CAT Exam 2026: Notification released, application fee hiked; when can you apply? Check the schedule..
CAT Notification 2026: The application process for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 will commence on August 3 at 10:00 AM. Candidates will be able to apply via the official website until 5:00 PM on September 15, 2026.
IIM Indore will conduct the CAT exam this year. The examination is scheduled for November 2026 and will be held in three shifts across more than 170 centers nationwide. According to the official notification, there have been no changes to the exam syllabus or pattern; however, the application fee has been increased this time.
Who can apply?
Candidates who have secured at least 50% marks in their graduation from a recognized university are eligible to apply for CAT 2026. A minimum requirement of 45% marks has been set for candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwD categories. Additionally, students currently in their final year of graduation may also apply for CAT 2026, provided they fulfill all eligibility criteria at the time of admission.
Candidates are advised to keep all necessary documents ready before the application process begins. It is recommended to complete the application process well in advance to avoid potential issues such as heavy website traffic or technical glitches at the last minute, ensuring a smooth form-filling experience.
When will the admit card be released?
The admit card for the CAT 2026 exam will be released on November 4, 2026. Candidates appearing for the exam will be able to download their hall tickets from the official website. Meanwhile, the results are likely to be declared in the first week of January 2027. The CAT 2026 score will remain valid until December 31, 2027, enabling candidates to apply for admission to various IIMs and other management institutes.
According to the official information brochure, no changes will be made to the CAT 2026 exam or the admission processes of participating IIMs once the notification has been issued. This allows candidates to plan their preparation in accordance with the established rules and procedures. Important Dates
Event Date
CAT 2026 Exam Date 29 November 2026
Exam Mode Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam Shifts 3 shifts
Online Registration Starts 3 August 2026, 10:00 AM
Last Date for Online Registration 15 September 2026, 5:00 PM
Admit Card Release Date 4 November 2026
Admit Card Download Period 4 November to 29 November 2026
Official Website iimcat.ac.in
Increase in Application Fee
The application fee for CAT 2026 has been revised. Candidates belonging to the General, EWS, and NC-OBC categories will now have to pay a registration fee of ₹2,700; last year, this fee was ₹2,600. Meanwhile, the application fee for SC, ST, and PwD category candidates has been increased from ₹1,300 to ₹1,350.
Candidates should note that the registration fee is non-refundable. Payment of the fee via online mode is mandatory to complete the application process.
Validity of Results and Scores
The CAT 2026 results are likely to be declared in the first week of January 2027. Candidates who appeared for the exam will be able to download their scorecards by logging in to the official CAT website. Additionally, candidates may also be notified about the result declaration via SMS.
The CAT 2026 score will remain valid until 31 December 2027. During this period, candidates can use their CAT scores to seek admission to various IIMs and other participating management institutes.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
