Understanding the CAT Exam Selection Process and Success Rates in India’s Top Business Schools

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a crucial gateway to higher education in some of India's most prestigious business institutions. Each year, a significant number of candidates appear for the CAT, but the selection process is highly competitive, with a low success rate. This article provides an overview of the average number of candidates selected in each of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools that accept CAT scores.

The CAT Exam and Application Process

Around 2 to 3 lakh (200,000 to 300,000) candidates appear for the CAT each year, but the success rate is drastically low. On average, only a few thousand candidates are selected across all Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools. This success rate varies depending on the institution, with the average estimated to be around 2%.

Successful candidates typically secure seats in one of the 21 IIMs as well as other reputable business schools. The selection process involves more than just the CAT score and includes:

Group Discussions (GD) Personal Interviews (PI) Written Ability Test (WAT)

Seats in Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are the top institutions for business education in India. Each IIM offers 2-year full-time management courses with a limited number of seats. Here is the breakdown of seats across all IIMs:

Top IIMs and Their Seats

College Name Seats IIM A 385 IIM B 565 IIM C 462 IIM L 490 IIM I 450 IIM K 525 IIM Mumbai 550 IIM Shillong 180 IIM Trichy 210 IIM Udaipur 150 IIM Ranchi 360 IIM Raipur 210 IIM Rohtak 300 IIM Kashipur 210 IIM Nagpur 240 IIM Sirmaur 170 IIM Amritsar 240 IIM Bodh Gaya 120 IIM Jammu 120 IIM Sambalpur 120 IIM Vizag 120

There are approximately 5,500 seats in the IIMs alone. However, candidates who do not get selected for the IIMs can still have a promising future through other top business schools that accept CAT scores. These institutions include:

FMS (FICCI School of Management) SPJIMR (S P Jain Institute of Management and Research) MDI (Management Development Institute) IIFT (Indira Gandhi Institute of Foreign Trade) IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology)

The total number of seats in these institutions could be around 15,000.

Success Story: Patrick Dsouza, 6 Times CAT 100iler

Patrick Dsouza, a prominent CAT aspirant, has appeared for the CAT exam 6 times and has achieved a remarkable score of 100 in each of his attempts. His journey is a testament to dedication and consistent performance. Here are a few insights into his experience and preparation:

Prior to the CAT exam, Dsouza meticulously prepares for each section, focusing on improving his understanding of quant, verbal ability, and logical reasoning. He emphasizes the importance of regular practice tests to gauge his performance and identify areas for improvement.

Dsouza believes that the secret to success lies in a well-defined strategy, thorough revision, and a disciplined mindset. His dedication has not only helped him achieve consistent high scores but has also secured him multiple admissions to top business schools.

Conclusion

The competitive landscape of the CAT exam and the selection process for top business schools in India highlights the importance of consistent preparation and a deep understanding of the admission criteria. Whether you are targeting the IIMs or other reputable business institutions, the journey to success requires an unwavering commitment and a strategic approach. By leveraging resources like Patrick Dsouza's experience, aspiring students can enhance their chances of success.