CAT 2013 sees rise in female registrations, drop in freshers

The registration data for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2013 reveals an overall decline in numbers, closing at less than 2 lakh. In this context, it's interesting to note that 115 seats have been added for B-School admissions this year across all IIMs, a total of 3,335 seats.

However, the ratio of female candidates over two years has continued to steadily increase, to 29 per cent. The other highlight is the rise of candidates with two or more years of work experience to 16 per cent over the same span, while registration figures of candidates with little to no work experience have declined to 66 per cent.

"It is understandable, in our current economy, that many working professionals are choosing to acquire greater work experience before diverting attention from their present employment to undertake an MBA,” said Professor Rohit Kapoor, CAT 2013 Convenor.

Highest CAT registrations are from Maharashtra, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Female aspirant registrations are up from 28 per cent in 2012, and candidates with two-plus years of work experience are up from 13 per cent last year.  Candidates with little to no work experience are down from 68 per cent last year. 

Other trends include Technology/Engineering backgrounds comprising 70 per cent of candidates, an increase of 6 per cent from last year, continuing a two-year increase.  Economics, Management and Science make up the remaining 23 per cent, while all others make up the remaining academic backgrounds. 

CAT 2013 will be conducted over a period of 20 days from October 16 to November 11, 2013. Prometric advises test takers to arrive for their exams one and a half hours before their scheduled appointments.

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