CAT Exam 2026 Notification Latest Updates
- This year, the CAT 2026 will be conducted on 29th November 2026 (Sunday).
- CAT 2026 Notification has been released on 25th July 2026. It will include all the details about registration dates, exam pattern, registration process, etc.
- More than 2 lakh candidates are expected to register for CAT 2026 exam this year.
- Β This year, the CAT application fee has been increased to INR 2,700 for General candidates, and INR 1,350 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
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CAT Notification 2026
The CAT exam notification is now out on the official website. The CAT 2026 exam is to take place on November 29, 2026. The CAT 2026 registration process is beginning from the 3rd August 2026, and the last date to register for the same is 15th September 2026, with a further possibility of extension.
The CAT Notification 2026 will entail all the important information like CAT 2026 registration window dates, CAT eligibility criteria, CAT exam dates, CAT syllabus, CAT exam fee, and more.
CAT Notification 2026 Release Date
CAT notification PDF will include details like –
- CAT 2026 registration dates and process
- Eligibility criteria
- Full exam schedule and dates.
- Application form fees
- Important Instructions
Each year, CAT is conducted by one of the older IIMs. The Indian Institute of Management (IIM), which conducts CAT, changes every year. For CAT 2026, IIM Indore is to be the conducting IIM.
Suggested Readings:Β
CAT Notification 2026 Important Dates
The official CAT 2026 notification has been released on the official website of IIM – iimcat.ac.in. The table below provides information about all the important events and dates related to CAT 2026 exam –Β
| CAT 2026 Important Events | CAT Exam DateΒ |
| CAT 2026 Notification Release | 25th July, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Registration Start Date | 3rd August, 2026 (10:00 AM Onwards) |
| CAT 2026 Registration Last Date | September 15, 2026 (Till 5:00 PM) |
| CAT Form Correction Window Opening | Second week of September 2026 |
| CAT Admit Card 2026 Release | 4th November, 2026Β |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | 29th November, 2026
Sunday |
| CAT Results Announcement | First week of January 2026 |
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before you apply, make sure you meet the CAT eligibility criteria:
- A Bachelorβs Degree from a recognized university.
- At least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) in graduation.
- Final-year students can apply, but must provide proof of completion at the time of admission.
- There is no age limit to appear for the CAT exam.
Note: Work experience is not mandatory, but it may help during interviews and final admissions.
CAT Registration Process 2026Β
The entire CAT registration process is online and will take place on iimcat.ac.in once the portal opens. The CAT 2026 application form is to be live from 3rd August, 2026, and the registration process will begin from 10:00 AM onwards. Candidates can fill out the application form by following these simple steps below.
- Create a CAT ID using your email and mobile number.
- Log in to fill out the application form.
- Enter personal, academic, and work experience details.
- Choose 5 preferred test cities.
- Upload scanned images of your photograph, signature, and any required certificates (Caste/PwD).
- Pay the application fee online via card/UPI/net banking. CAT application fees for Gen, EWS and OBC candidates are Rs. 2700 and for SC/ST and PWD fees is Rs. 1350. Application fees are non-refundable.
We have an entire article dedicated to how to register for CAT and the whole CAT application form-filling process.
CAT 2026 Application Fee (Revised)
The conducting IIM announced the application form fees for CAT 2026 exam. Candidates can see the table below to check the CAT registration fees –
|
Category |
CAT Application Fee |
| General, EWS, and NC-OBC |
INR 2700/- |
|
SC, ST, and PwD |
INR 1350/- |
CAT Exam Pattern 2026Β
The CAT 2026 exam pattern will follow the same exam pattern as the previous year’s exam. Hereβs a detailed look:
|
CAT Exam Section |
Number of Questions | Time Limit | CAT Marking Scheme |
|
VARC |
24 | 40 mins | +3 for correct, -1/0 for incorrect |
|
DILR |
22 | 40 mins |
+3 for correct, -1/0 for incorrect |
| QA | 22 | 40 mins |
+3 for correct, -1/0 for incorrect |
| Total | 68 Questions | 120 mins |
- There are 2 types of questions: MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) & TITA (Type in the answer)
- TITA questions carry no negative marking.
- CAT is conducted in multiple slots in a computer-based format.
Related Articles –
CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus 2026
Conclusion
The CAT 2026 notification will be the official green signal for your MBA journey. Keep an eye on the announcement and ensure you’re ready to register without missing any important steps. Now that it is out, the clock has started ticking. If youβre serious about making it to the IIMs & top B-schools, starting early gives you a solid edge.
At Career Launcher, weβve helped 3,00,000+ aspirants crack CAT and make it to their dream B-Schools. You could be next.
Prepare for CAT 2026 with Career Launcher’s CAT programs. Check OutΒ – CAT Online Coaching|Β CAT Test Series
Best of Luck!!
