CAT 2026 Notification: Dates, Fees, and Eligibility Explained
CAT 2026 notification is out. Get complete details on registration dates, exam fees, eligibility criteria, and exam pattern for the November 29 exam.
AC Team
The wait is over. IIM Indore has released the CAT 2026 notification, and if you are planning to sit for this exam, now is the time to pay attention. The official website, iimcat.ac.in, is live with all the details you need, from registration dates to exam fees.
Let's break down everything you need to know, without the jargon and without the fluff.
Key Dates You Cannot Miss
Mark your calendars, because these dates decide your CAT journey:
- Registration Starts: August 3, 2026, 10:00 AM
- Registration Closes: September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM
- Admit Card Download: Starts November 4, 2026
- Exam Date: Sunday, November 29, 2026
The exam will run in three slots on a single day across nearly 170 cities. So no matter where you live, chances are there is a test center close by.
CAT 2026 Fee Structure
There is some news here that might make you wince a little. The fee has gone up by INR 100 this year.
| Category | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| General, EWS, NC-OBC | 2,700 |
| SC, ST, PwD | 1,350 |
The good news? This fee covers your application to all the IIMs you select during registration. One payment, multiple options. Also, remember this fee is non-refundable, so double check your eligibility before you pay.
Who Can Apply
CAT is not just for fresh graduates. Here is who qualifies:
- Candidates with a Bachelor's degree and at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, and PwD candidates)
- Final-year students who are still waiting for results
- Professionals with CA, CS, ICWA (CMA), or FIAI qualifications
If you are in your final year, do not worry. You can still apply, but you will need a certificate from your college confirming you finished your degree requirements on time, in case you get selected.
Exam Pattern Stays the Same
If you were hoping for a fresh set of rules to complain about, sorry to disappoint. The exam pattern remains unchanged for the third year in a row.
- 68 questions in total
- 120 minutes to complete the exam
- Three sections, each with a strict 40-minute limit
You cannot switch between sections once your time for that section runs out. So plan your strategy well in advance. There is no room for last minute jumping around.
Documents to Keep Ready
Before registration opens, gather these documents so you are not scrambling at the last minute:
- Passport-size photo (1200 x 1200 pixels, .jpg or .jpeg, under 80 KB)
- Signature scan (80mm x 35mm, same file specifications)
- Category certificate if applicable (SC, ST, NC-OBC, EWS, or PwBD)
- Class 10, 12, and graduation marksheets
- A valid photo ID
One tip that often gets overlooked: fill the form using a laptop or desktop, not your phone. The website works better on Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Reservation Policy
CAT follows the government's reservation guidelines:
- SC: 15%
- ST: 7.5%
- NC-OBC: 27%
- EWS: up to 10%
- PwBD: 5%
If you fall under EWS or NC-OBC, make sure your certificate matches the financial year requirements. An old or incorrect certificate can create problems during verification, so it pays to check this early.
Choosing Your Test City
During registration, you get to pick five preferred test cities. The first one you choose is usually where you will be allotted, but this depends on seat availability. If none of your choices work out, IIM will assign you a nearby city. So choose wisely, but do not stress too much. There is always a backup plan built into the system.
What Happens After the Exam
Scoring well on CAT does not automatically get you a seat. Each IIM has its own shortlisting process that looks at your CAT score along with academic performance and work experience. Meeting the minimum eligibility mark is just the entry ticket, not the final selection.
A total of 22 IIMs accept CAT scores for their PGP programs, and several non-IIM institutions use CAT scores too. So your effort opens doors well beyond just the IIMs.
A Quick Word on Preparation
With the notification out, the real work begins. Taking regular mock tests helps you understand where you stand and where you need to improve. Reading habits help with the verbal section, while consistent practice sharpens your quant and reasoning skills. There is still time before November 29, so use it well.
