CAT 2026 Notification (Out): Exam Date (Nov 29), Registration Live (Aug 3), Eligibility & Conducting IIM
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CAT 2026 Notification has been officially released by IIM Indore in the last week of July 2026, announcing the complete schedule for the CAT exam 2026. According to the official notification, the CAT 2026 registration date begins on August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) and closes on September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM). The CAT 2026 exam date is November 29, 2026 (Sunday), while the admit card will be released on November 4, 2026. Candidates preparing for the CAT exam should complete their registration on time and start preparing according to the latest CAT syllabus 2026. Accepted by 21 IIMs and over 1,300 MBA colleges, CAT 2026 is the most popular MBA entrance exam in India. Read this article for a detailed overview of CAT Exam 2026.
CAT 2026 Notification Highlights
CAT 2026 Notification has already been released by IIM Indore, confirming all major events, including the CAT 2026 exam date, registration schedule, admit card release, and examination mode. Candidates can refer to the table below for a quick overview of the latest CAT Exam 2026 .
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Institute | IIM Indore |
| CAT 2026 Notification Release | Last Week of July 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Registration Start Date | August 3, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Registration Last Date | September 15, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Admit Card | November 4, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Test Cities | 170+ |
| Participating IIMs | 21 |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
Explore CAT Exam Pattern 2026
Understand the latest CAT Exam Pattern 2026 before you begin your preparation. Check the section-wise weightage, marking scheme, exam duration, time limit, and question distribution to build an effective strategy for scoring a high percentile.
Explore CAT Exam Pattern 2026CAT 2026 Important Dates
The official CAT 2026 schedule has been announced, with registration starting on August 3, 2026 and the CAT 2026 exam date scheduled for November 29, 2026. Candidates can refer to the table below for all the important dates announced in the official CAT 2026 Notification.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 Notification | Last Week of July 2026 |
| CAT Registration 2026 Starts | August 3, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Registration Ends | September 15, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | November 4, 2026 |
| CAT Exam Date 2026 | November 29, 2026 |
| CAT Result 2026 | Expected December 2026 |
View CAT 2026 Study Plan
Looking for a structured preparation strategy? Explore the CAT 2026 Study Plan with month-wise goals, subject-wise preparation strategy, mock test schedules, revision techniques, and expert tips to maximise your CAT percentile.
View CAT 2026 Study PlanCAT Registration 2026
CAT registration 2026 process begins on August 3, 2026, and candidates can complete the application online through iimcat.ac.in. CAT exam 2026 registration date closes on September 15, 2026, after which no fresh applications will be accepted. The table below summarizes the registration timeline and key details before you begin the CAT application process.
How to Apply for CAT Exam 2026?
CAT exam 2026 registration process is conducted entirely online and can be completed in a few simple steps. Following the correct application procedure helps candidates avoid errors and ensures successful submission of the CAT 2026 application form .
Step 1
Visit iimcat.ac.in.
Step 2
Register using your email ID and mobile number.
Step 3
Fill in your personal and academic details.
Step 4
Upload your photograph and signature.
Step 5
Upload category certificates, if applicable.
Step 6
Select five preferred test cities.
Step 7
Pay the application fee online.
Step 8
Submit the application and download the confirmation page.
Apply for CAT Registration 2026
CAT 2026 Registration is now open from August 3 to September 15, 2026. Check the eligibility, application fee, required documents, and step-by-step registration process before applying.
Apply for CAT Registration 2026CAT Application Fee 2026
CAT application fee 2026 varies according to the candidate's category and must be paid online during registration. The table below shows the category-wise CAT 2026 application fee applicable to all candidates.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | ₹2,700 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹1,350 |
Documents Required for CAT Registration 2026
Before starting CAT registration 2026, candidates should keep all essential documents ready to ensure a smooth application process. The list below includes all the documents required for successful CAT 2026 registration.
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Best GD/PI Coaching in Delhi NCRCAT Admit Card 2026
CAT 2026 admit card will be available for download from November 4, 2026. Candidates appearing for the CAT exam 2026 must download their admit card using their User ID and Password from iimcat.ac.in. Carry the following documents on the exam day:
CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
Graduation with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) is the minimum qualification, while final-year students are also eligible to apply for CAT 2026. The table below provides the complete CAT 2026 eligibility criteria, including educational qualification, minimum marks, and age limit.
| Eligibility | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Bachelor's Degree |
| Minimum Marks | 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwD) |
| Final Year Students | Eligible |
| Age Limit | No Upper Age Limit |
Explore Top Tier 1 MBA Colleges
Planning beyond CAT? Explore the list of Top Tier 1 MBA Colleges in India, including IIMs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, XLRI, MDI Gurgaon, and other leading B-schools with placements, fees, and cutoffs.
Explore Top Tier 1 MBA CollegesCAT Exam Pattern 2026
CAT exam pattern 2026 includes 68 questions across VARC, DILR, and QA, to be completed within 120 minutes. The table below explains the latest CAT 2026 exam pattern, marking scheme, duration, and sectional time limit.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | CBT |
| Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Sections | VARC, DILR & QA |
| Sectional Time Limit | 40 Minutes Each |
| Total Questions | 68 |
| Total Marks | 204 |
| Correct Answer | +3 |
| Wrong MCQ | −1 |
| TITA Questions | No Negative Marking |
Sections Covered in CAT Syllabus 2026
CAT syllabus 2026 broadly covers three sections:
CareerChoice360 Tip: To stay competitive in CAT 2026, candidates should aim to complete 40–50 full-length mock tests before the CAT 2026 exam on November 29, 2026, and analyze each mock to improve your percentile.