CAT 2026 NOTIFICATION
CAT 2026 ELIGIBILITY
🔴 CAT 2026 Latest Update
- Notification Released: 26 July 2026
- Registration Starts: 3 August 2026 (10:00 AM)
- Last Date to Apply: 15 September 2026 (5:00 PM)
- Exam Date: 29 November 2026
- Conducting IIM: IIM Indore
Planning to appear for CAT 2026? Bookmark this page. We will continuously update it with the application link, correction window, admit card, answer key, response sheet, result, cut-offs, and counselling-related updates.
The wait is over for lakhs of MBA aspirants across India. The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 – the gateway exam to India’s 21 IIMs and hundreds of top B-schools – is expected to open registrations from August 3rd. If you’re targeting an MBA seat for the 2027–29 batch, this is the exam you need to crack.
At Manabadi, we’re tracking every update on CAT 2026 in real time – from the notification release to the final scorecard – so you don’t miss a single deadline. Here’s your complete, zero-confusion guide to CAT 2026.
How to Register for CAT 2026?
Candidates who wish to appear for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 must complete the online registration process through the official CAT website within the prescribed deadline. Before applying, applicants should keep their valid email ID, mobile number, academic details, work experience (if applicable), passport-size photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable) ready.
Steps to Register for CAT 2026
Step 1: Visit the official CAT 2026 website.
Step 2: Click on “New Candidate Registration” on the homepage.
Step 3: Enter your Name, Date of Birth, Email ID, Mobile Number, and Nationality to create your account.
Step 4: Verify the OTP sent to your registered mobile number and email ID.
Step 5: Log in using the User ID and Password generated after successful registration.
Step 6: Fill in the CAT 2026 Application Form by providing your personal details, academic qualifications, work experience, and communication address.
Step 7: Select your preferred MBA programmes, IIMs, and test city preferences carefully.
Step 8: Upload the required documents, including:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Category/PwD certificate (if applicable)
Step 9: Pay the prescribed CAT 2026 Application Fee using Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI, or other available online payment methods.
Step 10: Review all the entered details carefully, click on “Submit”, and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Important Points to Remember
- Register only through the official CAT website.
- Use an active email ID and mobile number, as all communication will be sent through them.
- Ensure that all uploaded documents meet the specified size and format requirements.
- Verify your personal and academic details before final submission, as corrections may not be allowed later.
- Save a copy of the application form and payment receipt until the admission process is completed.
CAT 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Management (IIM), on rotational basis |
| Conducting IIM | IIM Indore |
| Exam Level | National |
| Purpose | Admission to MBA/PGP/PGDM programs for 2027–29 batch |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Notification Date | July 26, 2026 |
| Registration Start | August 3, 2026 |
| Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
| Colleges Accepting Score | 21 IIMs + 90+ non-IIM B-schools |
What is CAT?
The Common Admission Test, popularly known as CAT, is a national-level entrance exam conducted once a year by the Indian Institutes of Management. It evaluates a candidate’s verbal ability, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and quantitative aptitude to determine eligibility for postgraduate management programs. CAT is widely regarded as one of the most competitive entrance exams in India, with lakhs of graduates and working professionals appearing every year for a limited number of seats at premier institutes.
Why is CAT Conducted?
CAT is conducted to:
- Provide a standardized, merit-based platform to shortlist candidates for MBA/PGP admissions at IIMs
- Allow IIMs to assess a candidate’s readiness for a rigorous management curriculum through analytical, quantitative, and verbal skills
- Serve as an admission benchmark for numerous non-IIM institutes, extending its relevance beyond the IIM system
- Maintain a transparent, computer-based, centrally conducted evaluation process across the country
Which Colleges Accept CAT Scores?
CAT scores are accepted by:
- All 21 IIMs, including IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode, Indore, and others
- Top non-IIM institutes such as FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IIFT, GLIM, IMI New Delhi, and IIT management programs (like SJMSOM IIT Bombay, DMS IIT Delhi)
- 90+ additional B-schools across India that use CAT percentile as an admission criterion (93 non-IIM institutions accepted CAT scores in the 2025 cycle)
Note: The complete, updated list of participating institutes for CAT 2026 will be published in the official notification – always cross-check with iimcat.ac.in before finalizing your college choices.
