NEW DELHI: Over 2.18 lakh candidates have registered for the Common Admission Test 2015, marking a six-year high, though it is still way behind its all-time record of 2.76 registrations in 2008. The last date for registration of the entrance test to premier management institutes and top B-schools was on September 25 and the computer-based test will be conducted on November 29, 2015.

This year two significant changes have been brought to the exam- introduction of non-MCQ type questions and availability of on-screen calculator. CAT 2015 will also be a three hour test and will be conducted at 650 centres across 136 cities, up from 99 centres in 2014. CAT has seen a sharp decline from its all time high of 2.76 lakh in 2008 to 2.42 lakh in 2009, followed by 2.04 in 2010. 2014 saw one of the lowest registrations in recent times with only 1.89 lakh candidates, of which around 21,000 candidates didn't come for the test.

"It is unlikely that CAT will replicate its 2008 numbers again very soon. The test has stabilized since it moved on from pen-paper mode to computer based and barring 2014, the number of registrations has been consistent since 2010. Though there has been an increase this year, one has to keep in mind that the number of actual test takers comes down significantly. One of the reasons for this increase could be the positive business environment in the country providing a general optimism among the aspirants," said Deekshant Sehrawat of MBA Guru.

"The healthy placements at the IIMs this year could be a reason behind the spurt in registrations. The second being the increase in the number of examination centers, making the test more accessible. The third factor has been the long registration window which was followed by an extension of five days which netted an additional 35,000 candidates. However, the aspirants can expect stiff competition on account of this increase and would need to rev up their preparation to counter the increased number of test takers," said Sai Kumar, director, TIME Delhi.