CAT 2026 Exam: Registration for CAT 2026 to begin on August 3; exam on November 29

CAT 2026 Exam: The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have released the notification for CAT 2026. Along with this, the complete schedule—covering everything from the application process and admit card release to the exam date and result declaration—has been announced.

CAT 2026 Exam: Important updates have been released for students aspiring to pursue an MBA at the country's top management institutes. The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have issued the notification for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026. The full schedule, including application dates, admit card release, the exam itself, and result declaration, has also been announced; candidates wishing to appear for the exam can apply online according to the specified dates. This exam serves as the primary gateway for admission into 21 IIMs and various other prestigious business schools across the country.

When will CAT 2026 registration begin?

The online registration process for CAT 2026 will commence on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Interested candidates can submit their applications online until 5:00 PM on September 15, 2026. The exam notification is available on the official website.

Which institutes offer admission?

Through CAT 2026, candidates will have the opportunity to secure admission to the country's 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Additionally, admission to prominent business schools such as FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, IITs, and IIFT is also granted based on scores from this exam.

CAT 2026 Complete Schedule

Registration begins on August 3, 2026. The last date to apply is September 15, 2026, and the admit card release date is November 4, 2026. The exam is scheduled for November 29, 2026. CAT 2026 will be conducted on November 29, 2026, across approximately 170 test cities in the country. The exam will be held in three separate sessions.

When will the results be declared, and how long will the score remain valid?

The CAT 2026 results are likely to be released in the first week of January 2027. The exam score will remain valid until December 31, 2027.

Who is eligible to apply?

Candidates applying for CAT 2026 must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized university or institution. Candidates belonging to the General category are required to have secured a minimum of 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA. A minimum of 45% marks or an equivalent CGPA has been prescribed for candidates belonging to the SC, ST, and PwBD categories. Students in the final year of graduation, or those awaiting their results, may also apply subject to the prescribed conditions. Candidates who have completed professional qualifications such as CA, CS, ICWA (CMA), or FIAI, or are in the final year of such courses, are also eligible to apply for CAT 2026, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

What is the registration fee?

Candidates belonging to the General category are required to pay a registration fee of ₹2,700 for CAT 2026. Meanwhile, the application fee for candidates belonging to the SC, ST, and PwD categories has been set at ₹1,350.