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 2025, as per official numbers released by IIM Kozikode. Number has declined from 3.29 lakh in 2024, when exam was conducted by IIM Lucknow. However, IIMs are not much worried about the dip, 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.
Four-Year Trend in CAT Registrations
| Year | Registered Candidates | Appeared Candidates | Conducting IIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2.95 lakh* (media reports) | IIM Kozhikode | |
| 2024 | 3.29 lakh | 2.93 lakh | IIM Lucknow |
| 2023 | 3.28 lakh | 2.88 lakh | IIM Lucknow |
| 2023 | 2.55 lakh | 2.22 lakh | IIM Bangalore |
IIM Director’s View: Dip Not a Cause for Concern
Commenting on 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 quality of applicants and placement outcomes at top IIMs continue to remain strong.”
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Abhay Anand is an experienced education journalist with over 15 years in print and digital media. Currently serving as Manager- Editorial at Shiksha.com, he specializes in higher education policy, student mobility,
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