IIM CAT 2026 Registration Closes Tomorrow, September 15; Admit Cards on November 4 at iimcat.ac.in

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) will conclude the registration process for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 tomorrow, September 15, 2026, at 5 pm. Aspiring candidates for MBA/PGDM programs across IIMs and other prominent business schools must complete their applications on the official website, iimcat.ac.in, before the deadline. The admit cards for the examination are scheduled for release on November 4, 2026.

This marks a critical juncture for thousands of management aspirants nationwide, as the CAT 2026 examination, conducted by IIM Indore, is set to take place on November 29, 2026. The timely completion of registration is essential for candidates aiming to secure a seat in India’s premier management institutions, with the application window having commenced on August 3, 2026.

CAT 2026 Registration: Key Dates and Deadlines

The registration window for CAT 2026, which opened on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM, is set to close tomorrow, September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Following the registration, a form correction window will be available from September 24 to September 27, 2026, allowing candidates to rectify any errors in their applications. The admit card will be released on November 4, 2026, ahead of the examination on November 29, 2026.

IIM Indore, the conducting body for CAT 2026, has outlined a clear schedule for all key events, ensuring transparency and timely progression for candidates. The CAT 2026 notification was initially released on July 26, 2026, providing thorough details to prospective applicants. The answer key is expected to be released on December 3, 2026, with the final results anticipated on December 23, 2026.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria and Application Fees

To be eligible for CAT 2026, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA. A relaxation of 5% is provided for candidates belonging to the SC, ST, and PwBD categories, requiring at least 45% marks or equivalent CGPA. It is mandatory for SC, ST, and PwBD candidates to upload a copy of their respective certificates during the registration process.

The registration fee for CAT 2026 is ₹1350 for candidates from the SC, ST, and PwBD categories. For all other candidates, the fee is ₹2700. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid only once through online mode, irrespective of the number of institutes a candidate applies to. This fee structure ensures accessibility while covering the administrative costs of conducting the nationwide examination.

CAT 2026 Examination Pattern and Structure

The CAT 2026 examination will be a two-hour test comprising 68 questions distributed across three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Each correct answer will fetch 3 marks, while an incorrect answer will lead to a deduction of 1 mark. There is no negative marking for unattempted questions.

The exam will be conducted in three distinct sessions on November 29, 2026, across 170 designated cities in India. Slot 1 is scheduled from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, Slot 2 from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, and Slot 3 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Candidates will be allotted a specific slot and city, which will be mentioned on their admit cards. This multi-slot format aims to accommodate the large number of applicants while ensuring smooth conduct of the examination.

How to Register for CAT 2026

Candidates who have not yet registered for CAT 2026 must do so by tomorrow, September 15, 2026, at 5 pm. The process is entirely online and requires careful attention to detail, including uploading necessary documents and paying the application fee.

1. Go to the official website, iimcat.ac.in.
2. Click on the ‘New Candidate Registration’ link.
3. Fill in the required personal details to generate a User ID and Password.
4. Log in using the generated credentials.
5. Complete the CAT 2026 application form with academic, personal, and contact information.
6. Upload scanned copies of photographs, signatures, and category certificates (if applicable) as per the specified format and size.
7. Pay the registration fee online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking.
8. Review all entered details carefully before final submission.
9. Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

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