CAT 2026 Registration Starts August 3

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) will start the registration process for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in, until September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM.

The CAT 2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted on November 29, 2026, in three sessions across approximately 170 test cities. This national-level entrance examination is for admission to postgraduate, doctoral, and other management programmes offered by the IIMs and several participating institutions across India.

To be eligible for CAT 2026, candidates must have a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA from a recognised university. SC, ST, and PwBD candidates require a minimum of 45% marks or equivalent CGPA. Candidates with professional qualifications such as CA, CS, CMA (ICWA) or FIAI with the required percentage are also eligible.

The application fee for CAT 2026 is ₹1,350 for SC/ST/PwBD candidates and ₹2,700 for all other candidates. The registration fee is non-refundable. Candidates claiming reservation must upload valid category certificates during the application process.

Candidates can complete the application process by visiting the official website at iimcat.ac.in, registering using a valid email ID and mobile number, filling in personal, academic, and other required details, uploading necessary documents and category certificates, selecting five preferred test cities, and paying the applicable registration fee.

While CAT scores play a crucial role in admissions, each IIM follows its own selection process and may also consider factors such as academic performance, work experience, and other criteria while shortlisting candidates. The CAT 2026 results are expected to be announced in the first week of January 2027, and the score will be valid until December 31, 2027.

The registration process for CAT 2026 is a significant step for candidates seeking admission to management programmes in India's top institutions. With the exam scheduled for November 29, 2026, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and complete the application process before the deadline.

In summary, the CAT 2026 registration process begins on August 3, 2026, and candidates must apply before September 15, 2026. The exam will be conducted on November 29, 2026, and the results are expected in the first week of January 2027.

The CAT 2026 exam is a crucial step for candidates seeking admission to management programmes in India. The exam is highly competitive, and candidates must prepare thoroughly to secure a good score. With the registration process starting tomorrow, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and complete the application process on time.

The significance of CAT 2026 lies in its role as a gateway to India's top management institutions. The exam provides a platform for candidates to showcase their skills and knowledge, and the scores are used by IIMs and other participating institutions to shortlist candidates for admission. As such, the CAT 2026 exam is a critical component of the management education landscape in India.

In conclusion, the CAT 2026 registration process is set to begin on August 3, 2026, and candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and complete the application process before the deadline. The exam is scheduled for November 29, 2026, and the results are expected in the first week of January 2027. With its significance in the management education landscape in India, the CAT 2026 exam is an important event for candidates seeking admission to management programmes in the country.