The high number of CAT registrations, which saw a surge to over 3.30 lakh in 2023 and remained high at 3.29 lakh in 2024, reflects more than just academic ambition. This trend is often viewed as a direct consequence of the current job market. With many young professionals feeling the pressures of underemployment or a desire for better career growth and compensation, an MBA from a top-tier B-school is seen as a strategic solution.