Important Details on CAT 2026 Application Process and Exam Schedule
CAT 2026 Notification Overview
CAT 2026 Application Timeline: The application window for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 will open on August 3 at 10:00 AM and will close on September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Exam Conducting Authority and Schedule
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore will oversee the CAT exam this year. Scheduled for November 2026, the exam will take place in three shifts across over 170 centers nationwide. The exam syllabus and pattern remain unchanged, although the application fee has seen an increase.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
Who is Eligible?
To apply for CAT 2026, candidates must have achieved a minimum of 50% marks in their undergraduate degree from a recognized institution. For SC, ST, and PwD candidates, the requirement is set at 45%. Final-year students can also apply, provided they meet all eligibility criteria upon admission.
Application Process Recommendations
Applicants are encouraged to prepare all necessary documents ahead of the application period. Completing the application early is advisable to avoid issues like heavy traffic on the website or technical difficulties during the last moments of submission.
Admit Card and Result Announcement
Admit Card Release:
The admit card for CAT 2026 will be available on November 4, 2026. Candidates can download their hall tickets from the official website. The results are expected to be announced in the first week of January 2027, and the CAT score will be valid until December 31, 2027, allowing candidates to apply to various IIMs and other management institutions.
Key Dates for CAT 2026
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 |
Revised Application Fee
Application Fee Changes:
The application fee for CAT 2026 has been updated. Candidates from the General, EWS, and NC-OBC categories will now pay ₹2,700, an increase from last year's ₹2,600. For SC, ST, and PwD candidates, the fee has risen from ₹1,300 to ₹1,350.
It is important to note that the registration fee is non-refundable, and payment must be made online to complete the application process.
Validity of CAT Scores
Score Validity:
The results for CAT 2026 are anticipated to be released in the first week of January 2027. Candidates can access their scorecards by logging into the official CAT website. Notifications regarding results may also be sent via SMS.
The CAT 2026 score will be valid until December 31, 2027, allowing candidates to utilize their scores for admission to various IIMs and other participating management institutes.