Last Updated on November 6, 2025
MBAUniverse.com News Desk
CAT 2025 registration numbers have dropped by 10 percent or by 33,000 candidates compared to last year. IIM Kozhikode has shared that the total number of Admit Cards issued for CAT 2025 to eligible candidates was 2.95 lakh only. This number includes all candidates who completed registration for CAT 2025 exam, and were eligible to appear for the exam. Last year, the total number of candidates who registered for CAT 2024 exam was 3.28 lakhs. Hence there is a drop of 10.33 percent in registration numbers from CAT 2024 to CAT 2025. The actual drop in number of candidates is 33,000. MBAUniverse.com broke this news on evening of November 3, and the information was updated on CAT official website on November 4, 2025. CAT 2025 admit card release was also delayed to Nov 12. Check complete details on number of candidates registered for CAT 2025 exam, and past 10 years CAT registration data.
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CAT 2025 Registration Numbers Drop
As first reported by MBAUniverse.com on November 3, the number of candidates who have registered for CAT 2025 exam have dropped. Total number of candidates who registered for CAT 2024 exam was 3.29 lakhs. Total number of candidates who registered for CAT 2023 exam were 3.28 lakhs.
However, IIM Kozhikode has informed that CAT 2025 admit card has been generated for only 2.95 lakh candidates who had registered for the exam and were found eligible. IIM Kozhikode has not given a specific number of candidates who have registered for CAT 2025, but given only the number of candidates for whom admit card has been released.
Notification by IIM Kozhikode said, “Admit cards for 2.95 lakh eligible candidates have been generated and can be downloaded only from the CAT website (https://iimcat.ac.in) using the CAT application login ID and password between 12 November and 30 November 2025.”
So, the total number of candidates who registered, and are eligible, for CAT 2025 are 2.95 lakhs only. This implies that CAT registrations numbers have fallen significantly by 10 percent. Check comparison with last years in table below.
Table 1: CAT 2025 Registration Numbers Drop: Last 10 Year’s Trend
CAT Year | Number of Registered Candidates | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|
2025 | 2,95,000 | -10.33% |
2024 | 329,000 | 0.30% |
2023 | 328,000 | 28.38% |
2022 | 255,501 | 11.10% |
2021 | 229,969 | 0.94% |
2020 | 227,835 | -6.69% |
2019 | 244,169 | 1.59% |
2018 | 240,338 | 4.01% |
2017 | 231,067 | -0.59% |
2016 | 232,434 | 6.30% |
2015 | 218,664 | 11.00% |
2014 | 196,988 | - |
Source: Respective IIMs
From the above table, the CAT registration trend over the past decade shows fluctuating interest among MBA aspirants. After strong growth in 2023 (up 28.38% from 2022), registrations stabilized in 2024 at 3.29 lakh candidates. However, CAT 2025 has recorded a notable decline of about 10.33%, with only 2.95 lakh candidates registering.
Actual Number of Candidate Taking CAT 2025 Exam?
It should be noted here that the actual number of candidates taking CAT 2025 Exam will be lesser than 2.95 lakhs who have registered for the exam. Based on previous analysis of CAT exam pattern data by MBAUniverse.com, the actual number of candidates who are expected to take the CAT 2025 Exam is about 2.65 lakhs candidates only, as less than 90 percent candidates take CAT exam. Check table below.
Registered Vs Actual Number of Candidate Taking CAT Exam
Year | Number of Registered Candidates | Number of Candidates Taking Exam | Percentage of Candidates Appeared |
|---|---|---|---|
2025 | 2,95,000 | 2,65,000 (Expected) | 90% (Expected) |
2024 | 3,29,000 | 2,93,000 | 89% |
2023 | 3,28,000 | 2,88,000 | 88% |
2022 | 2,55,501 | 2,22,184 | 87% |
2021 | 2,29,969 | 1,91,660 | 83% |
2020 | 2,27,835 | 1,90,144 | 83% |
2019 | 2,44,169 | 2,09,926 | 86% |
2018 | 2,40,338 | 2,09,405 | 87% |
2017 | 2,31,067 | 1,99,632 | 86% |
2016 | 2,32,434 | 1,95,679 | 84% |
2015 | 2,18,664 | 1,79,602 | 82% |
CAT 2025 Admit Card Delayed
CAT Exam Admit Card 2025 was supposed to be released by IIM Kozhikode on November 5, 2025 on the CAT official website. However, CAT 2025 Admit Card has been delayed. Now the CAT 2025 admit card will be released on November 12, 2025.
IIM Kozhikode said, “Admit cards for 2.95 lakh eligible candidates have been generated and can be downloaded only from the CAT website (https://iimcat.ac.in) using the CAT application login ID and password between 12 November and 30 November 2025.”
CAT Mock Test Release Date
IIM Kozhikode has confirmed that “mock test with sample questions to familiarize the candidates with the format and interface of the exam will be available on the CAT website starting from November 12, 2025.”
IIM Kozhikode Increase Security measures
IIMs have taken additional measures to ensure the security of the examination, including the deployment of mobile jammers in select locations.
CAT 2025 Date Confirmed
IIM Kozhikode has reconfirmed that date for CAT exam.
“CAT 2025 will be conducted on November 30, 2025 (Sunday) in three sessions,” said IIM Kozhikode.
Top MBA colleges accepting CAT 2025 Score
Top MBA colleges accepting CAT 2025 scores are IIMs, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IMI New Delhi, XIM Bhubaneshwar, TAPMI Manipal, and FORE School of Management Delhi. Check details on top non-IIM CAT B-schools with latest placements, fees and admission status below.
| MBA College | MBA Fees | Average Salary | Admission Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPJIMR Mumbai | Rs. 26.50 Lakhs | Rs. 32.10 LPA | Open | Apply Now |
| MDI Gurgaon | Rs. 25.99 Lakhs | Rs. 26.20 LPA | Open | Apply Now |
| IMI New Delhi | Rs. 23.54 Lakhs | Rs. 16.71 LPA | Open | Apply Now |
| XIM University Bhubaneswar | Rs. 24.50 Lakhs | Rs. 19.53 LPA | Open | Apply Now |
| TAPMI Manipal | Rs. 19.50 Lakhs | Rs. 13.84 LPA | Open | Apply Now |
| FORE School of Management New Delhi | Rs. 23.24 Lakhs | Rs. 16.80 LPA | Open | Apply Now |
| BIMTECH Greater Noida | Rs. 14.00 Lakhs | Rs. 11.10 LPA | Open | Apply Now |
| SDA Bocconi Asia Center | Rs. 20.75 Lakhs | Rs. 14.10 LPA | Open | Apply Now |
| LM Thapar School of Management | Rs. 15.00 Lakhs | Rs. 9.78 LPA (Top 50%) | Open | Apply Now |
| IFMR GSB, KREA University | Rs. 19.50 Lakhs | Rs. 13.06 Lakhs | Open | Apply Now |
To summarize, CAT 2025 registration numbers drop is significant. CAT 2025 registration numbers have dropped by 10 percent or by 33,000 candidates compared to last year. It should be noted here that the actual number of candidates taking CAT 2025 Exam will be lesser than 2.95 lakhs. Based on previous analysis of CAT exam pattern data by MBAUniverse.com, the actual number of candidates who are expected to take the CAT 2025 Exam is about 2.65 lakhs candidates only. Check more details CAT registration numbers 2025 drop in the above article.
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