CAT 2026 Application Form Out; Apply Online for IIM CAT at iimcat.ac.in
What's New in CAT?
- August 3, 2026: CAT 2026 registration window is now open. Eligible candidates can apply online from August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) to September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM) through the official IIM CAT portal. Apply Online
CAT 2026 Application Process has commenced on the official website, and eligible candidates can now submit their online application forms from August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM onwards) to September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM). Candidates must complete the registration process, fill out the application form, upload the required documents, select their preferred test cities, and pay the prescribed application fee before the deadline. Candidates are advised to verify all academic, personal, and category details carefully before submitting the CAT 2026 application form.
Apply Online for CAT 2026 (Link Active)
CAT Notification 2026 Out
CAT 2026 Notification has been released by IIM Indore on the official website, iimcat.ac.in. The notification includes the CAT 2026 registration dates, eligibility criteria, application fee, exam pattern, reservation policy, test cities, and admission process. As per the notification, the CAT 2026 Registration will begin on August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) and close on September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM). The CAT 2026 Exam is scheduled for November 29, 2026 (Sunday), in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across approximately 170 test cities.
Download CAT 2026 Notification PDF
What is CAT Exam?
CAT 2026 is a national-level management entrance exam conducted for admission to MBA, PGP, and other postgraduate management programmes offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other participating B-schools across India. CAT 2026 Notification has been released by IIM Indore on the official website, iimcat.ac.in.
CAT Exam 2026 Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| CAT full form | Common Admission Test |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
| Exam level | National Level |
| Exam frequency | Once a year |
| Mode of CAT Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| CAT Exam duration | 120 mins (2 hours) |
| Language/Medium of Exam | English |
| Official Website for CAT Exam | iimcat.ac.in |
CAT Exam 2026 Important Dates
CAT Exam 2026 has an annual schedule that is well-structured and patterned, making it easier for candidates to organize their preparation and application processes.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Notification | July 25, 2026 |
| Registration Start Date | August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Registration End Date | September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Admit Card Download | November 12, 2026 (Expected) |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 29, 2026 (Sunday) |
| CAT 2026 Answer Key Release Date | December 2026 (Expected) |
| Result Announcement | January 2027 (Expected) |
CAT 2026 Application Form
CAT 2026 Application Form will be available online from August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) on the official CAT website. Candidates who fulfil the CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria can complete the registration process by creating a login ID, filling in personal and academic details, uploading documents, selecting test cities, and paying the application fee. The last date to submit CAT 2026 Application Form is September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM). The application process will be conducted completely online, and candidates must ensure that all details entered in the form match their official documents.
Apply Online for CAT 2026 (Link Active)
CAT 2026 Registration Process
CAT 2026 Registration Process includes the following steps:
- Visit the official CAT website.
- Complete new candidate registration using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Log in using the generated credentials.
- Fill out personal, academic, and communication details.
- Upload the required documents in the prescribed format.
- Select preferred CAT exam cities.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit and download the confirmation page.
Steps to Fill CAT 2026 Application Form
CAT 2026 aspirants will receive a CAT 2026 user ID and password on their registered email ID and mobile number After completing the registration process. These login credentials will be used to fill out and submit the CAT 2026 application form. CAT 2026 application form consists of multiple sections where candidates need to enter their personal, academic, and other details. The details required in each section are given below:
CAT 2026 Application Form Sections
| Section | Details Required |
|---|---|
| Personal Details | Candidates need to enter details such as name, date of birth, category, gender, nationality, communication address, email ID, and mobile number. They also have to upload a passport-size photograph and scanned signature. |
| Academic Details | Candidates have to provide details of Class 10, Class 12, graduation marks, degree details, and other professional qualifications (if applicable). |
| Work Experience | Candidates with work experience need to mention details such as company name, designation, and duration of employment. This section is optional for freshers. |
| Programmes and IIM Preferences | Candidates have to select their preferred IIMs and management programmes they wish to apply for through CAT 2026. |
| Test City Preference | Candidates can select up to five preferred test cities in order of preference for appearing in the CAT 2026 exam. |
| Payment | Candidates can pay the CAT 2026 application fee through credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI/wallet payment options. |
Candidates must carefully verify all the details before final submission, as changes may not be allowed after the application process is completed.
CAT 2026 Documents Required
CAT 2026 candidates need the following documents while filling out CAT 2026 Application Form.
