CAT 2026 Registration Dates Announced: Application Form, Eligibility, Fees & Important Dates

CAT 2026 Registration Dates Out – Everything MBA Aspirants Need to Know

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026, India’s most prestigious MBA entrance examination, is expected to be conducted by IIM Indore. The official notification is likely to be released in the last week of July 2026, while the CAT 2026 registration process is expected to begin from 1 August 2026 and continue till 20 September 2026. The examination is likely to be held on 29 November 2026.

Every year, more than 3 lakh MBA aspirants appear for CAT to secure admission into the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, IIT MBA programs, and other top B-Schools across India.

In this article, we cover CAT 2026 registration dates, eligibility, application fees, documents required, exam pattern, and preparation strategy.

CAT 2026 Important Dates

The registration window is expected to remain open for approximately 50 days, giving candidates sufficient time to complete their applications.

What is CAT Exam?

CAT (Common Admission Test) is a national-level management entrance exam conducted annually by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis. CAT scores are accepted by:

• All 21 IIMs
• FMS Delhi
• SPJIMR Mumbai
• MDI Gurgaon
• IIT MBA Programs
• IMI Delhi
• Great Lakes
• TAPMI
• GIM
• More than 1,200 MBA colleges across India

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

Educational Qualification

• Bachelor’s Degree with minimum 50% marks (General/OBC/EWS)
• 45% marks for SC/ST/PwD candidates
• Final-year graduation students are also eligible

Age Limit

There is no age limit for CAT 2026.

Work Experience

Work experience is not mandatory but may provide additional weightage during MBA admissions.

CAT 2026 Application Fee

Expected CAT 2026 registration fee:

The final fee structure will be confirmed in the official CAT notification.

Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration

Candidates should keep the following documents ready:

• Passport-size photograph
• Signature image
• Graduation marksheets
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• PwD certificate (if applicable)
• Valid Email ID
• Mobile Number
• Work experience details (if any)

How to Fill CAT 2026 Application Form?

Follow these simple steps:

Step 1

Visit the official CAT website and create a new account.

Step 2

Verify Email ID and Mobile Number using OTP.

Step 3

Fill Personal Details:

• Name
• Date of Birth
• Category
• Address

Step 4

Enter Academic Details:

• Class 10
• Class 12
• Graduation

Step 5

Upload Documents:

• Photograph
• Signature
• Category Certificate (if applicable)

Step 6

Select Preferred Test Cities.

Step 7

Pay Application Fee Online.

Step 8

Submit the application and download confirmation page.

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Exam Highlights

• Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Duration: 120 Minutes
• Three Sections
• MCQ + TITA Questions
• Negative Marking for MCQs

The exam pattern is expected to remain similar to previous years.

CAT 2026 Preparation Strategy

For Beginners

• Build Quant fundamentals
• Read editorials daily
• Solve DILR sets regularly
• Start sectional tests

For Intermediate Students

• Focus on speed and accuracy
• Attempt weekly mocks
• Analyze mistakes thoroughly

For Advanced Aspirants

• Take 2–3 mocks per week
• Work on weak sections
• Focus on percentile improvement

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Registration

• Waiting until the last day
• Incorrect academic details
• Wrong category selection
• Uploading unclear documents
• Using inactive email ID or phone number

Why CAT 2026 is Important?

A strong CAT score can help candidates secure admission to India’s most reputed MBA institutions and significantly improve career opportunities in consulting, finance, marketing, operations, analytics, and general management.

With registration expected to begin on 1 August 2026, aspirants should start preparation immediately and complete the application process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Final Words

CAT 2026 presents a golden opportunity for MBA aspirants aiming for IIMs and top B-Schools. Keep track of the official notification, complete your registration on time, and maintain a structured preparation plan. Consistency, mock analysis, and smart strategy will be the key to achieving a 99+ percentile in CAT 2026.