Yearender 2025: Less Competition Ahead? Exams Where Applicant Numbers Dropped
Yearender 2025: Every year, lakhs of aspirants chase the same government and competitive exams, believing competition only increases.
But 2025 quietly broke this myth.
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In several major exams, application numbers dropped compared to previous years — creating hidden opportunities for serious candidates who stayed consistent.
This Yearender 2025 special breaks down:
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Which exams saw lower applicant turnout
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Why fewer candidates applied
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What this means for cut-offs, selection chances, and strategy
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Whether 2026 could be your best chance
A Silent Trend in 2025: Fewer Applicants, Same Vacancies
While vacancies remained stable (or even increased in some cases), exam registrations didn’t grow at the same pace.
This shift wasn’t sudden — it was gradual, silent, and largely unnoticed.
For aspirants, this means one thing:
Competition didn’t disappear — but it softened.
Exams Where Applicant Numbers Dropped in 2025
🔹 1. Teaching Eligibility Tests (TETs)
Examples: State TETs, eligibility exams for school teachers
What changed in 2025
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Fewer repeat candidates
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Delay in regular teacher recruitments
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Migration towards private or skill-based jobs
Why competition dropped
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Long waiting periods after qualifying
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State-wise uncertainty in hiring timelines
Opportunity for aspirants
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Fewer serious candidates appearing
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Higher chances of clearing eligibility in one attempt
🔹 2. State Police & Constable-Level Exams
Examples: State police constable, SI-level recruitments
What changed
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Physical standards became stricter
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Multiple PET/PST rounds discouraged casual applicants
Why applicants declined
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Increased awareness of physical requirements
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Shift towards other government jobs with less physical screening
Opportunity
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Candidates who prepared physically gained a clear edge
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Cut-offs remained stable despite lower turnout
🔹 3. Banking & Finance Exams (Clerk-Level)
Examples: Entry-level banking roles
What changed
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Slower recruitment cycles
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Rising interest in private-sector finance roles
Why fewer applicants
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Aspirants moving towards MBA, fintech, or private banking
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Fear of transfers and work pressure
Opportunity
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Reduced crowd at prelims stage
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Better shortlisting ratio for serious candidates
🔹 4. State-Level Recruitment Exams
Examples: Group C & D, clerical, assistant roles
What changed
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High form fees
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Multiple exams scheduled close together
Why numbers dipped
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Aspirants choosing one focused exam instead of many
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Rising exam costs reduced “form-filling without preparation”
Opportunity
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Less random competition
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More merit-based outcomes
🔹 5. Engineering & Technical Eligibility Exams
Examples: State engineering eligibility, technical boards
Why applicants declined
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Shift towards private tech jobs
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Overseas study options
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Startups and freelancing growth
Opportunity
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Candidates aiming for PSU or state roles faced lighter competition
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Stable cut-offs despite lower attendance
Why This Matters for 2026 Aspirants
Lower application numbers don’t mean exams became easy —
but they changed the competition dynamics.
What it means practically:
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✔ Fewer non-serious candidates
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✔ Better normalization outcomes
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✔ Less overcrowding in middle scores
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✔ Higher probability of selection with the same effort.
Does Lower Competition Mean Lower Cut-Off?
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Vacancies unchanged | Cut-off stays stable |
| Serious candidates only | Quality rises, quantity drops |
| Lower attendance | Selection ratios improve |
👉 NaukriBee Insight: Smart preparation mattered more than ever in 2025.
Strategy for Aspirants After Yearender 2025
If you’re preparing for 2026:
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Focus on fewer exams, deeper preparation
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Track exams with stable vacancies
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Don’t assume “competition is too high” blindly
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Use previous-year trends smartly, not emotionally
FAQs
❓ Did competition really decrease in 2025 exams?
Yes, in several exams the number of applicants declined, though seriousness of candidates increased.
❓ Which exams are likely to remain less crowded in 2026?
Teaching eligibility tests, select state recruitments, and technical eligibility exams may continue this trend.
❓ Is this the right time to prepare seriously?
Yes. Fewer casual applicants means consistent aspirants benefit more.
❓ Should I apply for exams with falling applicant numbers?
Absolutely — provided vacancies remain stable and the exam aligns with your profile.
❓ Will cut-offs drop due to fewer applicants?
Not guaranteed, but selection chances improve when competition thins.
NaukriBee Insight
Crowds don’t decide success — clarity does.
2025 showed that many aspirants quietly exited the race.
Those who stayed focused found more breathing room, not shortcuts.
If you’re preparing smartly, 2026 could reward consistency more than ever.
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