
Content Writer and Translator | Updated On - Jul 30, 2026
The CAT 2026 notification is out, confirming that the exam will be conducted on November 29, 2026, with registration starting on August 3, 2026
The CAT 2026 notification has been released by IIM Indore on July 26, 2026, confirming that the CAT 2026 exam will be held on November 29, 2026 (Sunday).
According to the official information bulletin, the CAT 2026 registration process will begin on August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) and continue until September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM) at iimcat.ac.in.
The application fee has increased to ₹2,700 for General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates and ₹1350 for SC, ST and PwBD candidates, while the exam pattern and syllabus remain unchanged.

CAT 2026 Notification Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Status | OUT |
| Conducting Institute | IIM Indore |
| Notification Release Date | July 26, 2026 |
| Registration Starts | August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Registration Ends | September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| CAT Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Application Fee (General/EWS/NC-OBC) | ₹2,700 |
| Application Fee (SC/ST/PwD) | ₹1,350 |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
Candidate can also check the CAT 2026 Registration Date, CAT 2026 Exam Date, CAT 2026 Eligibility, CAT 2026 Exam Pattern, and CAT 2026 Syllabus before the application window opens.
Related Links:
- Check CAT 2026 Exam Date, Registration, Application Form, Eligibility, Syllabus
- CAT 2026 Notification, IIM Indore Convener, Registration Opens Aug 1

Direct Link for CAT 2026 Website: https://iimcat.ac.in/ (Website Activated)
IIM CAT 2026 Notification: Changes in Eligibility, Pattern, Fee, & Syllabus
| Particular | CAT 2026 | CAT 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting IIM | IIM Indore | IIM Kozhikode |
| Registration Starts | August 3 | August 1 |
| Registration Ends | September 15 | September 20 |
| Exam Date | November 29 | November 30 |
| General Category Fee | ₹2,700 | ₹2,600 |
| SC/ST/PwD Fee | ₹1,350 | ₹1,300 |
| Exam Pattern | No Change | — |
| Syllabus | No Change | — |
Collegedunia Analysis: The increase in the application fee is the biggest change in CAT 2026. Since there are no changes in the exam pattern or syllabus, candidates can continue preparing using the same strategy followed for CAT 2025.
Related Articles:
- The CAT 2026 notification does not announce any major changes to the exam pattern.
- Candidates can expect the overall format to remain similar to previous years.
- The syllabus also remains unchanged as per the official notification.
- Candidates are advised to read the official Information Bulletin carefully before applying.
- The document contains important details regarding eligibility, reservation, exam pattern, and the application process.
- Following the prescribed guidelines can help avoid errors during registration.
- Candidates must register using a valid email address and mobile number.
- All official updates, including login credentials and admit card notifications, will be sent through the registered contact details.
- Applicants should avoid using temporary or inactive email IDs.
- Completing the application fee payment is mandatory for successful registration.
- Forms submitted without payment will not be considered complete.
- Candidates should download the payment confirmation after successful submission.
- CAT 2026 will be conducted in more than 170 cities across India.
- Candidates can select their preferred cities during registration.
- The final exam centre will be allotted by the conducting authority.
- The CAT 2026 admit card will be available from November 4, 2026.
- It will include the candidate's exam centre, reporting time, test slot, and important exam-day instructions.
- Candidates should verify all details immediately after downloading the admit card.
- CAT 2026 applicants can choose up to five preferred exam cities while filling out the application form.
- Test centre allotment will depend on seat availability.
- If the selected cities are unavailable, candidates may be allotted the nearest available city.
- The Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) section evaluates reading speed, comprehension, and critical reasoning skills.
- Candidates should regularly read editorials and solve RC passages to strengthen inference and analytical abilities.
- Balancing reading speed with accuracy is key to scoring well in VARC.
- The Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) section will test candidates on charts, tables, arrangements, and logical puzzles.
- Experts recommend selecting the right sets instead of attempting every question.
- Consistent practice of mixed DILR sets can help improve overall performance.

