CAT 2026 Registration Open: Dates, How to Apply & More

While the official notification with exact dates for CAT 2026 is awaited from the IIM CAT committee, based on previous years' trends, candidates can anticipate the registration process to begin in early August 2026.

CAT 2026 Registration Begins at iimcat.ac.in; Check Last Date to Apply

IIM Indore has opened CAT 2026 registration at iimcat.ac.in from August 3. Candidates can apply until September 15. The exam will be held on November 29 in three shifts across 170 test cities in computer-based mode.

The IIM Indore has opened CAT 2026 registration. The Common Admission Test application went live at iimcat.ac.in on August 3. Registration opened at 10 AM and closes on September 15, 2026.

The exam will be held on Sunday, November 29, 2026. It will run as a computer-based test across three separate sessions. Nearly 170 test cities across India will host the paper.

CAT scores are accepted by all 21 Indian Institutes of Management. Over 1,200 other business schools also use CAT for MBA admissions. The window will remain open until 5 PM on the last day.

CAT 2026 Important Dates

Candidates should note the full schedule released by IIM Indore. The key milestones are listed below.

Source: iimcat.ac.in

CAT 2026 Application Fee

The application fee varies by candidate category. Payment must be made online through the official portal.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for CAT 2026?

The minimum eligibility is a bachelor's degree with 50 percent marks. SC, ST and PwD candidates need a minimum of 45 percent. Candidates in the final year of graduation can also apply.

The degree must be from a UGC-recognised university. There is no upper age limit for CAT 2026.

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

The paper follows a fixed structure across all three sessions. Each session lasts 120 minutes and covers three sections.

The paper carries multiple-choice and non-MCQ questions. Correct answers earn three marks and wrong MCQs lose one mark. There is no penalty for wrong non-MCQ answers.

Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration

Candidates should keep the following documents ready before applying. This will help complete the form without delays.

• Valid email ID and active mobile number
• Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets
• Graduation mark sheet or provisional certificate
• Category certificate for SC, ST, NC-OBC and EWS candidates
• Disability certificate for PwD candidates
• Scanned photograph and signature in the prescribed format
• Payment details for net banking, card or UPI

How to Apply for CAT 2026?

Candidates must complete the process on the official portal. The steps below explain the full flow.

First, visit iimcat.ac.in and click on the registration link. Next, enter your name, email and mobile number to create a login. Then log in and fill in personal, academic and work details.

Upload a passport photograph and signature as per the given format. Select up to six preferred test cities in order of choice. Pay the fee through net banking, card or UPI.

Save the confirmation page and download a copy for future reference.

The CAT 2026 application process is entirely online and conducted through the official IIM CAT website, iimcat.ac.in. Follow these crucial steps to ensure a smooth and successful registration:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to iimcat.ac.in and click on the 'New Candidate Registration' link.
2. Create a Profile: Enter your personal details (name, date of birth, email ID, mobile number) to generate a User ID and Password. You will receive these credentials via email and SMS.
3. Log In & Fill Application Form: Use your User ID and Password to log in. Proceed to fill out the detailed application form, which includes personal information, academic qualifications, work experience (if any), and preferred test cities.
4. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-sized photograph and signature as per the specifications mentioned in the official notification (usually specific dimensions and file size).
5. Pay Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable application fee online using a credit/debit card or net banking. The fee structure typically varies for General/OBC candidates and SC/ST/PwD candidates.
6. Review and Submit: Carefully review all the entered information before final submission. Once submitted, it's advisable to download and print a copy of the completed application form for your records.

Any discrepancies in your application form can lead to rejection, so double-check every detail. MatchToCollege offers personalized assistance to ensure your application is flawless.

Before you begin your CAT 2026 application, it's vital to confirm you meet the stipulated eligibility criteria set by the IIMs:

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor's Degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwD categories) from a university incorporated by an Act of the central or state legislature in India, or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament, or declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification recognized by the Ministry of HRD, Government of India.

• Final Year Students: Candidates appearing for the final year of a Bachelor's degree/equivalent qualification examination and those who have completed degree requirements and are awaiting results are also eligible to apply. However, their admission will be provisional and subject to obtaining the minimum percentage of marks.

• No Age Limit: Unlike many other competitive exams, there is generally no age limit to apply for CAT.

The CAT exam pattern has largely remained consistent in recent years, focusing on Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

Expect a similar structure for CAT 2026, with 66 questions to be answered in 120 minutes. MatchToCollege provides resources and expert counsellors to help you understand the exam pattern, create a robust study plan, and identify your dream B-schools.