The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is India’s most prestigious MBA entrance examination, conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). CAT serves as the gateway to admission into IIMs and over 1200+ top B-schools across India. Aspirants planning to pursue an MBA in 2027 must begin their preparation early, and Planet.E brings you a complete, updated guide to CAT 2026.
What is CAT 2026?
CAT 2026 is a national-level, computer-based test (CBT) that evaluates a candidate’s aptitude in Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning. The exam is conducted once a year, usually in November, across multiple test centres in India.
CAT 2026 Important Dates (Expected)
While the official CAT 2026 notification is yet to be released, based on previous years’ trends, the tentative schedule is as follows:
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CAT 2026 Notification Release: July 2026
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CAT 2026 Registration Start Date: August 2026
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Last Date to Apply for CAT 2026: September 2026
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Application Correction Window: September 2026
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Admit Card Release: October 2026
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CAT 2026 Exam Date: November 2026
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CAT 2026 Result Declaration: December 2026 / January 2027
👉 Note: These dates are indicative. Candidates are advised to regularly follow updates from Planet.E for confirmed announcements.
CAT 2026 Application Form – Step-by-Step Process
Candidates can apply for CAT 2026 only through the online mode. Follow these steps to complete your application successfully:
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Visit the official CAT registration portal
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Click on New Candidate Registration
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Enter basic details (Name, Email ID, Mobile Number)
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Receive login credentials via email/SMS
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Fill in personal, academic, and work experience details
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Upload required documents (photograph & signature)
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Select preferred exam cities
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Pay the application fee online
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Submit and download the confirmation page
Planet.E strongly recommends filling the form carefully, as incorrect details may lead to rejection.
CAT 2026 Application Fee (Expected)
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General / EWS / OBC: ₹2400
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SC / ST / PwD: ₹1200
Fees are non-refundable and subject to change as per official notification.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements set by the IIMs.
Educational Qualification
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Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university
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Minimum 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates)
Final Year Students
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Candidates appearing in the final year of graduation are also eligible, subject to completion of degree requirements within the stipulated time.
Age Limit
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No age limit to appear for CAT 2026
Professional Degrees
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CA / CS / ICWA degree holders are also eligible to apply
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern (Overview)
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Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
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Duration: 120 minutes
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Sections: 3
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Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
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Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
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Quantitative Ability (QA)
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Total Questions: 66 (Expected)
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Marking Scheme: +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect (no negative marking for TITA questions)
Why Start CAT 2026 Preparation Early with Planet.E?
Starting early gives aspirants a significant advantage in mastering concepts, improving accuracy, and building speed. At Planet.E, students receive:
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Structured CAT preparation from basics to advanced level
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Expert faculty with proven results
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Section-wise tests and full-length mock exams
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Personalized mentoring and performance analysis
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Offline classroom learning environment
Final Words
CAT 2026 is not just an exam; it’s a gateway to India’s top management institutes and a successful corporate career. Understanding the important dates, application process, and eligibility criteria is the first step toward success. With the right strategy, disciplined preparation, and expert guidance from Planet.E, cracking CAT 2026 is absolutely achievable.
📌 Stay connected with Planet.E for the latest CAT 2026 updates, preparation tips, and expert guidance.