- CAT 2026 will have strict sectional time limits, and candidates cannot switch between sections during the exam.
- Once the allotted time for a section ends, candidates cannot revisit or modify their answers.
- Aspirants should practice completing each section within the prescribed time to improve accuracy and avoid last-minute mistakes.
- During registration, candidates can select five preferred CAT exam cities.
- Test city allotment will depend on seat availability.
- If the preferred cities are unavailable, candidates may be allotted the nearest available test centre
- Registered candidates can download the CAT 2026 admit card from November 4, 2026.
- The admit card download facility will remain available until the examination date.
- Candidates should verify all details on the admit card before the exam.
- Admission to participating institutes is based on individual selection criteria.
- Apart from CAT scores, institutes may consider academic performance, work experience, and personal interview performance.
- Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee a shortlist for further admission rounds.
- General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates must pay ₹2,700 as the CAT 2026 application fee.
- SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are required to pay ₹1,350.
- The application fee must be paid online while submitting the registration form.
- Candidates must complete the application fee payment before the registration deadline.
- Incomplete fee payment will result in the application form not being submitted.
- The last date to submit the CAT 2026 application form and registration fee is September 15, 2026
Candidates filling the CAT 2026 application form must upload their photograph as per the official specifications:
- Dimensions: 1200 × 1200 pixels
- File Format: JPG/JPEG
- Maximum File Size: 80 KB
- Resolution: Less than 150 px/inch
Failure to follow these specifications may result in upload errors during registration.
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| Passport-size Photograph | ✓ |
| Scanned Signature | ✓ |
| Graduation Details | ✓ |
| Class 10 Marksheet | ✓ |
| Class 12 Marksheet | ✓ |
| Category Certificate (if applicable) | ✓ |
| PwD Certificate (if applicable) | ✓ |
| Valid Email ID and Mobile Number | ✓ |

| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree from a recognised university |
| Minimum Marks | 50% (General/EWS/NC-OBC), 45% (SC/ST/PwD) |
| Final Year Students | Eligible to apply |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
Yes, the CAT 2026 notification was released on July 26, 2026, by IIM Indore. Candidates can check the official notification, information bulletin, and other exam details on iimcat.ac.in.
- Download the application confirmation page.
- Save the payment receipt.
- Track updates regarding the admit card.
- Continue CAT preparation while waiting for further announcements.
- A correction window is expected after registration closes.
- Candidates may be allowed to edit selected details.
- Personal information should be entered carefully during the initial application.
- Candidates will be allowed to choose preferred CAT test cities.
- Test centres will be allotted based on availability.
- Early registration may improve the chances of getting the preferred exam city.
| Particulars | CAT 2026 | CAT 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Institute | IIM Indore | IIM Kozhikode |
| Registration Starts | August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) | August 1, 2025 |
| Registration Ends | September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM) | September 20, 2025 |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in | iimcat.ac.in |
| Application Fee (General/EWS/NC-OBC) | INR 2,700 | INR 2,600 |
| Application Fee (SC/ST/PwD) | INR 1,350 | INR 1,300 |
| Admit Card Release | November 4, 2026 | November 5, 2025 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 29, 2026 | November 30, 2025 |
| Exam Slots | 3 | 3 |
| Exam Cities | 170+ Cities | 170+ Cities |
| Official Information Brochure | Available | Available |
| Major Exam Pattern Changes | No Changes | — |
| Syllabus Changes | No Changes | — |
| Expected Result Date | First Week of January 2027 | December 2025 |
| Score Validity | Till December 31, 2027 | Till December 31, 2026 |
Before registration begins, candidates should keep the following ready:
- Passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Graduation details
- Class 10 and 12 marksheets
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Valid email ID and mobile number
- The candidate login portal will become active once registration begins.
- Registered applicants can use the same login credentials to:
- Fill the application form
- Download the admit card
- View the response sheet
- Check CAT 2026 results
- The CAT 2026 portal now features 22 IIMs.
- IIM Guwahati has been added with its dedicated section.
- Candidates can explore participating IIMs directly through the official website.



- One of the key changes in CAT 2026 is the terminology update.
- The PwD (Persons with Disabilities) category is now referred to as PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) in the official notification.
- Candidates applying under this category should check the updated eligibility requirements.

- The CAT 2026 Information Bulletin is now available.
- It includes eligibility criteria, registration guidelines, and important instructions.
- Candidates should read the bulletin carefully before filling out the application form.

