CAT 2026 Registration Open: Fee Hiked, Exam on 29 November
IIMs have opened CAT 2026 registrations for approximately 9,700 seats across participating institutions, with a revised application fee and the exam scheduled for 29 November 2026.
Key points
- CAT 2026 registrations are officially open for approximately 9,700 seats
- Exam to be held on 29 November 2026 in computer-based format
- Application fee has been increased for CAT 2026 compared to last year
- All 20 IIMs and hundreds of top B-schools accept CAT scores
- Eligible candidates must have a bachelor's degree with minimum 50% marks
Important details
| Organisation | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
|---|---|
| Total vacancies | Approximately 9,700 seats |
| Exam date | 29 Nov 2026 |
| Qualification | Bachelor's degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) |
| Application fee | Revised/increased – check official portal for category-wise details |
| Official website | https://iimcat.ac.in |
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have officially launched the registration process for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026, opening doors for MBA and management programme aspirants across India. The exam is scheduled to be held on 29 November 2026, and candidates can now apply through the official CAT portal.
Key Highlights of CAT 2026
- Registrations are now open for roughly 9,700 seats spread across IIMs and other participating institutes of national importance.
- The application fee has been increased compared to the previous cycle — candidates should check the official website for the exact revised fee applicable to their category.
- The exam will be conducted on 29 November 2026 in a computer-based test (CBT) format across multiple cities in India.
- CAT 2026 scores are accepted by all 20 IIMs as well as hundreds of other top B-schools and institutes of national importance across the country.
About CAT and Participating Institutes
CAT is India's most prestigious management entrance examination, conducted on a rotational basis by one of the IIMs. The test evaluates candidates on Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Scores are used for admission to Post Graduate Programmes (PGP), Fellow Programmes in Management (FPM), and various executive management programmes at IIMs and affiliated institutes.
With approximately 9,700 seats on offer across participating institutions, competition is expected to remain intense. Lakhs of aspirants register for CAT every year, making it one of the most competitive exams in the country.
Important Details at a Glance
- Exam Name: Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026
- Conducting Body: Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
- Total Seats: Approximately 9,700
- Exam Date: 29 November 2026
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Application Fee: Revised/increased (check official portal for category-wise details)
- Official Website: iimcat.ac.in
How to Apply for CAT 2026
- Visit the official CAT 2026 website at iimcat.ac.in.
- Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in the application form with personal, academic, and work experience details.
- Upload required documents including photograph and signature.
- Pay the revised application fee online via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.
- Submit the form and save the confirmation for future reference.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognised university or institution. Final-year students appearing in their graduation exams are also eligible to apply provisionally.
Aspirants planning to pursue an MBA from the IIMs or other top management institutes in India should not miss this registration window. For more updates on CAT 2026 and other management entrance exams, stay tuned to CollegeUnify.
Important links
Links open the official website. Always verify details there before applying.