What Courses Can You Get Through CAT?
A valid CAT score opens doors to:
- Full-time MBA/PGP programs at IIMs and other B-schools
- PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) at non-IIM institutes
- Executive MBA (EMBA) programs at select IIMs
- Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) – the doctoral-level research program offered by IIMs
CAT 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 26 July 2026 |
| Registration Starts | 3 August 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Registration Ends | 15 September 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Application Correction | To be announced |
| Admit Card | 4 November 2026 |
| CAT Exam | 29 November 2026 |
| Result | Expected January 2027 |
All dates are expected/tentative based on previous years’ patterns and will be confirmed once IIM releases the official CAT 2026 notification. Manabadi will update this table the moment the notification is out – bookmark this page.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for CAT 2026, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university
- No upper age limit to appear for the exam
- Final-year undergraduate students are eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of degree completion at the time of admission
- Candidates of any nationality, including NRI, PIO, and OCI candidates, may apply and appear for the exam within India
CAT 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Expected Fee |
|---|---|
| General / NC-OBC / EWS | ₹2,500 – ₹2,600 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹1,250 – ₹1,300 |
- The fee must be paid online only (net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI)
- The application fee is non-refundable once paid
- The exact fee structure will be confirmed in the official CAT 2026 notification
Documents Required for CAT 2026 Application
Keep these documents ready before you begin registration:
- A recent passport-size photograph (as per specified format and size)
- A scanned signature
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NC/EWS/PwD), if applicable
- Academic mark sheets and certificates (10th, 12th, and graduation)
- A valid, active email ID and mobile number for OTP verification and all future communication
- Work experience certificate, if applicable (optional field)
How to Apply for CAT 2026
Follow these steps to complete your CAT 2026 registration:
- Visit the official website – iimcat.ac.in
- Click on “New Candidate Registration”
- Enter your name, date of birth, mobile number, email ID, and nationality
- Verify your email and set a password
- Log in and fill in personal details, academic qualifications, and work experience (if any)
- Upload your scanned photograph and signature in the prescribed format
- Select up to 5–6 preferred test cities in order of preference
- Choose the IIMs and other participating institutes you wish to apply to
- Pay the application fee through the available online payment modes
- Review your form carefully, submit it, and download/print the confirmation page for future reference
Top Colleges Accepting CAT 2026 Scores
| S.No. | Institute | Location | Flagship Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IIM Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | MBA (PGP) |
| 2 | IIM Bangalore | Bengaluru | MBA |
| 3 | IIM Calcutta | Kolkata | MBA |
| 4 | IIM Lucknow | Lucknow | MBA |
| 5 | IIM Kozhikode | Kozhikode | MBA |
| 6 | IIM Indore | Indore | MBA |
| 7 | IIM Mumbai | Mumbai | MBA |
| 8 | IIM Shillong | Shillong | MBA |
| 9 | IIM Udaipur | Udaipur | MBA |
| 10 | IIM Raipur | Raipur | MBA |
| 11 | IIM Ranchi | Ranchi | MBA |
| 12 | IIM Rohtak | Rohtak | MBA |
| 13 | IIM Trichy | Tiruchirappalli | MBA |
| 14 | IIM Kashipur | Kashipur | MBA |
| 15 | IIM Visakhapatnam | Visakhapatnam | MBA |
| 16 | IIM Nagpur | Nagpur | MBA |
| 17 | IIM Bodh Gaya | Bodh Gaya | MBA |
| 18 | IIM Jammu | Jammu | MBA |
| 19 | IIM Sambalpur | Sambalpur | MBA |
| 20 | IIM Sirmaur | Sirmaur | MBA |
| 21 | IIM Amritsar | Amritsar | MBA |
| 22 | IIM Jammu | Srinagar Campus | MBA |
| 23 | Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi University | New Delhi | MBA |
| 24 | SPJIMR | Mumbai | PGDM |
| 25 | MDI Gurgaon | Gurugram | PGDM |
| 26 | IIT Delhi (DMS) | New Delhi | MBA |
| 27 | IIT Bombay (SJMSOM) | Mumbai | MBA |
| 28 | IIT Kharagpur (VGSoM) | Kharagpur | MBA |
| 29 | IIT Madras (DoMS) | Chennai | MBA |
| 30 | IIT Roorkee (DoMS) | Roorkee | MBA |
| 31 | IMI New Delhi | New Delhi | PGDM |
| 32 | IMT Ghaziabad | Ghaziabad | PGDM |
| 33 | Great Lakes Institute of Management | Chennai | PGDM |
| 34 | Goa Institute of Management (GIM) | Goa | PGDM |
| 35 | TAPMI | Manipal | MBA/PGDM |
| 36 | FORE School of Management | New Delhi | PGDM |
| 37 | K J Somaiya Institute of Management | Mumbai | MBA |
| 38 | BIM Trichy | Tiruchirappalli | MBA |
| 39 | LIBA Chennai | Chennai | PGDM |
| 40 | XIM University | Bhubaneswar | MBA |
Note: Apart from the institutions listed above, more than 1,000 MBA/PGDM colleges across India accept CAT scores for admission. Candidates should check the admission criteria and cut-offs of individual institutes before applying.
