CAT 2026 Registration is currently open for MBA and management aspirants seeking admission to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other business schools that accept CAT scores.

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is being conducted by IIM Indore. Registration started on August 3, 2026, and the latest update is that the registration deadline has been extended to September 22, 2026, 5:00 PM. The examination is scheduled for November 29, 2026, in three computer-based sessions.

CAT 2026 Latest Update – September 16, 2026: The CAT 2026 registration deadline has been extended from September 15 to September 22, 2026. Candidates who have not completed their application should use the official CAT portal before the revised deadline.

CAT 2026 Latest Highlights

ParticularCAT 2026 DetailsExam NameCommon Admission Test 2026Conducting IIMIIM IndoreExam LevelNationalExam ModeComputer-Based TestRegistration StartedAugust 3, 2026Latest Registration Last DateSeptember 22, 2026, 5:00 PMAdmit CardNovember 4, 2026CAT Exam DateNovember 29, 2026Sessions3Exam Duration120 minutesSectionsVARC, DILR, QAGeneral/NC-OBC/EWS Fee₹2,700SC/ST/PwD Fee₹1,350EligibilityBachelor's degree with 50%SC/ST/PwD Eligibility45%Final-Year StudentsEligibleResultExpected in January 2027Official WebsiteCAT Official Website

The revised registration deadline and examination schedule are based on the latest CAT 2026 update available as of September 16, 2026.

CAT 2026 Registration – Latest Update

CAT 2026 registration was initially scheduled to close on September 15, 2026.

However, the deadline has now been extended to September 22, 2026.

Revised CAT 2026 Registration Deadline

September 22, 2026 – 5:00 PM

The examination date remains:

November 29, 2026

Candidates should not wait until the final day because application, payment or document-upload issues can occur close to the deadline.

Official CAT Portal

Candidates should use only the official CAT website for registration and payment:

iimcat.ac.in – Official CAT Portal

The CAT authorities have advised candidates to be careful about unofficial websites requesting personal information or payments.

What Is CAT?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the national-level management entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management.

CAT scores are used in the admission process of the IIMs and are also accepted by numerous other management institutions across India.

CAT is primarily used for admission to postgraduate management programmes such as:

• MBA
• PGDM-equivalent management programmes
• Postgraduate management programmes
• Selected fellow/doctoral programmes

However, each IIM independently determines its own admission criteria and selection process. A CAT score alone does not guarantee admission to an IIM.

CAT 2026 Important Dates

CAT 2026 EventDateCAT 2026 NotificationJuly 25, 2026Registration BeginsAugust 3, 2026Revised Registration Last DateSeptember 22, 2026Expected Correction WindowSeptember 27, 2026 onward*Admit Card ReleaseNovember 4, 2026CAT ExaminationNovember 29, 2026ResultJanuary 2027*MBA Admission Process2027IIM Academic Session2027–28

*Dates marked tentative/expected can change.

The revised September 22 registration deadline is the latest reported update.

CAT 2026 Exam Date

The CAT 2026 examination will be conducted on Sunday, November 29, 2026.

The test will be conducted in three sessions.

The reported slot timings are:

SlotTimingSlot 18:30 AM – 10:30 AMSlot 212:30 PM – 2:30 PMSlot 34:30 PM – 6:30 PM

CAT is a computer-based examination with a total duration of 120 minutes.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates should carefully check the official eligibility requirements before submitting the application.

Bachelor's Degree

A candidate must hold a Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA from a recognised university/institution.

Reserved Categories

Candidates belonging to:

• SC
• ST
• PwD/PwBD

categories require at least 45% marks or equivalent CGPA under the CAT eligibility criteria.

Can Final-Year Students Apply for CAT 2026?

Yes.

Candidates who are currently in the final year of their Bachelor's degree can apply.

Candidates who have completed their degree requirements but are awaiting results may also apply, subject to the conditions specified by the IIMs.

If selected, such candidates may initially join provisionally and must subsequently provide the required certificate confirming completion of their degree requirements.

Can CA, CS and CMA Candidates Apply for CAT?

Yes.

Candidates holding recognised professional qualifications such as:

• CA
• CS
• CMA/ICWA
• Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India

can be eligible under the professional-degree provisions, subject to the prescribed requirements.

CAT 2026 Age Limit

There is no upper age limit specified for appearing in CAT 2026.

Work experience is also not mandatory for appearing in CAT.

Therefore, both fresh graduates and working professionals can apply if they satisfy the academic eligibility criteria.

CAT 2026 Registration Fee

The CAT 2026 registration fee has increased compared with CAT 2025.

CategoryCAT 2026 FeeGeneral₹2,700EWS₹2,700NC-OBC₹2,700SC₹1,350ST₹1,350PwD/PwBD₹1,350

The registration fee is paid during the application process.

