CAT 2026 Notification Out: IIM Indore Opens Registration

The announcement of the CAT 2026 notification by IIM Indore brings forth a series of important dates that every aspirant must be aware of. The most significant date, as confirmed, is the **commencement of online registration on August 3, 2026.** This marks the official opening of the application window where candidates can submit their details, choose their preferred test cities, and complete the fee payment. It's crucial not to procrastinate on this step, as last-minute rushes can lead to technical glitches or errors.

While specific exam dates for CAT 2026 will be detailed in the full official notification, typically the CAT exam is conducted in late November. This gives aspirants a well-defined preparation period once registration opens. Understanding this timeline allows you to segment your CAT preparation strategy effectively, allocating sufficient time for each section: Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, and Quantitative Aptitude. Keep an eye on the official IIM CAT website for updates on the application deadline, admit card release, and the final CAT exam date.

Early registration not only secures your spot but also provides a psychological boost, allowing you to focus purely on preparation. Furthermore, it helps avoid any potential issues with server overload or payment gateway problems that can occur closer to the deadline. MatchToCollege will keep you updated with all critical announcements and deadlines, ensuring you never miss an important step in your MBA admission process.

IIM Indore Releases CAT 2026 Notification; Registration from August 3

The Indian Institutes of Management have released the CAT 2026 notification. Registration opens on August 3 and closes on September 15. Read to know more.

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 notification on the official website at iimcat.ac.in. The computer-based test will be held on Sunday, November 29, 2026. It will be conducted in three sessions across more than 170 test cities in India.

Registration for CAT 2026 will open on August 3, 2026. The last date to submit the application form is September 15, 2026. Candidates seeking admission to the IIMs and other participating B-schools must apply within this window.

The CAT score is used for admission to MBA and PGDM programmes at all 21 IIMs. Several non-IIM institutes such as FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, and IITs also accept CAT scores for their management programmes.

CAT 2026 Important Dates

Source: iimcat.ac.in

CAT 2026 Application Fee

The application fee must be paid online through net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI. The fee is non-refundable once submitted.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for CAT 2026?

Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree with at least 50 percent marks. The minimum requirement is 45 percent for SC, ST, and PwD candidates. Equivalent CGPA is also accepted by IIM Indore.

Students in the final year of their graduation can also apply. There is no upper age limit or cap on the number of attempts. Foreign nationals and NRIs are also eligible under the prescribed rules.

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

CAT 2026 will be conducted as a computer-based test of 120 minutes duration. The paper will carry 68 questions divided across three sections. Each correct answer will fetch three marks.

There will be a negative marking of one mark for every incorrect MCQ response. No marks will be deducted for unanswered questions or non-MCQ items. Candidates cannot switch between sections during the test.

How to Apply for CAT 2026?

Candidates must complete the application process on the official CAT website. Registration requires a valid email ID, mobile number, and scanned documents. The uploaded photograph and signature must meet the specified format.

During the form, applicants will list their programme preferences. Candidates can select up to five preferred test cities in order of choice. IIM Indore will allot the centre based on availability.

CAT 2026 Test Session Slots

The exam will be conducted in three shifts on November 29, 2026. Each candidate will be assigned one slot on the admit card. The slot allotment is done through a computerised process.

With the CAT 2026 notification out and registration slated for August 3, 2026, it's time to refine your preparation strategy. The CAT is not just an exam; it's a test of conceptual clarity, logical reasoning, and time management. A structured and consistent approach is key to cracking this challenging management entrance exam.

Here are crucial steps to master your CAT 2026 preparation:

1. Understand the Syllabus: Begin by thoroughly understanding the CAT syllabus for VARC, DILR, and QA. Identify your strong and weak areas.
2. Create a Study Plan: Develop a realistic study schedule, allocating dedicated time for each section. Incorporate daily practice, weekly revisions, and monthly mock tests.
3. Sectional Preparation: Focus on building strong fundamentals. For VARC, emphasize reading comprehension and critical reasoning. For DILR, practice diverse set types. For QA, ensure conceptual clarity across arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and modern math.
4. Mock Tests & Analysis: Take full-length CAT mock tests regularly. Crucially, analyze your performance after each mock to identify areas for improvement, understand common mistakes, and refine your test-taking strategy.
5. Previous Year Papers: Solve previous year's CAT question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and question types.
6. Time Management & Accuracy: Practice solving questions under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy, which are vital for CAT success.

MatchToCollege offers resources to guide your preparation, including insights into sectional strategies and study techniques that have proven successful for top aspirants. Our platform helps you visualize your progress and adapt your study plan for optimal results, increasing your chances of admission to top B-schools.

Excelling in the CAT exam is just one part of your MBA journey. The subsequent steps, including shortlisting B-schools, preparing for interviews, and understanding your admission chances, are equally critical. This is where MatchToCollege's AI-powered platform truly shines, providing a significant edge to aspiring management professionals.

Our advanced algorithms analyze your CAT scores, academic background, work experience, and other profile details to provide personalized recommendations. The MatchToCollege CAT College Predictor is an indispensable tool that helps you instantly predict your potential colleges based on your expected CAT score and profile. This takes the guesswork out of college selection, allowing you to focus on applications that genuinely align with your profile and aspirations.

But we offer more than just prediction. MatchToCollege provides:

• Personalized Counselling: AI-driven insights offer tailored advice, helping you understand your strengths and areas needing improvement for MBA admissions.
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Don't navigate the complex world of MBA admissions alone. Let MatchToCollege be your intelligent companion, providing data-driven insights and expert guidance to transform your dream of joining a top B-school into a tangible reality. Prepare smart, apply strategically, and secure your future with us.