Urban migration now takes a CATty turn

AHMEDABAD: Small-town aspirants are moving to big cities with the hope to make it to one of the top B-Schools, changing the demography of cities holding Common Admission Test (CAT). Cities like Delhi, Bangalore , Mumbai, Pune and Lucknow are attracting such candidates in large numbers . These five cities represent 50% of the total 2,68,202 aspirants who will take CAT this Sunday.

Experts feel centres like Delhi, Bangalore and Pune have registered higher number of applicants mainly as aspirants from smaller locations are moving to these centres to enhance their success rate by registering in coaching centres . As many as 70% of those placed in different B-Schools come from these five cities, say CAT experts.

Delhi has placed 41,308 candidates , close to double the number being placed by its rival, Bangalore, with 26,490 candidates. Mumbai, Pune and Lucknow have 24,988, 18,380 and 16,513 candidates, respectively . 16 other cities account for other half candidates.

���Cities like Delhi, Bangalore and Pune are increasingly been looked up by aspirants from neighbouring cities and towns as places that have better environment for success. Students from small pockets flock to these centres to take up the test,��� said Career Launcher director Arindham Lahiri.

���Pune���s growth as a centre has been surprising. As many as 18,380 candidates, most of who flocked to Pune to prepare for the test, have applied from the city. Lucknow has also seen the number swell tremendously. IIM Lucknow takes care of two cities including Delhi and Lucknow, which account for the largest number of candidates,������ said chairman (admissions) IIM-L Saji Nair.

While the seven IIMs that are taking care of a total 21 cities where the CAT will be held are busy giving final touch to their preparation, candidates are also busy making last-minute preparation.