CAT 2026 Registration Begins August 3: Notification Out, Exam on November 29

The Common Admission Test, India's most competitive MBA entrance exam, has officially entered its 2026 cycle. IIM Indore, the conducting body for this year's exam, has released the CAT 2026 notification on the official website, confirming that the registration window opens on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Nearly 3 lakh candidates are expected to compete for seats across the 22 IIMs and over 1,600 participating B-schools this year, making early, accurate preparation of your application non-negotiable.

This guide covers everything you need to know about CAT 2026 registration, the exam deadline, eligibility criteria, application fees, and the exam pattern, so you can plan your application and preparation with complete clarity from day one.

If you're unsure whether CAT is the right pathway for your career or if you're not eligible for the exam, it's worth exploring alternative MBA options before investing months in preparation. Read our guide on Online MBA vs Regular MBA to understand which path best aligns with your career goals, learning preferences, and long-term professional growth, so your time and effort are invested in the right direction.

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CAT 2026 Registration Date: Key Dates at a Glance

Event	Date
CAT 2026 Notification Released	July 25, 2026
CAT 2026 Registration Begins	August 3, 2026, 10:00 AM
CAT 2026 Registration Last Date	September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM
Admit Card Release	Approximately 15 days before the exam
CAT 2026 Exam Date	November 29, 2026 (Sunday)
Exam Mode	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Number of Test Cities	170+ across India

Candidates are strongly advised not to wait until the final days of the registration window. Heavy portal traffic close to the September 15 deadline has historically caused delays and last-minute submission issues for thousands of applicants.

What Is the Common Admission Test (CAT)?

The Common Admission Test, popularly known as CAT, is India's most prestigious national-level management entrance examination, conducted once every year on a rotational basis by one of the Indian Institutes of Management. For the 2026 cycle, IIM Indore is the conducting institute.

CAT scores are used for admission to the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) at all 22 IIMs, along with more than 1,600 other participating business schools across India, including SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, IIFT, and numerous other top-ranked institutions. It is widely regarded as one of the toughest MBA entrance exams globally, both because of its sheer competitiveness and the analytical rigour of its question design.

Parameter	Details
Full Form	Common Admission Test
Conducting Body (2026)	IIM Indore
Official Website	iimcat.ac.in
Exam Level	National
Exam Frequency	Once a year
Mode	Computer-Based Test (Online)
Candidates (Annual Average)	Approximately 2.5 to 3 lakh
Accepting Institutions	22 IIMs + 1,600+ B-schools
Score Validity	1 year

How to Apply: CAT 2026 Online Application Process

Applying for CAT 2026 involves a clearly defined, multi-step online process through the official portal.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website: Go to the only official portal for CAT 2026 registration.

Step 2: Register with Basic Details: Create your account using a valid, active email ID and mobile number. Since every future communication regarding your application, admit card, and results will be sent to these details, double-check them before proceeding.

Step 3: Complete the Registration Form: Once registered, log in and fill in your personal, academic, and category details accurately.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents: Upload your photograph and signature in the specified format:

• Passport-size photograph: 1200 x 1200 pixels, JPG/JPEG format, under 80 KB, 150 ppi
• Signature: 80 mm x 35 mm, JPG/JPEG format, under 80 KB, 150 ppi
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD), if applicable

Step 5: Select Test City Preferences: Choose your preferred test city options from the 170+ cities where CAT 2026 will be conducted.

Step 6: Pay the Application Fee: Complete your fee payment online via debit card, credit card, or net banking.

Step 7: Submit and Download Confirmation: Review your entire application carefully before final submission, then download and save your confirmation page for future reference.

CAT 2026 Application Fee

Category	Application Fee
General Category	Rs 2,600
SC / ST / PwD Category	Rs 1,300 to Rs 1,350

The fee is payable entirely online through the official CAT portal. No offline payment mode, such as demand draft or bank challan, is accepted.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before registering, confirm that you meet the following eligibility requirements published in the CAT 2026 notification.

Educational Qualification. A Bachelor's degree from a recognised university, with a minimum of 50 percent aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA) for General, EWS, and NC-OBC category candidates.

Reserved Category Relaxation. SC, ST, and PwD category candidates require a minimum of 45 percent aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA).

Final-Year Students. Candidates currently in their final year of a bachelor's degree, or those awaiting final results, are fully eligible to apply, provided they submit an original certificate from their Registrar, Principal, or Director confirming their qualifying percentage within the specified deadline.

Professional Degree Holders. Candidates holding a recognised professional degree, such as CA, CS, ICWA/CMA, or Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India, are also eligible, subject to meeting the same minimum percentage requirement.

Age Limit. There is no minimum or maximum age limit for appearing in CAT.

Work Experience. No work experience is required to apply for CAT. Freshers and experienced professionals are both fully eligible, though some individual B-schools may weigh work experience during their own admission process after your CAT result.

