27% fewer applicants for CAT, deadline extended

Summary:

• CAT witnessed 27% drop in applicants this year
• As per IIMs, around 2 lakh candidates registered
• Online registration process closing date pushed to October 11th from October 1st
• Last year number of CAT applicants was 2.76 lakh
• Number of CAT applicants has been rising 10% every year, with 20-25% increase in last 3 years
• CAT committee feels bank holidays halted the process
• Experts blame bleak placements scenario across tier 2 and 3 B-schools and fear of computer-based test among smaller towners
• Candidates may edit profiles till October 11
• Sale of CAT vouchers at Axis bank branches has been extended untill October 8
• CAT 2009 scheduled between November 28 and December 7, 2009
• Will be conducted in 32 Indian cities through 105 centres

Source:  Economic Times