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Passport-size photograph | Recent scanned photograph |
| Signature | Scanned signature |
| Academic certificates | Class 10, Class 12 and graduation details |
| Category certificate | Applicable for reserved category candidates |
| PwD certificate | Applicable candidates only |
| Valid ID proof | As prescribed in the notification |
CAT 2026 Application Fee
CAT 2026 application fee has to be paid online after completing the registration form. The fee varies according to the category of candidates.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | ₹ 2700 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹ 1350 |
The application fee is non-refundable after successful payment.
CAT 2026 Correction Window
CAT 2026 Application Form Correction Window allows candidates to edit selected details after submitting the application form. The correction facility is available for limited fields only, and the dates will be announced separately by IIM Indore. Candidates cannot make changes to all sections of the application form during the correction period.
CAT 2026 Test City Selection
In CAT 2026 application form, candidates must select up to five preferred test cities from the list of available exam cities. The final allotment of the test city will depend on seat availability at the selected centres. Candidates are advised to submit their application form early to improve their chances of getting their preferred test city. The allotted exam city will be mentioned on the CAT 2026 admit card. Candidates will get an opportunity to change their test city preference only once during the CAT form correction window.
CAT 2026 Test Centres
CAT 2026 will be conducted across approximately 170 cities in India. Candidates need to select their preferred test cities while filling out the CAT 2026 application form. The final test centre allotment will depend on seat availability at the selected locations. The complete address of the allotted CAT 2026 exam centre will be mentioned on the admit card. IIMs reserve the right to add, remove, change, or cancel any test city or exam centre depending on administrative requirements.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria defines the minimum educational qualification, marks requirement, and other conditions that candidates must fulfil to appear for the Common Admission Test. The eligibility requirements are prescribed by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and apply to candidates seeking admission to MBA, PGP, and other postgraduate management programs through CAT scores.
CAT 2026 Educational Qualification
CAT eligibility requirements include candidates who must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution with the minimum qualifying marks prescribed for their category. The degree should be awarded by a university recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or an equivalent authority.
| Category | Minimum Marks Required in Graduation |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | 50% marks or equivalent CGPA |
| SC / ST / PwD | 45% marks or equivalent CGPA |
Candidates who have completed professional courses recognised by the relevant statutory bodies are also eligible to apply if they meet the required percentage criteria.
CAT 2026 Eligibility for Final Year Students
CAT 2026 allows candidates who are in the final year of their bachelor’s degree or awaiting final results to apply. Such candidates must submit the required graduation documents during the admission process. Final-year students from recognized undergraduate programs can apply if they meet the prescribed eligibility criteria.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Based on Academic Background
CAT 2026 does not restrict candidates based on their graduation stream. Candidates from different educational backgrounds can appear for the exam. Eligible academic backgrounds include:
- Engineering and Technology
- Commerce and Management
- Science
- Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Professional Courses
- Other recognised bachelor's degree programmes
The selection process of individual IIMs may consider academic diversity while shortlisting candidates after the CAT examination.
CAT 2026 Age Limit
CAT 2026 does not prescribe any upper age limit for appearing in the exam. Candidates of any age can apply if they fulfill the required educational qualification criteria. Unlike some other competitive exams, CAT eligibility criteria 2026 do not specify a maximum number of attempts. Candidates can appear for CAT multiple times during their eligible academic period.
CAT 2026 Reservation Criteria
CAT 2026 Reservation Criteria follow the Government of India reservation policy applicable to admissions in centrally funded educational institutions. The category-wise reservation applicable for IIM admissions is as follows:
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes - Non Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwD) | 5% |
Candidates applying under reserved categories must provide valid category certificates during the admission process as prescribed by the respective IIM.
CAT 2026 Reserved Category Certificate Requirements
CAT 2026 candidates applying under SC, NT-OBC, EWS, and PwBD categories must upload valid category certificates during the CAT 2026 registration process. The certificate requirements for reserved category candidates are
- SC/ST candidates must submit certificates issued in the prescribed Government of India format.
- NC-OBC and EWS candidates must provide valid certificates as per CAT 2026 guidelines.
- PwBD candidates must submit a valid disability certificate issued by the authorized authority.
- Failure to upload the required certificate may lead to rejection of the CAT 2026 application.
- No category change will be allowed after completing the registration process.
Candidates must also carry their original certificates during the IIM admission process for verification.