Backlogs. Candidates with an active backlog can still apply for CAT, provided the backlog is cleared before the institute's specific admission process begins.

Eligibility Factor	Requirement
Minimum Qualification	Bachelor's degree, any discipline, any recognised university
General/EWS/NC-OBC Minimum Marks	50 percent aggregate
SC/ST/PwD Minimum Marks	45 percent aggregate
Final-Year Students	Eligible, subject to certificate submission
Age Limit	None
Work Experience	Not required
Number of Attempts	No limit, one attempt permitted per year

Students looking for CAT but are not eligible can also pursue their dream MBA with the online MBA option available to them. Read our guide on Online MBA eligibility for complete information.

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Understanding the exam structure is essential for planning your preparation timeline over the coming months.

Section	Approximate Questions	Duration
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)	24	40 minutes
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)	22	40 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	22	40 minutes
Total	68 Questions	120 Minutes

Question Types. Most questions are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), while the remainder are TITA (Type In The Answer) format, requiring you to type a numerical or text value directly rather than select from given options.

Section Order and Timing. Sections appear in a fixed order, VARC first, followed by DILR, then Quantitative Aptitude, each with an independent 40-minute time limit. Once a section's time expires, you cannot revisit it or use remaining time from a previous section.

Calculator Policy. Physical calculators are not permitted, but an on-screen calculator is available within the computer system for the Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation sections.

Approximate Marks Weightage. VARC typically accounts for around 36 percent of total marks, while DILR and QA each carry approximately 32 percent.

CAT 2026 Cutoffs: What to Expect

While official CAT 2026 cutoffs will only be released after the exam and results, understanding historical patterns helps candidates set realistic targets.

College Tier	Typical Qualifying Percentile
Top IIMs (General Category)	99 to 100 percentile
Tier 2 Colleges	70 to 80 percentile and above
Tier 3 Colleges	60 percentile and above

Category-wise relaxations apply across SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD categories, with qualifying cutoffs released separately for each. It is worth noting that a CAT score alone does not guarantee admission, most IIMs and top B-schools evaluate candidates through a combination of CAT percentile, academic performance, work experience, and diversity factors during the subsequent Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds.

CAT vs Other MBA Entrance Exams: A Quick Note

While CAT remains the most widely recognised and competitive MBA entrance exam in India, it is not the only pathway into a management degree. Other national-level exams, such as XAT, CMAT, MAT, NMAT, and SNAP, are accepted by hundreds of additional B-schools, and many universities now also accept CAT scores for online MBA admissions as one route among several. For students exploring flexible or online MBA formats as an alternative or complement to a full-time, campus-based CAT-driven MBA, our detailed guides on how to choose the best online MBA university in India and part-time MBA versus online MBA provide useful additional context.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does CAT 2026 registration begin?

CAT 2026 registration begins on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM, through the official website iimcat.ac.in.

2. What is the CAT 2026 registration last date?

The last date to submit the CAT 2026 application form is September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

3. When is the CAT 2026 exam date?

CAT 2026 will be conducted on November 29, 2026 (Sunday), in computer-based mode across more than 170 test cities.

4. What is the CAT 2026 application fee?

The application fee is Rs 2,600 for General category candidates and approximately Rs 1,300 to Rs 1,350 for SC/ST/PwD category candidates.

5. What is the eligibility criteria for CAT 2026?

A bachelor's degree from a recognised university with a minimum of 50 percent aggregate marks (45 percent for SC/ST/PwD candidates). Final-year students and professional degree holders (CA/CS/ICWA) are also eligible.

6. Is work experience required for CAT 2026?

No. Work experience is not required. Both freshers and experienced candidates can apply.

7. What is the CAT 2026 exam pattern?

CAT 2026 consists of 68 questions across three sections, VARC, DILR, and QA, to be completed in 120 minutes, with each section carrying a fixed 40-minute time limit.

8. Can final-year students apply for CAT 2026?

Yes. Final-year students are eligible to apply, provided they submit a certificate confirming their qualifying percentage by the specified deadline.

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Exploring Online MBA Options Alongside CAT Preparation?

If you want to keep your options open with a flexible, UGC-approved online MBA while you prepare for CAT, or as an alternative pathway entirely, explore our detailed guides on top online universities in India.

Talk to a FREE Counsellor, compare your options and plan your next step with complete confidence.

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Final Thoughts: Mark Your Calendar and Prepare Now

The CAT 2026 registration window opening on August 3 marks the official start of this year's MBA admission cycle for India's top management institutes. With the exam scheduled for November 29, 2026, and registration closing on September 15, 2026, candidates have a defined runway to both complete their application accurately and prepare seriously for one of India's most competitive entrance exams.

Do not wait for the deadline to approach. Register early, and begin structured preparation across VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude immediately, since six months is the realistic minimum most successful candidates recommend.

If you still have doubts regarding CAT 2026 or other online MBA programmes, you can connect with us for free guidance.