023 will consist of a total of 66 questions. The CAT papers will be a mix of MCQs and Non-MCQ questions. The marking scheme for MCQs and non-MCQs is different. Though 3 marks are awarded for all the questions, -1 CAT negative marking is only applicable for MCQs. The sectional pattern for CAT 2023 is detailed in the table below:| CAT 2023 section | MCQs | Non-MCQs | Total questions | Total marks |
| VARC | 19 | 5 | 24 | 72 |
| DILR | 16 | 4 | 20 | 60 |
| Quant | 16 | 6 | 22 | 66 |
| Total | 51 | 15 | 66 | 198 |
CAT 2023: CAT Examination Stages
The CAT 2023 admission process will be structured into three different phases. The exam will commence with a written test. For this, all the candidates must visit the exam centre specified in their admit cards. Candidates who qualify for the CAT Written Ability Test (WAT) will proceed to the Group Discussion (GD). After the GD phase, shortlisted candidates will be called for the Personal Interview (PI) phase. The written examination will be segmented into three sections:- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Ability
How many students appeared for cat 2023
What is the score for the 99 percentile in CAT 2023?
Candidates CAT 2023 score who achieve 99 percentile is between 98- and 105.
What is the qualifying percentile for CAT 2023?
The expected CAT 2023 cutoff is 95 to 99 percentile. The final cutoff for CAT will be released after the publishing of the result.
Who is going to set the CAT 2023 exam?
IIM Lucknow will conduct the CAT 2023 exam in November 2023.
How many students appear for the CAT every year?
The number of candidates appearing for the CAT varies every year. However, on average, 2 lakh to 2.5 lakh candidates appear for the exam every year.
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