CAT 2026 Registration Process

Candidates can complete the CAT application online.

Step 1 – Visit the Official CAT Website

Go to:

CAT Official Registration Portal

Step 2 – New Candidate Registration

Select the new candidate registration option and provide:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Email address
• Mobile number
• Other required information

Step 3 – Generate Login Credentials

After registration, candidates receive their login credentials.

Step 4 – Complete the Application

Fill in:

• Personal information
• Academic details
• Category
• Work experience
• Programme preferences
• Test-city preferences

Step 5 – Upload Documents

Upload the required photograph, signature and category/PwD documents where applicable.

Step 6 – Select Test Cities

Candidates can select their preferred CAT test cities according to the options available in the application form.

Step 7 – Pay the Fee

Pay the applicable CAT registration fee online.

Step 8 – Submit

Review the complete form carefully before final submission.

Save:

• Application confirmation
• Payment receipt
• CAT User ID
• Password

Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration

Candidates should keep the following information/documents ready:

• Passport-size photograph
• Signature
• Class 10 details
• Class 12 details
• Bachelor's degree details
• Master's degree details, if applicable
• Professional qualification details
• Work-experience information, if applicable
• Category certificate, where applicable
• PwD/PwBD documentation, where applicable
• Valid email ID
• Mobile number
• Payment method

Candidates should make sure that the details entered in the application match their official documents.

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

CAT 2026 consists of three major sections:

1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

The examination duration is 120 minutes, with approximately 40 minutes allocated to each section.

CAT 2026 Pattern Reference

SectionDurationVARC40 minutesDILR40 minutesQA40 minutesTotal120 minutes

The current published CAT 2026 pattern has three sections, although candidates should always check the official instructions closer to the examination.

CAT 2026 Syllabus

CAT does not function like a school board examination with a single exhaustive chapter-wise syllabus.

However, the examination broadly tests:

1. VARC – Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

Important areas include:

Reading Comprehension

• Main idea
• Author's viewpoint
• Inference
• Tone
• Supporting arguments
• Passage structure
• Critical reasoning
• Vocabulary in context

Verbal Ability

• Para-jumbles
• Para-summary
• Odd sentence
• Sentence placement
• Paragraph completion
• Logical flow

2. DILR – Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

Data Interpretation

Candidates should practise:

• Tables
• Bar graphs
• Line graphs
• Pie charts
• Caselets
• Data comparison
• Ratios
• Percentages
• Averages
• Data sufficiency

Logical Reasoning

Common areas include:

• Seating arrangements
• Distribution
• Selection
• Scheduling
• Games and tournaments
• Routes and networks
• Ranking
• Binary logic
• Venn diagrams
• Puzzles
• Set-based reasoning

3. Quantitative Ability

Important preparation areas include:

Arithmetic

• Percentages
• Profit and loss
• Simple and compound interest
• Ratio and proportion
• Averages
• Time and work
• Time, speed and distance
• Mixtures
• Allegations

Algebra

• Linear equations
• Quadratic equations
• Inequalities
• Functions
• Progressions
• Algebraic identities

Geometry

• Lines
• Angles
• Triangles
• Quadrilaterals
• Circles
• Coordinate geometry
• Mensuration

Number System

• Divisibility
• Factors
• Multiples
• Remainders
• HCF and LCM
• Number properties

The exact question distribution can vary from year to year.

CAT 2026 Marking Scheme

The CAT examination generally uses different question formats, including:

• Multiple-choice questions
• Non-MCQ/TITA-type questions

The current pattern generally awards positive marks for correct responses and negative marks for incorrect MCQs, while non-MCQ questions may follow different marking rules.

Candidates should carefully read the instructions displayed on the CAT examination screen before beginning each section.

CAT 2026 Admit Card

The CAT 2026 admit card is scheduled to become available from:

November 4, 2026

Candidates should download the admit card from the official CAT portal and verify:

• Name
• Photograph
• Registration details
• Test centre
• Date
• Session
• Reporting time
• Examination instructions

CAT 2026 Result

The CAT 2026 result is expected after the examination, with current schedules pointing to January 2027.

The CAT scorecard generally contains:

• Overall score
• Overall percentile
• Sectional scores
• Sectional percentiles

The final IIM admission process is conducted separately by individual IIMs.

CAT Score Validity

CAT scores are used for the corresponding admission cycle.

For CAT 2026, candidates will primarily use their scores for MBA/PGP admissions for the 2027–28 academic session.

Candidates should check the individual institute's admission policy because different B-schools can have different score-validity and application requirements.

CAT 2026 and IIM Admission 2027

A common misconception is that filling the CAT form automatically applies to every IIM.

That is not necessarily the case.

CAT registration allows candidates to take the CAT examination and participate in the applicable IIM admission process, but each IIM independently determines its own selection criteria.

