CAT 2026 Applications Live: IIMs Begin Admissions for 2027–29 MBA Cohort

INDORE, India — Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) opened the online application window for the Common Admission Test (CAT 2026) at 10:00 AM IST on Monday, August 3, 2026. Prospective management students seeking admission to Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Post Graduate Programmes (PGP) for the 2027–2029 academic session can complete their registration forms online through the official portal at iimcat.ac.in.

Organized by IIM Indore for the 2026 cycle under Convener Prof. Aditya Billore, the examination is scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 29, 2026, across approximately 170 test cities nationwide. The registration window will remain open until September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM IST.

Detailed Application Timeline and Examination Schedule

The official CAT 2026 notification outlines the critical milestones for the current admission cycle:

• Registration Start Date: August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM IST)

• Registration Closing Date: September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM IST)

• Admit Card Download Window: November 4 to November 29, 2026

• CAT 2026 Examination Date: November 29, 2026 (Three sessions)

• Expected Result Declaration: First week of January 2027

Candidates must complete profile creation, upload necessary academic credentials, select preferred IIM program choices, and specify up to five preferred test cities prior to paying the non-refundable registration fee.

Eligibility Criteria and Examination Structure

To register for CAT 2026, applicants must fulfill the following statutory educational requirements:

• Degree Qualification: A recognized Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA (reduced to 45% for SC, ST, and PwBD candidates).

• Final Year Students: Candidates currently appearing for the final year of their Bachelor's degree or awaiting final results are eligible to apply.

• Professional Qualifications: Candidates with completed professional qualifications such as CA, CS, CMA, or FIAI meeting the percentage criteria are also eligible.

The test structure follows a 120-minute computer-based format divided into three timed sections of 40 minutes each:

1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): 24 questions

2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): 22 questions

3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA): 22 questions

Correct responses carry +3 marks, while wrong answers in Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) incur a negative marking penalty of -1 mark. Non-MCQ Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) questions carry no negative marking penalties.

Impact on Management Education and Candidates

Impact on Management Aspirants

With over 3.3 lakh candidates expected to register, early application filing prevents server congestion near the September 15 deadline. Scores obtained in CAT 2026 will remain valid through December 31, 2027, for academic evaluation.

Impact on B-Schools and Higher Education

CAT scores serve as the primary screening standard for 21 IIMs—including top-tier campuses in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, and Indore—alongside premier non-IIM institutions such as FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IIFT, and the Department of Management Studies across various IITs.

Official Sources Section

Registration procedures, statutory eligibility rules, and fee details are governed by official announcements issued by the CAT Centre 2026 and published on the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) CAT Portal. Additional policy notifications are coordinated under guidelines established by the Ministry of Education.

Quote Section

"According to officials from the CAT 2026 organizing committee, candidates are strongly advised to complete their profile registration early, verify category certificates, and carefully review test city selections before final payment submission."

Why It Matters

The Common Admission Test represents the single largest screening examination for graduate business education in India. Achieving a competitive percentile score provides access to high-demand corporate management roles, entrepreneurship programs, and executive careers across global industries.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Organizing Body: IIM Indore leads CAT 2026 operations under Convener Prof. Aditya Billore.

• Registration Period: August 3 to September 15, 2026.

• Exam Date: Sunday, November 29, 2026 (3 sessions).

• Application Fee: ₹2,700 for General/OBC/EWS; ₹1,350 for SC/ST/PwBD.

• Score Validity: Valid until December 31, 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where can candidates fill out the CAT 2026 application form?

Candidates must complete their registration online exclusively on the official portal at iimcat.ac.in.

What is the minimum aggregate percentage required for General category candidates?

General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree with at least 50% aggregate marks or an equivalent CGPA.

Are final-year college students eligible to apply for CAT 2026?

Yes. Students currently studying in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree or those awaiting final results can apply for the exam.

Is there an age limit to appear for the CAT exam?

No, there is no upper age limit restriction to apply for or take the CAT exam.

Source: Official exam notifications and registration guidelines published on the IIM CAT Portal, organizational press bulletins from IIM Indore, and higher education updates maintained by the Ministry of Education.