CAT 2026 Eligibility for International Candidates
For CAT 2026 Foreign nationals and candidates holding citizenship outside India can also apply for management programmes offered by IIMs through separate admission guidelines issued by individual institutes. The eligibility requirements, admission process, and documentation requirements may vary depending on the institute and applicant category.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern consists of three sections, and it has two types of question types: CAT 2026 Exam pattern is summarized in the table below:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Sections | 3 |
| Total Questions | 68 |
| Total Duration | 120 mins |
| Question Types | MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions), TITA (Type in the Answer) |
| Section 1 | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
| Section 2 | Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
| Section 3 | Quantitative Ability (QA) |
CAT 2026 Marking Scheme
CAT 2026 marking scheme is divided into two sections with three divisions of marking schemes.
| Question Type | Correct Answer | Incorrect Answer | Unattempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | +3 Marks | -1 Mark | 0 Mark |
| TITA (Type in the Answer) | +3 Marks | 0 Mark | 0 Mark |
CAT EXAM 2026 Syllabus
CAT Exam 2026 syllabus is the basic thing that comes up when we prepare for it. The breakdown for the CAT 2026 syllabus is in three sections, as mentioned below:
- VARC - This section comprises Reading Comprehension, Passages, Para-Jumbles, Paragraph Summary, Critical Reasoning, and Vocabulary.
- DILR - As the name suggests, it consists of Data, tables, Bar and Line Charts, Sitting Arrangement, Puzzles, Logical Reasoning, Venn Diagram, etc.
- QA - This column has Arithmetic (percentage, ratio, time and work, etc.), Algebra, Geometry, Number Theory, Probability, Permutation and Combination, Mensuration, Coordinate Geometry, and basics of Maths.
CAT 2026 Participating IIMs and Programs
CAT 2026 scores will be accepted by all participating Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to various postgraduate management and doctoral programs. The participating IIMs offerprogramss such as MBA, Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), Executive MBA, Business Analytics, Finance, Human Resource Management, and PhD programmes. Candidates must check the individual admission policies of each IIM before applying, as eligibility criteria, shortlisting process, and admission weightage may vary from one IIM to another.
List of IIMs Accepting CAT 2026 Scores
A total of 22 IIMs will participate in CAT 2026. The list of participating institutes includes:
| IIM | Location |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad |
| IIM Amritsar | Amritsar |
| IIM Bangalore | Bengaluru |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | Bodh Gaya |
| IIM Calcutta | Kolkata |
| IIM Guwahati | Guwahati |
| IIM Indore | Indore |
| IIM Jammu | Jammu |
| IIM Kashipur | Kashipur |
| IIM Kozhikode | Kozhikode |
| IIM Lucknow | Lucknow |
| IIM Mumbai | Mumbai |
| IIM Nagpur | Nagpur |
| IIM Raipur | Raipur |
| IIM Ranchi | Ranchi |
| IIM Rohtak | Rohtak |
| IIM Sambalpur | Sambalpur |
| IIM Shillong | Shillong |
| IIM Sirmaur | Sirmaur |
| IIM Tiruchirappalli | Tiruchirappalli |
| IIM Udaipur | Udaipur |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | Visakhapatnam |
Management Programmes Offered Through CAT 2026
Through CAT 2026 scores, candidates can apply for various management programs offered by participating IIMs. The major programs include:
| Institute | Programs Offered |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | PGP, PGP-FABM, MBA-BPGP (BA & AI) |
| IIM Amritsar | MBA, MBA-Business Analytics, MBA-HRM, Executive MBA, M.Sc. in Data Science and Management |
| IIM Bangalore | PGP, PGPEM, PGPBA, PGPPM |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | MBA, MBA (Digital Business and AI), MBA (Hospital and Healthcare Management), Executive MBA |
| IIM Calcutta | MBA |
| IIM Indore | PGP, PGP-HRM, MSDSM, PGPMX |
| IIM Jammu | MBA, MBA (Healthcare), MBA (AI & Business Analytics), Executive MBA |
| IIM Kashipur | MBA, MBA (Analytics), EMBA, EMBA (Analytics) |
| IIM Kozhikode | PGP, PGP-BL, PGP-Finance, PGP-LSM, EPGP |
| IIM Lucknow | MBA, MBA-ABM, MBA-SM, PGPWE, Blended MBA |
| IIM Mumbai | MBA, MBA (Operations and Supply Chain Management), MBA (Sustainability Management) |
| IIM Nagpur | MBA, Executive MBA, Blended MBA for Working Professionals |
| IIM Raipur | MBA, Executive MBA, MBA in Public Policy and Governance |
| IIM Ranchi | MBA, MBA-HRM, MBA (Business Analytics) |
