CAT 2026 Notification Released LIVE: Check Registration Dates, Exam Schedule, and Detailed Notification at iimcat.ac.in

During the shortlisting and final merit list compilation process, a number of management institutes give extra diversity points to female and non-binary candidates in an effort to promote balanced gender representation.

In addition to the IIMs, over 1,000 top non-IIM business schools accept CAT 2026 scores. Notable participating institutions include FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IIFT Delhi, SJMSOM IIT Bombay, and DoMS IIT Delhi.

In order to register for the CAT, candidates must upload the following documents. Therefore, before the online registration begins, make sure you have the documents listed below.

• Passport-size photo: 1200 x 1200 pixels, <80 KB, 150 ppi, .jpg/.jpeg.
• Signature: <80 KB, 150 pixels, 80 x 35 mm,.jpg/.jpeg.
• NC-OBC/SC/ST certification, if relevant.

The 120-minute computer-based test (CBT) format is still used in CAT 2026. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA) are the three sectionally timed modules that make up the exam.

Credit cards, debit cards, Net Banking, or UPI services must be used to pay registration costs online using the integrated site. Only after payment confirmation are applications processed. Demand drafts, cash, and checks are examples of offline methods that will not be accepted.

Candidates from General, Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and Non-Creamy Layer OBC (NC-OBC) must pay a registration fee of ₹2,700. Exam administration and application processing for all 21 participating IIMs chosen during form submission are covered by the non-refundable cost.

Applicants must hold a recognised bachelor’s degree with at least 50 % marks, or 45 % for SC/ST/PwD candidates; final‑year students and professional degree holders such as CA, CS, CMA are also eligible.

Candidates may take the CAT 2026 exam if they have professional credentials such as a CA (Chartered Accountancy), CS (Company Secretaryship), ICWA/CMA, or FIAI. To satisfy eligibility requirements, applicants must reach the minimum percentage level equal to graduation requirements.

All administrative activities for CAT 2026 will be conducted solely on iimcat.ac.in, including registration, the download of admit cards, the publication of response sheets, and scorecards.

CAT 2026 will be held in three separate timed sessions on November 29: Morning (Slot 1), Afternoon (Slot 2), and Evening (Slot 3). Slot allocation is handled automatically by the system and printed on the admit card. Requests to change assigned test sessions or exam centers will not be entertained.

All administrative activities for CAT 2026 will be conducted solely on iimcat.ac.in, including registration, the download of admit cards, the publication of response sheets, and scorecards. Candidates are advised not to use unofficial registration links or third-party portals that purport to receive registration fees on behalf of IIMs or submit CAT applications.

The CAT 2026 registration window will close at 5:00 PM IST on September 15, 2026. Before the deadline, candidates must fill out forms, upload the necessary files, and pay the fees. The authorities stress that incomplete or late forms will not be accepted when the registration portal closes.

• The CAT website offers EWS, NC-OBC, and SC/ST certificates for download.
• Verify the necessary dimensions and self-test the PDF.
• The certificate should be uploaded with your CAT application.
• Before submitting, verify the caste or tribal name on the NCBC website.

In order to register for the CAT, candidates must upload the following documents. Therefore, before the online registration begins, make sure you have the documents listed below.

• Passport-size photo: 1200 x 1200 pixels, <80 KB, 150 ppi, .jpg/.jpeg.
• Signature: <80 KB, 150 pixels, 80 x 35 mm,.jpg/.jpeg.
• NC-OBC/SC/ST certification, if relevant.

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree with at least 50 cnet points or an equivalent CGPA in order to be eligible for CAT 2026. Applicants who are General, EWS, or NC-OBC must meet this criteria. However, applicants from the Scheduled Tribe (ST), Scheduled Caste (SC), and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) groups must receive at least 45% of the possible points. A university established by a state legislature, an Act of Parliament, or an organization recognised as a university must provide the degree.

For over a month, the CAT 2026 application window will be available. The registration form must be submitted by September 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Before this deadline, candidates must finish paying their fees and uploading their supporting documentation. After the CAT registration is finished, no category modifications will be accepted, therefore candidates must be careful when completing their forms. The registration guide will contain further information about the application process.

Applications for the IIM CAT will be accepted starting next week. On August 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., the CAT 2026 registration window formally opens. Online submission is required for all applications. Before beginning the registration procedure, candidates are encouraged to review the specific qualifying requirements.

The Information Bulletin for the CAT 2026 exam has been formally released by IIM Indore. Admission to a number of management programs, such as PGP, MBA, and PhD courses at all 22 IIMs, requires passing the entrance exam.

The comprehensive eligibility requirements, reservation procedures, and registration guidelines are available to candidates who intend to enrol in postgraduate management courses. All candidates will receive sequential updates on the recently published criteria and important instructions through this live blog.