CAT & XAT Registration Trends Over the Years: Predictions for the Upcoming Cycle

Entrance exams like CAT (Common Admission Test) and XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) continue to dominate the MBA admission landscape in India. With thousands of aspirants eyeing the top MBA colleges in India, tracking registration trends provides valuable insights for candidates, institutes, and recruiters. At MyCollegeRoute.com, we analyzed five years of data on CAT and XAT registrations and identified key patterns along with predictions for the upcoming exam cycle.

CAT Registration Trends

CAT has consistently been the most popular exam for MBA admission in India, especially for students aiming at the IIMs and other top MBA institutes in India.

• 2020: 2,27,835 registrations
• 2021: 2,29,969 registrations
• 2022: 2,55,501 registrations
• 2023: 3,28,000 registrations
• 2024: 3,29,000 registrations

The numbers show a remarkable growth trajectory, with CAT registrations rising by nearly 45% from 2020 to 2024. This surge reflects increasing awareness of management careers and the strong ROI (Return on Investment) offered by AICTE approved MBA colleges in India that accept CAT scores.

XAT Registration Trends

XAT, conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, has also witnessed steady growth, making it a strong contender for candidates aiming at top private MBA colleges in India.

• 2021: 79,843 registrations
• 2022: 96,438 registrations
• 2023: 98,242 registrations
• 2024: 1,35,000 registrations
• 2025: 1,42,235 registrations

In just five years, XAT registrations grew by nearly 78%, showing that aspirants are diversifying their choices beyond CAT. Many MBA colleges in India now accept XAT scores, which broadens opportunities for students targeting MBA colleges in Bangalore, Mumbai, and Kolkata.

Key Drivers Behind the Growth

Several factors have influenced this upward trend in registrations:

1. Expanding MBA Ecosystem – More PGDM colleges in India and universities are recognizing CAT and XAT, increasing their acceptance.
2. Career Opportunities – Rising placements in consulting, finance, analytics, and tech have boosted confidence among students.
3. Hybrid Learning & EdTech Influence – Test preparation platforms have made exam prep accessible, especially for aspirants in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
4. Post-Pandemic Resurgence – With industries stabilizing, aspirants are once again considering management education as a secure career pathway.

Predictions for the Upcoming Cycle

Based on past data and market dynamics, here are projections for the CAT 2025 & XAT 2026 cycles:

• CAT 2025 Registrations: Expected to cross 3.4 lakh, potentially making it the highest-ever turnout in CAT history. With increasing competition for the Top 10 MBA colleges in India, demand is expected to peak.
• XAT 2026 Registrations: Likely to cross 1.5 lakh, continuing its growth as more MBA colleges accepting XAT scores gain prominence, especially among students aiming for MBA colleges with the best ROI.

Market factors like the rising number of startups, the surge in analytics and digital management roles, and the demand for global business managers are likely to fuel these numbers further.

What This Means for MBA Aspirants

• Increased Competition: Higher registrations mean more competition for limited seats in the best MBA colleges in India.
• Diversified Opportunities: With both exams gaining traction, aspirants should strategically target a mix of top MBA colleges accepting the CAT score and the MBA colleges accepting the XAT score.
• Focus on ROI: Aspirants should evaluate not just brand names but also placement packages and ROI offered by MBA colleges in India with the best ROI.

Final Thoughts

The rising trend in CAT and XAT registrations highlights a renewed enthusiasm for management education. As top MBA colleges in India continue to strengthen placement records and academic innovation, students are increasingly confident in investing their future in MBA and PGDM programs.

At MyCollegeRoute.com, we guide aspirants through MBA admission in India, helping them choose the right exam and institute based on their career goals. With CAT and XAT registrations set to hit record highs in the upcoming cycle, preparation and thoughtful planning will be the keys to success.

FAQs on CAT & XAT Registration Trends

1. What is the trend in CAT registrations over the last 5 years?

Over the past 5 years, CAT registrations have shown steady growth—from around 2.27 lakh in 2020 to 3.29 lakh in 2024. This consistent increase highlights CAT’s popularity as the most preferred exam for admission into the top MBA colleges in India, including the IIMs.

2. How have XAT registrations changed in recent years?

XAT registrations have grown from 79,843 in 2021 to 1.42 lakh in 2025, showing nearly 78% growth. This indicates that XAT is becoming a preferred alternative to CAT, especially for aspirants targeting top private MBA colleges in India and MBA colleges with the best ROI.

3. Which MBA colleges in India accept CAT and XAT scores?

CAT is primarily accepted by the IIMs and top MBA institutes in India, while XAT is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur and accepted by over 160+ MBA colleges in India. Many PGDM colleges in India and AICTE approved MBA colleges in India accept both CAT and XAT scores for admission.

4. What are the predictions for CAT 2025 & XAT 2026 registrations?

Based on past data, CAT 2025 registrations are expected to cross 3.4 lakh, while XAT 2026 registrations may exceed 1.5 lakh. This growth is driven by better placement opportunities, increased demand for management roles, and more MBA colleges accepting CAT, XAT, MAT, and CMAT scores.

5. Which exam is better: CAT or XAT?

Both CAT and XAT are highly competitive exams. CAT is ideal for those aiming at the Top 10 MBA colleges in India, including IIMs. XAT is best for students looking at top private MBA colleges in India like XLRI, XIMB, and IMT. The choice depends on your career goals, target colleges, and preparation strategy.