CAT 2026 Notification Released: Check Exam Date, Eligibility, Registration and Exam Pattern

The CAT Notification 2026 is now OUT! It is a reminder for all serious CAT aspirants to gear up with their preparation, as the official countdown to CAT 2026 exam has begun.

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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.

Watch Our CAT Experts go Live on YouTube and clear all your doubts about CAT notification 2026

 

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 Registration 2026

CAT 2026 Exam PatternΒ 

CAT Exam Syllabus

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 Bachelor’s 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.

  1. Create a CAT ID using your email and mobile number.
  2. Log in to fill out the application form.
  3. Enter personal, academic, and work experience details.
  4. Choose 5 preferred test cities.
  5. Upload scanned images of your photograph, signature, and any required certificates (Caste/PwD).
  6. 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. Here’s 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 VARC Syllabus 2026

CAT DILR Syllabus 2026

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 you’re serious about making it to the IIMs & top B-schools, starting early gives you a solid edge.

At Career Launcher, we’ve 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!!

Author

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    Yuvakshi is a skilled content writer with a passion for simplifying complex concepts for CAT and MBA aspirants. She blends practical exam insights with a clear, engaging writing style that makes challenging topics easier to understand. With her strong interest in management education and student success, she creates content that helps aspirants prepare smarter, not harder. Through her writing, she aims to make the CAT journey less intimidating by bridging the gap between concepts and clarity.

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