- CAT 2026 will be conducted on November 29, 2026.
- The examination will be held in multiple sessions across the country.
- Candidates should regularly check the official website for further announcements.

- CAT 2026 admit cards will be available from November 4, 2026.
- Candidates can download their admit cards using their login credentials.
- The admit card will contain exam centre and reporting details.
- The last date to submit the CAT 2026 application form is September 15, 2026.
- Candidates should complete registration well before the deadline.
- Late applications are generally not accepted once the registration window closes.
- CAT 2026 online registration will begin on August 3, 2026.
- Candidates can complete the application process through the official CAT website.
- Aspirants are advised to keep all required documents ready before registration starts.
- The CAT 2026 application fee has been revised this year.
- General category candidates will now have to pay ₹2,700.
- SC/ST/PwBD candidates will pay ₹1,350.
- The revised fee is ₹100 higher for General candidates and ₹50 higher for reserved category candidates compared to last year.

- The notification will mention certificate requirements for reserved category candidates.
- NC-OBC and EWS certificates must meet the prescribed validity requirements.
- Candidates should keep all supporting documents ready before registration begins.

Download: CAT 2026 Notification PDF: Out
- MBA aspirants are closely monitoring the official CAT website for the notification.
- Every year, website traffic increases significantly before the notification release.
- Candidates are advised to rely only on official announcements for updates.
- The CAT 2026 Information Bulletin will accompany the official notification.
- It will include:
- Eligibility criteria
- Registration process
- Reservation policy
- Application fee
- Exam pattern
- Admit card schedule
- Result declaration process
- The CAT 2026 registration link will be activated on the official website.
- New users must register before filling out the application form.
- Candidates should use only the official portal to submit their applications.
- Registration through any other website will not be accepted.
- The CAT 2026 notification PDF is expected to be released shortly.
- It will contain the complete exam schedule and registration details.
- Candidates can download the notification from the official CAT website.
- Aspirants should carefully read the eligibility criteria before applying.
- CAT 2026 is expected to attract over 3 lakh MBA aspirants from across the country.
- Competition for admission to IIMs and other top B-schools is expected to remain intense.
- Candidates should focus on improving their percentile rather than worrying about the paper's overall difficulty.
- The Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) section is expected to follow recent trends.
- Reading Comprehension passages may continue to dominate the section.
- Candidates should focus on inference-based questions and reading accuracy
- Experts predict Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) will remain the toughest section in CAT 2026.
- Candidates may face calculation-intensive sets and multi-step logical puzzles.
- Smart question selection and time management will be crucial for a high percentile.
- CAT 2026 is expected to be moderate to difficult, according to exam experts and recent trend analysis.
- The overall exam pattern is likely to remain similar to previous years, with the difficulty varying across sections.
- Since CAT is a percentile-based exam, a tougher paper generally results in lower raw scores required for the same percentile
Candidates should avoid waiting for the notification before starting serious preparation.
- Complete document verification before registration begins.
- Keep academic records and certificates ready.
- Focus on improving speed and accuracy through regular mock tests.
- Track the official CAT website for confirmation of notification and registration dates.
Candidates should complete a few important tasks before the CAT application window begins:
- Renew Category Certificates: NC-OBC and EWS candidates should ensure their certificates are valid for the current financial year.
- Calculate Graduation Percentage: Verify your exact bachelor's percentage using your university's official conversion formula instead of estimates.
- Shift to Mock-Test Preparation: Move beyond concept-building and begin practicing sectional and full-length mock tests to improve time management.
A CAT mentor with over 15 years of teaching experience shared an expected CAT 2026 timeline on Reddit, advising aspirants to focus on preparation instead of waiting for the official notification.
Expected CAT 2026 Timeline
- Conducting Institute: IIM Indore (Expected)
- Official Notification: July 26, 2026 (Expected)
- Registration Window: August 1 – September 20, 2026 (Expected)
- Admit Card Release: Early November 2026 (Expected)
- CAT 2026 Exam Date: November 29, 2026 (Expected)
Note: These dates are based on previous CAT trends and are not officially confirmed.

