IIM CAT 2026 notification is out. Check CAT 2026 registration date, exam date, eligibility, application fee, syllabus, exam pattern, admit card, result and admission process.
IIM CAT 2026 Notification
The IIM CAT 2026 notification is one of the most important updates for MBA aspirants in India. CAT, or Common Admission Test, is the national-level management entrance exam used for admission to the flagship MBA and postgraduate management programmes of the Indian Institutes of Management and many other top B-schools.
As per current CAT 2026 updates, the registration process is scheduled to begin on 3 August 2026 at 10:00 AM, and the last date to apply is 15 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM. CAT 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on 29 November 2026 in three sessions across test cities in India. Students should apply only through the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in.
Students must remember that CAT is not only for IIMs. CAT scores are also used by many reputed non-IIM institutions such as FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IIT management departments, IIFT and many other B-schools.
This detailed guide explains the IIM CAT 2026 notification, important dates, eligibility, registration process, application fee, exam pattern, syllabus, admit card, result, score validity, selection process and preparation strategy.
IIM CAT 2026 Notification: Quick Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test 2026 |
| Popular Name | CAT 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
| Course Admission | MBA / PGP / PGDM and other management programmes |
| Registration Start Date | 3 August 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Registration Last Date | 15 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | 29 November 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-based test |
| Exam Sessions | Three sessions |
| Test Cities | Around 170 cities |
| Score Accepted By | IIMs and many non-IIM B-schools |
| Result | Likely first week of January 2027 |
| Score Validity | Up to 31 December 2027 |
CAT 2026 Important Dates
The CAT 2026 schedule is very important because missing the registration deadline means losing one full admission cycle.
| CAT 2026 Event | Date / Timeline |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 Notification Release | July 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Registration Starts | 3 August 2026, 10:00 AM |
| CAT 2026 Registration Ends | 15 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Admit Card Download Begins | 4 November 2026 |
| Admit Card Download Ends | 29 November 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | 29 November 2026 |
| Result Declaration | Likely first week of January 2027 |
| CAT 2026 Score Validity | Up to 31 December 2027 |
The admit card for CAT 2026 is expected to be available from 4 November 2026 to 29 November 2026, and the result is likely to be declared in the first week of January 2027.
Official Website for IIM CAT 2026
The official website for CAT 2026 is:
Students should be careful while applying because fake websites may misuse the CAT name. The CAT official website notice for the previous cycle clearly warned candidates that iimcat.ac.in is the official CAT website and there is no other website for CAT. Students should verify the URL before entering personal details or making payment.
What is CAT Exam?
CAT stands for Common Admission Test. It is a computer-based management entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management for admission into postgraduate management programmes.
CAT score is mainly used for:
IIM MBA / PGP admission
FMS Delhi MBA admission
IIT MBA admission
SPJIMR PGDM admission
MDI Gurgaon admission
IIFT MBA admission
IMI, IMT, MICA, TAPMI, GIM and other B-school admissions
However, each college has its own selection process. A CAT score alone does not guarantee admission.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Students must check eligibility before filling the CAT 2026 application form.
Basic Eligibility
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or institution.
Minimum Marks Required
| Category | Minimum Marks Required |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | 50% marks or equivalent CGPA |
| SC / ST / PwD | 45% marks or equivalent CGPA |
Final-year graduation students can also apply, subject to meeting the required conditions during admission. There is no upper age limit for CAT 2026.
Who Can Apply for CAT 2026?
Graduates from any stream can apply, including:
BBA
BCom
BA
BSc
BTech
BCA
BMS
BPharma
Hotel Management
Agriculture
Law
Medical and allied fields
Other recognised bachelor’s degrees
CAT is open to students from different academic backgrounds, but candidates must meet the official eligibility criteria.
CAT 2026 Registration Process
CAT 2026 registration will be completed online through the official website.
Step-by-Step CAT 2026 Application Process
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the official CAT website: iimcat.ac.in.
