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IIM CAT 2026 Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Admission Process Complete Details

Short Description: The IIM Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 notification has been released. The online application process will start on 03 August 2026 and the last date to submit the application form is 15 September 2026 (up to 5:00 PM). CAT 2026 is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Candidates can check complete details regarding the application process, eligibility criteria, registration fee, important dates, exam pattern, syllabus, admit card, answer key, result, and admission process before applying.

CAT 2026 – Common Admission Test

Important Information

📅 Important Dates
  • Information Bulletin Release : 26 July 2026
  • Application Starts From : 03 August 2026
  • Last Date for Submission : 15 September 2026 Till 5:00 PM
  • Admit Card Release : 04 November – 29 November 2026
  • Date of Examination : 29 November 2026 (Sunday)
  • Result : First Week of January 2027
  • Score Validity : Until 31 December 2027
💰 Application Fee
  • General / EWS / NC-OBC : ₹ 2,700/-
  • SC / ST / PwBD : ₹ 1,350/-

💳 Payment Mode: Online (Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking / UPI etc.)

📌 Fee once paid is non-refundable. Candidates need to pay only once regardless of the number of institutes applied to.

Age Limits & Participating Institutes

📌 Age Limits
  • Minimum Age : No age limit
  • Maximum Age : No age limit

✔ Note: CAT 2026 has no upper or lower age restriction. Candidates of any age group who meet the educational qualification can apply.

🏫 Participating IIMs & Seats
21 IIMs + 100+ Non-IIM Institutes Accepting CAT Scores
Total seats vary by institute (approx. 5,000+ MBA seats across IIMs)

Programmes & Eligibility

📖 Programme ✅ Eligibility Criteria
PGP / MBA
(All IIMs & Non-IIMs)
  • Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
  • Minimum Marks: 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates).
  • Final Year Students: Those appearing for final year exams or awaiting results are also eligible to apply.
  • Professional Degrees: CA / CS / ICWA (CMA) / FIAI candidates are also eligible.
  • No age limit.
Fellow Programme (FPM / PhD)
  • Similar eligibility as PGP (Master’s degree may be preferred for some IIMs).
  • Check individual IIM websites for specific requirements.
Other Management Programmes
(PGP-ABM, PGP-HRM, PGP-BA, etc.)
  • Eligibility varies by programme and IIM. Refer to respective IIM admissions policies.
Reservation & Important Notes:
  • SC: 15% | ST: 7.5% | NC-OBC: 27% | EWS: Up to 10% | PwBD: 5%
  • Reservation is based on the Central Government list as on the last date of CAT registration.
  • PwBD candidates must have a minimum of 40% disability certified by the competent authority.
  • NC-OBC and EWS candidates must upload valid certificates issued on or after 01 April 2026.
  • No change in category is allowed after registration.
  • CAT 2026 score is valid only till 31 December 2027.
  • Each IIM has its own independent selection process after the CAT score.

Selection Process & Exam Pattern For IIM CAT 2026

  • Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT) in three sessions.
  • Exam Date: 29 November 2026 (Sunday).
  • Test Centres: Approximately 170 cities across India.
  • Registration: Choose 5 preferred test cities; allotment based on availability.
  • Selection Process (Post CAT):
    • Shortlisting based on CAT score, academic performance, work experience, etc.
    • Group Discussion / Personal Interview (GDPI) or Written Ability Test (WAT) + PI.
    • Final selection based on composite score (CAT + past academics + work ex + interview).
  • Each IIM has its own selection criteria and weightage.

Note: Mere fulfilment of eligibility does not guarantee shortlisting. IIMs use multiple parameters for selection.

How to Apply For IIM CAT 2026

  • Visit the official CAT website: https://iimcat.ac.in.
  • Read the Information Bulletin carefully before registration.
  • Click on the CAT 2026 Registration link (opens 03 August 2026).
  • Fill in personal, academic, and contact details.
  • Select 5 preferred test cities from the drop-down menu.
  • Upload scanned photograph, signature, and category certificates (if applicable).
  • Pay the registration fee online (₹2,700 for General/EWS/NC-OBC; ₹1,350 for SC/ST/PwBD).
  • Verify all details carefully – no changes are allowed after submission.
  • Submit the application before 15 September 2026 (5:00 PM).
  • Download the admit card from 04 November 2026 onwards.

Important: Keep a valid and unique email ID and mobile number throughout the selection process. All communications will be sent via email/SMS.

Note – सभी उम्मीदवारों से अनुरोध है कि आवेदन करने से पहले Official Information Bulletin को ध्यानपूर्वक जरूर पढ़ें। Last Date, Eligibility, Reservation एवं अन्य महत्वपूर्ण जानकारी जांचने के बाद ही आवेदन फॉर्म भरें।

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Important Links : IIM CAT 2026 (Common Admission Test)

🔗 Apply Online (CAT 2026) Click Here
📄 Download Information Bulletin Click Here
📄 Eligibilty Notice Click Here
🌐 Official CAT Website Click Here

FAQs : IIM CAT 2026 (Common Admission Test)

What is the last date to register for CAT 2026?

The registration closes on 15 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.

What is the application fee for CAT 2026?

For General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates – ₹ 2,700/-; for SC, ST and PwBD – ₹ 1,350/-.

What is the eligibility for CAT 2026?

Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwBD) from a recognised university. Final year students are also eligible.

Is there any age limit for CAT?

No, there is no age limit for appearing in CAT 2026.

How many IIMs accept CAT scores?

All 21 IIMs accept CAT scores for admission to their management programmes.

When will the CAT 2026 exam be held?

The exam is scheduled on 29 November 2026 (Sunday).

When will CAT 2026 results be declared?

Results are expected in the first week of January 2027.

Can I change my category after CAT registration?

No, changes in category are not allowed after registration.

Conclusion : IIM CAT 2026 (Common Admission Test)

CAT 2026 is the gateway to India’s premier management institutes – the 21 IIMs and over 100 other B-schools that accept CAT scores. The exam is scheduled for 29 November 2026, with registration opening on 03 August 2026. Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) and there is no age bar. The application fee is ₹2,700 for General/EWS/NC-OBC and ₹1,350 for SC/ST/PwBD candidates. CAT 2026 scores are valid until 31 December 2027. Each IIM has its own selection process, so candidates are advised to check individual IIM websites for admission policies.

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IIM CAT 2026 Common Admission Test featured image with IIM campus, CAT notebook, and admission banner
IIM CAT 2026: Registration starts on 03 August 2026. Check eligibility, exam pattern, important dates, and complete admission details

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