Courses Offered Through CAT 2026
| S.No. | Course |
|---|---|
| 1 | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
| 2 | Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) |
| 3 | Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) |
| 4 | MBA in Finance |
| 5 | MBA in Marketing |
| 6 | MBA in Human Resource Management |
| 7 | MBA in Operations Management |
| 8 | MBA in Business Analytics |
| 9 | MBA in Information Technology |
| 10 | MBA in International Business |
| 11 | MBA in Supply Chain Management |
| 12 | MBA in Digital Business |
| 13 | MBA in Healthcare Management |
| 14 | MBA in Agri-Business Management |
| 15 | MBA in Retail Management |
| 16 | MBA in Entrepreneurship |
| 17 | MBA in General Management |
| 18 | MBA in Strategy |
| 19 | MBA in Economics & Public Policy |
| 20 | MBA in Sustainability Management |
| 21 | MBA in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence |
| 22 | Executive MBA (at select institutes with separate eligibility) |
| 23 | Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) (at select institutes through additional selection criteria) |
Note: The exact programmes offered vary by institute. While CAT is the primary entrance exam for admissions, individual institutes may have additional selection stages such as Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI), or profile-based evaluation.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
| Section | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 |
| Total | 66 Questions / 198 Marks |
Key pattern details:
- Duration: 120 minutes total, with a 40-minute sectional time limit for each section
- Marking scheme: +3 for every correct answer, -1 for every incorrect MCQ answer
- No negative marking on Non-MCQ (TITA – Type In The Answer) questions
- No switching between sections is allowed once the sectional time begins
- Conducted across multiple slots in a single day
CAT 2026 Syllabus
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC):
- Reading comprehension passages
- Para-jumbles
- Para-summary
- Odd sentence out
- Verbal reasoning and sentence correction
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR):
- Tables, graphs, and charts
- Caselets
- Seating arrangements
- Logical puzzles
- Data sufficiency questions
Quantitative Aptitude (QA):
- Arithmetic (Percentage, Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, etc.)
- Algebra
- Geometry and Mensuration
- Number System
- Modern Math (Permutation & Combination, Probability)
- Ratio and Proportion
Is CAT Difficult?
Yes – CAT is widely regarded as one of the toughest MBA entrance exams in India, not necessarily because of question complexity, but due to the sheer scale of competition. With 2.5 to 3 lakh candidates appearing every year for a limited number of IIM seats, the pressure to score a high percentile is intense. For perspective, only 12 candidates scored a 100 percentile in CAT 2025 out of nearly 2.6 lakh test-takers – underlining just how competitive the exam really is.
CAT Score vs Percentile
It’s important to understand the difference:
- Score: The raw marks a candidate earns based on correct and incorrect attempts, out of a total of 204 marks
- Percentile: A relative ranking that shows how a candidate performed compared to all other test-takers, normalized across different exam slots to account for difficulty variation
IIMs shortlist candidates based on percentile, not raw score, since percentile accounts for slot-wise difficulty differences and provides a fairer, standardized comparison across the entire candidate pool.
What Happens After the CAT Exam?