The admission process may include:

• CAT percentile
• Sectional percentile
• Academic performance
• Work experience
• Diversity factors
• Written Ability Test
• Personal Interview
• Other institute-specific criteria

Therefore, candidates should separately study the admission criteria of each IIM.

IIMs Accepting CAT 2026

CAT is used for admission consideration across the IIM system.

The IIMs include institutes such as:

• IIM Ahmedabad
• IIM Bangalore
• IIM Calcutta
• IIM Lucknow
• IIM Kozhikode
• IIM Indore
• IIM Mumbai
• IIM Shillong
• IIM Udaipur
• IIM Trichy
• IIM Ranchi
• IIM Raipur
• IIM Rohtak
• IIM Kashipur
• IIM Nagpur
• IIM Visakhapatnam
• IIM Amritsar
• IIM Bodh Gaya
• IIM Jammu
• IIM Sambalpur
• IIM Sirmaur

Admission criteria differ across institutes.

CAT 2026 for Non-IIM MBA Colleges

CAT is also accepted by numerous non-IIM management institutions.

Depending on the institution, CAT scores can be considered by business schools such as:

• FMS Delhi
• MDI Gurgaon
• SPJIMR Mumbai
• IIT Delhi
• IIT Bombay
• IIT Kharagpur
• IIT Madras
• IIT Kanpur
• IIT Roorkee
• IIFT
• IMT Ghaziabad
• TAPMI
• FORE School of Management
• Great Lakes
• GIM Goa
• K J Somaiya Institute of Management
• BIMTECH
• Welingkar

Acceptance, minimum scores, application deadlines and selection criteria vary by institute.

Important: A candidate should not assume that CAT registration automatically submits an application to every non-IIM college. Many institutes require a separate application.

CAT 2026 MBA Admission Process

The overall MBA admission journey can be divided into several stages.

Stage 1 – CAT Registration

Complete the CAT application before the deadline.

Stage 2 – CAT Examination

Appear for CAT on November 29, 2026.

Stage 3 – CAT Result

Receive the CAT score and percentile.

Stage 4 – B-School Shortlisting

IIMs and other participating institutes evaluate candidates according to their individual criteria.

Stage 5 – WAT/PI/GD or Other Assessments

Depending on the institution, candidates may face:

• Personal Interview
• Written Ability Test
• Group Discussion
• Case discussion
• Extempore
• Other assessments

Stage 6 – Final Merit List

Institutes combine applicable components such as:

• CAT performance
• Academics
• Work experience
• Interview performance
• Diversity
• Other factors

Stage 7 – Offer

Selected candidates receive admission offers.

Stage 8 – Fee Payment & Admission

Candidates complete the required fee payment and document verification.

CAT Percentile vs MBA College

There is no single CAT percentile that guarantees admission to every MBA college.

Different institutes use different:

• Overall percentile requirements
• Sectional cutoffs
• Academic criteria
• Work-experience criteria
• Interview processes
• Category-specific requirements

For this reason, candidates should create a college list based on their profile, rather than relying only on one overall percentile number.

CAT 2026 Preparation Strategy

A structured preparation plan can be divided into four stages.

Phase 1 – Build Fundamentals

Focus on:

• Arithmetic
• Algebra
• Reading comprehension
• Basic grammar
• Logical reasoning
• Data interpretation

Phase 2 – Topic-Wise Practice

Complete:

• Chapter-wise questions
• Sectional exercises
• Previous CAT questions
• Timed practice

Phase 3 – Mock Tests

Start taking full-length mocks and analyse:

• Accuracy
• Time management
• Question selection
• Sectional performance
• Weak areas

Phase 4 – Final Revision

Focus on:

• Formula revision
• RC practice
• DILR sets
• Mock analysis
• Previous CAT questions
• Time-management strategy

CAT 2026 Preparation Timeline

With the exam scheduled for November 29, 2026, candidates have a limited preparation window.

PeriodFocusSeptemberFundamentals + topic revisionOctoberSectional tests + full mocksEarly NovemberIntensive mock analysisMid-NovemberRevision + strategyFinal WeekLight revision + exam strategyNovember 29CAT 2026

Candidates who have already registered should now shift their focus from application completion to preparation.

Common CAT Registration Mistakes

Candidates should avoid:

• Entering incorrect academic marks
• Selecting the wrong category
• Uploading incorrect documents
• Using an inactive email ID
• Using an incorrect mobile number
• Selecting unsuitable test cities
• Entering incorrect work-experience months
• Forgetting to save the payment receipt
• Waiting until the final hours
• Using unofficial websites for payment

The limited correction facility should not be treated as an opportunity to change every application field.

