CAT 2026 Registration Begins at 10:00 AM on 3 August 2026

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have released the Information Bulletin for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026. CAT 2026 is a computer-based entrance exam conducted as a prerequisite for admission to various Post Graduate Programmes (PGP) and Fellow Programmes in Management (FPM/PhD) offered by participating IIMs. Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements can apply online during the registration window.

CAT 2026 will be conducted on Sunday, 29 November 2026 in three sessions. Online registration begins on 3 August 2026 at 10:00 AM (IST) and ends on 15 September 2026 at 5:00 PM (IST). The application is submitted online through the CAT website portal, where candidates also select preferred test cities. The selection for admission is carried out by each IIM independently using CAT 2026 scores along with other inputs such as academic record, work experience, and programme-specific criteria.

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

This notification is for the CAT 2026 entrance test and does not specify programme-wise or seat-wise vacancies. Admission seats are offered by 21 participating IIMs through their respective PGP and FPM/PhD programmes, based on CAT 2026 scores and each institute’s selection process.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 50% marks (or equivalent CGPA). For SC/ST/PwBD candidates, the minimum requirement is 45% marks (or equivalent CGPA). The degree must be awarded by a University/Institution recognized by an Act of Parliament, State legislature, or deemed university under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

Candidates in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree, or those awaiting results after completing degree requirements, can also apply. If selected, they must submit a completion certificate from their Principal/Registrar as required.

Minimum qualifying conditions also include the following: for a completed Bachelor’s degree, the minimum percentage is 50% for General/EWS/NC-OBC and 45% for SC/ST/PwBD. For completed professional degrees such as CA/CS/ICWA(CMA)/FIAI, the minimum percentage is also 50% for General/EWS/NC-OBC and 45% for SC/ST/PwBD. For candidates in the final year of Bachelor’s degree, the minimum percentage requirement remains 50% for General/EWS/NC-OBC and 45% for SC/ST/PwBD.

Age Limit

The notification does not mention any age limit for CAT 2026 eligibility.

Application Fee

The fee is payable only once, regardless of the number of IIMs applied for. SC/ST/PwBD candidates must upload their certificates at the time of registration. Fees once paid are non-refundable.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official CAT 2026 online registration portal and start the registration process during the window that opens on 3 August 2026 at 10:00 AM (IST).
2. Complete the registration form and, during registration, select 5 preferred test cities from the available drop-down options.
3. Submit the application and complete the required payment of the registration fee as per your category.
4. After registration closes on 15 September 2026 at 5:00 PM (IST), one test city will be allotted based on availability.
5. Download the admit card from 4 November 2026 onward until 29 November 2026, and follow the instructions mentioned on the admit card for the exam day.

Salary & Pay Scale

Not applicable. CAT 2026 is an entrance examination for admission to management programmes and does not involve any salary or pay scale.

Selection Process

CAT 2026 results are expected to be declared in the first week of January 2027. Each IIM conducts its own admission process and sets its own eligibility criteria, including academic cut-offs and relative weights. Shortlisting may consider CAT 2026 performance along with previous academic record, work experience, and other inputs as applicable. CAT scores are also usable by listed non-IIM member institutions; however, IIMs do not control the selection process for those institutions.

Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements should complete CAT 2026 registration within the deadline of 15 September 2026 (5:00 PM IST) to avoid missing the opportunity to select preferred test cities and generate the admit card for the exam on 29 November 2026.