CAT Asked on March 4, 2026

How many candidates appear for CAT every year?

Competition statistics and seat availability.

Student Question

Anonymous

Verified Answer

IndCareer Editorial Team
Expert Verified
In recent years, approximately 2.5 to 3.5 lakh candidates register for CAT annually, with over 2 lakh candidates actually appearing for the exam. The high number of aspirants and limited seats (around 5,000–6,000 seats across all IIMs combined) make the competition extremely intense. The acceptance rate for top IIMs is typically below 2%.
Last verified: March 4, 2026 Editorial Policy