CAT 2026 Notification Out: Apply From August 3; Check Exam Date, Eligibility and Fees

IIM Indore has updated the official CAT 2026 website with the exam dates, eligibility criteria, application fee and information brochure. The CAT 2026 exam will be conducted on November 29, 2026, across nearly 170 test cities.

The CAT notification is usually released on the last Sunday of July. However, this year, the official website was updated one day earlier. The detailed CAT 2026 notification will also be published in newspapers. Candidates can check the latest updates on the official website at iimcat.ac.in.

👉 Read Official Notice

As per the official notification, CAT 2026 registration process will commence on August 3, 2026. Applicants can apply through the application form till September 15, 2026.

There has been an increase in the CAT 2026 application form fee too. While Rs 2,600 is to be paid by general category applicants, this year it has risen to Rs 2,700. SC/ST/PwD applicants need to pay Rs 1,350.

Nothing much about the examination pattern and syllabus of CAT 2026 has been revealed yet.

CAT 2026 Important Dates

Candidates who plan to take the Common Admission Test can refer to the following CAT 2026 schedule.

Candidates are advised to finish their registration way before the deadline to avoid any issues with online payment or filling up the application form.

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

There is no change in CAT 2026 paper pattern and syllabus. IIM Indore has kept the same pattern as it was followed in the last two years.

There will be 68 questions for candidates which will have to be solved in 120 minutes. Three sections will be there in the paper, and each section will be allotted 40 minutes.

Candidates won’t be allowed to switch between sections before the allotted time for a section is over.

CAT 2026 Application Fee

The category-wise CAT 2026 application fee is given below.

Candidates must pay the application fee online while submitting the CAT 2026 form. The application won’t be considered complete until the payment is successfully processed.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before filling out the CAT 2026 application form, candidates should carefully check the eligibility requirements.

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. The degree programme should include at least three years of study.

General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates must have secured at least 50 per cent marks in their bachelor’s degree. SC, ST and PwD candidates need a minimum of 45 per cent marks.

Students who are in the final year of their bachelor’s degree can also apply for CAT 2026. However, they must complete their graduation within the time specified by the respective IIM or participating institution.

Work experience isn’t compulsory for appearing in CAT 2026. However, relevant work experience may help candidates during the selection process of some IIMs, including the older IIMs.

There is no age limit for applying for CAT 2026.

CAT 2026 Registration Process

The CAT 2026 registration process will begin on August 3 and close on September 15, 2026. The online registration link will be activated on the official CAT website at iimcat.ac.in.

Candidates will have to register, fill in their personal and academic information, select preferred programmes and test cities, upload the required documents and pay the application fee.

The CAT 2026 registration fee is Rs 2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates. SC, ST and PwD candidates will have to pay Rs 1,350.

How to Fill CAT 2026 Application Form

Candidates can follow the steps given below to complete the CAT 2026 application process.

Step 1: Register for User ID and Password

Visit the official CAT website at iimcat.ac.in. Click on the registration link and enter the required details to generate a user ID and password.

Candidates should provide an active email address and mobile number because all important updates will be sent through these contact details.

Step 2: Log in to the CAT Website

After completing the registration, log in to the CAT 2026 portal using the generated user ID and password.

Check all the details carefully before proceeding to the application form.

Step 3: Fill Out the CAT 2026 Application Form

Enter the required information in the application form. Candidates will have to complete the following sections:

• Personal details
• Academic details
• Work experience
• Programme selection
• Test city preference
• Declaration

Candidates should make sure that all information matches their official documents. Incorrect details may lead to the rejection of the application or problems during the admission process.

Step 4: Upload the Required Documents

Upload the scanned photograph, signature and category certificate, wherever applicable. All documents must be uploaded in the prescribed format and size.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

Pay the CAT 2026 application fee through the available online payment options. After successful payment, download and save the confirmation page for future reference.

Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration

Candidates should keep the following documents and details ready before starting the CAT 2026 registration process:

• Valid email address and mobile number
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Scanned signature
• Class 10 or SSC academic details
• Class 12 or HSC academic details
• Bachelor’s degree details
• Master’s degree details, if applicable
• Work experience details, if applicable
• Valid EWS certificate, if applicable
• Valid NC-OBC certificate, if applicable
• Valid SC or ST certificate, if applicable
• Valid PwD certificate, if applicable
• Caste or tribe certificate for reserved-category candidates
• Additional documents required for the selected category

The scanned signature should be within the prescribed dimensions, usually 80 mm by 35 mm, and the file size should be below 80 KB. Candidates must follow the specifications mentioned in the official CAT 2026 registration guide.

CAT 2026 Registration: Important Instructions

Candidates should enter their name, date of birth and academic information exactly as mentioned in their official documents.

They should also select test cities carefully. The final allotment of the CAT exam centre will depend on availability and the preferences submitted by the candidate.

Applicants are advised to review the complete form before making the final submission. Some details may not be editable after the registration window closes.

Candidates should regularly visit iimcat.ac.in for updates related to the correction window, admit card, exam-day instructions and CAT 2026 result.

----------------------

CAT Study Material