IIM CAT Notification 2026: Check Eligibility, Exam Date & Apply Online

The Indian Institutes of Management has released the official notification for the Common Admission Test 2026. IIM Indore will conduct this computer-based test on Sunday 29 November 2026. This exam is the gateway for admission to Post Graduate and Fellow or PhD programmes at all IIMs.

Candidates seeking a management career must qualify this test to secure a seat in prestigious institutes. Many non-IIM member institutions also use CAT scores to shortlist candidates. Interested applicants should read the full article for details on eligibility,​ fees,​ and the application process.

Key Highlights of IIM CAT 2026

• The Indian Institutes of Management released the official notification.
• IIM Indore is the conducting body for the 2026 session.
• The exam date is 29 November 2026.
• The computer-based test will take place in three sessions.
• Online registration starts on 3 August 2026.
• The last date to apply is 15 September 2026.

Important Dates

Applicants must track the schedule carefully to avoid missing deadlines. The table below lists the key events and their dates.

Participating Institutes

CAT 2026 scores grant eligibility for admission to 22 IIMs across India. Candidates aiming for these institutes should prepare well in advance. You can also check other government job opportunities like PNB LBO Recruitment 2026 for alternative career options. The participating IIMs are listed below.

1. IIM Ahmedabad
2. IIM Amritsar
3. IIM Bangalore
4. IIM Bodh Gaya
5. IIM Calcutta
6. IIM Guwahati
7. IIM Indore
8. IIM Jammu
9. IIM Kashipur
10. IIM Kozhikode
11. IIM Lucknow
12. IIM Mumbai
13. IIM Nagpur
14. IIM Raipur
15. IIM Ranchi
16. IIM Rohtak
17. IIM Sambalpur
18. IIM Shillong
19. IIM Sirmaur
20. IIM Tiruchirappalli
21. IIM Udaipur
22. IIM Visakhapatnam

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet specific educational and age criteria to apply. The official notification specifies the following requirements.

Age Limit

There is no age limit to apply for the CAT examination. Candidates of any age can apply if they meet the educational qualification.

Educational Qualification

Applicants must fulfil any one of the following three conditions.

• Hold a completed Bachelor's degree with the required percentage.
• Hold a completed professional degree such as CA,​ CS,​ ICWA (CMA) or Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI).
• Be in the final year of a Bachelor's degree.

Minimum Percentage of Marks

The minimum marks requirement depends on the candidate's category. The table below shows the percentage criteria.

Application Fee

Candidates must pay the fee online to complete the registration. The fee varies by category.

Candidates can pay the fee through credit card,​ debit card,​ net banking,​ or UPI.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Understanding the exam structure helps in preparation. The test assesses various skills through a computer-based format. Similarly,​ banking exams like IBPS Clerk Recruitment 2026 also follow specific patterns. Here are the details for CAT 2026.

The exam takes place in three sessions on a single day. Candidates must prepare for quantitative,​ verbal,​ and logical reasoning sections.

Selection Process

The selection process starts with the written test. Candidates who clear the cut-off receive calls for further rounds. These rounds usually include a Written Ability Test,​ Group Discussion,​ and Personal Interview. Each IIM sets its own cut-off and selection criteria.

How to Apply Online for CAT 2026

Candidates must follow the steps below to submit their application forms successfully.

1. Visit the Important Web-Links section on the official portal.
2. Click on the link for new-user registration.
3. Log in to the Online Application Form using generated credentials.
4. Fill in personal and educational details accurately.
5. Upload the necessary documents in the prescribed format.
6. Pay the application fee via the available payment modes.
7. Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.

Documents Required

Applicants should keep the following documents ready before registration.

• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets.
• Graduation mark sheets or provisional certificate.
• Category certificate for SC,​ ST,​ NC-OBC,​ EWS,​ and PwBD candidates.
• Valid photo ID proof like Aadhaar card or PAN card.
• Scanned photograph and signature.

Important Instructions

Candidates should ensure all information matches their official documents. Errors in the form can lead to rejection. The conducting body will not entertain corrections after submission. Use a stable internet connection to avoid payment failures. Candidates must check the official website regularly for updates.

Important Web Links

For any queries,​ candidates can contact the helpline at 1800 210 0175 or email cathelpdesk@iimcat.co.in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the starting date for CAT 2026 registration?
A. The online registration starts on 3 August 2026 at 10:00 AM.

Q. What is the last date to apply for CAT 2026?
A. The last date for online registration and fee payment is 15 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Q. When will the CAT 2026 exam be conducted?
A. The exam will take place on 29 November 2026.

Q. Is there any age limit for the CAT exam?
A. No,​ there is no age limit to apply for the CAT examination.

Q. What is the minimum percentage required for General category candidates?
A. General,​ EWS,​ and NC-OBC candidates need a minimum of 50 percent marks in their Bachelor's degree.

Q. What is the application fee for SC candidates?
A. The application fee for SC,​ ST,​ and PWD candidates is Rs. 1350.

Q. Which IIM is conducting CAT 2026?
A. IIM Indore is the conducting body for the Common Admission Test 2026.

Eligible candidates should visit the official website to complete the registration process before the deadline.