Step 2: Create User ID
Register using your name, date of birth, email ID and mobile number.
Step 3: Login to CAT Portal
Use the generated User ID and password to access the application form.
Step 4: Fill Personal Details
Enter personal information such as name, category, nationality, address and contact details.
Step 5: Fill Academic Details
Enter Class 10, Class 12, graduation and other academic details carefully.
Step 6: Enter Work Experience
Working professionals should enter valid full-time work experience details, if applicable.
Step 7: Select Programmes and IIMs
Choose the IIM programmes for which you want to be considered.
Step 8: Choose Test Cities
Select preferred test cities as per the available options.
Step 9: Upload Documents
Upload photograph, signature and category certificates, if applicable.
Step 10: Pay Application Fee
Pay the CAT application fee online and save the confirmation page.
CAT 2026 Application Fee
The CAT 2026 registration fee has been revised.
| Category | CAT 2026 Application Fee |
|---|---|
| SC / ST / PwBD Candidates | ₹1,350 |
| All Other Candidates | ₹2,700 |
The application fee is paid only once, irrespective of the number of IIMs or participating institutes selected. The fee is non-refundable. Candidates belonging to SC, ST and PwBD categories must upload valid certificates during registration.
Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration
Students should keep these documents ready before starting the application form:
Passport-size photograph
Scanned signature
Class 10 marksheet
Class 12 marksheet
Graduation marksheets
Degree certificate, if available
Final-year certificate, if applicable
Category certificate, if applicable
PwD certificate, if applicable
EWS certificate, if applicable
NC-OBC certificate, if applicable
Work experience details, if applicable
Payment details
Make sure the details in the application form match your documents.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
CAT 2026 is expected to follow the existing structure without major changes. The exam is likely to have 68 questions across three sections: VARC, DILR and QA. Each section is expected to have a 40-minute time limit, and candidates cannot switch between sections during the test.
| Section | Full Form | Expected Questions |
|---|---|---|
| VARC | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 24 |
| DILR | Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | 22 |
| QA | Quantitative Aptitude | 22 |
| Total | — | 68 |
CAT 2026 Marking Scheme
| Question Type | Marking |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +3 marks |
| Wrong MCQ Answer | -1 mark |
| Wrong TITA Answer | No negative marking |
| Unattempted Question | 0 marks |
Around 70% of questions may be MCQs and around 30% may be TITA-type questions. Negative marking applies only to wrong MCQ answers.
CAT 2026 Syllabus
The CAT syllabus is not officially defined in the same way as board exams, but the exam usually tests aptitude in three areas.
VARC Syllabus
Reading Comprehension
Para Jumbles
Para Summary
Odd Sentence Out
Vocabulary in Context
Inference-Based Questions
Critical Reasoning
DILR Syllabus
Tables
Charts
Graphs
Caselets
Arrangements
Puzzles
Venn Diagrams
Data Sufficiency
Logical Sets
Games and Tournaments
Routes and Networks
QA Syllabus
Arithmetic
Algebra
Geometry
Mensuration
Number System
Modern Mathematics
Percentages
Profit and Loss
Time and Work
Time, Speed and Distance
Ratio and Proportion
Simple and Compound Interest
Equations and Inequalities
Arithmetic, reading comprehension and logical data sets usually play a very important role in CAT preparation.
CAT 2026 Admit Card
CAT 2026 admit card will be released online. Candidates must download it from the official CAT website using their login credentials.
Admit Card May Include
Candidate name
Registration number
Exam date
Exam session
Reporting time
Test centre address
Candidate photograph
Exam-day instructions
Students should check every detail carefully. Any mistake should be reported through the official helpdesk.
CAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines
On exam day, students should reach the test centre early and follow all instructions.
Important Points
Carry printed admit card.
Carry valid photo ID proof.
Do not carry prohibited items.
Follow reporting time strictly.
Read instructions carefully.
Do not attempt unfair means.
