CAT 2026 Registration Opens: Dates, Eligibility, and How to Apply Step by Step

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have officially announced the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 schedule. Registration for CAT 2026 is now open on the official portal, and the examination is scheduled for later this year. With over 3.5 lakh candidates expected to register, early and accurate preparation of your application is critical to avoid last-minute errors that could disqualify your candidacy.

TL;DR

CAT 2026 registration is open — the window typically closes in mid-September.
Eligibility: Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
Final-year undergraduate students appearing in 2027 are also eligible to apply provisionally.
The exam is conducted in three slots across multiple cities in November.
Application fee: Rs 2,400 for General/EWS/NC-OBC; Rs 1,200 for SC/ST/PwD.

What's Happening?

CAT 2026 is being convened by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis. The official notification was published on the CAT portal and IIM websites. This year, the convening IIM has maintained the existing three-section format: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

One key change for CAT 2026 is the extension of total test duration from 120 minutes to 130 minutes, giving candidates slightly more time per section. This is the first duration change in four years and reflects feedback from past test-takers about time pressure in the DILR section.

The admit card is expected to be available for download in late October, and results will be declared in January 2027, followed by the selection process (WAT-PI rounds) at individual IIMs from February to April 2027.

Why It Matters

CAT is the gateway to the 20 Indian Institutes of Management and over 1,200 B-schools across India. An IIM offer letter is one of the most powerful career accelerators available in the Indian educational system, opening doors to consulting, investment banking, product management, and entrepreneurship at the highest level.

The average CTC at the top IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Indore, Kozhikode) consistently exceeds Rs 30 lakh per annum, with the highest packages touching Rs 1 crore or more at premium placements.

Missing the registration deadline or submitting an incomplete application means waiting an entire year for the next cycle. Given that over 3.5 lakh candidates register every year, accurate and timely registration is non-negotiable.

The Opportunity

Registering early for CAT 2026 creates multiple advantages:

More time to prepare with a structured study plan of 4+ months before the exam.
Better exam city selection, as preferred test centres fill up quickly.
Early access to official mock tests released by the convening IIM to familiarize yourself with the interface.
Access to early-bird discounts from coaching platforms for full-length mock test series.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1 — Register: Visit iimcat.ac.in and create a new account using your active email ID and mobile number.
Step 2 — Fill the application: Enter your academic details, work experience (if any), category, and programme preferences across IIMs and non-IIM institutions.
Step 3 — Upload documents: Upload a scanned photograph (JPEG, max 80 KB), signature (JPEG, max 80 KB), and category/disability certificate if applicable.
Step 4 — Select test city: Choose three preferred test cities in order of preference. Note: city allotment is subject to availability and is not guaranteed.
Step 5 — Pay the fee: Pay Rs 2,400 (General/EWS/NC-OBC) or Rs 1,200 (SC/ST/PwD) via net banking, debit card, or UPI. Save the payment confirmation.
Step 6 — Save your application ID: This is your primary reference for admit card download, result, and all future communication.

Key Takeaways

✓ CAT 2026 registration is live — do not wait until the last week.
✓ The exam duration has increased to 130 minutes — adjust your mock test strategy accordingly.
✓ Final-year students are eligible to apply provisionally.
✓ Register early to secure your preferred test city and maximize preparation time.
✓ IIM average packages exceed Rs 30 LPA — a strong CAT score is one of India's highest-return educational investments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I apply for CAT 2026 if I am in my final year of graduation?

Yes. Candidates appearing in the final year of a bachelor's degree programme can apply provisionally. However, admission is conditional on meeting the required percentage criteria at the time of joining the programme.

How many times can I attempt CAT?

There is no restriction on the number of attempts. You can appear for CAT every year until you secure admission to your preferred institution.

Final Take

CAT is not just an entrance exam — it is a structured filter for India's most competitive management programmes. Students who register early, prepare systematically, and approach each section with a time-bound strategy consistently outperform those who delay. The registration window is now open. Your CAT 2026 journey starts today.