CAT 2026 Registration LIVE: IIM MBA online form filling closes on September 15; exam date, syllabus

Indian Institute of Management Calcutta has proposed to launch an AI-first online MBA course in the same nomenclature as IIM Calcutta's flagship on-campus Post Graduate Programme. Admission for the online MBA will be based on valid CAT, GMAT, or GRE scores

A good CAT score for admission into IIM generally starts at a 95+ percentile for newer institutes, while top-tier IIMs require a 99+ percentile for general category candidates. 

IIM Rohtak and IIM Bodh Gaya are currently the cheapest IIMs in India, with a total MBA programme fee of approximately Rs 17.90 lakh to Rs 17.96 lakh

Yes, several Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) offer online management and blended MBA programmes tailored for students and working professionals.

Based on trends, a CAT score of 37 in the MBA entrance exam is a moderate result that usually gives around the 80th to 85th percentile.

IIM Indore will conduct CAT 2026 this year on November 29. 

CAT is conducted on last Sunday of November every year for admission to MD/MS/PG Diploma and Post MBBS DNB Courses, Direct 6 Year DrNB Courses and NBEMS Diploma Courses.

To fill the form, candidates must keep these documents ready.

• Class 10 (SSC) and 12 marksheet/certificate
• Graduation marksheets and other academic documents
• Work experience certificates (if applicable)
• Recent scanned passport-size photograph
• Category/Reservation certificate (SC, ST, NC-OBC, EWS),PwD/Disability certificate, if applicable
• Scanned signature and valid photo ID proof

IIM CAT 2026 registration fee for candidates belonging to the general, EWS, and NC-OBC categories is Rs 2,700. It is Rs 1,350 for SC, ST, and PwBD candidates.

• Visit the official CAT website and click on the 'New Candidate Registration' link.
• Register by entering your name, date of birth, email ID, mobile number, and other required details to generate a User ID and password.
• Log in using the generated credentials.
• Fill in the application form by entering your details and other details
• Upload the required documents, including your photograph, signature, and category/PwD certificates (if applicable).
• Preview the application form and verify all the details entered.
• Pay the application fee online using net banking, UPI, debit card, credit card, or other available payment options.
• Submit the application form and download the confirmation page for future reference.

The CAT 2026 registration fee has been fixed at Rs 2,700 for general, EWS and NC-OBC candidates, while SC, ST and PwBD candidates will have to pay Rs 1,350. The fee has to be paid only once, irrespective of the number of IIM programmes selected, and it is non-refundable.

The list of top MBA colleges as per NIRF rankings is given in the table below.

The CAT 2026 dates are given below.

• Application form filling last date: September 15
• Exam dates: November 29, 2026 (Sunday)
• Admit card: November 4 to November 29, 2026
• Result date: First week of January 2027
• CAT 2026 score validity: Until December 31, 2027

CAT 2026 marking scheme:

• +3 marks are awarded for every correct answer.
• -1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer in multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
• No marks are deducted for unattempted questions or incorrect Type In The Answer (TITA) questions.

Candidates can check the CAT 2026 Reservation Criteria below:

Before filling out the CAT application form 2026, candidates are required to ensure they have all the following documents.

• Valid mobile number
• Email ID
• Passport-size photograph
• Scanned signature
• Personal details
• Past academic details
• Work experience certificate (if any)
• Payment details (credit/ debit card or  net banking details)

Here are the cut-offs for non-IIMs accepting CAT 2026 score for admission to MBA programmes.

• Visit the official website, iimcat.ac.in.
• Click on the 'New Candidate Registration' link.
• Register using a valid email ID and mobile number and verify the OTP.
• Log in using the generated User ID and password.
• Fill in personal, academic and work experience details.
• Upload the required documents.
• Select preferred IIM programmes and five test cities.
• Preview the application form and pay the registration fee.
• Submit the application and download the confirmation page for future reference.

No, the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 registration deadline has not been extended. Candidates will be able to register for the CAT 2026 registration by September 15. 

No, the IIM CAT 2026 score between 95-80 percentile is considered good for getting admission in the IIMs. All 22 IIMs will be admitting students for its management programmes on the basis of CAT 2026 scores.

Moreover, CAT 2026 score between 85-90 is also considered good for MBA admissions as top NIRF managment ranking institutes admit students with this range of CAT score.

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore will close the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 registration link on September 15 at 5 pm.

Important topics and concepts in the CAT QA syllabus 2026

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 will be conducted on November 29 in three computer-based sessions. The national-level MBA entrance exam is the gateway to admission into 22 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other leading business schools across the country.

The CAT application process will end on September 15. Before proceeding with the CAT 2026 registration process, candidates should keep the following points in mind:

• Check the eligibility criteria on the CAT official website before applying.
• Use a valid and unique email ID and mobile number, and keep them active throughout the admission process, as all official communication will be sent through these registered contact details.
• Fill in all mandatory fields in the application form, as incomplete applications cannot be submitted.

