The registration process for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 has officially commenced today, August 3, 2026, marking the beginning of one of India’s most competitive entrance examination cycles for management education. Conducted this year by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore, the CAT 2026 registration window opened at 10:00 AM, allowing MBA aspirants from across the country to submit their applications through the official website, iimcat.ac.in.
The CAT examination serves as the gateway to admission into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) as well as hundreds of other leading business schools in India. Every year, lakhs of candidates compete for limited seats in top management institutes, making CAT one of the most sought-after entrance examinations in the country.
This year’s examination will be held on Sunday, November 29, 2026, in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across multiple examination centres nationwide.
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CAT 2026 Registration Begins
The registration portal for CAT 2026 has gone live from 10:00 AM on August 3, enabling eligible candidates to complete their application process online.
Candidates interested in pursuing postgraduate management programmes such as MBA, PGDM and other management courses offered by participating institutions can now register through the official CAT portal.
Earlier, IIM Indore released the official CAT 2026 notification and information bulletin on July 26, 2026, outlining the complete schedule, eligibility criteria, examination pattern, fee structure, and application guidelines.
The registration process will remain open until September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Candidates are advised not to wait until the last date, as heavy traffic on the portal during the closing days may lead to technical issues or delays in submission.
IIM Indore Conducting CAT 2026
The responsibility of conducting CAT 2026 has been entrusted to Indian Institute of Management Indore, one of India’s premier management institutions.
The CAT 2026 examination is being coordinated under the leadership of Professor Aditya Billore, Professor of Marketing at IIM Indore, who has been appointed as the Convener for this year’s examination.
Every year, one of the IIMs assumes responsibility for organising CAT, including the registration process, examination management, admit card issuance, answer keys, and declaration of results.
Why CAT Is One of India’s Most Important MBA Entrance Exams
The Common Admission Test is widely regarded as India’s premier national-level MBA entrance examination.
Apart from admission to the 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), CAT scores are accepted by several prestigious institutions, including leading government and private business schools across the country.
Many institutes use CAT scores as the first stage of their admission process, followed by:
- Written Ability Test (WAT)
- Group Discussion (GD) (where applicable)
- Personal Interview (PI)
- Academic and work profile assessment
A strong CAT score significantly improves a candidate’s chances of securing admission to top management programmes.
CAT 2026 Important Dates
Candidates must carefully note the complete examination schedule to avoid missing important deadlines.
CAT 2026 Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CAT Notification Released | July 26, 2026 |
| Registration Begins | August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply | September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Admit Card Release | November 4, 2026 (Tentative) |
| CAT 2026 Examination | November 29, 2026 |
Candidates should regularly visit the official CAT website for any updates regarding admit cards, examination centres, or schedule changes.
CAT 2026 Application Fee
The application fee varies according to the candidate’s category.
The fee structure is as follows:
- General, EWS and NC-OBC Candidates: ₹2,700
- SC, ST and PwD Candidates: ₹1,350
Candidates must complete payment online while submitting the application form.
Authorities have clarified that applications submitted without successful payment of the registration fee will not be considered.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To appear for CAT 2026, applicants must satisfy the prescribed educational qualifications.
Candidates must possess:
- A Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% aggregate marks from a recognised university.
OR
- 45% aggregate marks for candidates belonging to SC, ST and PwD categories.
The qualifying degree must either be awarded by a recognised university or be an equivalent qualification recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
Final-Year Students Can Also Apply
One of the major advantages of CAT is that final-year undergraduate students are also eligible to apply.
Candidates currently pursuing the final year of their bachelor’s degree and awaiting their final results may register for CAT 2026.
However, such candidates must fulfil the prescribed minimum percentage requirement at the time of admission into the management programme.
This provision allows students to begin the admission process without waiting for their graduation results.
No Upper Age Limit
Unlike several competitive examinations, CAT does not prescribe any upper age limit.
Candidates of any age fulfilling the educational eligibility criteria are eligible to appear for the examination.
This provides working professionals, career changers, entrepreneurs, and experienced candidates an opportunity to pursue management education regardless of age.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The CAT examination continues to evaluate candidates across three major skill areas considered essential for management education.
The examination will be conducted over a total duration of 120 minutes, with candidates receiving 40 minutes for each section.
The three sections include:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
This section evaluates language proficiency, comprehension skills, grammar, vocabulary, and analytical reading ability.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Candidates are tested on logical thinking, analytical reasoning, data analysis, interpretation, and problem-solving ability.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
This section assesses mathematical ability, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, modern mathematics, and quantitative reasoning.
CAT 2026 to Feature 68 Questions
According to the official information bulletin, CAT 2026 will consist of 68 questions spread across the three sections.
Candidates are encouraged to carefully study the official syllabus and understand the expected sectional weightage while preparing for the examination.
Since CAT is known for introducing minor variations in question patterns over the years, familiarity with previous years’ papers and mock tests can prove beneficial.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for CAT 2026
Candidates can complete the online application by following these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Open the official CAT portal at iimcat.ac.in.
Step 2: Register as a New Candidate
Click on “New Candidate Registration.”
Enter:
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Email Address
- Mobile Number
- Nationality
Step 3: Verify Account
Verify the registered email address and activate the account by creating a secure password.
Step 4: Login
Use the registered User ID and password to access the application dashboard.
Step 5: Complete Application Form
Fill in all required details including:
- Personal Information
- Academic Qualifications
- Category Details
- Work Experience (if applicable)
Step 6: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of:
- Passport-size Photograph
- Signature
Both files must follow the specifications mentioned in the official information bulletin.
Step 7: Select Test Cities
Candidates can choose up to five preferred examination cities in order of preference.
The examination authority will allocate centres based on availability.
Step 8: Choose Preferred Institutes
Applicants can select the IIMs and participating institutions where they wish their CAT scores to be considered for admission.
Step 9: Pay Registration Fee
Complete the online payment through the available digital payment methods.
Step 10: Final Submission
Review all entered information carefully before submitting the application.
Candidates should download and save the confirmation page for future reference.
Documents Required Before Registration
To ensure a smooth application process, candidates should keep the following ready before beginning registration:
- Valid email ID
- Active mobile number
- Passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Academic certificates and mark sheets
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Work experience details (if any)
- Valid debit card, credit card, UPI, or net banking facility for fee payment
Keeping these documents prepared in advance can help avoid delays while completing the online application.
Preparation Strategy for CAT 2026 Aspirants
With nearly four months remaining before the examination, candidates have sufficient time to strengthen their preparation through a structured study plan.
Experts recommend focusing on conceptual clarity, regular mock tests, time management, sectional practice, and analysis of previous years’ question papers. Equal attention should be given to all three sections, as candidates must perform consistently across the examination.
Developing reading habits, improving calculation speed, practising logical reasoning sets, and revising mathematical concepts regularly can significantly enhance overall performance. Aspirants should also monitor official announcements regarding mock tests, admit cards, and examination guidelines to stay updated throughout the admission cycle.
The commencement of CAT 2026 registration marks the beginning of an important journey for thousands of MBA aspirants aiming to secure admission to India’s premier management institutions. Conducted by IIM Indore, the examination continues to serve as the most prestigious gateway to postgraduate management education, offering opportunities at the Indian Institutes of Management and numerous leading B-schools across the country.
Candidates are advised to complete their registrations well before the September 15 deadline, verify all information carefully before submission, and begin focused preparation for the examination scheduled on November 29, 2026. With the right planning, disciplined preparation, and timely application, CAT 2026 can become the first step towards building a successful career in management and business leadership.
