IIM CAT 2026 Registration Deadline, Admit Card Date and Application Steps

Applications for IIM CAT 2026 will close on September 15, 2026, at 5 pm. Candidates who have not submitted the Common Admission Test form should visit the official website, iimcat.ac.in, before the deadline.

The CAT score is used for admission to the Indian Institutes of Management and many other business schools in India. Missing the deadline can shut the door for this admission cycle, so it is wise to avoid leaving the form for the last few minutes. Websites can become slow when many students log in at once. The internet has a sense of timing, and it often picks the worst moment to test your patience.

CAT 2026 admit card release date

The CAT 2026 admit card will be released on November 4, 2026. Candidates will need to download it from the official CAT website using their login details.

The examination is scheduled for November 29, 2026. After downloading the admit card, candidates should check their name, photograph, exam centre, reporting time and other details. Any error should be reported through the official help channels without delay.

CAT 2026 exam pattern

The CAT 2026 paper will have 68 questions from three sections:

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
• Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

The total exam time will be two hours. Candidates will receive three marks for each correct answer. One mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer. The marking rules make careful question selection important. Guessing every answer is not a study plan, even if it feels brave.

Who can apply for CAT 2026?

A candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree from a university or institution recognised under Indian law. General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates must have at least 50 per cent marks or an equivalent CGPA.

Candidates from the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Persons with Benchmark Disability categories must have at least 45 per cent marks or an equivalent CGPA. Applicants should check the official notification for any rules linked to their degree, final-year status or category.

How to complete IIM CAT 2026 registration

1. Open the official website at iimcat.ac.in.
2. Select the CAT 2026 registration link on the home page.
3. Enter the required details to create a registration account.
4. Log in and complete the application form.
5. Upload the required documents and certificates in the prescribed format.
6. Pay the application fee through the online payment option.
7. Review all details before submitting the form.
8. Submit the application and download the confirmation page.
9. Keep a printed copy of the confirmation page for future use.

CAT 2026 application fee

The registration fee for candidates from the SC, ST and PwBD categories is ₹1,350. The fee for all other candidates is ₹2,700.

The fee is paid only once, even if a candidate applies to more than one IIM. SC, ST and PwBD candidates must upload a valid copy of the relevant certificate during registration. Candidates should check that the certificate details match the information entered in the form.

The application fee is non-refundable. Before making the payment, check the form, category, academic details and uploaded documents. A quick review can prevent a long headache later.

What candidates should check before the deadline

• Use an active mobile number and email address.
• Enter your name and date of birth as shown in official records.
• Check academic marks and CGPA details before submission.
• Upload category certificates, if applicable.
• Save the application number and payment details.
• Download the final confirmation page after submitting the form.

Applicants should rely on iimcat.ac.in for the registration link, admit card update, exam instructions and other notices. The registration window closes at 5 pm on September 15, 2026, while the admit card download link is scheduled to open on November 4, 2026.