- Official registration start date.
- Last date to apply.
- Application correction window.
- Admit card release date.
- CAT 2026 exam date and slot timings.
- Answer key release.
- Result declaration.
- IIM admission process after CAT results.
- CAT continues to be one of India's most competitive MBA entrance exams.
- Lakhs of candidates are expected to register for CAT 2026.
- A strong percentile will be required for admission to top IIMs and other leading B-schools.
- Aspirants should focus on consistent preparation alongside completing the registration process
- Download the submitted application form.
- Keep the payment receipt safely.
- Continue CAT preparation without waiting for the admit card.
- Regularly check the official website for updates on admit cards and exam-related announcements.
- Prepare a revision plan and start taking full-length mock tests.
- Register using an active email ID and mobile number.
- Double-check spelling of your name and academic details.
- Upload documents in the prescribed format.
- Complete fee payment before leaving the portal.
- Download and save the confirmation page after submission.
- CAT 2026 is expected to be conducted in three shifts.
- Every candidate will be allotted only one exam slot.
- The difficulty level is normalized through score scaling.
- Final percentile is calculated after normalization
- CAT 2026 admit card is expected to be released in October 2026.
- Candidates will be able to download it using their login credentials.
- The admit card will contain exam date, reporting time, and test centre details.
- Carrying the admit card to the exam centre will be mandatory.
- A correction window is expected after the registration process closes.
- Candidates may be allowed to edit selected fields in their application form.
- Not every detail can be modified during the correction period.
- Applicants should verify all information before final submission.
- Candidates with strong academics and quality work experience have a competitive profile for top B-schools.
- Several users said the candidate could receive calls from IIM BLACKI if they score around the 95+ percentile, though a higher percentile would improve conversion chances.
- One user advised focusing on maximizing the CAT score, as the final selection depends on both the percentile and subsequent interview rounds.
- Another Reddit user described the profile as "excellent", highlighting the candidate's academic record and professional experience.


- Candidates can choose preferred exam cities while filling the application form.
- Test centres are allotted based on availability and candidate preferences.
- Early registration may improve the chances of getting the preferred city.
- The final allotment will be mentioned on the admit card.
Many final-year students are asking whether they can apply for CAT 2026 if they have an uncleared backlog.
A recent discussion on Reddit highlighted a candidate's concern about having an odd-semester backlog while applying for CAT 2026. The student wanted to know whether clearing the backlog before completing graduation would still make them eligible.

- Passport-size photograph.
- Scanned signature.
- Graduation marks and certificates.
- Class 10 and 12 details.
- Category or PwD certificate (if applicable).
- Valid email ID and mobile number.
- Work experience details (if applicable)
- Registration is expected to begin in early August 2026.
- The application window is likely to close in September 2026.
- Candidates are advised not to wait until the final day to complete registration.
- Heavy website traffic is common during the last few days of registration

- CAT 2026 notification will be released on iimcat.ac.in.
- Candidates can download the Information Bulletin in PDF format.
- The PDF will include eligibility, important dates, exam pattern, and registration guidelines.
- Aspirants should avoid relying on unofficial sources for application-related information
- IIM Indore is expected to be the conducting institute for CAT 2026.
- The official confirmation will be available in the CAT 2026 notification.
- The conducting IIM will release the information bulletin, registration form, and admit card schedule.
The CAT 2026 notification PDF is expected to contain:
- Registration schedule
- Eligibility criteria
- Reservation policy
- Exam pattern
- Syllabus
- Test city list
- Admit card schedule
- Result process
- Important dates
- Instructions for candidates
- 21+ IIMs
- FMS Delhi
- SPJIMR Mumbai
- MDI Gurgaon
- IIT Delhi
- IIT Bombay
- IIT Kharagpur
- IIT Madras
- IIT Roorkee
- IIFT Delhi
- Great Lakes Institute of Management
- IIM Indore is expected to conduct CAT 2026.
- The official confirmation will be available in the CAT 2026 notification on iimcat.ac.in.
- Visit iimcat.ac.in.
- Click on CAT 2026 Notification/Information Bulletin.
- Open the PDF.
- Download and save it for future reference.
The CAT 2026 Information Bulletin is expected to include:
- Registration schedule
- Eligibility criteria
- Exam pattern
- Syllabus
- Reservation policy
- Test city selection
- Application fee
- Important dates
- Admit card instructions
- Result process
- IIM admission guidelines
Candidates can apply if they:
- Hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
- Are in the final year of graduation (subject to fulfilling eligibility conditions).
- There is no upper age limit for CAT.
- CAT 2026 registration is expected to begin on August 1, 2026.
- Candidates will be able to apply online through iimcat.ac.in after completing the registration process.
- The registration window is expected to remain open until September 2026.
- The CAT 2026 notification will be released only on iimcat.ac.in.
- Candidates should use the official website for:
- Registration
- Admit card download
- Answer key
- Result
- Official announcements
- Check the latest eligibility criteria.
- Keep all documents scanned and ready.
- Prepare a list of preferred test cities.
- Start attempting CAT mock tests regularly.
- Revise the complete CAT syllabus before registration begins.
- Candidates can select their preferred test cities while filling out the application form.
- Test centres will be allotted based on availability and preferences.
- Requests for changing the allotted test city are generally not entertained.
The CAT 2026 information bulletin is expected to include:
- Registration dates
- Eligibility criteria
- Reservation policy
- Application fee
- Exam pattern
- Syllabus
- Test city list
- Admit card schedule
- Answer key and result dates
- IIM admission process

