The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to postgraduate management programmes offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other participating management institutions. For the 2026 admission cycle, the exam is being conducted by Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore, with Prof. Aditya Billore serving as the CAT 2026 Convener.
CAT 2026 will be conducted as a computer-based test on Sunday, 29 November 2026, in three sessions across approximately 170 cities in India. The examination evaluates candidates through three sections covering verbal ability, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and quantitative ability.
This guide explains the CAT 2026 registration process, eligibility criteria, application fees, exam pattern, and other important information released through the official CAT notification.
CAT 2026 Important Dates
Candidates should keep track of the official schedule to complete registration and other activities within the specified timelines.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 Registration Opens | 3 August 2026 (Monday), 10:00 AM (IST) |
| CAT 2026 Registration Closes | 15 September 2026 (Tuesday), 5:00 PM (IST) |
| CAT 2026 Admit Card Download Begins | 4 November 2026 (Wednesday) |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | 29 November 2026 (Sunday) |
Candidates are advised to complete their registration well before the closing date and regularly visit the official CAT website for any updates regarding the examination schedule or admit card release.
CAT 2026 Application Fees
The CAT application fee must be paid online while submitting the registration form.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General, NC-OBC and EWS | ₹2,700 |
| SC, ST and PwBD | ₹1,350 |
The registration fee is non-refundable. Candidates should complete payment only through the official CAT website.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before registering for CAT 2026, candidates should ensure that they satisfy the prescribed eligibility requirements.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree from a recognised university or institution |
| Minimum Marks | 50% for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates; 45% for SC, ST and PwBD candidates |
| Final-Year Students | Eligible to apply provisionally |
| Professional Qualifications | CA, CS, CMA (ICWA) and Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI) are eligible with the required percentage |
| Age Limit | No age restriction |
Candidates who have completed all degree requirements but are awaiting their final results may also apply. If selected, they will be required to produce the necessary certificate from their university or institution within the timeline specified by the respective IIM.
Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not automatically guarantee admission. Each participating institution may apply its own shortlisting and selection process after the CAT results are declared.
Reservation Policy
Reservation for admission to the IIMs follows the Government of India norms.
| Category | Reservation |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| Non-Creamy Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | Up to 10% |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 5% |
Candidates applying under a reserved category are required to upload the relevant certificates during registration and produce the original documents during subsequent admission stages if shortlisted.
CAT 2026 Registration Process
The registration process is conducted online through the official CAT website.
The general registration steps are:
1. Visit the official CAT website and create a new user account.
2. Verify the registered email address and mobile number using the One-Time Password (OTP).
3. Log in using the generated User ID and password.
4. Complete the personal information section.
5. Enter academic qualifications and examination details.
6. Fill in work experience details, if applicable.
7. Select the preferred IIM programmes and participating institutions.
8. Choose up to five preferred test cities.
9. Upload the required documents in the prescribed format.
10. Pay the application fee online.
11. Review all details carefully before submitting the application.
12. Download and save the confirmation page for future reference.
Candidates are advised to complete the registration process well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration
Applicants should keep the following information and documents ready before starting the online registration process:
- Valid email address
- Active mobile number
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Academic qualification details
- Work experience details (if applicable)
- Category certificate (SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS), if applicable
- PwBD certificate, if applicable
Candidates should ensure that all uploaded documents meet the specifications mentioned in the official registration guide.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
CAT 2026 will be conducted as a computer-based test with a total duration of 120 minutes.
| Section | Duration |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 40 Minutes |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 40 Minutes |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 40 Minutes |
| Total Duration | 120 Minutes |
Some important features of the examination include:
- The examination will be conducted in three sessions on the same day.
- Candidates will receive 40 minutes for each section.
- Switching between sections during the examination is not permitted.
- CAT 2026 will be conducted across approximately 170 cities in India.
- Candidates may choose five preferred test cities during registration.
- A mock test will be made available on the official CAT website before the examination to help candidates become familiar with the test interface.
Topics Generally Covered in CAT
The Indian Institutes of Management do not prescribe an official topic-wise CAT syllabus. However, based on the exam pattern, candidates generally prepare the following areas for each section.
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
This section assesses a candidate's reading, comprehension, and verbal reasoning abilities. Common areas of preparation include:
- Reading comprehension
- Para jumbles
- Para completion
- Para summary
- Sentence arrangement
- Verbal reasoning
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
This section evaluates analytical thinking and the ability to interpret information presented in different formats.
Candidates generally prepare topics such as:
- Tables and charts
- Graphs and caselets
- Data interpretation sets
- Seating arrangements
- Logical puzzles
- Venn diagrams
- Analytical reasoning
Quantitative Ability (QA)
This section measures mathematical aptitude and problem-solving skills. Preparation commonly includes:
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Number systems
- Modern mathematics
- Percentages
- Profit and loss
- Time, speed and distance
- Time and work
- Averages
- Mensuration
Since CAT does not publish an official syllabus, candidates should refer to the latest exam pattern and practise questions across these broad subject areas while preparing.
CAT 2026 Preparation Tips
A well-planned preparation strategy can help candidates become familiar with the examination pattern and improve time management during the test.
Some useful preparation tips include:
- Understand the latest CAT exam pattern before starting preparation.
- Create a study plan that allocates sufficient time to each section.
- Build conceptual clarity before attempting advanced questions.
- Practise sectional questions regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
- Attempt mock tests under timed conditions.
- Analyse mock test performance to identify strengths and areas requiring improvement.
- Revise important concepts periodically throughout the preparation period.
- Take the official CAT mock test available on the CAT website to become familiar with the examination interface.
Planning Your MBA Finances
Preparing for CAT is one step towards pursuing an MBA. Once admission offers are received, students may also need to plan for tuition fees, accommodation, books, laptops, and other education-related expenses throughout the programme.
Planning finances early can help reduce uncertainty during the admission process and allow students to focus on academics after securing admission. For eligible students pursuing MBA programmes in India or higher education abroad, Credila offers education loan solutions that may help cover education-related expenses, making it easier to plan the financial aspects of management education.
Conclusion
CAT 2026 is an important entrance examination for candidates seeking admission to management programmes offered by the Indian Institutes of Management and other participating institutions. Understanding the registration process, eligibility requirements, exam pattern, and important dates can help candidates complete the application process with greater confidence.
Candidates are encouraged to register within the prescribed timeline, regularly visit the official CAT website for updates, and follow a structured preparation plan. Since admission criteria vary across institutions, applicants should also review the requirements of their preferred business schools before applying.