Once the exam is over:
- The provisional answer key is typically released a few days after the exam
- Candidates can raise objections during a specified challenge window
- The final answer key is released after reviewing objections
- Results are declared, usually in the third or fourth week of December
- Shortlisted candidates receive calls for the next stage — Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and/or Personal Interview (PI) — from respective IIMs and B-schools
IIM Admission and Selection Process
The IIM selection process typically unfolds in three phases:
Phase 1 — CAT Exam & Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted based on their CAT percentile, sectional cutoffs, and academic profile.
Phase 2 — WAT/GD/PI Rounds: Shortlisted candidates are called for a Written Ability Test, Group Discussion, and/or Personal Interview, depending on the specific IIM’s process.
Phase 3 — Final Selection: Final admission offers are based on a composite score combining CAT percentile, academic performance (10th, 12th, graduation), work experience, and WAT/GD/PI performance, weighted according to each IIM’s individual criteria.
Expected CAT 2026 Cut-Offs
(To be updated closer to result declaration; historically, cutoffs vary by IIM and category)
- Top IIMs (A, B, C, L): Generally require 95+ percentile for General category shortlisting
- New/Younger IIMs: Cutoffs are typically lower, ranging from 80–90 percentile
- Reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC-NC/EWS/PwD): Relaxed percentile cutoffs as per IIM-specific reservation policies
- Sectional cutoffs also apply — a strong overall percentile alone does not guarantee a shortlist if sectional performance is weak
Note: Exact CAT 2026 cutoffs will depend on difficulty level, number of applicants, and seat matrix – these will be updated post-results.
CAT 2026 Preparation Strategy
- Start with understanding the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly before diving into practice
- Dedicate focused time to your weakest section while maintaining strength in stronger areas
- Practice previous years’ CAT papers and take regular sectional and full-length mock tests
- Work on speed and accuracy simultaneously – CAT rewards efficient time management under the 40-minute sectional limit
- Read newspapers/editorials daily to strengthen VARC comprehension and vocabulary
- Revise quant formulas and shortcuts regularly to reduce calculation time
- Analyze every mock test thoroughly to identify and fix recurring mistakes
Best Books for CAT Preparation
- Quantitative Aptitude: “Quantitative Aptitude for CAT” by Arun Sharma
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension: “How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT” by Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning: “How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT” by Arun Sharma
- General Practice: NCERT Mathematics (Class 8–10) for concept-building, plus official CAT previous years’ question papers
CAT 2026 Admit Card
- The CAT 2026 admit card is expected to be released around the second week of November 2026
- Candidates can download it by logging into their account on iimcat.ac.in using their registered ID and password
- The admit card will contain essential details: candidate’s name, roll number, exam date, time slot, and allotted test venue
- It is mandatory to carry the admit card (along with a valid photo ID) to the exam center on exam day
CAT 2026 Result and Scorecard
- Results are expected to be declared in the third to fourth week of December 2026
- Candidates can check their result and download the scorecard by logging into the official CAT website
- The scorecard will display sectional scores, sectional percentiles, and overall percentile
- The scorecard is typically valid for one academic year and is required during the admission process at various institutes
Career Opportunities After MBA
An MBA earned through CAT opens up career paths across:
- Consulting (Management/Strategy Consulting)
- Banking & Financial Services
- Marketing & Brand Management
- Human Resources
- Operations & Supply Chain Management
- Product Management (especially in tech companies)
- Entrepreneurship and Startups
- General Management roles across industries
Salary After MBA Through CAT
(Indicative figures based on recent placement trends – verify against latest official placement reports)
- Top IIMs (A, B, C): Average placement packages often range between ₹25–35+ LPA
- Mid-tier IIMs: Average packages typically range between ₹15–25 LPA
- Newer IIMs and top non-IIM B-schools: Average packages generally range between ₹8–18 LPA
Note: These are broad indicative ranges – exact figures vary each year and should be sourced from each institute’s official placement report before publishing specific numbers.
