According to the India Today Research Bureau, 3,29,000 admit cards have been downloaded for the CAT examination. CAT 2024 registrations have increased by 0.3% from last year. In the previous year, approximately 3,28,000 students registered for the CAT exam. Moreover, last year, CAT exam attendance was around 88% with 2,88,000 candidates out of the total registered candidates appearing for the exam.
The total number of registered candidates was 2,55,000 in 2022. Therefore, 2023 marked a remarkable surge in CAT participants, with approximately a 28.6% increase from the previous year. In 2024, IIM Calcutta will conduct the CAT 2024 exam in a computer-based format in 3 sessions across approximately 170 cities. Read below for more details on how many students take the CAT exam every
How Many People Register For CAT Every Year?
This year, 3,29,000 candidates have registered for the CAT examination. Last year, CAT exam attendance was around 88%. In other words, 2,88,000 candidates had appeared for the exam out of the total registrations. For this year's attendance, stay tuned for more updates on CAT 2024 attendance. Check the table below for year-wise data of CAT registrations and test-takers.
| CAT Exam Years | Number of Registered Candidates |
| CAT 2024 | 3,29,000 |
| CAT 2023 | 3,30,000 |
| CAT 2022 | 2,55,000 |
| CAT 2021 | 2,29,969 |
| CAT 2020 | 2,27,835 |
| CAT 2019 | 2,44,169 |
| CAT 2018 | 2,41,000 |
| CAT 2017 | 2,31,067 |
| CAT 2016 | 2,32,434 |
Also Read, CAT Answer Key 2024
How many people take CAT in India?
The CAT 2024 attendance is yet to be announced. In 2023, CAT exam attendance was around 88% with 2,88,000 registered candidates appearing for the exam. Interested students can check the number of candidates appearing for the CAT exam to analyze trends and figures. Check the table below for the total number of CAT exam applicants in 2024 and previous years.
| CAT Exam Years | Number of Candidates Appearing for the Exam |
| CAT 2024 | 2,93,000 |
| CAT 2023 | 2,88,000 |
| CAT 2022 | 2,22,000 |
| CAT 2021 | 1,91,660 |
| CAT 2020 | 1,90,144 |
| CAT 2019 | 2,09,926 |
| CAT 2018 | 2,09,405 |
| CAT 2017 | 199,632 |
| CAT 2016 | 195,679 |
Also Read, CAT Response Sheet 2024
Percentage Increase or Decrease in CAT Registrations
Each year, CAT registrations increase or decrease by some degree. In 2024, CAT registrations have increased by 0.3% from last year. The number of CAT aspirants targeting top IIM colleges each year rises every year. The number of candidates registering for the CAT exam has increased by 28.6%, 11%, and 0.9% in 2023, 2022, and 2021 respectively. Check the table below for a percentage increase or decrease in CAT registrations.
| CAT Exam Years | Increase/Decrease Percentage in Registrations |
| CAT 2024 | -0.3% |
| CAT 2023 | 28.6% |
| CAT 2022 | 11% |
| CAT 2021 | 0.9% |
| CAT 2020 | -6.6% |
| CAT 2019 | 1.2% |
| CAT 2018 | 4.3% |
| CAT 2017 | -0.4% |
| CAT 2016 | 5.9% |
Also Read, CAT Cut off 2024
CAT Exam Appeared Gender Distribution
The CAT exam number of appeared also comprise the total number of female candidates who registered for the CAT exam and the total number of male candidates who appeared for the CAT exam. The proportion of male-to-female candidates in registrations provides insights into gender distribution trends in the CAT exam. Check the table below for more details on CAT appeared based on gender.
| CAT Exam Years | Number of Male Candidates | Number of Female Candidates |
| CAT 2024 | 1,86,000 | 107000 |
| CAT 2023 | 1,71,000 | 1,17,000 |
| CAT 2022 | 1,44,417 | 1,24,808 |
| CAT 2021 | 1,24,808 | 66,850 |
| CAT 2020 | 1,15,143 | 75,000 |
| CAT 2019 | 1,34,917 | 75,004 |
| CAT 2018 | 1,36,075 | 73,326 |
| CAT 2017 | 1,53,027 | 78,009 |
| CAT 2016 | 1,30,839 | 64,503 |
Also Read, CAT Score vs Percentile 2024
Year-wise difficulty level of CAT exam in India?
As a CAT aspirant, you may ask 'What is the competition level for the CAT exam in India?' to prepare for the journey ahead. While analyzing the competition level of the CAT exam, it is pertinent to observe the past trends and understand how many students attempt the CAT for IIM admission annually.
Furthermore, the percentile scores of CAT test takers are crucial metrics in the CAT exam analysis. The table below shows the difficulty level of the CAT exam in different years. This data will help aspirants answer the question of how competitive is the CAT exam in 2024.
| CAT Exam Years | Competitiveness or Difficulty Level |
| CAT 2024 | Moderate |
| CAT 2023 | Difficult |
| CAT 2022 | Moderate to Difficult |
| CAT 2021 | Moderate to Difficult |
| CAT 2020 | Moderate to Difficult |
| CAT 2019 | Easy to Moderate |
| CAT 2018 | Moderate to Difficult |
| CAT 2017 | Moderate to Difficult |
| CAT 2016 | Moderate |
Also Read, CAT Result 2024
How Many People Register For CAT Every Year? Conclusion
The CAT exam remains one of the most popular MBA entrance exams in India, with 3,29,000 registrations in 2024. Although this marks a slight 0.3% drop from 2023, the numbers continue to show strong interest from aspirants. Attendance is typically around 88%, reflecting the commitment of candidates. Over the years, CAT registrations have seen fluctuations, with notable growth like the 28.6% rise in 2023. Female participation has steadily increased, showing more gender diversity. With a moderate difficulty level predicted for CAT 2024, aspirants should focus on preparation to compete effectively and achieve admission to top management institutes.
