The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 registration process has officially begun today, August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Conducted by IIM Indore, CAT 2026 is the gateway to admission into MBA and other postgraduate management programmes offered by the IIMs and several leading B-schools across India. The online application window will remain open until September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM).
Candidates can submit their applications through the official CAT portal:
Official Website: iimcat.ac.in
CAT 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Registration Starts | August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Registration Ends | September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Expected in November 2026 |
CAT 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Registration Fee |
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | INR 2,700 |
| SC / ST / PwD | INR 1,350 |
The application fee must be paid online using Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
How to Apply for CAT 2026
- Visit the official CAT website.
- Click on New Candidate Registration.
- Register using your name, email ID, mobile number, and date of birth.
- Verify the OTP sent to your registered email and mobile.
- Log in using the generated User ID and Password.
- Complete the application form with personal, academic, and work experience details.
- Select your preferred IIM programmes and five test cities.
- Upload the required documents.
- Preview the application carefully.
- Pay the application fee and submit the form.
- Download and save the confirmation page.
Documents Required
- Passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
- Graduation marks and degree details
- Category/EWS/PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Work experience details (if applicable)
- Valid email ID and mobile number
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 120 Minutes
- Sections:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Key Points
- Registration is available only in online mode.
- Candidates should apply well before the last date to avoid technical issues.
- Final-year bachelor's degree students who meet the eligibility conditions can also apply.
- Keep scanned documents ready before starting the application process.
IIM CAT 2026 Registration Window Open @iimcat.ac.in LIVE; Apply Link, Exam Fees & Process FAQs
What is the CAT 2026 application fee?
- General / EWS / NC-OBC: INR 2,700
- SC / ST / PwD: INR 1,350 Fee is non-refundable and payable online only (debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI).
When did CAT 2026 registration start and when does it end?
Registration started on August 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM and will close on September 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
How many test cities can I select?
You can select up to 5 preferred test cities in order of preference. One city will be allotted based on availability.
Can I edit my CAT 2026 application form after submission?
Limited editing is usually allowed after the registration window closes (mainly for photograph, signature, and test city preferences). Major details like name, category, or academic information generally cannot be changed.
Who is eligible to apply for CAT 2026?
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
- Final-year graduation students can also apply (admission will be provisional subject to meeting the marks criteria).
When will the admit card be released?
Admit cards will be available for download from November 4, 2026 onwards (until the exam date).
Do I need to pay the fee separately for every IIM?
No. You pay the registration fee only once. The same CAT score can be used for all IIMs and other participating B-schools.
What documents do I need to upload?
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Category certificate (SC/ST/PwD, if applicable)
- Other supporting documents as specified in the form
When will the CAT 2026 exam be held?
The exam will be conducted on November 29, 2026 (Sunday) in three slots across approximately 170 cities.
What is the official website to apply for CAT 2026?
The only official website is https://iimcat.ac.in. Do not use any other site for registration.