The CAT question paper will assess candidates in three sections:

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

• Visit the official website, iimcat.ac.in.
• Click on the 'New Candidate Registration' link.
• Register using a valid email ID and mobile number and verify the OTP.
• Log in using the generated User ID and password.
• Fill in personal, academic and work experience details.
• Upload the required documents.
• Select preferred IIM programmes and five test cities.
• Preview the application form and pay the registration fee.
• Submit the application and download the confirmation page for future reference.

Before filling out the CAT application form, candidates should keep the following ready:

• Valid and unique email ID and mobile number
• Passport-size photograph (not older than six months, white background)
• Scanned signature
• Academic details from Class 10 onwards
• Category and PwBD certificates, if applicable
• Work experience details, if any

The list of top MBA colleges as per NIRF rankings is given in the table below.

The CAT 2026 dates are given below.

• CAT 2026 last date to apply: September 15
• Exam dates: November 29, 2026 (Sunday)
• Admit card: November 4 to November 29, 2026
• Result date: First week of January 2027
• CAT 2026 score validity: Until December 31, 2027

The CAT registration last date is September 13, 2026. Candidates who wish to appear for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 must complete the application process online before the deadline.

Candidates must upload their passport-size photograph and signature while filling out the CAT 2026 application form. As per the registration guidelines, the photograph should have been taken within the last six months, feature a white background, and candidates are advised to keep additional printed copies of the same photograph for verification on the CAT 2026 exam day.

For the signature, candidates are required to upload a scanned image in JPG or JPEG format. The file size should not exceed 80 KB and must comply with the prescribed dimensions specified in the CAT 2026 registration guide.

Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements prescribed by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) before applying for CAT 2026. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

• Candidates should have a bachelor's degree from a recognised university with at least 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD candidates).
• Final-year bachelor's degree students or candidates awaiting their results are also eligible to apply, provided they fulfil the minimum qualifying marks requirement at the time of admission.
• There is no upper age limit for appearing in the CAT 2026 examination.

Important topics and concepts in the CAT QA syllabus 2026

While registering, domestic candidates must verify their mobile number and email ID through OTP to generate their user ID and password. Overseas candidates will receive the OTP only on their registered email ID, after which the login credentials will be sent via email.

The CAT 2026 registration fee has been fixed at Rs 2,700 for general, EWS and NC-OBC candidates, while SC, ST and PwBD candidates will have to pay Rs 1,350. The fee has to be paid only once, irrespective of the number of IIM programmes selected, and it is non-refundable.

The CAT registration process consists of six sections — personal details, academics, work experience, programmes, test city, and declaration. Candidates will be able to save the CAT 2026 application form and can complete it later before the final submission. However, candidates must note that once the CAT form fee is paid and the form is submitted, no changes will be allowed.

The list of top MBA colleges as per NIRF rankings is given in the table below.

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 will be conducted on November 29 in three computer-based sessions. The national-level MBA entrance exam is the gateway to admission into 22 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other leading business schools across the country.

Candidates are advised to keep these documents ready before filling the CAT 2026 application form.

• Valid mobile number and Email ID (This should not change till results)
• Passport-size photograph
• Scanned signature
• Personal details
• Past academic details, graduation and 10th, 12th marksheets 
• Work experience certificate (if any)
• Payment details (credit/ debit card or  net banking details)

• Go to the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in
• Click on 'New Candidate Registration' and register using your name, email ID and mobile number
• Verify the OTP sent to your registered email ID and mobile number to generate your user ID and password
• Log in using the generated credentials and click 'Go to Application'
• Fill in the personal details section and upload the required photograph, signature and category certificates, if applicable
• Enter your academic details from Class 10 onwards, including bachelor's degree and professional qualifications, if applicable
• Provide your work experience details, if any, and select the IIM programmes you wish to apply for
• Choose five preferred test cities from the available list
• Preview the CAT application form 2026 carefully, accept the declaration, pay the application fee online, and submit the form

• No reservation for GEN category candidates
• 27% reservation for OBC candidates   
• 10% reservation for EWS candidates   
• 15% reservation for SC candidates
• 7.5% reservation for ST candidates
• 5% reservation for PWD candidates    

The CAT 2026 examination will be conducted as a computer-based test in three sessions across approximately 170 test cities on November 29, 2026.

Three marks will be awarded for every correct answer. One mark to be deducted for each incorrect answer in multiple-choice questions (MCQs). No mark will be awarded or deducted for unattempted questions or incorrect Type In The Answer (TITA) questions.

Three sections in question papers will be Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). No major changes in the exam pattern have been announced this year.  

Registration is underway and will end soon.

Candidates should have a bachelor's degree from a recognised university with at least 50 percent aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD candidates).

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted annually on last Sunday of November in three computer-based sessions. The national-level MBA entrance exam is the gateway to admission into 22 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other leading business schools across the country.

