CAT 2026 Notification Released: Key Dates, Registration, Eligibility & Application Guide

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have officially announced the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026, with IIM Indore serving as the conducting body. This crucial examination is the gateway to MBA/PGP and PhD/FPM programs at all 22 IIMs and a multitude of other prestigious business schools across India. Aspiring management students should mark their calendars as the CAT 2026 notification is now public, detailing a clear roadmap for the application and examination process.

CAT 2026: Key Dates and Events

The official CAT 2026 Information Brochure was released on July 25, 2026, providing comprehensive details for candidates. The most anticipated dates are the commencement of online registration on August 3, 2026, and the examination date set for Sunday, November 29, 2026. Aspiring candidates must adhere to the registration deadline of September 15, 2026.

Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2026

To be eligible for CAT 2026, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA. For candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) categories, the minimum requirement is 45% marks. Additionally, individuals holding a completed professional degree (such as CA, CS, ICWA, or FIAI) or those in the final year of their Bachelor's degree are also eligible to apply.

Application Fee Details

The application fee for CAT 2026 varies based on the candidate's category. SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are required to pay Rs. 1350. All other candidates, including General, Economically Weaker Section (EWS), and Non-Creamy Layer Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC), will need to pay Rs. 2700. It is important to note that this application fee is non-refundable and is payable only once.

Ensure that NC-OBC certificates are issued on or after April 1, 2026, and EWS certificates are valid for the 2026-27 academic year.

How to Apply for CAT 2026 Online

The CAT 2026 application process is entirely online. Follow these steps carefully to complete your registration:

1. Visit the official CAT website at www.iimcat.ac.in and navigate to the “New Candidate Registration” section.
2. Provide essential personal information, including your full name, date of birth, a valid email ID, mobile number, and nationality.
3. Check your registered email for a verification link and click on it to activate your CAT account.
4. Log in using your activated credentials and fill in all required details across personal, academic, and work experience sections.
5. Upload scanned copies of your passport-size photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable, such as SC/ST/PwBD) in the specified format and size.
6. From the provided drop-down menu, select your top 5 preferred CAT test cities in order of preference.
7. Indicate the IIMs and specific programs you are interested in applying to.
8. Proceed to pay the application fee online through the available payment gateways.
9. After successful payment, submit your application form. It is highly recommended to download and save a copy of the completed application form and the Information Bulletin for future reference.

Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration

• Mark sheets for Class 10 and Class 12 examinations.
• Graduation/Bachelor’s degree mark sheet or provisional certificate.
• A recent passport-size photograph and a scanned signature in the prescribed format.
• Category certificate (SC/ST/PwBD) if applicable.
• NC-OBC certificate (issued on or after April 1, 2026) or EWS certificate (valid for 2026–27) if applicable.
• Work experience certificate(s), if you have relevant professional experience.

You can download the official CAT 2026 Information Bulletin PDF - Click to Download for detailed information.

What Happens After Registration?

Once your application is successfully submitted, keep an eye on the official CAT website for further updates. The admit cards for CAT 2026 will be available for download starting November 4, 2026. Candidates are advised to download their admit cards well in advance of the exam date. The computer-based test will be conducted across approximately 170 test cities nationwide. Following the examination, the results are anticipated to be declared in the first week of January 2027. Your CAT 2026 scores will remain valid until December 31, 2027, providing ample time for admission processes in the subsequent academic year.

For any queries or assistance, the CAT helpdesk can be reached at 1800 210 0175. The official website, www.iimcat.ac.in, is the primary source for all information related to CAT 2026.