Is MBA Entrance Easier For Engineers? Here’s What IIM Ahmedabad 2022 Admission Data Says

The MBA entrance 2022 or as we all know it, the infamous CAT is just around the corner. Starry-eyed students apply for CAT in hoards every year. This cunning CAT leaves many a heart broken and dreams squashed in its wake. Any discussion about the CAT exam preparations is incomplete without touching upon the age-old ‘engineers vs. non-engineers' battle. The majority of applicants with a non-technical/ engineering background believe that the MBA entrance is easier for engineers. And the discussion escalates from there. 

This belief exists because engineers usually do dominate the top percentile in CAT results and subsequently the intake at most IIMs across the nation. However, the 2022 admission data by IIM Ahmedabad indicates that things have started to change. Read further to find out more.

MBA Entrance Inherently Easy For Engineers: Myth Or Not?

Latest reports suggest that over 30% of the incoming students at IIM Ahmedabad are from a non-technical background. This figure has sparked a rather spirited conversation, questioning the long-existing myth (or not?) that cracking CAT is inherently easier for engineers.

Let’s have a look at some data before proceeding with the discussion. 

As per a report, in 2016 all of the top scorers for CAT were engineers. Similarly, in 2017, 17 out of 20 candidates that scored 100 percentile were engineers. The same report notes that 55% of students who appeared for CAT 2018 were from an engineering background. Of these 82% of candidates scored 90 percentile and above. 

In 2020, all of the 11 candidates who scored 100 percentile were from a tech background. The same trend continued in 2021, where 7 out of 9 candidates who secured a 100 percentile were engineers. These figures seemingly support the belief, that since engineers have a better hold over quant, they make up the top percentile leaving non-techies behind.

But does this mean that engineers are inherently bound to do better than non-techies? Or could it be something else? 

Sumanta Basu, IIM Calcutta alum, faculty, and CAT 2018 convener, believes that there is a higher rate of participation in CAT from engineering streams. In comparison to any other field of study. And this is what results in engineers dominating the top percentiles every year.

Do Non-Techies Have Low Overall Aptitude for CAT?

It may be true that being from a technical background gives engineers an edge when it comes to quant. But does this mean that other disciplines do not inculcate an aptitude for the same? Think- economics, business, finance, and accounts?

Moreover, going by the same logic an argument can be made that engineering students are not as equipped to handle VARC, and DILR segments, in comparison. 

Maybe it is just a matter of which side of the line you are on? What do you think? 

Diversity Is The Newest Kid On The Block And IIM Ahmedabad Just Invited It Over For A Party!

While we can continue to contemplate the reasons for engineers dominating the CAT results, IIMs have actually decided to do something about it.

Prof. Errol D’Souza, Director of IIM Ahmedabad, told TOI that the institution has been trying to diversify the intake of students. They have tweaked the admission criteria where due importance will be given to university toppers from any field. These efforts to diversify are most likely spurred by a change in what employers are looking for in new leaders. Companies are looking for more multi-faceted leaders who will steer the business world into newer lands. 

Irrespective, it seems like whatever they are doing might be working. Because the concentration of non-techies who are getting into IIMs is increasing year-on-year. Back in 2011-2013, only 5% of incoming students at IIM Ahmedabad were from a non-technical background.

Dreams Of MBA and More!

IIMs are known for their placements, pedagogy, and professors. They are also now the key to diversity in the business landscape. While being a techie or a non-techie is just a matter of a different color degree, the fact remains that true skill and talent shall always shine.

The CAT exam announcement is just around the corner and aspirants are working harder and harder. If you are a techie or a non-techie, keep up the preparations and the focus. Eye on the prize and coffee in the cup, and we are sure you will bell the infamous CAT. 

Good luck and stay tuned for more CAT updates! 

You might also be interested in reading the following:

1. This 22 Year Old IIT Bombay Lad Scores 99.99 Percentile in CAT 2021 in First Attempt
2. 8 Best Books For CAT Preparation: Know How Can You Ace CAT 2021
3. 90+ MBA Interview Questions For Commerce Graduates Asked By Top B-Schools
4. From being clueless about MBA to getting 99% in CAT, XAT and IIFT- By Shivansh Mishra From XLRI, Jamshedpur
5. Did not make it to IIMs? Don’t worry, it is not the end!