Although the formal newspaper advertisement is expected to be published shortly, the official CAT portal has already been updated with the latest details. The online registration process for CAT 2026 will commence on August 3, 2026, and eligible candidates will be able to submit their applications until September 15, 2026.

One of the key changes this year is the increase in the application fee, while the exam pattern and syllabus remain unchanged from the previous two years.

CAT 2026 Registration Dates Announced

According to the official notification, candidates can submit their online applications during the following period:

• Registration Starts: August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM)

• Registration Closes: September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM)

The registration window will remain open for approximately 43 days, providing candidates ample time to complete the application process.

However, candidates are advised not to wait until the final date, as early registration significantly improves the chances of securing their preferred examination city.

CAT 2026 Exam Scheduled for November 29

The CAT 2026 examinationwill be conducted on Sunday, November 29, 2026, in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.

Like previous years, the examination will be held in three sessions across nearly 170 test cities throughout India.

IIM Indore has also reserved the right to modify the examination date or timing if required under exceptional circumstances.

Official CAT 2026 Website

Candidates can access all official notifications, registration links, information bulletins, admit cards, and scorecards through the official CAT portal:

Official Website:
https://iimcat.ac.in

Major Highlights of CAT 2026

The latest notification confirms the following important updates:

• Conducting Institute: IIM Indore

• Registration Begins: August 3, 2026

• Last Date to Apply: September 15, 2026

• Exam Date: November 29, 2026

• Mode of Examination: Computer-Based Test (CBT)

• Test Cities: Approximately 170

• Maximum Test City Preferences: Five

• Total Questions: 68

• Total Duration: 120 Minutes

• Sectional Time Limit: 40 Minutes per Section

No changes have been made to the exam pattern or syllabus, with IIM Indore retaining the same examination structure followed over the last two years.

CAT 2026 Application Fee Increased

The CAT 2026 notification confirms a revision in the registration fee.

The application fee for General category candidates has increased from ₹2,600 to ₹2,700.

The registration fee is non-refundableunder any circumstances.

Candidates can make online payments through:

• Credit Card

• Debit Card

• Internet Banking

• Paytm

• PayU

Applicants should save the payment acknowledgement for future reference.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must satisfy the following eligibility requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree with minimum 50% marks (General, EWS, NC-OBC)

• 45% marks for SC, ST and PwBD candidates

• Degree must be recognised by the Ministry of Education.

• Final-year undergraduate students are also eligible.

• Candidates awaiting final results may apply provisionally.

• Professional degree holders including:

• CA

• CS

• CMA (ICWA)

• FIAI

are also eligible to apply.

Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee shortlisting by any IIM.

CAT 2026 Reservation Policy

The examination follows Government of India reservation norms:

• SC – 15%

• ST – 7.5%

• NC-OBC – 27%

• EWS – Up to 10%

• PwBD – As per statutory provisions

Candidates claiming reservation benefits must upload valid self-attested certificates during registration.

CAT 2026 Registration Process

Candidates can register online by following these steps:

Step 1

Visit the official CAT website.

Step 2

Click on "New Registration."

Step 3

Enter:

• Name

• Date of Birth

• Nationality

• Mobile Number

• Email Address

Step 4

Verify the OTP received.

Step 5

Log in and complete the application form.

Step 6

Fill in:

• Personal Details

• Academic Details

• Work Experience (Optional)

Step 7

Upload required documents.

Step 8

Choose preferred IIMs and examination cities.

Step 9

Pay the application fee online.

Step 10

Submit the application and download the confirmation page.

Academic Information Required

Applicants should keep the following details ready:

• Class 10 Marks

• Class 12 Marks

• Bachelor's Degree Marks/CGPA

• Postgraduate Details (if applicable)

• Professional Qualification Details (if applicable)

Candidates whose universities award CGPA should follow the officially approved conversion method.

Personal Details Required

Applicants must provide:

• Full Name

• Date of Birth

• Father's Name

• Gender

• Nationality

• Category

• Communication Address

• Email ID

• Mobile Number

A valid mobile number and email ID should remain active throughout the admission process.

Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration

Candidates should keep the following ready before beginning registration:

• Passport-size Photograph

• Scanned Signature

• Class 10 Mark Sheet

• Class 12 Mark Sheet

• Graduation Mark Sheet

• Valid Photo Identity Proof

• Category Certificate (if applicable)

• PwBD Certificate

• EWS Certificate

• NC-OBC Certificate

• Scribe Certificate (where applicable)

Photo Specifications

• 1200 × 1200 Pixels

• JPG/JPEG Format

• Maximum 80 KB

• Resolution below 150 PPI

Signature Specifications

• 80 mm × 35 mm

• JPG/JPEG Format

• Maximum 80 KB

Test City Preferences

Candidates may select up to five preferred examination cities during registration.

Since allotment depends on seat availability, candidates submitting applications early generally have a better chance of obtaining their preferred city.

If preferred cities are unavailable, IIMs may allot a nearby examination centre.

CAT 2026 Examination Pattern

The examination pattern remains unchanged.

The three sections include:

• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

• Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Candidates cannot switch between sections before the allotted sectional time expires.

Admit Card Download

Registered candidates can download their CAT 2026 Admit Card from:

November 4, 2026

The admit card will remain available until the examination date.

Candidates must carry the admit card along with a valid photo identity proof to the examination centre.

Important Instructions for Applicants

Candidates should remember the following:

• Submit the application well before September 15.

• Early registration improves test city allocation.

• Carefully verify every detail before final submission.

• Only photograph, signature and test city preferences may be editable during the correction window.

• Save the payment acknowledgement and application form.

• Avoid completing the application on mobile phones.

• Use updated versions of Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge for registration.

• Upload only self-attested PDF certificates wherever applicable.

Participating Institutes

CAT 2026 scores will be accepted by:

• 22 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)

• Numerous participating non-IIM management institutions across India.

Each institute will prepare its own shortlist based on CAT scores, academic profile, work experience, and selection criteria.

Key Highlights

• CAT 2026 Notification officially released by IIM Indore.

• Registration opens on August 3, 2026, and closes on September 15, 2026.

• CAT 2026 examination will be held on November 29, 2026.

• Application fee revised to ₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates.

• SC, ST and PwBD candidates will pay ₹1,350.

• No changes have been made to the examination pattern or syllabus.

• The examination will be conducted across approximately 170 test cities.

• Candidates may choose up to five preferred test cities.

• Admit cards will be available for download from November 4, 2026.

• CAT scores will be accepted by all 22 IIMs and several leading non-IIM B-schools.