The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 registration process is currently underway, with eligible candidates able to submit their applications until September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) will conduct CAT 2026 on Sunday, November 29, 2026, as a computer-based examination in three sessions.
CAT is a prerequisite for admission to various postgraduate management programs offered by participating IIMs. CAT 2026 scores can also be used by registered non-IIM member institutions, although the IIMs have no role in the admission process followed by such institutions.
Candidates planning to appear for the examination should complete the registration process well before the deadline and carefully review eligibility, category certificate requirements, application fees, and test city preferences before submitting the form.
Table of Contents
CAT 2026 Important Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Bodies | Indian Institutes of Management |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Registration Started | August 3, 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Last Date to Register | September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Admit Card Availability | November 4 to November 29, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
| Exam Sessions | Three |
| Test Cities | Approximately 170 |
| Expected Result | First week of January 2027 |
| Score Validity | Until December 31, 2027 |
The examination will be held across approximately 170 test cities. Candidates are required to select five preferred test cities during registration, although the final allotment will depend on availability.
Registration Last Date
The CAT 2026 registration window opened at 10:00 AM on August 3, 2026, and will close at 5:00 PM on September 15, 2026.
Candidates should ensure that all personal, academic, and category-related information is entered correctly because certain details, particularly the reservation category, cannot be changed after registration.
During the application process, candidates will be asked to choose five preferred examination cities. After registration closes, one of these preferred cities will normally be allotted depending on seat and center availability. If none is available, a nearby city may be assigned.
Exam Date and Admit Card
CAT 2026 will be conducted on November 29, 2026, in three sessions. The examination will be held in computer-based mode.
Registered candidates will be able to download their CAT 2026 admit cards from November 4, 2026. The admit card will remain available until the examination date on November 29.
The exact examination center and other test-day information will be mentioned on the individual admit card.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA.
For candidates belonging to SC, ST, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) categories, the minimum requirement is 45% marks or equivalent CGPA.
Candidates can also apply if they meet any of the following conditions:
- They have completed a Bachelor’s degree with the required percentage.
- They hold a professional qualification such as CA, CS, ICWA/CMA, or Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI) with the required percentage.
- They are appearing in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree.
- They have completed their degree requirements but are awaiting results.
Final-year candidates who secure admission may be allowed to join provisionally, subject to submitting the required certificate confirming completion of their degree requirements.
Where a university awards grades or CGPA, conversion into a percentage will follow the method certified by that institution. If no conversion method exists, the percentage will be calculated by dividing the candidate’s CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA and multiplying the result by 100.
Application Fee
The registration fee varies by candidate category.
| Category | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| SC, ST, and PwBD | ₹1,350 |
| All Other Candidates | ₹2,700 |
Candidates need to pay the CAT registration fee only once, irrespective of the number of participating institutes to which they intend to apply.
SC, ST, and PwBD applicants are also required to upload the relevant category certificate during registration. The bulletin states that fees once paid are non-refundable.
Reservation Rules for CAT 2026
Reservation will be implemented in accordance with applicable legal requirements. The bulletin specifies the following reservation provisions:
- 15% seats for Scheduled Caste candidates
- 7.5% for Scheduled Tribe candidates
- 27% for NC-OBC candidates
- Up to 10% for Economically Weaker Sections
- 5% for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities
For CAT 2026, NC-OBC certificates must have been issued on or after April 1, 2026.
EWS candidates must possess a certificate valid for 2026-27, with the assessment specifically covering the 2025-26 financial year.
Candidates who have already applied for a fresh NC-OBC or EWS certificate but have not received it at the time of registration can submit the prescribed undertaking, older certificate, and proof that an application for the fresh certificate has been filed. The bulletin warns that incomplete documentation may result in disqualification.
Selection and Admission Process
CAT performance is an important component of the IIM admission process, but individual institutes may consider several additional factors.
Depending on the IIM, these can include:
- CAT 2026 performance
- Previous academic record
- Relevant work experience
- Institute-specific academic cut-offs
- Other criteria prescribed by the respective IIM
Each institute follows its own methodology for shortlisting and final selection. Candidates should therefore review the admission policy of the IIM and the program they intend to join.
Simply meeting the minimum CAT eligibility conditions does not guarantee that a candidate will be shortlisted.
How to Apply for CAT 2026
Candidates can complete the CAT 2026 application process online through the official CAT registration portal. According to the information bulletin, the registration window will remain open until 5:00 PM on September 15, 2026.
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official CAT 2026 website.
- Open the CAT 2026 registration section and complete the initial registration using a valid email address and mobile number.
- Log in with the credentials generated during registration.
- Enter the required personal, academic, and communication details carefully.
- Select the programs and IIMs you wish to apply for, wherever applicable.
- Choose five preferred CAT 2026 test cities from the available list.
- Upload the required photograph, signature, and applicable category certificates/documents.
- Pay the CAT 2026 registration fee online:
- ₹1,350 for SC, ST, and PwBD candidates
- ₹2,700 for all other candidates
- Review the application form carefully before final submission.
- Submit the CAT 2026 application and retain a copy of the confirmation/application details for future reference.
Candidates should be especially careful when selecting their category, as the bulletin states that no change in category will be permitted after CAT registration. Those applying under NC-OBC or EWS should also ensure that their certificates meet the prescribed CAT 2026 validity requirements.
Programs and Participating IIMs
CAT 2026 scores will be used for admission to management programs offered across participating Indian Institutes of Management.
These include postgraduate programs such as MBA, PGP, Business Analytics, Human Resource Management, Digital Business, Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare Management, Supply Chain Management, and several executive programs, depending on the individual IIM.
The bulletin also lists doctoral and Fellow Program in Management (PhD) programs at participating institutes.
Candidates should note that each IIM independently determines its program-specific eligibility criteria and admission policy. Therefore, qualifying for the CAT does not automatically guarantee shortlisting or admission.
