The CAT 2026 Notification has been released on July 25, 2026. It confirms the registration schedule, exam date, application fee, eligibility criteria and other important details for the upcoming Common Admission Test.
The online registration window will open on August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) and remain active until September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM).
CAT 2026 will be conducted on November 29, 2026 (Sunday) in three sessions across approximately 170 test cities.
One of the key highlights this year is the revision in the CAT application fee, while the overall examination schedule and eligibility requirements remain largely unchanged.
The CAT 2026 application fee will be INR 2700 (INR 1350 for SC, ST, and PwBD category).
Read ahead to access the CAT Notification 2026 PDF and other relevant details on this page.
CAT 2026 Notification PDF Out
IIM have released CAT Notification 2026 PDF on its official website. It contains complete details about exam dates, registration deadline, and other information.
Download the CAT exam notification before applying online for the exam.
CAT 2026 Notification Out: Overview
Here is a quick overview of the CAT Notification 2026 in the table below:
| Particular | Details |
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
| Notification Status | Released |
| Registration Starts | August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Registration Ends | September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Sessions | 3 |
| Admit Card Release | November 4, 2026 |
| Test Cities | Approximately 170 |
| Official Website | https://iimcat.ac.in/ |
CAT Notification 2026 PDF Download Link
IIMs have released the CAT exam notification PDF on July 25. Read the document to learn about eligibility, admission process, application fees, and other details.
Get the direct download link for the CAT 2026 Notification PDF below:
Download CAT 2026 Notification PDF
CAT 2026 Notification: Major Updates
The notification confirms the complete admission timeline for CAT 2026.
While the examination will continue to follow the familiar computer-based format, candidates should note a few important updates before beginning the CAT registration process.
- Registration will begin on August 3, 2026, and close on September 15, 2026.
- The CAT 2026 examination will be conducted on November 29, 2026, in three sessions.
- The application fee has been revised for both General and reserved category candidates.
- Candidates can select five preferred test cities during registration.
- Admit cards will be available for download from November 4, 2026 until the examination date.
- The CAT exam pattern 2026 is expected to remain the same.
CAT 2026 Important Dates
The CAT 2026 exam will be held on November 29, 2026 (Sunday) in three sessions. Check the important dates below:
| Events | Dates |
| CAT 2026 Notification Release Date | July 25, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Registration Starts | August 3, 2026 (10:00 am) |
| CAT Registration 2026 Ends | September 15, 2026 (5:00 pm) |
| Admit Card Release Date | November 4, 2026 |
| CAT Exam Date 2026 | November 29, 2026 |
CAT 2026 Registration Dates Out
The CAT 2026 application process will be conducted entirely online.
Candidates need to complete the registration within the specified deadline by providing personal information, academic qualifications, work experience (if applicable), preferred test cities and uploading the required documents.
During registration, they can choose five test city preferences. The examination authority will allot one city based on availability.
Check how to register for the CAT 2026 exam using the simple steps shared below:
- Visit the official CAT website and click on ‘New Candidate Registration’.
- Register using your name, email ID, mobile number and date of birth to generate your login credentials.
- Log in and fill in your personal, academic and work experience details (if applicable).
- Upload your photograph, signature and category/PwBD certificate (if required) in the prescribed format.
- Select five preferred test cities for the examination.
- Review all the information carefully before proceeding to payment.
- Pay the application fee through the available online payment methods.
- Submit the application form and download the confirmation page for future reference
CAT 2026 Registration Fee Increased
The application fee for CAT 2026 has been revised compared to the previous admission cycle.
| Category | CAT 2025 | CAT 2026 |
| Other candidates | ₹2,600 | ₹2,700 |
| SC, ST & PwBD | ₹1,300 | ₹1,350 |
The registration fee must be paid only once during the application process. The fee is non-refundable after successful payment.
MBA KARO Analysis: The increase is across both fee categories. While this does not affect the examination process, candidates planning to appear for multiple MBA entrance exams should account for the revised application cost.
CAT 2026 Eligibility
Meeting the CAT eligibility criteria allows candidates to appear for the examination. Individual IIMs may prescribe additional admission requirements during the selection process.
- Candidates can apply for CAT 2026 if they satisfy any one of the following conditions:
- Completed a bachelor’s degree with 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST and PwBD candidates).
- Currently pursuing the final year of a bachelor’s degree.
- Completed a recognised professional qualification such as CA, CS, CMA (ICWA) or FIAI with the required percentage.
CAT 2026 Test Cities
CAT 2026 will be conducted in approximately 170 test cities across India. Candidates can choose five preferred cities while filling out the application form.
The final examination centre will be mentioned on the admit card based on seat availability.
CAT Notification 2026: What Has Changed?
Here is the detailed CAT notification analysis shared below for your reference:
| Feature | CAT 2025 | CAT 2026 |
| Registration Fee (General) | ₹2,600 | ₹2,700 |
| Registration Fee (SC/ST/PwBD) | ₹1,300 | ₹1,350 |
| Registration Starts | August 1 | August 3 |
| Exam Date | November 30 | November 29 |
| Exam Sessions | 3 | 3 |
| Test Cities | Around 170 | Around 170 |
CAT 2026 Notification PDF: What Does It Include?
Candidates should review the notification before submitting the application form to ensure they meet all the prescribed requirements.
The official CAT 2026 notification provides detailed information related to:
- Registration schedule
- Eligibility criteria
- Reservation policy
- Application fee
- Test city selection
- Admit card
- Examination process
- Candidate instructions
- Important dates
What Should You Do After the CAT Exam Notification is Released?
Once the CAT notification is available, your next step should be to complete the CAT 2026 registration within the application window.
Before filling out the form, keep your academic details, photograph, signature, identity proof, and category certificate (if applicable) ready.
Completing the application early also gives you a better chance of getting one of your preferred test cities.
Conclusion
The CAT 2026 notification has clarified the complete admission schedule. This allows aspirants to plan both their application and preparation timeline.
While the examination process remains familiar, the revised application fee and confirmed registration dates are the key updates this year.
Once your application is submitted, the focus should shift towards consistent preparation through mock tests, sectional practice and revision.
If you are targeting a high percentile in CAT 2026, MBA KARO CAT Online Coaching offers recorded classes, concept-based learning, performance analysis, full-length mocks and personalised mentorship to help you prepare strategically for the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the CAT 2026 notification released?
The CAT 2026 notification was released on July 25, 2026.
When does CAT 2026 registration start?
The registration window opens on August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM).
What is the last date to apply for CAT 2026?
The last date to complete the online application is September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM).
Has the CAT 2026 application fee increased?
Yes. The application fee is now ₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates and ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwBD candidates.
How many test city preferences can I select?
You can choose five preferred test cities during registration.
Who can apply for CAT 2026?
Graduates with the required minimum marks, final-year bachelor’s degree students and candidates with eligible professional qualifications such as CA, CS, or CMA can apply.
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