CAT 2026 Registration: Count Drops to 2.84 Lakh, Check Year-Wise CAT Registration Trends

The CAT 2026 registration count has reached 2.84 lakh candidates, marking a 3.7% decline from the previous year. According to the reported figures, around 3.27 lakh CAT user IDs were generated, while 2.84 lakh candidates completed their registrations successfully. The data highlights a difference between CAT 2026 total registrations and the number of candidates who initially created an account.

The Common Admission Test (CAT) Exam is a national-level MBA entrance exam used for admission to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other participating business schools. IIM Indore is conducting CAT 2026 on November 29, 2026. Here is a look at the latest CAT registration statistics, previous-year figures and what the numbers mean for candidates.

CAT 2026 Registration Statistics: How Many Candidates Registered?

The CAT 2026 registration numbers show that 2.84 lakh candidates completed the registration process. Meanwhile, approximately 3.27 lakh CAT IDs were generated during the application period.

These figures represent different stages of the application process. Generating a CAT user ID does not mean the candidate has completed registration. Successful registration requires completing the application and paying the applicable fee.

CAT Registration Trends 2021 to 2026: Year-Wise Comparison

The CAT exam registration trend shows that registrations increased between 2021 and 2024 before declining over the next two years. CAT 2024 recorded approximately 3.29 lakh registrations, compared with 2.95 lakh in 2025 and 2.84 lakh in 2026.

The following table compares successful registrations and actual attendance wherever the examination has already taken place. CAT 2026 attendance figures will be available after the exam.

Note: Figures are rounded and based on published registration reports.

CAT 2026 vs CAT 2025 Registrations: Why Did the Numbers Fall?

The CAT 2025 vs CAT 2026 registration comparison shows a decline from 2.95 lakh to 2.84 lakh candidates. This is a reduction of approximately 11,000 registrations, or 3.7%. The latest figure is also around 13.7% lower than the 3.29 lakh registrations recorded in CAT 2024. However, the available numbers alone do not establish why fewer candidates registered. Changes in application decisions, preparation plans and interest in other management entrance exams may influence registration patterns, but these should not be treated as confirmed reasons.

Does a Lower CAT Registration Count Mean Less Competition?

The decline in CAT 2026 total registrations does not automatically mean that the MBA entrance exam will be easier. Registration figures show the size of the candidate pool, but actual competition also depends on attendance, exam performance, score normalisation and the number of seats available.

Candidates targeting IIMs should continue focusing on mock tests, accuracy, time management and preparation across all three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

CAT 2026 Exam Date and Admit Card Update

The CAT 2026 exam date is November 29, 2026. The computer-based examination will be held in three sessions. The CAT 2026 admit card is scheduled to be available from November 4 through the official website.

Candidates should check the official CAT website for the latest examination instructions and admit card updates. The final number of candidates who appear for CAT 2026 will be known after the exam.

CAT 2026 Registration Statistics FAQs