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CAT 2026 Registration Begins Today at iimcat.ac.in; Check Eligibility, Important Dates and Application Process
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have started the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 registration process today, August 3, 2026, from 10:00 AM. Eligible candidates aspiring to pursue MBA and other postgraduate management programmes at the 21 IIMs and several leading business schools across India can submit their online application through the official CAT portal.
CAT 2026 Registration Begins Today
According to the official schedule, the CAT 2026 registration window will remain open until September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Candidates are advised to complete the application process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
CAT is India's premier national-level management entrance examination and is accepted not only by the IIMs but also by hundreds of prestigious management institutes across the country.
CAT 2026 Important Dates
Applicants should keep the following schedule in mind:
| Event | Date |
| Registration Starts | August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply | September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Admit Card Release | November 4, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Examination | November 29, 2026 |
| Expected Result | First week of January 2027 |
| CAT Score Validity | Till December 31, 2027 |
Candidates are encouraged to regularly visit the official CAT website for updates regarding the examination.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for CAT 2026 must satisfy the following eligibility requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university or institution.
- General, EWS and OBC candidates should have at least 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA.
- SC, ST and PwD candidates require a minimum of 45% marks.
- Final-year undergraduate students awaiting results are also eligible to apply.
- There is no upper age limit for appearing in CAT.
Meeting the minimum eligibility does not guarantee admission, as each participating institute may prescribe additional shortlisting criteria.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The CAT 2026 examination will consist of three sections:
| Sections | No. of Questions |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 Questions |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 Questions |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 Questions |
The examination will assess candidates' analytical ability, logical reasoning, mathematical aptitude, reading comprehension, and problem-solving skills.
How to Apply for CAT 2026
Candidates can complete the online registration by following these steps:
1. Visit the official CAT 2026 website.
2. Click on the New Registration link.
3. Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
4. Fill in personal, academic and work experience details (if applicable).
5. Select preferred test cities and programmes.
6. Upload the required documents, including photograph and signature.
7. Pay the prescribed application fee online.
8. Submit the application form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Also Read
Why CAT Matters
A good CAT score opens admission opportunities to the 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) as well as several top-ranked business schools offering MBA, PGDM and management programmes. Since competition remains intense every year, candidates are advised to complete their registration early and begin focused preparation for the examination scheduled on November 29, 2026.
With the registration window now open, management aspirants should ensure that all required documents are ready and submit their applications before September 15, 2026.
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