The CAT 2026 notification is out, and the exam takes place on 29 November 2026. The registration window ran from 3 August to 15 September 2026, so the application form is now closed.
Therefore, this guide focuses on what you can still do: download the admit card, understand the fee and eligibility rules, and prepare for the IIM admission process that follows.
Key dates and facts for the CAT 2026 notification
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Registration window | 3 August 2026 to 15 September 2026 (closed) |
| Exam date | 29 November 2026 (Sunday) |
| Application fee | Rs 2,700 for general candidates; Rs 1,350 for SC, ST and PwBD |
| Admit card | Available from 4 November 2026 until the exam day; one report says IIM Indore moved the date to 6 November |
| Result | Expected in the first week of January 2027 |
| Official website | iimcat.ac.in |
Days left for CAT 2026 exam day
Calculating…
Check the official website for any date change.
What does the CAT 2026 notification say?
CAT is the entrance test for admission to the IIMs and many other top B-schools. IIM Indore conducts it this year. Meanwhile, each IIM sets its own admission policy, so it may weigh academics, work experience and other factors along with your CAT score.
Also, candidates pay the application fee online, and the fee is non-refundable. Because of this, read the brochure carefully before you apply in future cycles.
What to do after you download the CAT 2026 admit card
First, check your name, photo, test centre and slot on the admit card. Then, carry a valid photo ID on exam day. In addition, reach the centre early, because late entry is not allowed in most computer-based tests.
After the exam, watch your email for the response sheet and result. Finally, start applying to colleges that accept CAT scores, such as FMS Delhi and IIFT, which have forms open now.
CAT 2026 notification highlights
The official CAT website publishes the notification and an eligibility document (PDF). We could not open that PDF while writing, so the pattern below comes from the Careers360 report on the notification. Therefore, treat the numbers as expected and verify them on the official site.
Exam pattern as reported
| Section | Expected questions |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 |
| Total | 68 (not fixed) |
- Computer-based test in English with MCQ and non-MCQ questions, conducted by IIM Indore.
- Total time: 120 minutes, which means 40 minutes per section. Total marks: 204.
- Marking: +3 for each correct answer and -1 for each wrong MCQ. Non-MCQ questions carry no negative marking.
Eligibility as reported
- A bachelor degree of at least three years from a recognised university with 50% marks (45% for SC and ST).
- Final-year students can apply if they complete graduation within the stipulated time.
- No work experience is required, and there is no age limit.
The fee figures in secondary reports differ for reserved categories. Because of this, rely on the official notification for the final fee.
How to apply: CAT 2026 notification step by step
- Visit the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in, and log in with your registered email.
- Open the admit card link and download the PDF.
- Verify your details and test centre, then print two copies.
- Carry the printout and a valid photo ID to the centre.
Who can apply? CAT eligibility
- A bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) is the usual rule; confirm the exact limit in the official brochure.
- Final-year students can usually apply, subject to the brochure conditions.
- Individual IIMs may add their own academic and work-experience criteria.
Interactive tools: check eligibility, fees and your checklist
FAQ on the CAT 2026 notification
When is the CAT 2026 exam?
CAT 2026 takes place on Sunday, 29 November 2026.
Is the CAT 2026 application form still open?
No. Registration closed on 15 September 2026 at 5 pm.
What is the CAT 2026 application fee?
The fee was Rs 2,700 for general candidates and Rs 1,350 for SC, ST and PwBD candidates.
When will the CAT 2026 result come out?
The result is expected in the first week of January 2027.
Where can I download the CAT 2026 admit card?
Download it from iimcat.ac.in using your login details.
Official website and next steps
Always read the official notification before you pay any fee. Visit the official CAT website (iimcat.ac.in) and open the official CAT 2026 eligibility document. Also, keep your documents ready, because deadlines rarely move. Finally, bookmark this page, since we update the CAT 2026 notification guide when new dates arrive.
Related guides: IIFT MBA 2027 application form, FMS Delhi MBA 2027 admission, XAT 2027 registration.
