CAT 2025 Registered Candidates, 10% Drop in Registrations

CAT 2025 Registered Candidates

Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have made the data on the number of registered candidates by CAT 2025 public. In a media release on November 4, 2025, they stated the total number of admit cards issued to eligible candidates was 2.95 lakh. This number includes all candidates who completed their registration and were eligible to appear for the Common Admission Test (CAT 2025). CAT 2025 is the prestigious national-level exam that is conducted every year by the IIMs to serve as the admission test to top management institutes in India. The exam for CAT 2025 is going to be conducted on November 30, 2025 (Sunday) in three sessions at various test centres.

Number of Candidates Registered for CAT 2025

The Common Admission Test (CAT) serves as the pathway to India's best MBA colleges and, in doing so, captures the annual attention of numerous people aspiring to get into an MBA program. For CAT 2025, a total of about 2.95 lakh candidates registered, a dip of 12% compared to 2024 and the first dip after three years of growth.

Also Read, CAT 2025 Admit Card Date Changed, Reason, Official PDF

CAT Previous Year Registration Trends

CAT Registration has fluctuated over the years depending on the difficulties presented by the job market, changes in exam patterns, and even the increased options provided to students. For example, NMAT, XAT, and SNAP have pressured registration numbers down.

The registration trend shows that CAT 2023 and CAT 2024 witnessed record participation, while CAT 2025 experienced a moderate drop.

Also Read, CAT 2025 Expected Questions PDF with Video Solutions

Why There is a Drop in CAT 2025 Registrations?

CAT 2025 registration numbers have seen a significant decline from last year. The drop grabbed the attention of aspirants and analysts following two years of record-high registration numbers. A number of academic, economic, and behavioral elements appear to persist in falling numbers of CAT 2025 registrations.

1. Strong Job Market in 2025: Many applicants stayed working rather than pursuing an MBA since placements improved in the corporate sectors and salaries were rising.
2. Increasing Cost of MBA: The ramped-up fee structure at top B-schools has likely deterred some aspirants.
3. Rise in Alternative Career Paths: The rising acceptance of online certifications, analytics programs, and distance MBA programs drew attention away from CAT.
4. Early Application Burnout: The CAT 2025 registration period overlapped with other exams, some examples NMAT and SNAP, which spread candidate focus.
5. Saturation Phase after Pandemic Spike: The continuing spike in CAT 2023–2024 registration was baked in the post-pandemic recovery to recent interest; CAT 2025 appears to have stabilized.

Also Read, CAT Exam Centres 2025, All States & City-wise Centres

How Many People Register for CAT Every Year?

In the past, approximately 2.3 - 3.3 lakh candidates registered in CAT every year, and this fluctuates due to economic and educational trends. Check the table below for how many people register for CAT every year:

Overall, CAT 2025's 2.95 lakh candidates are a number consistent with the longer-term averages, if lower than prior peak years.

CAT 2025 Registered Candidates: Conclusion

The CAT 2025 registration count of 2.95 lakh candidates shows a clear drop after two years of record growth. This decline reflects shifting priorities among students, as many are choosing to stay in jobs due to better placements, rising MBA fees, and the growing popularity of online and part-time programs. Still, the number remains close to the long-term average, proving that CAT continues to be India’s most trusted management entrance exam.

Even with the dip, CAT 2025 remains highly competitive, with nearly three lakh aspirants competing for limited seats in top IIM colleges and B-schools. The ups and downs in registration numbers show how economic conditions and career trends influence students’ choices. For aspirants, these trends highlight how the demand for MBA education in India continues to evolve with changing times.