How Many Students Applied for CAT 2026? 2.84 Lakh Candidates Registered

A total of 2.84 lakh candidates have successfully registered for CAT 2026, according to The Indian Express, citing IIM Indore. The CAT 2026 registration process opened on August 3 and closed on September 22, 2026, at 5 PM.

IIM Indore will conduct CAT 2026 on November 29, 2026, in three slots across around 170 test cities. The CAT score will be used for admission to postgraduate management programmes offered by the IIMs and other participating B-schools.

CAT 2026 will be conducted on November 29, 2026, in three slots across around 170 cities

Related Links:

• CAT 2026 Exam Date November 29 Confirmed by Trends: Full Schedule & Slot Details
• CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026, Age Limit, Educational Qualification, Reservation Policy

How Many Students Applied for CAT 2026?: Latest Update

• 2.84 lakh candidates have successfully registered for CAT 2026, according to The Indian Express, citing IIM Indore.
• CAT 2026 registration started on August 3, 2026, at 10 AM and closed on September 22, 2026, at 5 PM.
• The latest reported registration figure is lower than the 2.95 lakh candidates registered for CAT 2025.
• IIM Indore will conduct CAT 2026 on November 29, 2026, in three sessions.

CAT Registration Trends: How Many Students Applied in Previous Years?

CAT 2026 has recorded 2.84 lakh registrations, marking a decline from the registration levels recorded in 2023 and 2024.

• CAT 2024 recorded 3.29 lakh registrations, according to the latest reported data.
• CAT 2023 recorded around 3.28 lakh registrations.
• CAT 2025 recorded 2.95 lakh registrations.
• CAT 2026 has recorded 2.84 lakh successful registrations, around 11,000 fewer than CAT 2025.
• Despite the recent decline, CAT registrations have remained above 2 lakh for several consecutive years.

Note: * CAT 2026 represents the registrations reported as of September 3, 2026. Registration is still open.

• CAT Exam Centers 2026: Check State-wise List of CAT Test Centers
• CAT Syllabus 2026- Download Syllabus PDF, Section-wise Weightage and Preparation Tips

Why Did CAT 2026 Registrations Decline?

CAT 2026 registrations declined to 2.84 lakh from 2.95 lakh in 2025, marking a fall of around 3.7%. The figure is also below the 3.29 lakh registrations recorded in CAT 2024.

• The decline is relatively small: CAT 2026 registrations are about 11,000 lower than last year, representing a 3.7% fall.
• Registrations remain above earlier levels: The 2.84 lakh figure is still higher than the 2.55 lakh registrations recorded in 2022 and 2.31 lakh in 2021.
• CAT registrations fluctuate significantly: The number increased sharply between 2022 and 2023 before reaching a recent high of 3.29 lakh in 2024.
• Registration numbers do not directly indicate competition: The number of candidates who actually appear for the examination is lower than the registration count, while the level of competition also depends on the number of seats and admission policies across IIMs and other B-schools.

How Many Students Give CAT Exam Every Year?

The number of candidates appearing for CAT is generally lower than the number who register. Recent data shows that approximately 83% to 89% of registered candidates have appeared for the examination.

• CAT 2024 recorded 2.93 lakh candidates appearing against 3.29 lakh registrations.
• CAT 2023 saw around 2.88 lakh candidates appear against 3.28 lakh registrations.
• CAT 2025 recorded 2.58 lakh candidates appearing against 2.95 lakh registrations.
• The attendance rate has remained relatively stable despite fluctuations in registrations.

How Many Students Will Appear for CAT 2026?

• The exact number of students who will appear for CAT 2026 will be known only after the exam. However, the recent attendance rate gives a useful estimate.
• Based on recent attendance trends, the number of candidates appearing is expected to be lower than the 2.84 lakh registered candidates. But, no official estimate of CAT 2026 attendance has been released yet.

How Many Students Applied in CAT 2026 Registration FAQs