| IIM Rohtak | PGP, EPGDSM, PGPx |
| IIM Sambalpur | MBA, MBA-BA, MBA for Working Professionals |
| IIM Shillong | PGP, PGPEX, PGP(WE) |
| IIM Sirmaur | MBA, MBA (Tourism Management), MBA (Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management), Executive MBA |
| IIM Tiruchirappalli | PGPM (MBA), PGPM-HR, PGPBM |
| IIM Udaipur | MBA, MBA-DEM, MBA-GSCM, Executive MBA |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | MBA, EMBA, PGPMCI, PGDMEx, MBA-AI & Innovation |
Fellow Programmes in Management (FPM/PhD) Through CAT 2026
CAT 2026 Scores apart from postgraduate management programmes, CAT 2026 scores may also be used for admission to doctoral-level programmes offered by participating IIMs. These include:
- Doctoral Programme in Management (PhD)
- Executive PhD Programmes
- Fellow Programme in Management (FPM)
Candidates should visit the respective IIM websites for detailed eligibility requirements and admission procedures for doctoral programmes.
CAT 2026 Non-IIM Institutes Accepting Scores
CAT 2026 Scores apart from IIMs, several non-IIM management institutes for admission to MBA and other postgraduate management programs. The list of registered non-IIM institutions accepting CAT scores will be available on the official CAT website. However, IIMs have no role in the admission process or selection criteria of these institutes. Candidates should check the individual admission policies, eligibility criteria, and selection process of the respective institutes before applying.
CAT 2026 Selection Process
CAT 2026 selection process will be conducted separately by each IIM after the declaration of CAT results. Candidates shortlisted through CAT scores will have to appear for further admission rounds as per the respective IIM’s admission policy.The selection process generally includes the following stages:
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 Exam | Candidates must appear for the CAT exam and secure the required percentile. |
| IIM Shortlisting | IIMs shortlist candidates based on CAT percentile, sectional cut-offs, academics, work experience, and other criteria. |
| WAT/AWT & PI Round | Shortlisted candidates may have to appear for Written Ability Test/Analytical Writing Test and Personal Interview. |
| Final Admission Offer | Final selection is based on a composite score including CAT performance, interview, academics, and other factors. |
CAT 2026 Admit Card
CAT 2026 Admit Card will be released on the official website a few weeks before the exam date. To download CAT 2026 admit card, candidates are required to follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official CAT website hosted by the Indian Institutes of Management.
Step 2: Click on the “Admit Card” or “Login” link on the homepage.
Step 3: You will be redirected to the login page.
Step 4: Enter your registered user ID and password.
Step 5: Click on the Login button.
Step 6: Find and click on the “Download Admit Card” option.
Step 7: Your CAT 2026 Admit Card will be displayed on the screen.
Step 8: Download it and take a printout for future reference.
CAT 2026 Answer Key
CAT 2026 Answer Key will be released by the conducting institute on the official website. The provisional answer key allows candidates to verify their responses. CAT 2026 Answer Key download process:
- Visit the official website: iimcat.ac.in
- Click on the link “CAT 2026 Answer Key”
- Log in using your User ID and Password
- Download the answer key and response sheet
- Compare your answers and raise objections (if any) within the stipulated time
CAT 2026 Result
CAT 2026 Result will be declared online by the Indian Institutes of Management on its official website. Candidates who appear for the exam can check their scorecards by logging in with their registered credentials. Steps to check CAT 2026 Result are mentioned below.
- Visit the official CAT website- iimcat.ac.in
- Click on the link “CAT 2026 Result” on the homepage
- You will be redirected to the login page
- Enter your User ID and Password
- Click on the Login button
- Your CAT 2026 Scorecard will be displayed on the screen
- Download the scorecard and take a printout for future use
Note: Candidates must carefully verify all details mentioned in the scorecard, including name, registration number, and percentile scores.
CAT 2026 Score Validity
CAT 2026 score will remain valid until December 31, 2027. Candidates can access their CAT 2026 scorecards through the official website after the result declaration. After the validity period ends, no requests related to the issuance or availability of CAT 2026 scorecards will be considered.
