Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is the entrance examination for admission to MBA and other management programmes offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other business schools.
IIM Indore is conducting CAT 2026. The registration process opened on August 3, 2026, and the revised last date was September 22, 2026. Registration is now closed, so candidates who have not submitted an application should check the official CAT website for any new announcement rather than assuming that late applications are still being accepted.
The examination is scheduled for November 29, 2026. Candidates who successfully registered should prepare for the test and check the admit card schedule and official instructions.
CAT 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Institute | IIM Indore |
| Purpose | Admission to MBA and other management programmes |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Registration Start Date | August 3, 2026 |
| Revised Registration Deadline | September 22, 2026 |
| Application Status | Closed |
| Application Correction Window | Closed on October 6, 2026 |
| Admit Card Schedule | From November 4, 2026 |
| Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
CAT 2026 Registration Last Date
CAT 2026 registration started on August 3, 2026. The initial deadline was September 15, but the registration deadline was subsequently reported as extended to September 22, 2026.
The application correction window later closed on October 6, 2026. Candidates should not assume that the correction facility remains available.
Candidates who have already registered should log in to the official portal to check their application details and future examination updates. Those who missed registration should look for an official announcement before expecting another opportunity to apply.
CAT 2026 Official Website and Important Links
CAT 2026 Official Website
Registration updates, candidate login and official notices.
Admit Card and Exam Updates
Check the candidate portal for the latest schedule and download instructions.
CAT 2026 Application Fee
The registration fee announced for CAT 2026 is as follows:
| Candidate Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹2,700 |
| EWS | ₹2,700 |
| NC-OBC | ₹2,700 |
| SC | ₹1,350 |
| ST | ₹1,350 |
| PwBD | ₹1,350 |
The fee was payable online during registration. Candidates should refer to the official notification for the rules governing payment and refunds.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for CAT generally need to meet the following educational requirements.
Educational Qualification
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or educational institution.
- At least 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates.
- At least 45% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA for SC, ST and PwBD candidates, as specified in the eligibility rules.
- Final-year bachelor’s degree students may also apply, subject to the conditions in the official notification.
- Candidates with recognised professional qualifications specified in the notification may also be eligible.
Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission to an IIM. Each institute follows its own shortlisting and selection policy.
How to Register for CAT 2026
The registration window has closed. These are the general steps that applicants followed during the application period, included here for reference.
- Visit the official CAT website.
- Select the new candidate registration option.
- Enter the required personal and contact details.
- Verify the details and create login credentials.
- Log in to complete the application form.
- Enter educational qualifications and work experience, where applicable.
- Select preferred IIM programmes and test cities.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and certificates.
- Pay the applicable registration fee.
- Review the application and submit it before the deadline.
Candidates who completed registration should retain their confirmation and login details for future use.
CAT 2026 Exam Date and Admit Card
The CAT 2026 examination is scheduled for November 29, 2026. It will be conducted in computer-based mode across test centres in India.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Admit card availability begins | November 4, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 examination | November 29, 2026 |
| Result | To be confirmed through official updates |
Candidates should check their admit card for the exam centre, reporting time, test slot and other instructions. The admit card schedule does not mean candidates can download it before the portal makes it available.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
CAT is conducted in multiple sessions. The examination covers three main areas:
| Section | Main Topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Reading comprehension, verbal ability |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Data analysis, puzzles and logical reasoning |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Mathematics and quantitative problem-solving |
Candidates should refer to the official CAT notification for the detailed test structure, question types, duration and marking scheme.
What Should Candidates Do Now?
Since registration and the correction window have closed, candidates should focus on the next steps.
- Check the official CAT website for admit card updates.
- Keep the CAT login credentials safe.
- Review the exam pattern and practise timed mock tests.
- Prepare the required identity proof for exam day.
- Check the admit card for the allotted centre and reporting time.
- Follow the instructions printed on the admit card.
Candidates who missed registration should not pay anyone claiming to offer an unofficial late application or guaranteed entry.
FAQs: CAT 2026 Registration
1. Is CAT 2026 registration still open?
No. The registration window has closed. The revised deadline was reported as September 22, 2026.
2. What was the CAT 2026 registration fee?
The fee was ₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates and ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwBD candidates.
3. When is CAT 2026 scheduled?
The exam is scheduled for November 29, 2026.
4. When will the CAT 2026 admit card be available?
The announced schedule lists November 4, 2026, as the start date for admit card availability.
5. Can I edit my CAT application now?
The correction window closed on October 6, 2026. Check the official website for any subsequent notice.
6. Can candidates apply after the deadline?
Candidates should not assume late registration is possible. Any new application opportunity must be confirmed by the examination authority.
7. Where can I check CAT 2026 updates?
Visit the official CAT website.