The Indian Institutes of Management have officially announced the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 notification for admission into postgraduate management programmes offered by participating IIMs and several other top business schools across India. Every year, lakhs of MBA aspirants appear for the CAT examination to secure admission into prestigious management institutes.
The CAT 2026 online application process will begin on August 3, 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications until September 15, 2026. The examination is scheduled to be conducted on November 29, 2026.
If you are planning to pursue an MBA or management programme in 2027, this guide covers everything you need to know about CAT 2026 including eligibility, application fees, important dates, participating IIMs, documents required, selection process, and frequently asked questions.
IIM CAT 2026 Overview
The Common Admission Test, popularly known as CAT, is India’s most competitive management entrance examination. It is conducted annually by one of the Indian Institutes of Management on a rotational basis.
A good CAT score opens the door to admissions in IIMs, leading business schools, and several reputed universities offering MBA, PGDM, PGP, Executive Management, and Fellowship programmes.
The CAT examination evaluates candidates on quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, reading comprehension, data interpretation, and logical reasoning. Every year, more than three lakh candidates compete for limited seats in India’s premier management institutes.
IIM CAT 2026 Important Dates
The official schedule for CAT 2026 is as follows.
Online application starts on August 3, 2026.
Last date to submit the application is September 15, 2026.
The final date for fee payment is September 15, 2026.
The CAT 2026 examination will be conducted on November 29, 2026.
Admit cards will be available for download from November 4, 2026.
The result announcement date will be notified later on the official website.
Applicants are advised to complete the registration process well before the closing date to avoid last minute technical issues.
CAT 2026 Application Fee
Candidates belonging to the General, OBC, and EWS categories will have to pay an application fee of ₹2,700.
Applicants from SC, ST, and PwD categories are required to pay ₹1,350.
The application fee can be paid online through Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS, UPI, Mobile Wallet, or other available digital payment options.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for CAT 2026 must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university or institution.
General, OBC, and EWS candidates should have secured at least 50 percent marks or an equivalent CGPA.
SC, ST, and PwD candidates must have obtained at least 45 percent marks or equivalent CGPA.
Students appearing in the final year of their graduation are also eligible to apply. However, they must complete all degree requirements and submit the required certificates within the timeline specified by the respective IIM after selection.
There is no upper age limit for appearing in the CAT examination.
Programmes Offered Through CAT 2026
The CAT score is accepted for admission into several prestigious management programmes.
These include Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), MBA, PGDM, Executive Management programmes, and Fellowship Programme in Management (FPM) or PhD offered by participating IIMs and many other leading institutions.
Different institutes may have additional eligibility requirements, work experience criteria, or selection procedures.
Participating IIMs in CAT 2026
CAT 2026 scores will be accepted by the following Indian Institutes of Management.
IIM Ahmedabad
IIM Amritsar
IIM Bangalore
IIM Bodh Gaya
IIM Calcutta
IIM Indore
IIM Jammu
IIM Kashipur
IIM Kozhikode
IIM Lucknow
IIM Nagpur
IIM Raipur
IIM Ranchi
IIM Rohtak
IIM Sambalpur
IIM Shillong
IIM Sirmaur
IIM Tiruchirappalli
IIM Udaipur
IIM Visakhapatnam
Apart from these institutes, several non IIM business schools across India also accept CAT scores for MBA admissions.
Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration
Before starting the application process, candidates should keep the following documents ready.
Recent passport size photograph.
Scanned signature.
Valid email ID.
Active mobile number.
Graduation mark sheets.
Category certificate if applicable.
PwD certificate if applicable.
Photo identity proof.
Payment details for online fee submission.
Keeping these documents ready will make the application process faster and smoother.
How to Apply for IIM CAT 2026
Candidates can complete the online registration by following these simple steps.
Visit the official CAT website.
Click on the CAT 2026 Registration link.
Create a new user account using your email ID and mobile number.
Complete the registration process and verify your account.
Log in using the generated credentials.
Fill in personal, academic, and communication details carefully.
Upload the required documents in the prescribed format.
Select your preferred test cities.
Pay the application fee online.
Review all entered information carefully.
Submit the application form.
Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
Candidates should carefully verify every detail before final submission because corrections may not be allowed after the application window closes.
CAT 2026 Selection Process
Qualifying CAT does not guarantee admission into an IIM.
Each participating institute prepares its own shortlist based on CAT scores along with academic performance, work experience, diversity factors, and other institutional criteria.
Shortlisted candidates are invited for further rounds, which may include.
Written Ability Test.
Personal Interview.
Group Discussion, if applicable.
Final merit lists are prepared using CAT scores along with performance in the subsequent selection stages.
CAT 2026 Preparation Tips
Candidates should begin their preparation as early as possible.
Create a realistic study schedule and follow it consistently.
Focus on strengthening Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, and Reading Comprehension.
Solve previous years’ CAT question papers.
Attempt full length mock tests regularly.
Analyze your mistakes after every mock test.
Improve your reading speed and vocabulary by reading newspapers and editorials daily.
Time management remains one of the biggest factors in achieving a high percentile.
Why CAT is One of India’s Most Important MBA Entrance Exams
CAT remains the most preferred management entrance examination because it provides access to India’s top business schools with excellent placement records, world class faculty, global recognition, and strong alumni networks.
Graduates from IIMs often receive attractive salary packages and leadership opportunities across consulting, finance, technology, marketing, analytics, operations, and entrepreneurship.
A strong CAT score can significantly improve career prospects for aspiring management professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will CAT 2026 registration begin?
The online registration process will begin on August 3, 2026.
What is the last date to apply for CAT 2026?
The final date to submit the online application is September 15, 2026.
When will CAT 2026 be conducted?
The examination is scheduled for November 29, 2026.
Who can apply for CAT 2026?
Candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree securing at least 50 percent marks (45 percent for SC, ST, and PwD candidates) are eligible. Final year students can also apply.
Is there any age limit for CAT?
No. There is no upper age limit for appearing in CAT.
What is the CAT 2026 application fee?
The application fee is ₹2,700 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates, while SC, ST, and PwD candidates need to pay ₹1,350.
Can final year graduation students apply?
Yes. Final year students are eligible, subject to fulfilling the degree requirements within the prescribed timeline.
How many IIMs accept CAT scores?
Twenty participating IIMs will accept CAT 2026 scores, along with numerous leading management institutes across India.
Final Words
CAT 2026 is an excellent opportunity for candidates aiming to build a successful career in management. With registrations opening on August 3, interested applicants should start preparing their documents and begin exam preparation early. A disciplined study plan, regular mock tests, and strong conceptual understanding can significantly improve your chances of securing admission into one of India’s premier business schools.
Candidates should regularly visit the official CAT website for the latest announcements regarding the information bulletin, admit card, examination guidelines, answer key, and result updates. This will ensure they never miss any important notification related to CAT 2026 admissions.