🎯 The IIM Dream: 21 Years of CAT History, Applications, and the Competition (2005–2025)
- Anshu Agarwal
- Oct 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 4
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is more than just an entrance exam; it is the ultimate proving ground for aspiring managers in India. For over two decades, this test has tracked the nation's soaring economic ambitions, culminating in record-breaking participation.
We have compiled the definitive data from 2005 to 2025, revealing the dramatic rise in applications, the actual number of test-takers, and the rotational responsibility of the IIMs who set this high-stakes paper every year.
The Definitive CAT Data [CAT History] : 2005 to 2025
The table below merges the key metrics—Registrations, Appearances, and the Conducting IIM—into one powerful view, showcasing the journey from the paper-based era to the latest computer-based test structure.
CAT - Year | Number of Applications Registered | Number of Applicants Appeared | Conducting IIM |
2005 | 1,70,000 | 1,55,000 | Ahmedabad |
2006 | 1,91,000 | 1,80,000 | Ahmedabad |
2007 | 2,50,000 | 2,30,000 | Bangalore |
2008 | 2,90,000 | 2,76,000 | Bangalore |
2009 | 2,41,000 | 2,30,000 | Ahmedabad |
2010 | 2,04,000 | 1,85,000 | Lucknow |
2011 | 2,05,000 | 1,86,000 | Calcutta |
2012 | 2,14,000 | 1,95,000 | Kozhikode |
2013 | 1,94,516 | 1,73,714 | Indore |
2014 | 1,96,988 | 1,67,829 | Indore |
2015 | 2,18,664 | 1,79,602 | Ahmedabad |
2016 | 2,32,434 | 1,95,000 | Bangalore |
2017 | 2,31,000 | 1,99,600 | Lucknow |
2018 | 2,40,000 | 2,10,000 | Calcutta |
2019 | 2,44,000 | 2,09,926 | Kozhikode |
2020 | 2,27,835 | 1,90,144 | Indore |
2021 | 2,32,969 | 1,92,000 | Ahmedabad |
2022 | 2,55,000 | 2,22,000 | Bangalore |
2023 | 3,28,000 | 2,88,000 | Lucknow |
2024 | 3,29,000 | 2,93,000 | Calcutta |
2025 | 2,95,000 | Data Awaited | Kozhikode |
🚀 Key Takeaways: The Massive Surge in MBA Aspirations
The most striking trend in this data is the sheer magnitude of growth in the last two years:
Breaking the 3-Lakh Ceiling: For nearly two decades, registrations hovered between 1.7 lakh and 2.9 lakh. Then, in 2023, registrations skyrocketed to 3,28,000, with 2,88,000 candidates actually appearing. This figure was sustained and slightly surpassed in 2024 with 3,29,000 registrations and 2,93,000 test-takers—a clear signal of management education becoming the most sought-after career path in India.
The Actual Competition: Notice the consistent gap (sometimes tens of thousands) between those who register and those who appear. This gap reflects the rigorous nature of the preparation, the difficulty of the exam, and the intense pressure aspirants face. The real competition is the number that appears.
🏆 The Baton of Brilliance: Which IIM Sets the Paper?
The Common Admission Test is conducted by one of the six oldest Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis. This rotation is crucial because the academic ethos of the conducting IIM often subtly influences the paper's difficulty and focus.
IIM Ahmedabad (2005, 2006, 2009, 2015, 2021) often favors a conceptually strong and balanced paper.
IIM Bangalore (2007, 2008, 2016, 2022) is often linked to tricky Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) sections.
IIM Lucknow (2010, 2017, 2023) is frequently associated with an emphasis on challenging Quantitative Ability (QA).
IIM Calcutta (2011, 2018, 2024) is known for its rigorous approach, often ensuring a well-rounded and high-difficulty test.
IIM Kozhikode (2012, 2019, 2025) takes the responsibility for CAT 2025, promising another unique challenge for aspirants.
This historical data is a goldmine for any aspirant. It shows that ambition is rising, competition is fierce, and the quality of the CAT paper remains guaranteed, thanks to the continuous oversight of India's premier B-schools.
Which year do YOU think was the toughest based on the IIM Convenor? Share this definitive data with every MBA aspirant and let us know in the comments below!
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