How Many Students Applied in CAT 2026 Registration?

CAT 2026 registrations have crossed 1.30 lakh as of September 3, 2026, with the registration window still open.

IIM Indore started the CAT 2026 registration process on August 3, 2026, and candidates can submit the application form until September 15, 2026, at 5 PM.

The final number of CAT 2026 applicants is expected to be higher as many candidates complete their forms closer to the deadline. CAT 2026 will be conducted on November 29, 2026, in three slots.

• CAT 2026 registrations: 1.30 lakh+ as of September 3, 2026
• Registration started: August 3, 2026
• CAT 2026 registration last date: September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM
• CAT 2026 admit card: November 4, 2026
• CAT 2026 exam date: November 29, 2026
• Exam slots: Three

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 2026 Application Form: Step-by-Step Guide, Documents & Photo Specs
• CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026, Age Limit, Educational Qualification, Reservation Policy

How Many Students Applied for CAT 2026?: Latest Update

• More than 1.30 lakh students have applied for CAT 2026 as of September 3, 2026. The figure is based on the registrations reported while the application window is still open.
• The current number should not be treated as the final CAT 2026 registration count. Candidates can still submit their applications until September 15. The final figure will be known after the registration process closes.

CAT 2026 Notification PDF

Check: CAT Registration 2026: Direct Link, Last Date, Fee & How to Apply

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

• The number of CAT applicants has changed considerably over the years. Registrations increased from 2.55 lakh in 2022 to around 3.28 lakh in 2023, a rise of about 28.6%.
• The number remained almost unchanged in 2024 before falling to around 2.95 lakh in 2025.
• The CAT 2026 figure of 1.30 lakh+ is still only a partial count.

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

Candidates can also check:

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

How Many Students Give CAT Exam Every Year?

• Every year, around 2-3 lakh candidates appear for the CAT exam. The number of registrations is usually higher because some candidates do not appear on the exam day.
• In recent years, the number of candidates appearing for CAT has remained between 1.9 lakh and 2.93 lakh.
• CAT 2024 recorded the highest number of candidates appearing in this recent five-year period, with about 2.93 lakh test-takers.
• The number of candidates appearing increased by around 71,000 from 2022 to 2023, a rise of about 30%.
• In CAT 2025, around 2.58 lakh candidates appeared, which was about 12% lower than the 2024 figure

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.
• With 1.30 lakh+ registrations already recorded by September 3, the final registration count could move closer to the recent 3-lakh level. Based on these trends, around 2.5-2.7 lakh candidates appearing for CAT 2026 is what we are expecting.

CAT 2026 Registration Last Date

The CAT 2026 registration last date is September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Candidates who have not completed their applications should submit the form and complete the fee payment before the deadline.

CAT 2026 Registration Fee

The CAT 2026 application fee is ₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates and ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwD candidates.

The fee has increased by ₹100 for the first category group and ₹50 for SC/ST/PwD candidates compared with CAT 2025.

How Many Students Applied in CAT 2026 Registration FAQs