CAT 2026 Registration Begins Today (3rd August 2026): Complete Guide to Dates, Eligibility, Registration Process, Fees, Exam Pattern & Preparation Strategy
The wait is finally over!
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 registration has officially started from 3rd August 2026. Every year, more than 3.5 lakh MBA aspirants compete for admission into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and over 1,300+ top B-Schools across India.
If you are planning to pursue an MBA in 2027, this guide covers everything you need to know—from registration dates to eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, preparation tips, and what happens after CAT.
CAT 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Starts | 3rd August 2026 |
| Registration Ends | 15th September 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Admit Card Release | 4th November 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | 29th November 2026 (Sunday) |
| Result Declaration | Expected January 2027 |
What is CAT?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s largest MBA entrance examination conducted annually by one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
CAT scores are accepted by:
- All 21 IIMs
- FMS Delhi
- SPJIMR Mumbai
- MDI Gurgaon
- IIT MBA Programs
- IMI Delhi
- TAPMI
- GIM Goa
- Great Lakes
- IMT Ghaziabad
- FORE School of Management
- XIM University (through CAT)
- Hundreds of other leading management institutes
IIMs Accepting CAT Scores
Some of the premier IIMs include:
- IIM Ahmedabad
- IIM Bangalore
- IIM Calcutta
- IIM Lucknow
- IIM Kozhikode
- IIM Indore
- IIM Mumbai
- IIM Shillong
- IIM Kashipur
- IIM Ranchi
- IIM Jammu
- IIM Nagpur
- IIM Sambalpur
- IIM Raipur
- IIM Trichy
- IIM Rohtak
- IIM Visakhapatnam
- IIM Bodh Gaya
- IIM Amritsar
- IIM Sirmaur
- IIM Udaipur
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
A candidate must satisfy the following:
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
- Minimum 50% marks (General/EWS/OBC).
- Minimum 45% marks (SC/ST/PwD).
Final Year Students
Students appearing in the final year of graduation can also apply.
Age Limit
There is no age limit for appearing in CAT.
CAT 2026 Registration Process
Follow these simple steps:
Step 1
Visit the official CAT website.
Step 2
Click on New Candidate Registration.
Step 3
Create your login credentials.
Step 4
Verify your email and mobile number through OTP.
Step 5
Fill in:
- Personal Details
- Academic Information
- Work Experience (if any)
- Category Details
- Disability Information (if applicable)
Step 6
Upload:
- Passport-size Photograph
- Signature
- Required Certificates (if applicable)
Step 7
Select preferred exam cities.
Step 8
Pay the application fee online.
Step 9
Submit the application and download the confirmation page.
CAT 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | As notified in the official application portal |
| SC/ST/PwD | As notified in the official application portal |
Always verify the latest fee details on the official CAT website before payment.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions |
|---|---|
| VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) | Around 24 |
| DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) | Around 22 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Around 22 |
Total Duration
120 Minutes
- 40 Minutes per section
- Sectional time limit applicable
- Computer-Based Test (CBT)
CAT 2026 Syllabus
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Reading Comprehension
- Para Jumbles
- Odd One Out
- Summary
- Para Completion
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Tables
- Charts
- Graphs
- Seating Arrangement
- Puzzles
- Games & Tournaments
- Venn Diagrams
- Logical Sets
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Number System
- Modern Mathematics
- Percentage
- Ratio
- Profit & Loss
- Time & Work
- Time, Speed & Distance
CAT Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: +3 Marks
- Incorrect MCQ: -1 Mark
- TITA Questions: No Negative Marking
How to Prepare for CAT 2026
A well-planned strategy can significantly improve your chances of securing a high percentile.
1. Understand the Exam Pattern
Know the weightage and difficulty level of each section.
2. Build Strong Fundamentals
Focus first on concept clarity rather than shortcuts.
3. Practice Daily
Consistency is more important than studying for long hours occasionally.
4. Solve Previous Year Papers
This helps understand actual CAT difficulty and question trends.
5. Attempt Mock Tests
Take regular full-length mocks and analyze every attempt thoroughly.
6. Improve Reading Speed
Read newspapers, editorials, and business articles daily to strengthen VARC.
7. Analyze Mistakes
Maintain an error log to avoid repeating common mistakes.
Documents Required During Registration
Keep the following ready:
- Passport-size Photograph
- Signature
- Graduation Marksheet
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- PwD Certificate (if applicable)
- Valid Email ID
- Active Mobile Number
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until the last date to register
- Entering incorrect academic details
- Uploading invalid documents
- Choosing exam cities without planning
- Ignoring photo and signature specifications
- Not reviewing the application before submission
What Happens After CAT?
The admission process generally includes:
- CAT Result
- Shortlisting by IIMs and B-Schools
- Written Ability Test (where applicable)
- Personal Interview (PI)
- Final Merit List
- Admission Offer
- Document Verification
- Fee Payment
- MBA Program Commencement
Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Scores
Apart from IIMs, CAT scores are accepted by:
- Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi
- SPJIMR Mumbai
- Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon
- IMI Delhi
- IMT Ghaziabad
- IIT Bombay (SJMSOM)
- IIT Delhi (DMS)
- IIT Kharagpur (VGSoM)
- IIT Madras (DoMS)
- Great Lakes Institute of Management
- GIM Goa
- FORE School of Management
- TAPMI
- XIM University
- LIBA Chennai
CAT Preparation Timeline
August
- Complete basics
- Begin sectional practice
September
- Intermediate-level practice
- Start weekly mock tests
October
- Full-length mocks
- Improve speed and accuracy
November
- Intensive revision
- Mock test analysis
- Strengthen weak areas
Why Start Preparing Early?
Candidates who begin preparation early typically have more time to:
- Strengthen fundamentals
- Build speed and accuracy
- Practice extensively
- Analyze mock tests
- Improve overall confidence
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is CAT compulsory for MBA?
No. Many institutes also accept exams like XAT, NMAT, SNAP, CMAT, MAT, and MAH MBA CET. However, CAT is accepted by the largest number of premier MBA colleges.
Can final-year students apply?
Yes.
Is there any age limit?
No.
Can engineering and non-engineering students both appear?
Yes.
Is work experience mandatory?
No. Fresh graduates are also eligible.
How many times can I appear for CAT?
There is no restriction on the number of attempts.
When should I start preparation?
The earlier you begin, the better your chances of achieving a high percentile.
Final Thoughts
The commencement of CAT 2026 registrations on 3rd August 2026 marks the beginning of the MBA admission journey for thousands of aspirants. Whether your goal is to join an IIM or another leading B-school, timely registration and a disciplined preparation strategy are essential.
Complete your application well before the deadline, follow a structured study plan, and practice consistently through mock tests and previous years’ papers. With focused preparation and regular evaluation, you can maximize your chances of securing admission to your dream management institute.