CAT 2026 Registration Closes with 2.84 Lakh Candidates – What It Means for MBA Aspirants

By the Shiksha Nerd Counselling Team · 9 October 2026 · ~3 min read

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 registration closed with 2.84 lakh applicants, a 3.7% dip from 2025 – a signal worth decoding for every MBA hopeful.

The CAT 2026 registration window shut on October 8, with 2.84 lakh candidates completing the online form. This figure is 3.7 % lower than the 3.29 lakh registrations recorded for the 2025 cycle, according to three leading education portals.

Who is affected by the dip?

First‑time MBA aspirants from engineering or commerce backgrounds will notice that the overall applicant pool is still close to three lakh – enough to keep percentile cut‑offs tight. Working professionals who usually apply after a few years of experience will find the same cut‑off trends, because the top‑ranked percentile bands are determined by the highest scores, not by total headcount.

Repeat takers who missed the 2025 deadline may feel a slight psychological boost, but the reality is that a 3.7 % reduction translates to roughly 10‑12 thousand fewer competitors – a number that barely shifts the curve at the 99 + percentile.

What changed compared with the previous year?

In 2025, 3.29 lakh candidates registered, marking a post‑pandemic high. This year’s 2.84 lakh reflects a modest retreat, possibly because some students are exploring alternative MBA entry exams or postponing their plans. The exam date remains fixed for 29 November 2026, and the test‑day format – computer‑based, 120 cities – is unchanged.

Result timelines also stay the same: scores are expected in early January, followed by IIM interview rounds in March‑April. Therefore, the logistical calendar for applicants has not shifted; only the size of the candidate base has.

Real trade‑offs for candidates

A smaller registration pool could mean slightly lower competition for the 90‑95 % band, where many private B‑schools set their cut‑offs. However, for the elite 99 + percentile that feeds the top IIMs, the difference is negligible. In practical terms, a candidate who would have needed a 98 percentile last year still needs a 98‑plus this year.

From a counsellor’s perspective, the dip does not justify a relaxed preparation schedule. The advice is simple: treat the exam as if the pool were unchanged, because the percentile distribution will still be compressed at the top.

What should you do now?

With the exam on 29 November, the next ten weeks are critical. Map a study calendar that allocates equal time to quantitative ability, data interpretation, verbal ability and logical reasoning. Reserve the final two weeks for full‑length mock tests under timed conditions.

Invest in resources that offer adaptive practice rather than generic question banks; personalised feedback shortens the learning curve. If you missed this year’s registration, note that the next window opens in August 2027 – giving you roughly ten months to plan.

Monitor official updates for any change in eligibility or exam pattern; the CAT notification will be the source of truth.

Frequently asked questions

When is the CAT 2026 exam?

The CAT 2026 test is slated for 29 November. Admit cards will be issued in early November, and the exam will be conducted in computer‑based mode across 120 Indian cities.

How many candidates usually appear for CAT?

For 2026, 2.84 lakh candidates completed registration, down from 3.29 lakh in 2025. Historically, the number hovers around the three‑lakh mark, making it one of the largest MBA entrance exams in India.

Will the dip in registrations improve my chances of getting an IIM seat?

Not significantly. Even with a 3.7 % reduction, the top percentile band remains fiercely contested. Your admission odds will depend more on preparation quality, test‑day performance, and how you present yourself in the subsequent interview and group discussion stages.

Reported across 3 news outlets including Telegraph India, Careers360, The Indian Express. Details can change — always confirm dates and fees on the official website.