CAT 2026 registrations have dropped to around 2.84 lakh, compared to 2.95 lakh registrations in the previous year. The highest number of CAT applications was recorded in 2024, when about 3.29 lakh candidates registered for the exam. This is the second year in a row that CAT registrations have declined.
Even with the fall in registrations, CAT remains India’s most popular MBA entrance exam. It is accepted by all 22 IIMs and more than 1,700 B-schools across the country for MBA and PGDM admissions. CAT 2026 will be conducted by IIM Indore on November 29, 2026.
CAT Registration Trend: Strong Growth Until 2024, Followed by a Decline
CAT registrations witnessed steady growth between 2020 and 2024, rising from 2.28 lakh to a record 3.29 lakh applicants. The exam crossed the 3 lakh registration milestone in 2023 and continued to grow in 2024. However, application numbers declined thereafter, dropping to 2.95 lakh in 2025 and further to nearly 2.84 lakh in 2026.
| Exam Year | Total Applications Received | Candidates Appeared for CAT |
| 2020 | 2,27,835 | 1,90,144 |
| 2021 | 2,29,969 | 1,91,660 |
| 2022 | 2,55,501 | 2,22,184 |
| 2023 | 3,23,000 | 2,88,000 |
| 2024 | 3,29,000 | 2,93,000 |
| 2025 | 2,95,000 | 2,58,000 |
| 2026 | 2,84,000 | To be announced |
The highest number of CAT registrations was recorded in 2024. Since then, the registration count has fallen by nearly 13.7% over the next two years. The number of candidates who appear for CAT 2026 will indicate whether this decline in registrations is also reflected in actual exam attendance.
CAT 2026 Admit Card to Be Released on November 4
Candidates who complete the CAT 2026 registration process before the last date will be able to download their admit cards from November 4, 2026. The CAT 2026 admit card will be made available online at the official website, iimcat.ac.in.
It is mandatory for candidates to carry a printed copy of the CAT admit card to the examination centre on the test day. The admit card will contain important details such as the candidate’s allotted test centre, exam date, reporting time, and exam slot. Without a valid admit card, candidates will not be allowed to appear for the CAT 2026 examination.
FAQs – CAT 2026 Registrations Declined
Ques: Does a lower number of CAT 2026 registrations improve the chances of getting an IIM seat?
Ans: A reduction in CAT registrations may slightly lower the competition level. However, admission to IIMs depends mainly on CAT percentile, academic profile, work experience, and interview performance. Since the number of seats at IIMs has not increased proportionately, candidates should focus on achieving a high CAT score rather than relying on lower registration figures.
Ques: When will the CAT 2026 admit card be available for download?
Ans: The CAT 2026 admit card is scheduled to be released on November 4 through the official website. Candidates who complete the registration process successfully will be able to access their hall tickets using their login credentials. The admit card will contain details such as the exam centre, reporting time, and exam slot.
Ques: How many colleges accept CAT 2026 scores for MBA admission?
Ans: CAT scores are accepted by all 22 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and more than 1,700 management institutes across India. Many leading MBA and PGDM colleges use CAT scores as a key criterion for admission to their management programmes.