Candidates can refer to the CAT syllabus and exam pattern below to understand what to expect in the upcoming question paper.

Documents required while filling the CAT 2026 application form are

• Class 10 (SSC) marksheet/certificate
• Class 12 (HSC) marksheet/certificate
• Graduation marksheets and other academic documents
• Work experience certificate(s) (if applicable)
• Recent scanned passport-size photograph (less than 80 KB)
• Scanned signature
• Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Driving Licence, Passport, etc.)
• Category/Reservation certificate (SC, ST, NC-OBC, EWS), if applicable
• PwD/Disability certificate, if applicable
• Online payment facility such as net banking, UPI, debit card, or credit card to pay the application fee.

As per the CAT 2026 registration date, the application process has commenced on August 3, 2026, at 10 am and will remain open until September 15, 2026, at 5 pm. Candidates can submit their application forms online through the CAT official website within the prescribed registration period.

The CAT 2026 application form consists of six sections—personal details, academics, work experience, programmes, test city and declaration. Candidates can save each section separately before moving to the next stage of the application.

Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements prescribed by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) before applying for CAT 2026. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

• Candidates should have a bachelor's degree from a recognised university with at least 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD candidates).
• Final-year bachelor's degree students or candidates awaiting their results are also eligible to apply, provided they fulfil the minimum qualifying marks requirement at the time of admission.
• There is no upper age limit for appearing in the CAT 2026 examination.

Important topics in the CAT DILR syllabus:

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 will be conducted on November 29 in three computer-based sessions. The national-level MBA entrance exam is the gateway to admission into 22 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other leading business schools across the country.

The CAT 2026 registration fee has been fixed at Rs 2,700 for general, EWS and NC-OBC candidates, while SC, ST and PwBD candidates will have to pay Rs 1,350. The fee has to be paid only once, irrespective of the number of IIM programmes selected, and it is non-refundable.

• Visit the official website, iimcat.ac.in.
• Click on the 'New Candidate Registration' link.
• Register using a valid email ID and mobile number and verify the OTP.
• Log in using the generated User ID and password.
• Fill in personal, academic and work experience details.
• Upload the required documents.
• Select preferred IIM programmes and five test cities.
• Preview the application form and pay the registration fee.
• Submit the application and download the confirmation page for future reference.

The list of top MBA colleges as per NIRF rankings is given in the table below.

The CAT 2026 dates are given below.

• Application form filling last date: September 15
• Exam dates: November 29, 2026 (Sunday)
• Admit card: November 4 to November 29, 2026
• Result date: First week of January 2027
• CAT 2026 score validity: Until December 31, 2027

To apply online, candidates will have to register themselves and generate user ID and password

• Visit the official website iimcat.ac.in
• On homepage, look for the register window
• On the redirected page, enter registration number and password
• Fill the form and upload the required documents
• Pay the application fee and submit the form
• Take its printout for future references

Candidates should preserve the confirmation page till admission. 

Eligible candidates must get themselves registered on or before September 15 to avoid last-minute rush. Common Admission Test is conducted every year as admission gateway for Indian Institute of Management, IIMs and other management colleges.

IIM Indore has warned candidates about fraudulent websites and suspicious links. The institute has stated that iimcat.ac.in is the sole official website for CAT 2026. Candidates should verify the website address before entering personal information or making any payment.

Suspicious activity can be reported to the CAT help desk at [cat2026_helpdesk@iimidr.ac.in](mailto:cat2026_helpdesk@iimidr.ac.in).

Candidates should carefully review their application before submitting it.

• Select the correct category and category certificate 
• Do not wait until September 15
• Check the city preferences carefully
• Do not use or rely on unofficial websites

For CAT 2026, NC-OBC certificates must be issued on or after April 1, 2026. EWS candidates must have a certificate valid for 2026-27 and specifically assessed for financial year 2025-26. 

• SC: 15%
• ST: 7.5%
• NC-OBC: 27%
• EWS: up to 10%
• PwBD: 5%

IIM CAT 2026 will be conducted at centres spread across approximately 170 test cities. Candidates must select five preferred test cities from a drop-down menu while filling the application form. In case a candidate cannot be allotted any of the five preferred cities, a nearby city may be allotted.

Candidates who successfully register for CAT 2026 will be allowed to edit certain details after the registration window closes.

The edit window will allow candidates to modify only photograph, signatureand test city preferences. Candidates should therefore check all other details carefully before submitting the application.

CAT 2026 will be conducted as a computer-based test on November 29 in three sessions. The examination will have a total duration of 120 minutes.

The three sections are:

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

Candidates appearing for final year of their bachelor's degree or have completed their degree requirements and are awaiting results can also apply. However, candidates selected while awaiting their results will be allowed to join provisionally, subject to submission of a certificate from the principal or registrar of their university or institution confirming completion of all requirements for the degree by the date stipulated by the respective IIM. 

Candidates applying for CAT 2026 must hold a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA. For candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) categories, the minimum requirement is 45%.