capacity of top-tier institutes is the first step toward a realistic CAT/XAT strategy. While the total pool of MBA seats across all 21 IIMs has reached approximately 7,700, the "Elite Tier" is much, much smaller.

It is easy to get lost in the "Percentile" race, but the seat count is the true denominator. When you realize that the total intake for the "Top 10" is only a few thousand, you understand why competition is so fierce. This isn't meant to discourage you; it’s meant to help you build a diversified target list. Don’t just aim for one institute—map your profile to the ones that actually have the capacity to absorb your background.