CAT 2026 Registration Opens Aug 3; Exam Set for Nov 29
The Indian Institutes of Management have officially released the CAT 2026 notification at iimcat.ac.in, with registrations opening on August 3 and the exam scheduled for November 29, 2026.
Key points
- CAT 2026 official notification has been released at iimcat.ac.in
- Registration window opens on August 3, 2026
- The exam is scheduled for November 29, 2026
- Candidates need a Bachelor's degree with minimum 50% marks to be eligible
- CAT scores are accepted by all 20 IIMs and 1,200+ B-schools in India
Important details
| Organisation | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
|---|---|
| Application starts | 03 Aug 2026 |
| Exam date | 29 Nov 2026 |
| Qualification | Bachelor's degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) |
| Official website | https://iimcat.ac.in |
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 notification has been officially released on the portal iimcat.ac.in. Conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis, CAT is the gateway for admission to MBA and other postgraduate management programmes at IIMs and hundreds of top business schools across India.
Key Dates for CAT 2026
Aspirants planning to appear for CAT 2026 should mark the following important dates on their calendar:
- Notification Release: Released officially (July 2025)
- Registration Start Date: August 3, 2026
- Exam Date: November 29, 2026
How to Register for CAT 2026
Candidates can complete their registration through the official CAT website. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the official website: iimcat.ac.in
- Click on the CAT 2026 registration link available on the homepage
- Fill in personal, academic, and work experience details accurately
- Upload required documents including photograph and signature
- Pay the application fee online through the available payment modes
- Submit the form and save the confirmation for future reference
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for CAT 2026, candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, and PwD candidates) from a recognised university. Students in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply provisionally.
About CAT and Participating Institutes
CAT scores are accepted by all 20 IIMs and over 1,200 business schools across India. The exam tests candidates on Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). It is one of the most competitive management entrance exams in the country, attracting over 3 lakh registrations every year.
For students preparing for management entrances, CollegeUnify also covers CAT preparation tips and IIM admission updates to help aspirants stay informed through every stage of the process.
Official Notification & Apply Link
Candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully before applying. The direct link to the official CAT 2026 portal is: iimcat.ac.in
Important links
Links open the official website. Always verify details there before applying.