The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have officially released the CAT Notification 2026 through the CAT 2026 Information Bulletin on 25 July 2026. The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s premier national-level MBA entrance examination and is the gateway to admission into Post Graduate Programmes (PGP/MBA) and Fellow Programmes (FPM/PhD) offered by all 22 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), along with several leading non-IIM business schools across the country.
The online registration process for CAT 2026 will begin on 3 August 2026 and remain open until 15 September 2026. Candidates planning to pursue management education should carefully understand the eligibility criteria, important dates, application process, examination pattern, and fee structure before submitting their application.
This comprehensive guide covers every important detail from the official CAT 2026 Information Bulletin in a reader-friendly format, making it easier for aspirants to understand the complete admission process while preparing effectively for the examination.
CAT 2026 Highlights
Before exploring the complete notification, here’s a quick overview of the CAT 2026 examination.
| Particular | Details |
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | IIM Indore |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Registration Dates | 3 August – 15 September 2026 |
| Test Cities | Approximately 170 Cities |
| Admission For | PGP/MBA & FPM/PhD Programmes |
| Official Website | www.iimcat.ac.in |
What is CAT?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s most widely accepted entrance examination for admission to postgraduate management programmes. Conducted annually by one of the Indian Institutes of Management on a rotational basis, CAT serves as the primary admission test for all 22 IIMs and is also accepted by numerous leading management institutes across the country.
For the 2026 admission cycle, IIM Indore is conducting the examination. Candidates securing competitive CAT scores become eligible to participate in the admission processes of IIMs and other participating business schools, subject to the respective institute’s selection criteria. This article summarises the official notification while presenting the information in a structured, easy-to-read format.
CAT 2026 Exam Overview
The CAT 2026 examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. Applications are accepted only through the official online portal. The examination is intended for candidates seeking admission to management programmes offered by IIMs and several other participating institutions.
| Particular | Details |
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Conducted By | IIM Indore |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Apply Online Dates | 3 August to 15 September 2026 |
| Test Cities | Approximately 170 cities across India |
| Admission Test For | PGP/MBA and FPM/PhD Programmes |
| Helpdesk Number | 1800 210 0175 |
| Official Website | www.iimcat.ac.in |
Important: Candidates are advised to complete the application process well before the closing date to avoid last-minute server congestion and payment-related issues.
CAT 2026 Important Dates
Keeping track of every milestone is essential to avoid missing any stage of the admission process. The following schedule is based on the official CAT 2026 Information Bulletin.
| Event | Date |
| CAT 2026 Information Bulletin Release | 25 July 2026 |
| Registration Begins | 3 August 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Registration Ends | 15 September 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Test City Preference Selection | During Registration (Choose 5 Cities) |
| Admit Card Download | From 4 November 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | 29 November 2026 |
| Result Declaration | First Week of January 2027 |
| Score Validity | Up to 31 December 2027 |
Candidates should make a note of these dates and complete each activity within the prescribed timeline. Since the application portal experiences heavy traffic near the deadline, early registration is strongly recommended.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for CAT 2026, candidates must ensure they satisfy the eligibility conditions prescribed in the official CAT 2026 Information Bulletin. Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria allows candidates to apply for the examination; however, it does not guarantee shortlisting or admission to any IIM or participating institute, as each institute follows its own selection process and cut-off criteria.
Educational Qualification
A candidate is eligible to apply for CAT 2026 if they fulfil any one of the following conditions:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates) awarded by:
- A university incorporated by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature.
- A deemed university recognised by the UGC.
- Any equivalent qualification recognised by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
- Hold a completed professional degree, such as:
- Chartered Accountant (CA)
- Company Secretary (CS)
- Cost and Management Accountant (ICWA/CMA)
- Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI)
- Be in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree, provided the candidate submits the required completion certificate from the Principal or Registrar within the timeline specified by the respective IIM.
Important Note: Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not automatically qualify a candidate for admission. Every participating IIM determines its own shortlisting criteria based on CAT score, academic profile, work experience, category, gender diversity, and other admission parameters.
CAT 2026 Application Fee
Candidates are required to pay the application fee online while submitting the CAT 2026 application form. The fee is charged only once, irrespective of the number of IIMs or programmes selected during registration.
| Category | Application Fee |
| SC / ST / PwBD | ₹1,350 |
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | ₹2,700 |
Payment Methods
The CAT 2026 application fee can be paid using:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- E-Challan
Candidates belonging to the SC/ST/PwBD categories must upload a valid category certificate while completing the online application.
Note: The application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
How to Apply for CAT 2026 Online
The CAT 2026 application process is conducted entirely online through the official CAT website. Candidates should keep all required documents ready before beginning the registration process.
Follow these steps to complete the application successfully:
Step 1: Register
Visit the official CAT website and click on “New Candidate Registration.”
Enter your basic details, including:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Email ID
- Mobile Number
- Nationality
Step 2: Activate Your Account
After registration, activate your account using the verification link sent to your registered email address.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Log in using your credentials and carefully enter:
- Personal details
- Academic qualifications
- Work experience (if applicable)
Ensure all information matches your official documents.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Upload the following documents in the prescribed format and size:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Category certificate (if applicable)
Step 5: Choose Test City Preferences
Select five preferred test cities in order of preference from the available list.