CAT 2026 Registration Checklist

Before submitting the application, check:

☐ Name matches official documents

☐ Date of birth is correct

☐ Category is correct

☐ Graduation details are correct

☐ Class 10/12 information is correct

☐ Work experience is correctly entered

☐ Photograph uploaded correctly

☐ Signature uploaded correctly

☐ Category/PwD certificate uploaded where required

☐ Test-city preferences checked

☐ IIM programme preferences reviewed

☐ Fee payment completed

☐ Confirmation page saved

CAT 2026 Latest Update Tracker

DateUpdateJuly 25, 2026CAT 2026 notification releasedAugust 3, 2026CAT 2026 registration openedSeptember 15, 2026Original registration deadlineSeptember 22, 2026Revised registration deadlineSeptember 27, 2026*Correction window expectedNovember 4, 2026Admit card scheduledNovember 29, 2026CAT 2026 examinationJanuary 2027*Result expected2027MBA admission process

*Tentative/expected dates can change.

The revised registration deadline is the key latest development as of September 16, 2026.

CAT 2026 Frequently Asked Questions

Is CAT 2026 registration still open?

Yes. The latest reported update extends the CAT 2026 registration deadline to September 22, 2026, 5:00 PM.

When is CAT 2026?

CAT 2026 will be conducted on November 29, 2026 in three sessions.

Who is conducting CAT 2026?

IIM Indore is conducting CAT 2026.

What is the CAT 2026 registration fee?

The fee is ₹2,700 for General/NC-OBC/EWS candidates and ₹1,350 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.

What is the CAT eligibility percentage?

Candidates generally need 50% in their Bachelor's degree, while SC/ST/PwD candidates require 45% under the CAT eligibility criteria.

Can final-year students apply for CAT 2026?

Yes. Final-year Bachelor's students can apply subject to the applicable conditions.

Is work experience compulsory for CAT?

No. Work experience is not mandatory for appearing in CAT.

Is there an age limit for CAT 2026?

There is no upper age limit specified for CAT 2026.

How many sections are there in CAT?

CAT has three sections:

1. VARC
2. DILR
3. QA

The current examination duration is 120 minutes.

Is CAT conducted online?

Yes. CAT is conducted as a computer-based test.

When will the CAT 2026 admit card be released?

The admit card is scheduled to be available from November 4, 2026.

When will the CAT 2026 result be announced?

The result is expected after the November examination, with January 2027 indicated in the current schedule. Candidates should wait for the official result announcement.

Does CAT guarantee admission to an IIM?

No. A candidate must satisfy the respective IIM's shortlisting and final-selection criteria. Each IIM independently determines its admission process.

Can CAT score be used for non-IIM colleges?

Yes. Numerous non-IIM management institutes accept CAT scores, but individual application and selection requirements differ.

CAT 2026 – Complete MBA Admission Checklist

For MBA aspirants targeting the 2027–29 MBA admission cycle, the recommended sequence is:

Register for CAT → Prepare strategically → Take CAT → Receive percentile → Apply/complete institute-specific applications → Attend WAT/PI/GD where applicable → Receive offers → Compare fees, placements, programme structure and location → Complete admission.

Candidates should maintain a separate spreadsheet containing:

• College
• CAT cutoff/eligibility
• Application deadline
• Application fee
• MBA fee
• Hostel fee
• Placement data
• Selection process
• Interview date
• Offer status

This makes the post-CAT admission process easier to manage.

Expert Overview

CAT 2026 is the key entrance examination for MBA aspirants targeting the IIMs and many leading B-schools for the 2027–29 admission cycle. With the registration deadline now extended to September 22, 2026 and the exam scheduled for November 29, candidates should complete registration promptly and focus on VARC, DILR and QA preparation while researching individual institute selection criteria.

Final CAT 2026 Update

The most important CAT 2026 information for MBA aspirants is:

• Conducting Institute: IIM Indore
• Registration opened: August 3, 2026
• Latest registration deadline: September 22, 2026, 5:00 PM
• Exam date: November 29, 2026
• Admit card: November 4, 2026
• Application fee: ₹2,700 for General/NC-OBC/EWS
• Reserved-category fee: ₹1,350
• Eligibility: 50% Bachelor's degree for General/EWS/NC-OBC and 45% for SC/ST/PwD
• Final-year students: Eligible
• Work experience: Not compulsory
• Exam sections: VARC, DILR and QA
• Exam duration: 120 minutes
• Result: Expected in January 2027
• MBA admission cycle: 2027–29

The September 22 extension is the latest major CAT 2026 registration update and should be prominently highlighted in this article until the deadline passes.

Candidates should always verify the latest deadline, admit-card information, correction-window dates and examination instructions on the official CAT portal before taking action.

Official CAT Sources

CAT Official Website:

iimcat.ac.in

CAT 2026 Registration Portal:

Official CAT Registration Portal

For current registration, payment and examination information, candidates should rely on the official CAT website rather than unofficial registration links.