CAT 2026 Exam Previous Year Cutoff
CAT 2026 will release the cutoff after the exam. Before that, we have the previous year's cut-off. The top IIMs prefer a CAT cutoff ranging between 97-99 percentiles for the programmes, while for other B-schools, it depends on their preference, the range varies between 85-97 percentiles and also includes an entrance interview.
| Names of IIMs | CAT Previous Year Cutoff |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | 94-100 |
| IIM Bangalore | 94-100 |
| IIM Calcutta | 94-100 |
| IIM Lucknow | 91-99 |
| IIM Indore | 91-99 |
CAT Exam 2026 Preparation Strategy
CAT Exam 2026 preparation starts with the minute details of the syllabus and continuous preparation that can lead you to the best IIMs and top B-schools.
- Time Table-While the initial phase should include exploring the syllabus, the latter period should be focused on deep preparation for CAT Exam 2026. Practice daily once the concepts are clear and concise.
- Mastering the concept - Some questions require practice and are tricky, so practice and master arithmetic and the basics of algebra. Push your limits towards the practice sets and drop the idea of engaging in time-consuming questions. For the reading comprehension part, start reading articles and practising. Focus on the tone, grammar, etc.
- Mock test analysis - Once you are done with a certain portion of the syllabus, start with mock tests regularly. Mock test for CAT Exam 2026 helps at a good frequency, start with 2 mocks at weekends and increase the number by 5-8 mocks weekly.
Note- While you prepare for CAT Exam 2026, make sure to follow the timetable and follow the pattern of the exam clearly.
CAT Exam 2026 Preferred books
CAT Exam 2026 has a wide variety of books; the ones listed below are the books preferred by most of the students for the CAT exam.
| Books | Author |
|---|---|
| How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Arun Sharma |
| Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Verma |
| Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Nishit Sinha |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT | Nishit Sinha |
| How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT | Arun Sharma |
| Mastering the Verbal Ability for CAT | Ajay Singh |
| How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay |
CAT Exam 2026 Alternatives
CAT exam 2026 gives direct admission to A Grade B-schools, but apart from that, we have alternatives to CAT Exam, such as –
- XAT - Xavier’s Aptitude Test
- CMAT - Common Management Admission Test
- MAT - Management Aptitude Test
- ATMA- AIIMS Test for Management Admission
So, focusing on CAT and other exams at the same time can be profitable if the candidate wants to get into other top B-schools.
Candidates who pass CAT 2026 receive admission to top management institutes, as well as numerous academic and career benefits. They benefit from quality education, industry exposure, internship opportunities, and strong placement support provided by top business schools. In addition, students gain managerial, analytical, and leadership skills, as well as networking and global exposure. Graduates frequently secure high-paying positions in industries such as consulting, finance, marketing, and operations, ensuring long-term career advancement and professional stability.
CAT 2026 FAQs
Ques: Is work experience needed after the completion of CAT Exam 2026?
Ans: No, work experience is not applicable. Both the freshers and the experienced candidates can opt for it. However, work experience may provide additional weightage during final selection in some IIMs.
Ques: What is the validity of the CAT 2026 score?
Ans: The CAT 2026 score is valid for one year for admission purposes; apart from this, one can give the exam again in the upcoming year. It is only valid for use during the first academic term after the test.
Ques: Can I choose my exam centre for CAT 2026?
Ans: Yes, candidates can choose their preferred centre for the test. When possible, the exam authority assigns first preference. The final allotment is determined by availability and administrative considerations.
Ques: Do IIMs consider sectional cut-offs strictly?
Ans: Yes. Most IIMs require the candidates to clear both overall and sectional cut-offs. Candidates must pass each section individually. Failing to meet sectional cut-offs can result in disqualification, even if you have a high overall score.
Ques: Can I switch between questions within a section?
Ans: Yes, a candidate can navigate freely within a section but cannot switch to another section until the time for the current section ends.
Ques: Do, 99 percentile guarantee admission to IIMs?
Ans: Selection is based on performance in WAT/PI rounds, sectional scores, and profile, even with a 99 percentile. Multiple factors, including WAT/PI performance, academic profile, and work experience, all contribute to the final selection. Each IIM has its own composite score criteria for admissions.
Download the PREPP App and attempt FREE CAT Mock Tests and get complete study material!
Comments