Step 6: Select Programmes
Choose the IIMs and management programmes you wish to apply for through the CAT application portal.
Step 7: Pay the Application Fee
Complete the online payment using one of the available payment methods.
Step 8: Review Your Application
Before final submission, carefully review every detail entered in the application form.
Step 9: Submit and Download Confirmation
Submit the application successfully and download or print the final confirmation page for future reference.
Application Tip: Complete the application process well before the last date to avoid delays caused by heavy server traffic or payment gateway issues during the closing days of registration.
Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration
Before starting the registration process, candidates should keep the following documents ready to ensure a smooth application experience.
Mandatory Documents
- Class 10 mark sheet
- Class 12 mark sheet
- Graduation/Bachelor’s degree mark sheet or provisional certificate
- Recent passport-size photograph (as per the prescribed format)
- Scanned signature
Category-Specific Documents
Where applicable, candidates must also upload:
- SC/ST/PwBD category certificate
- NC-OBC certificate (issued on or after 1 April 2026)
- EWS certificate (valid for 2026–27)
Additional Document
- Work experience certificate (if applicable)
Participating IIMs and Programmes Offered
CAT scores are accepted by all 22 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to various postgraduate management programmes. In addition to the IIMs, several leading non-IIM business schools across India also consider CAT scores during their admission process. Each IIM offers its own set of postgraduate, executive, and doctoral programmes, with admission subject to the institute’s individual eligibility criteria and selection process.
The following table summarises the programmes offered by each participating IIM as listed in the official CAT 2026 Information Bulletin.
| Indian Institute of Management | Programmes Offered |
| IIM Ahmedabad | PGP, PGP-FABM, MBA-BPGP (BA & AI) |
| IIM Amritsar | MBA, MBA-Business Analytics, MBA-HRM, Executive MBA, MSDSM |
| IIM Bangalore | PGP, PGPEM, PGPBA, PGPPM |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | MBA, MBA (Digital Business & AI), MBA (Hospital & Healthcare Management), EMBA |
| IIM Calcutta | MBA |
| IIM Guwahati | MBA |
| IIM Indore | PGP, PGP-HRM, MSDSM, PGPMX |
| IIM Jammu | MBA, MBA (Healthcare), MBA (AI & Business Analytics), Executive MBA |
| IIM Kashipur | MBA, MBA (Analytics), EMBA, EMBA (Analytics) |
| IIM Kozhikode | PGP, PGP-BL, PGP-Finance, PGP-LSM, EPGP-IL, EPGP Kochi |
| IIM Lucknow | MBA, MBA-ABM, MBA-SM, PGPWE, Blended MBA, Tech-MBA |
| IIM Mumbai | MBA, MBA (Operations & Supply Chain Management), MBA (Sustainability Management) |
| IIM Nagpur | MBA, E-MBA, BMWP, EMBA-EM |
| IIM Raipur | MBA, Executive MBA, MBA-Public Policy & Governance (CG Domicile) |
| IIM Ranchi | MBA, MBA-HRM, MBA (Business Analytics) |
| IIM Rohtak | PGP, EPGDSM, PGPx |
| IIM Sambalpur | MBA, MBA-BA, MBA for Working Professionals |
| IIM Shillong | PGP, PGPEX, PGP (WE) |
| IIM Sirmaur | MBA, MBA (Tourism Management), MBA (Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Management), PGPEX-LSM, ExMBA (AI) |
| IIM Tiruchirappalli | PGPM (MBA), PGPM-HR, PGPBM |
| IIM Udaipur | MBA, MBA-DEM, MBA-GSCM, Executive MBA (Online) |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | PGP (MBA), EMBA, PGPMCI, PGDMEx, MBA-AI & Innovation |
Note: The programmes listed above are based on the official CAT 2026 Information Bulletin. Candidates should refer to the respective IIM websites for programme-specific eligibility, intake, selection process, and admission requirements.
Final Thoughts
The CAT 2026 Notification provides all the essential information candidates need before applying, including registration dates, eligibility criteria, application fees, important deadlines, participating IIMs, and the application process. Understanding these details early helps candidates avoid common mistakes during registration and ensures they remain prepared for every stage of the admission process.
Candidates are encouraged to complete their registration well before the closing date, keep all required documents ready, and begin their preparation as early as possible. Consistent practice, regular mock tests, and a well-planned study strategy can significantly improve performance in the examination.
GICE Academy for Complete Management Entrance Exam Preparation!
Get comprehensive preparation with:
- 3–4 Hours of Regular Classroom Lectures
- Unlimited Mock Tests & Practice
- Offline Test Series
- Weekly Tests & Performance Analysis
- GD & PI Preparation
- One-to-One Mentorship & Doubt-Solving Sessions
- College Visits & Career Guidance
- Personalised Guidance & Counselling
- Complete Preparation for All Major Management Entrance Exams
- Prepare for CAT, SNAP, NMAT, MAT and other management entrance examinations all under one roof!
- Join GICE Academy and take the right step towards your dream B-School!
