CAT 2026 Sees 2.84 Lakh Registrations, Nearly 2.5 Lakh Candidates Expected to Appear for the Exam

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is one of the prestigious MBA Entrance Exam  has received approximately 2.84 lakh applications from management aspirants. Based on the attendance pattern observed in previous years, nearly 2.5 lakh candidates are expected to sit for the examination.

The examination will be conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore on November 29, 2026. Candidates preparing for admission to management programmes can review the registration figures and examination details below.

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CAT 2026 Expected Attendance

Although 2.84 lakh candidates have registered for CAT 2026, the number who eventually appear for the examination is expected to be lower. Registration figures represent applicants who completed the application process, whereas attendance depends on how many candidates actually take the test on exam day.

Based on previous attendance patterns, approximately 2.48 lakh to 2.53 lakh candidates may appear for CAT 2026. This remains an estimate, and the final attendance figure will be known after the examination takes place.

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CAT 2026 Registration Compared with Previous Years

CAT registration figures have varied over the past few examination cycles. The current year's total stands at 2.84 lakh, compared with 2.95 lakh registrations in 2025.

The registration count for CAT 2026 is approximately 3.7% lower than the previous year's figure. The examination is scheduled for November 29, 2026, and will take place in three sessions.

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CAT 2026 Exam Date and Schedule

IIM Indore will conduct CAT 2026 on November 29, 2026. The examination will be organised in three slots, with candidates appearing in the session assigned to them.

Aspirants should keep checking the official CAT website for examination-related announcements, admit card availability and other updates. Candidates should also review their examination details carefully before appearing for the test.

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What Should CAT 2026 Aspirants Do Next?

Candidates preparing for CAT 2026 should continue their revision and practise mock tests under timed conditions. With nearly 2.5 lakh candidates expected to appear, a structured preparation strategy can help aspirants improve their performance.

Candidates should also follow official announcements for the admit card and examination instructions. Before exam day, they should verify their assigned test session, reporting details and other information provided in the admit card.