The gateway to India's most prestigious management institutions has officially opened. The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore has commenced the registration process for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026. Aspiring management professionals across the country can now submit their applications through the official website at iimcat.ac.in. As one of the most competitive and widely recognized entrance examinations globally, CAT serves as the primary stepping stone for admission into the premier IIMs, as well as hundreds of other top-tier business schools across India.
With the application window now live, candidates must navigate a rigorous set of guidelines, deadlines, and eligibility criteria to ensure their candidature is successfully processed. Understanding these critical details is the first step toward securing a seat in a coveted MBA or PGDM program.
CAT 2026: Important Dates and Timeline
Time management is the hallmark of a successful manager, and it begins right at the registration desk. Aspirants must keep a close eye on the calendar to avoid last-minute technical glitches or missed deadlines. The registration portal went live on August 3, 2026, and will remain active until September 15, 2026. Following the conclusion of the application window, registered candidates will be able to download their admit cards in October, leading up to the grand examination day.
The computer-based test is officially scheduled to take place on November 29, 2026, across multiple test cities nationwide. To help candidates structure their preparation timeline effectively, the key milestones for CAT 2026 have been outlined below.
| Event | Date / Timeline |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 Registration Commences | August 3, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Registration Closes | September 15, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | October 2026 (Tentative) |
| CAT 2026 Examination Date | November 29, 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria and Academic Requirements
Before filling out the online application form, candidates must carefully review the eligibility parameters set forth by the convening IIM. Meeting these minimum academic requirements is mandatory; failure to do so will result in disqualification during the verification stages, even if the candidate clears the written exam.
The foundational requirement for appearing in CAT 2026 is a completed bachelor's degree from a recognized university or educational institution. However, specific percentage criteria apply based on the candidate's category:
- General and NC-OBC Categories: Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or an equivalent CGPA.
- SC, ST, and PwBD Categories: A relaxed standard is provided, requiring a minimum of 45% aggregate marks in their qualifying degree.
- Final Year Students: Those in the final year of their bachelor's degree, or awaiting final results, are also eligible to apply provisionally.
Application Fee Structure
The application fee varies depending on the category of the applicant. Candidates must complete their payment online through the secure payment gateway integrated into the official portal. Applications without successful fee submission will be deemed incomplete and automatically rejected.
For General category candidates, the registration fee is set at Rs 2,700. Meanwhile, candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) categories are required to pay a subsidized fee of Rs 1,350. Applicants are strongly advised to keep digital copies of their payment receipts for future reference.
How to Apply for CAT 2026
Submitting a flawless application is crucial. Candidates should keep scanned copies of their recent passport-size photograph, signature, and relevant category certificates ready before logging onto the website. The registration process involves generating a unique user ID and password, filling out personal and academic details, selecting preferred test cities, and completing the transaction.
Final Thoughts on Your CAT Journey
The commencement of CAT 2026 registration marks the official start of an intensive journey for lakhs of management aspirants. With months remaining until the examination date on November 29, candidates must channel their focus toward rigorous preparation, mock tests, and conceptual clarity. Ensure you complete your registrations well before the September 15 deadline to avoid the heavy internet traffic typical of the final days. Step forward with confidence, and take the first defining step toward your corporate leadership future.
