The CAT 2026 official notification is expected to be released on July 26, 2026, at iimcat.ac.in, with IIM Indore designated as the convening institute for this year’s exam cycle.

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 will open the admission process for the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and over 1,200 other MBA colleges across India. Once the notification is live, you can complete your registration at the official CAT portal. The exam is expected in late November 2026, following the pattern set by previous years.

  • CAT 2026 notification release date: July 26, 2026 (expected, subject to official confirmation)
  • Official portal: iimcat.ac.in
  • IIM Indore is the convening institute for CAT 2026
  • CAT 2026 exam date: expected in November 2026 (last Sunday of the month)
  • Registration window expected to open in August 2026
  • Over 1,200 MBA institutes across India accept CAT scores

CAT 2026 Notification Highlights

The CAT 2026 notification will officially kick off the MBA admission cycle for the 2027–29 academic batch. Based on the expected release and previous years’ CAT schedules, here are the key highlights students need to know:

Particulars Details
Exam Name Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026
Conducting Body IIM Indore (on behalf of all IIMs)
Notification Release July 26, 2026 (expected)
Registration Start Expected August 2026
Registration End Expected September 2026
CAT 2026 Exam Date Expected last Sunday of November 2026
Mode of Exam Computer Based Test (CBT)
Exam Duration 2 hours (120 minutes)
Sections VARC, DILR, Quantitative Ability (QA)
Official Website iimcat.ac.in

Expected CAT 2026 Important Dates

All dates below are based on previous years’ CAT schedules and are expected as per trends. Official dates will be confirmed once the CAT 2026 notification is released on July 26, 2026.

Event Expected Date
CAT 2026 Notification Release July 26, 2026
Registration Window Opens First week of August 2026
Last Date to Register Third week of September 2026
Admit Card Download Last week of October 2026
CAT 2026 Exam Date November 2026 (expected November 29, last Sunday)
Answer Key Release December 2026
CAT 2026 Result January 2027

IIM Indore as CAT 2026 Convener

IIM Indore has been designated as the convening institute for CAT 2026. The IIMs rotate the responsibility of conducting CAT each year, and IIM Indore takes charge for the 2026 exam cycle. As the convener, IIM Indore manages the complete CAT process on behalf of all IIMs.

IIM Indore, established in 1996, is consistently ranked among India’s top management institutions. As the convening body, it will handle every stage of CAT 2026:

  • Publishing the CAT 2026 notification and registration guidelines at iimcat.ac.in
  • Managing the online registration and fee payment portal
  • Coordinating with the testing agency (TCS iON) for exam delivery across test centres in India
  • Releasing the CAT 2026 admit card, provisional answer key, and final result
  • Managing score card downloads and grievance redressal

CAT 2026 Registration Process

CAT 2026 registration is expected to begin in the first week of August 2026, shortly after the notification release. The entire process is online at iimcat.ac.in. Once registration opens, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the official CAT 2026 portal at iimcat.ac.in
  2. Click New Registration and create your account using a valid email ID and mobile number
  3. Log in and fill in your personal, academic, and work experience details
  4. Upload your scanned photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable)
  5. Select up to 4 preferred test cities from the available list
  6. Pay the application fee online — expected ₹2,400 for General/OBC/EWS and ₹1,200 for SC/ST/PwD students
  7. Submit the form and download your confirmation page for records

Keep your Class 10, Class 12, and graduation marksheets handy before starting. The exact fee amounts and document requirements will be confirmed in the CAT 2026 notification.


CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

You must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD students) from a recognized university to be eligible for CAT 2026. Final year students can also apply, but must submit proof of graduation before joining any IIM programme.

Criteria Requirement
Minimum Qualification Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
Minimum Marks — General/OBC/EWS 50% aggregate or equivalent CGPA
Minimum Marks — SC/ST/PwD 45% aggregate or equivalent CGPA
Final Year Students Eligible; must complete degree before IIM joining
Age Limit No upper age limit
Number of Attempts No restriction

CAT 2026 Notification FAQs

Ques. When will the CAT 2026 notification be released?

Ans. The CAT 2026 notification is expected on July 26, 2026, at iimcat.ac.in. Registration details, exam date, and fee structure will be officially confirmed once the notification is live.

Ques. Which IIM will conduct CAT 2026?

Ans. IIM Indore is the convening institute for CAT 2026. It will manage all aspects of the exam including registration, admit card, exam conduct, and result declaration on behalf of all IIMs.

Ques. What is the expected CAT 2026 exam date?

Ans. Based on past trends, CAT 2026 is expected to be held on the last Sunday of November 2026, likely November 29, 2026. The official date will be announced in the CAT 2026 notification.

Ques. When will CAT 2026 registration open?

Ans. CAT 2026 registration is expected to open in the first week of August 2026, shortly after the notification release on July 26. You can register at iimcat.ac.in.

Ques. What is the eligibility for CAT 2026?

Ans. You need a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) from a recognized university. Final year students can also apply. There is no age limit or restriction on number of attempts.

Ques. What is the expected CAT 2026 application fee?

Ans. Based on previous years, the expected CAT 2026 application fee is ₹2,400 for General, OBC, and EWS students and ₹1,200 for SC, ST, and PwD students. The official fee will be confirmed in the CAT 2026 notification.