In a media release on the CAT 2025 exam portal, the exam conducting body has notified that admit cards for 2.95 lakh eligible candidates have been generated. Now, if we bargain for a few applications being rejected, we can safely presume that the number of applicants will not cross 3 lakhs.
This is significantly lower than the number of candidates who registered for the exam in the last edition – 3.29 lakh candidates. So, what exactly has led to the decline in the number of applicants. Here we take a quick look.
The CAT 2025 exam will be conducted on November 30, 2025.
Latest Updates:
- Read CAT 2025 Notification – Admit cards will be released to 2.95 lakh candidates
- CAT 2025 Admit Card – Where and How to Download, Key Updates
CAT Registration Number: Last 10 Year’s Trend
| Year | No. of Registered Candidates | No. of Appeared Candidates |
| 2025 | ≈ 3 lakh IIM Kozhikode has notified that admit cards will be released for 2,95,000 candidates. So, considering a few applications will get rejected, it is safe to estimate that around 3 lakh candidates have applied for the exam. | The data will be updated once the exam is over. |
| 2024 | 3,29,000 | 2,88,000 |
| 2023 | 3,28,000 | 2,88,000 |
| 2022 | 2,55,501 | 2,22,184 |
| 2021 | 2,29,969 | 1,91,660 |
| 2020 | 2,27,835 | 1,90,144 |
| 2019 | 2,44,169 | 2,09,926 |
| 2018 | 2,40,338 | 2,09,405 |
| 2017 | 2,31,067 | 1,99,632 |
| 2016 | 2,32,434 | 1,95,679 |
CAT 2025 Sees Fewer Registrations — What Does This Indicate?
A drop in registration for CAT 2025 is a seasonal fluctuation, or there is some hidden message about the evolving MBA landscape. Here we try to decode.
- Demand-adjustment in MBA market: The reduction may reflect a recalibration of interest among aspirants — either fewer new candidates entering the pool, or some existing aspirants opting for alternatives.
- The Director of IIM Ahmedabad recently remarked that the slight dip in CAT 2025 registrations “doesn’t matter,” describing it as more of a seasonal fluctuation than a worrying trend. He suggested that the change could partly reflect an uncertain job market, where many potential candidates — especially working professionals — may have chosen to stay in stable roles rather than pursue new opportunities through an MBA. The director further emphasized that a significant proportion of CAT aspirants already possess work experience, and their decision-making often aligns with broader economic cycles. Ultimately, he downplayed any long-term concern, noting that the IIMs primarily focus on attracting the top 15,000 to 20,000 serious candidates, a segment that continues to show consistent interest despite short-term fluctuations in overall registration numbers..
- Shift in aspirant behaviour: Some candidates may defer CAT or consider alternate exams (e.g., other MBA entrance tests or direct management programmes) given changing job-market perceptions.
- Market and macro factors: A slowing economy, evolving job profiles (e.g., FinTech, analytics) and rising relevance of fresh hybrid or domain-specific programmes could make traditional MBA pathways less compelling for certain segments.
- Implications for aspirants: While fewer registrations might suggest reduced competition in absolute numbers, for a committed bracket — especially those targeting top IIMs — competition remains intense.
- For B-schools and ecosystem: Colleges may need to double-down on value-proposition (placements, specialisations, ROI) to attract aspirants. Courses less differentiated might face pressure.
In short, the dip should not be viewed as an alarm for the MBA ecosystem, but rather a hint of evolving dynamics. For serious candidates, it underscores the importance of clarity in goals, preparation and choice of institution.