CAT 2025 Registrations Drop to 2.95 Lakh, from 3.38 Lakh last year; Top IIMs not worried

The CAT 2025 exam will be held in three sessions across 160 cities, with results expected in January 2026.

Around 2.95 lakh candidates have registered for Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025, as per official numbers released by IIM Kozikode. The number marks a slight decline from 3.29 lakh registrations in 2024, when exam was conducted by IIM Lucknow. However, IIMs are not much worried about he dip, as a downward trend, IIM Ahmedabad Director speaking to Shiksha some time back said that students are now exploring multiple options, and quality of candidates is more important than quantity. 

According to IIM Kozhikode official numbers confirming final CAT registration numbers, reports indicate that admit cards have been generated for approximately 2.95 lakh eligible candidates who will appear on November 30, 2025.

Four-Year Trend in CAT Registrations

If the provisional 2025 figure holds true, this would be the first decline in three years after a steady rise in CAT registrations since 2022.

IIM Director’s View: Dip Not a Cause for Concern

Commenting on the trend, IIM Ahmedabad Director Prof Bharat Bhaskar told Shiksha.com: “A slight dip in CAT registrations should not be seen as a sign of reduced interest in management education. Many candidates today are exploring diverse opportunities, including international tests and sector-specific programmes, but the quality of applicants and placement outcomes at the top IIMs continue to remain strong.”