Keep these documents ready before registration:
- Passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Class 10 and 12 marks details
- Graduation marks/details
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Valid email ID and mobile number
- General/EWS/NC-OBC: ₹2,600 (Expected)
- SC/ST/PwD: ₹1,300 (Expected)
- The fee can be paid through online payment modes.
- Candidates with a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university can apply.
- Final-year graduation students are also eligible.
- General category candidates need 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD).
- There is no upper age limit for CAT.
- CAT 2026 is expected to be held on November 29, 2026 (Sunday).
- The exam will be conducted in three sessions across various test centres in India.
- The official exam schedule will be announced with the notification.
- CAT 2026 registration is expected to begin on August 1, 2026.
- Candidates must complete the application process online.
- The registration window is likely to remain open until September 2026.
- CAT 2026 notification is expected to be released in the last week of July 2026.
- The official notification PDF will be available on iimcat.ac.in.
- It will contain the complete exam schedule, eligibility, registration process, and exam guidelines.
CAT is suitable for candidates seeking admission to:
- MBA
- PGDM
- Executive management programmes (at institutions that accept CAT scores)
- Management programmes offered by IIMs and other participating B-schools
The CAT 2026 notification PDF is expected to contain:
- Registration schedule
- Eligibility criteria
- Reservation policy
- Exam pattern
- Syllabus
- Test city list
- Admit card schedule
- Result process
- Important dates
- Instructions for candidates
- Candidates are expected to choose five preferred test cities.
- The exam authority will try to allot one of the preferred cities based on availability.
- Requests for change of test city after allotment are generally not accepted
| Category | Expected Fee |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | ₹2,600 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹1,300 |
- The CAT 2026 application window is expected to remain open until September 2026.
- Candidates should avoid waiting until the last day due to heavy website traffic and payment issues.
- IIM Indore is expected to conduct CAT 2026.
- The official confirmation will be available in the CAT 2026 notification on iimcat.ac.in
- The CAT 2026 notification has not been released yet.
- Based on previous years' trends, the notification is expected in the last week of July 2026, with registration likely to begin in early August
- Review the eligibility criteria.
- Keep all required documents ready.
- Shortlist preferred test cities.
- Prepare a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Start revising the CAT syllabus and attempt mock tests before registration open
The CAT 2026 Information Bulletin is expected to include:
- Registration schedule
- Eligibility criteria
- Exam pattern
- Syllabus
- Reservation policy
- Test city selection
- Application fee
- Important dates
- Admit card instructions
- Result process
- IIM admission guidelines
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Sections | VARC, DILR, QA |
| Time per Section | 40 Minutes |
| Sessions | Morning, Afternoon & Evening |
The official CAT 2026 website is iimcat.ac.in.
Candidates can use the portal to:
- Download the CAT notification PDF
- Complete registration
- Download admit card
- Check answer key
- View results
- Access official announcements




























Comments