Follow the sectional time limit.
Stay calm during the exam.
Students should read the official CAT admit card instructions before exam day.
CAT 2026 Result and Score Validity
CAT 2026 result is likely to be declared in the first week of January 2027. Candidates will be able to download their scorecard from the official CAT website. The CAT 2026 score is expected to remain valid up to 31 December 2027.
CAT Scorecard Usually Includes
Candidate details
Sectional scaled score
Overall scaled score
Sectional percentile
Overall percentile
Validity details
After the result, IIMs and other B-schools release shortlist and admission process details according to their individual policies.
CAT 2026 Admission Process
CAT is the first step, not the final admission.
Common Selection Stages
CAT score
Shortlisting by IIMs and B-schools
Written Ability Test
Group Discussion, where applicable
Personal Interview
Academic record evaluation
Work experience evaluation
Diversity score
Final merit list
Each IIM has its own admission criteria. Some give more weight to CAT score, while others also give strong weight to academic record, work experience, gender diversity and academic diversity.
Top Colleges Accepting CAT 2026 Score
CAT score is accepted by all IIMs and many top non-IIM B-schools.
Popular IIMs Accepting CAT
IIM Ahmedabad
IIM Bangalore
IIM Calcutta
IIM Lucknow
IIM Kozhikode
IIM Indore
IIM Mumbai
IIM Shillong
IIM Udaipur
IIM Trichy
IIM Ranchi
IIM Raipur
IIM Kashipur
IIM Rohtak
IIM Nagpur
IIM Visakhapatnam
IIM Amritsar
IIM Bodh Gaya
IIM Jammu
IIM Sambalpur
IIM Sirmaur
Popular Non-IIM Colleges Accepting CAT
FMS Delhi
SPJIMR Mumbai
MDI Gurgaon
IIT Delhi DMS
IIT Bombay SJMSOM
IIT Kharagpur VGSoM
IIT Madras DoMS
IIT Kanpur DoMS
IIT Roorkee DoMS
IIFT
MICA Ahmedabad
IMT Ghaziabad
IMI Delhi
Great Lakes
TAPMI
GIM Goa
FORE School of Management
LBSIM Delhi
K J Somaiya
Welingkar
BIMTECH
The CAT 2026 notification is important not only for IIM aspirants but also for students targeting India’s leading MBA and PGDM institutions.
CAT 2026 Preparation Strategy
A good CAT preparation plan should be practical and consistent.
1. Understand the Pattern First
Before starting preparation, understand the number of sections, question types, marking scheme and time limit.
2. Build Strong Basics
Do not jump directly into mocks. First build concepts in arithmetic, algebra, reading comprehension and logical reasoning.
3. Make a Section-Wise Plan
Prepare separately for VARC, DILR and QA.
4. Take Mock Tests
Mocks help students improve speed, accuracy, decision-making and time management.
5. Analyse Every Mock
Mock analysis is more important than the number of mocks. Check wrong answers, skipped questions and weak topics.
6. Improve Reading Habit
Read newspapers, editorials, business articles and long-form content to improve comprehension.
7. Practice DILR Sets Daily
DILR improves with regular practice. Try different types of puzzles, charts, tables and caselets.
8. Focus on Accuracy
CAT is not about attempting every question. It is about selecting the right questions and solving them accurately.
Section-Wise CAT 2026 Preparation Tips
VARC Preparation Tips
Read daily for 30–45 minutes.
Practice reading comprehension passages.
Solve para jumbles and para summary questions.
Focus on inference-based reading.
Avoid overthinking options.
DILR Preparation Tips
Practice 2–3 sets daily.
Start with easy and moderate sets.
Learn set selection.
Use tables and diagrams.
Avoid spending too much time on one set.
QA Preparation Tips
Focus first on arithmetic.
Revise formulas regularly.
Practice topic-wise questions.
Solve previous-year questions.
Build speed through timed practice.