CAT vs Other MBA Entrance Exams
| Parameter | CAT | XAT | GMAT | MAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conducted By | IIMs | XLRI | GMAC | AIMA |
| Accepted By | 21 IIMs + 90+ B-schools | XLRI, XIMB & others | Global B-schools + Indian institutes | 600+ Indian B-schools |
| Frequency | Once a year | Once a year | Multiple times a year | Multiple times a year |
| Difficulty Level | High | High | Moderate–High | Moderate |
| Validity | 1 year | 1 year | 5 years | 1 year |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When will CAT 2026 registration start?
CAT 2026 registration is set to begin on August 3, 2026.
2. What is the expected CAT 2026 exam date?
The exam is going to be conducted on November 29, 2026.
3. Which IIM will conduct CAT 2026?
IIM Indore is going to conduct CAT 2026, though this is unconfirmed until the official notification is released.
4. What is the eligibility criteria for CAT 2026?
A Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) is required.
5. Can final-year students apply for CAT 2026?
Yes, final-year undergraduate students can apply, subject to submitting proof of degree completion later.
6. Is there an age limit for CAT?
No, there is no upper age limit to appear for CAT.
7. What is the CAT 2026 application fee?
The fee is expected to be around ₹2,500–2,600 for General/EWS/NC-OBC and ₹1,250–1,300 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
8. How many sections are there in CAT?
CAT has three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA.
9. What is the CAT 2026 marking scheme?
+3 marks for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect MCQ answer; no negative marking on TITA questions.
10. How much time is given for each section in CAT?
Each section has a sectional time limit of 40 minutes, with no switching allowed between sections.
11. Can I switch between sections during the CAT exam?
No, section switching is not permitted.
12. How many IIMs accept CAT scores?
All 21 IIMs accept CAT scores for their MBA/PGP admissions.
13. Do non-IIM institutes accept CAT scores?
Yes, over 90 non-IIM B-schools accept CAT scores, including FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, and IIFT.
14. What is a good percentile in CAT?
A percentile of 95+ is generally considered competitive for top IIMs, though requirements vary by institute and category.
15. When will the CAT 2026 admit card be released?
The admit card is expected to be released in the second week of November 2026.
16. When will CAT 2026 results be declared?
Results are expected in the third to fourth week of December 2026.
17. What is the CAT 2026 correction window?
A correction window is expected to open in the fourth week of September 2026 for limited edits.
18. How many test cities can I choose during registration?
Candidates can typically select up to 5–6 preferred test cities in order of preference.
19. Is work experience mandatory for CAT?
No, work experience is not mandatory, though it may be considered as an additional weightage criterion by some IIMs during final selection.
20. What documents are required for CAT registration?
A photograph, signature, category certificate (if applicable), academic mark sheets, and valid contact details.
21. What happens after the CAT exam?
The provisional answer key is released, followed by an objection window, final answer key, and then results.
22. What is the IIM selection process after CAT?
It typically includes CAT-based shortlisting, followed by WAT/GD/PI rounds, and final selection based on a composite score.
23. Can NRI or foreign nationals apply for CAT?
Yes, candidates of any nationality, including NRI/PIO/OCI, can apply and appear for the exam in India.
24. Is CAT tougher than other MBA entrance exams?
CAT is generally considered on par with or tougher than exams like XAT and MAT due to its scale of competition and sectional time constraints.
25. How long is the CAT scorecard valid?
The CAT scorecard is typically valid for one academic year.
People Also Ask
- Is CAT 2026 notification out? Yes.
- How many attempts are allowed for CAT? There’s no restriction on the number of attempts; candidates can appear as many times as they wish.
- What is the CAT exam full form? Common Admission Test.
- Which is the toughest section in CAT? This varies by candidate, but DILR is often cited as the most time-intensive section.
- Can I apply for CAT without a Bachelor’s degree? No, a Bachelor’s degree (or final-year status with proof of pending completion) is mandatory.
With CAT 2026 registrations opening soon, now is the time for MBA aspirants to start preparing their documents, revising the syllabus, and mapping out a study strategy.
Manabadi will continue to track every official update – from the notification release to the final scorecard – so bookmark this page and check back regularly for verified, accurate CAT 2026 information sourced directly from iimcat.ac.in.
Stay tuned to Manabadi for the latest updates on CAT 2026 registration, admit card, results, and IIM admission processes.