Average Number of Aspirants Selected for CAT

What is the average number of aspirants selected for CAT? According to the most recent data, the numbers fluctuate annually but normally range between 2.5 and 3 lakh candidates. The number of students that take the CAT entrance exam each year illustrates its popularity and importance. However, roughly 10,000 students are selected for the CAT exam.

Around 3 lakh candidates appeared for CAT 2024, which was held on November 24, 2024.

Students Appearing for CAT Exam

Around 2.5 lakh to 3.5 lakh candidates register for the CAT exam every year, of which 2 lakh to 3 lakh registered candidates appear. According to the previous year's trend around 3,00,000 candidates are expected to take the CAT exam 2025.

Number of Aspirants Selected for CAT Exam

Around 3 lakh people take the CAT exam yearly, but only 30,000 to 10,000 pass and gain admission to India's top IIMs and MBA programs. Consequently, less than 10% of candidates pass the exam.

Relevant Links Related to CAT Exam 2025:

• How to Select the Best College Based on Your CAT Score?
• CAT 2024 Correct Attempts Vs Expected Percentile Score

College-Wise Marks Required to Clear CAT Exam

Candidates can check the college-wise marks required to clear the CAT exam.

Quick Links Related to CAT Exam 2025:

• 14 New IIMs in India 2025: Ranking, Admission, Placements
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Strategies to Stay Ahead in CAT Exam

Many candidates should be inspirational rather than stressful. You must strategise and plan well ahead of the exam. 

1. Revise topics: It is time to begin revising crucial CAT topics. You may have already completed the entire CAT syllabus. If any topics remain, determine how much time you can devote to them based on the time given for revisions. Every day, you should review at least one topic from each of the CAT's three areas.
2. Tricks and Shortcuts: Hacks for CAT Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation are methods and shortcuts for calculating. Join study groups and discover mentors to learn shortcuts and methods for mathematical calculations. If you learn them now, you'll have plenty of time to experiment and evaluate the results. If you wait until later, you may not have enough time to discover another choice if the first one fails.
3. Practice CAT Mock Tests: The easiest approach to prepare for the CAT is to take practice tests. As you are all aware, the CAT is a speed-based test; you must be able to read, select, and answer 66 questions in two hours. Now is the time to start practising CAT mock tests. Many of you have probably already begun practising the CAT mock tests series, but others who haven't should start immediately. Take roughly 30-40 CAT mock tests until the final week of the CAT 2024 exam. Gain speed and accuracy when selecting and answering the proper questions.

Also Read: 5 Common Mistakes That Give Lesser Scores to CAT Aspirants

Each year, over 2 lakh candidates appear for the CAT exam, but only a small percentage are shortlisted by top IIMs and other prestigious B-schools. On average, around 20,000 to 25,000 candidates are selected for further stages like WAT, GD, and PI across various institutes.

Final selections depend on CAT scores, academic records, work experience, and performance in subsequent rounds. The competition is intense, making focused preparation and a well-rounded profile essential for success.