Declining Interest in IIM Admissions: Only 2.84 Lakh Registrations for CAT 2026

IIM registrations are steadily declining; is the craze for an MBA from IIMs fading? Registrations for CAT 2026 are lower than last year—let’s look at the reasons and the figures.

The number of registrations for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026, the gateway to IIM admissions, has dropped. This year, 2.84 lakh candidates applied, compared to 2.95 lakh in 2025. The exam is scheduled for November 29, 2026. However, a drop in applications does not necessarily mean that young people have lost interest in management education.

What do the three-year figures reveal?

In 2024, 3.29 lakh candidates applied for CAT. This figure fell to 2.95 lakh in 2025 and has now dropped to 2.84 lakh. This represents a decline of approximately 3.7 percent compared to last year. When compared to the record high of 2024, applications are down by about 13.7 percent. While CAT facilitates admission to 22 IIMs and numerous other management institutes, a drop in applications does not automatically make securing a seat at top institutes easier. Admission decisions depend not only on CAT scores but also on academic records, interviews, and the specific criteria of each institute.

Concerns Regarding MBA Fees and Job Prospects

Nowadays, before opting for an MBA, students consider factors such as tuition fees, placement opportunities, and the return on investment. The total cost of an MBA program at many leading business schools is quite high. Consequently, candidates want to know what kind of jobs and salary packages they can expect after completing their studies. Shifts in the job market and fluctuations within companies are also influencing the decisions of some students. For working professionals, giving up their income to pursue a two-year full-time MBA is not an easy decision. Some consider alternatives such as Executive MBAs, online programs, or other certificate courses alongside their jobs.

Alternatives to CAT

Those aspiring to build a career in management have options beyond CAT, such as XAT, SNAP, NMAT, and CMAT. These exams can lead to admission into various business schools. Consequently, candidates are choosing their paths based on their preparation, preferred institutions, and budget. The admit card for CAT 2026 is scheduled to be released on November 4. The application fee was ₹2,700 for the general category and ₹1,350 for reserved categories.