CAT 2024 Results: Insights Into Aspirants, Top Scorers & Changing Trends In Management Education

The results of the CAT 2024 are out. With the exam being one of the most competitive in India, CAT serves as a critical gateway to some of the country’s top management institutions.  The exam attracts lakhs of aspirants every year. Let’s take an overview of the stats regarding the number of candidates who appeared for the exam and the shifting demographics to get insights into the changing landscape of management education in India.

CAT 2024: Participation Trends & Rising Demand For Management Education

The results of CAT 2024 are out, with the exam continuing to serve as one of the most competitive gateways to India’s top management institutions. This year saw 3.29 lakh registrations, of which 2.93 lakh candidates appeared for the exam held on November 24 across 389 centers nationwide.

The release of the provisional answer key on December 3 allowed candidates to raise objections until December 5. The final answer key was declared on December 17, followed by results on December 19.

The numbers highlight a continued upward trend in participation, emphasizing CAT’s growing appeal among aspiring management professionals. But does this increased interest align with India’s growing demand for quality management education? Let’s break down the data to gain more insights.

The Gender Representation: A Positive Shift Or Not?

In recent years, the gender gap in CAT aspirants has been narrowing. CAT 2024 saw 1.19 lakh female candidates (36.2% of the total), with 2.10 lakh male candidates and 14 transgender candidates. Although male candidates still outnumber female aspirants, the rise in female participation is a positive indicator of increasing gender diversity in management education.

• Female Candidates: 1.19 lakh (36.2%)
• Male Candidates: 2.10 lakh (63.8%)
• Transgender Candidates: 14

In addition, institutions like the IIMs have also been working toward increasing female representation, and these numbers reflect the success of those initiatives. 

However, looking at the top percentile scores, the proportion of female scorers does not iterate the positive shift. The same applies to the educational background of top scores, with the engineering domain dominating the charts once more. 

The graph below provides a comparative view of the top scorers in CAT 2024 based on gender and educational background.

Regional Representation: Expanding Horizons Beyond Urban Hubs

CAT's reach has been growing beyond traditional metros, with more aspirants from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities participating in CAT 2024. This trend reflects a shift in aspirations for higher education, driven by improved access to affordable coaching and online self-study resources.

Interestingly, top scorers this year include candidates from diverse regions. This diversification underscores the importance of democratizing management education opportunities across India, ensuring that talent from all corners of the country has an equal shot at success.

The trend can be seen when looking at the top scorers for CAT 2024:

Conclusion

CAT 2024 has once again showcased a dynamic mix of aspirations, challenges, and opportunities. While increasing participation and gender diversity signal progress, the dominance of engineering backgrounds and male candidates among top scorers highlights areas for further inclusivity in management education.

For those who have excelled, the focus now shifts to selecting the right management program that aligns with your career goals. Evaluate institutes based on their curriculum, placement records, and alignment with your ambitions.

For those who didn’t achieve the desired results, remember CAT is just one of many avenues. Reflect on your preparation strategy, consider exploring alternative exams, or even reattempting CAT with a stronger approach. Remember, perseverance often defines success more than a single result.

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