CAT 2026 Month-Wise Preparation Plan
August 2026
Complete basics of arithmetic, algebra, reading comprehension and DILR foundations.
September 2026
Start sectional tests and revise weak topics. Complete registration before the deadline.
October 2026
Take full-length mock tests regularly. Analyse mistakes and improve test strategy.
November 2026
Focus on revision, mock analysis, formula review and exam temperament.
Do not start completely new topics in the last few days before the exam.
Common Mistakes Students Should Avoid
Missing the registration deadline
Using unofficial websites
Entering wrong academic details
Uploading unclear photograph or signature
Not checking eligibility
Ignoring sectional preparation
Taking mocks without analysis
Preparing only QA and ignoring VARC/DILR
Not keeping backup colleges
Waiting for result before researching colleges
Ignoring GD-PI preparation
Trusting fake notifications on social media
Is CAT 2026 Tough?
CAT is competitive because it is used by top management institutes in India. However, it is not impossible. Students who prepare consistently, understand the pattern, take mocks and analyse their mistakes can perform well.
The exam tests:
Concept clarity
Reading ability
Logical thinking
Data interpretation
Quantitative aptitude
Time management
Question selection
A smart strategy is more important than only studying long hours.
IIM CAT 2026 Notification: Important Points for Students
Students should remember these points:
Apply only through iimcat.ac.in.
Registration starts on 3 August 2026.
Last date to apply is 15 September 2026.
Exam date is 29 November 2026.
Admit card download starts on 4 November 2026.
Result is likely in January 2027.
CAT score is valid up to 31 December 2027.
Check eligibility before applying.
Prepare for both CAT and interview rounds.
Final Thoughts
The IIM CAT 2026 notification is a major update for MBA aspirants planning admission to IIMs and other top B-schools in India. CAT 2026 is scheduled for 29 November 2026, and registration will start on 3 August 2026 through the official website iimcat.ac.in.
Students should complete registration before the deadline, prepare documents carefully and start serious exam preparation without delay. CAT is competitive, but a clear study plan, regular mock tests and consistent revision can improve performance.
Before applying to any MBA college, students should also compare cutoffs, fees, placements, specializations, location and ROI. A good CAT score can open many opportunities, but the final selection depends on overall profile and performance in the admission process.
FAQs on IIM CAT 2026 Notification
Is IIM CAT 2026 notification released?
Yes, current updates report that CAT 2026 notification has been released and registration will begin on 3 August 2026 through the official website iimcat.ac.in.
What is the CAT 2026 exam date?
CAT 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on 29 November 2026.
When will CAT 2026 registration start?
CAT 2026 registration is scheduled to start on 3 August 2026 at 10:00 AM.
What is the last date to apply for CAT 2026?
The last date to submit the CAT 2026 application form is 15 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM.
What is the official website for CAT 2026?
The official website for CAT is iimcat.ac.in.
What is the CAT 2026 application fee?
The CAT 2026 application fee is ₹2,700 for all other candidates and ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwBD candidates.
What is the eligibility for CAT 2026?
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA. SC, ST and PwD candidates need at least 45% marks. Final-year graduation students can also apply.
Is there any age limit for CAT 2026?
No, there is no upper age limit for CAT 2026.
How many sections are there in CAT 2026?
CAT usually has three sections: VARC, DILR and QA.
How many questions are expected in CAT 2026?
CAT 2026 is expected to have 68 questions: 24 in VARC, 22 in DILR and 22 in QA.
Is CAT score accepted only by IIMs?
No, CAT score is accepted by IIMs and many other top B-schools such as FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, IITs, IIFT, IMT, IMI, MICA and others.
When will CAT 2026 result be declared?
CAT 2026 result is likely to be declared in the first week of January 2027.
Website Disclaimer
CAT 2026 dates, eligibility, fees, exam pattern, admit card, result, score validity, selection process and admission rules may change as per official notification. Students should verify all details from the official CAT website iimcat.ac.in before applying.