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Less Than 2 Lakh Applications Received for CAT 2013: Reasons for Application Numbers Dropping

Online registrations for CAT 2013 have ended. The number of registration for CAT 2013 dropped to less than two lakhs this year. Increased fee in business schools, unavailability of placements are the major causes for less number of candidates applying for CAT, say the analysts.

Ahmadabad: Last date for registration for CA 2013 ended and there is less number of applications received when compared to previous year. Total number of applications received this year for CAT 2013 is 1.94 lakhs and in 2012, the number was 2.14 lakhs, which is a clear 9.3 percent drop. CAT is common entrance test held for business school admissions to IIM and non-IIM institutes.

The reasons for the drop of applications for CAT are many. Increased fee and less number of placements are few reasons for students developing uninterested in MBA course. In 2008 number of applications received for CAT was 2.9 lakh. This is the first time after 2006 that only 1.94 lakh applications were received. This year an addition or 115 seats were approved in IIMs. There were expectations that there will be good response this year for CAT. Thus the number of test centers was also increased from 36 to 40.

CAT 2013 is going to be conducted from October 16 to November 11. Nearly 3,335 seats are filled based on CAT. Though seats are increased, there is no response from candidates as expected. IIM Indore Dean is however saying that since the numbers of candidates who are appearing for the exam are less now, candidates who are really interested in the course will get admissions.

One of the main reasons for candidates not appearing for CAT is the increased fee in B-School. When there was good demand for the course, all the schools increased the fee. Due to economic slump there are no many jobs in this sector but the fee is not reduced by business schools.

Earlier the Fee in IIMs for MBA was Rs. 4 lakhs, but now IIM – Ahmadabad is taking Rs. 16.6 lakhs. IIM-Bangalore fee for MBA course is Rs. 17 lakhs. Since there is no guarantee given for the placements, candidates prefer to write GATE and get a government sector job. Many B schools are closed now. Educational analysts are warning that this is high time that Business schools reduce their fee and provide job opportunities for candidates.