CAT 2026 Registration Expected Soon: Check Dates, Eligibility at iimcat.ac.in

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are gearing up to open registrations for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026, the premier entrance examination for MBA and PGDM programs across IIMs and other top business schools in India. Aspirants can expect the registration window to open in the first week of August 2026 on the official website, https://iimcat.ac.in. The CAT 2026 examination is firmly scheduled for November 29, 2026, offering candidates a clear timeline for their preparation and application process.

CAT 2026 Registration: Expected Dates with Fees

The official CAT 2026 notification is expected to be released in July 2026, with the registration process likely to begin in the first week of August. The entrance exam is scheduled to be held on November 29, 2026, while the application fee varies by candidate category.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements to apply for CAT 2026:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
• Secure at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
• Final-year undergraduate students are also eligible to apply.
• Final-year candidates must meet the minimum qualifying marks after completing their degree.
• There is no upper age limit to appear for the CAT examination.

How to Register for CAT 2026

Candidates planning to apply for CAT 2026 should prepare the necessary documents in advance to ensure a smooth registration process. These include a scanned passport-size photograph, a scanned signature, and mark sheets of Class 10, Class 12, and graduation. Additionally, category or PwD certificates, if applicable, must be ready for upload.

Follow these steps to register for CAT 2026:

1. Go to the official website, https://iimcat.ac.in.
2. Click on the “New Candidate Registration” link on the homepage.
3. Fill in the required personal details to generate your unique login credentials.
4. Log in using the generated credentials and proceed to complete the detailed application form.
5. Upload scanned copies of your passport-size photograph, signature, and academic mark sheets for Class 10, Class 12, and graduation.
6. Upload your category (SC/ST/OBC) or PwD certificates if you are applying under these categories.
7. Pay the applicable application fee online through the provided payment gateway.
8. Review all the entered information carefully and submit your CAT 2026 application form.

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

CAT 2026 will be conducted as a computer-based test to assess candidates’ aptitude across three key sections.

CAT 2026: Important Statistics

The Common Admission Test continues to attract a significant number of aspirants each year. Last year, approximately 2.95 lakh students registered for the CAT examination, with 2.58 lakh candidates ultimately appearing for the test.

The exam is conducted across more than 170 test cities nationwide, ensuring widespread accessibility for candidates from various regions. Success in CAT 2026 opens doors for admission to prestigious MBA and PGDM programs offered by the Indian Institutes of Management and numerous other top-tier business schools across India.

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms. He was instrumental in building Collegedunia from the ground up, shaping its product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection, content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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