CAT 2026 Registration Starts August 3: The CAT 2026 registration schedule is officially out. If you are planning to pursue an MBA from an IIM or another leading business school, here are the important dates, application steps, and details you need to know.
CAT 2026 Notification Released by IIM Indore
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore has officially released the notification for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 on the official CAT website. The entrance exam is one of India’s most competitive management admission tests and serves as the gateway to postgraduate management programmes offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other top business schools.
According to the notification, the online registration process for CAT 2026 will begin on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 am. Eligible candidates can submit their applications until September 15, 2026, at 5:00 pm.
Candidates should remember that while CAT scores play a major role in admissions, every IIM has its own selection process. Besides CAT performance, institutes may also consider academic records, work experience, diversity, and personal interviews before preparing the final merit list.
CAT 2026 Registration Schedule
Aspirants should keep track of every important deadline to avoid last-minute issues during the admission process.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Begins | August 3, 2026 (10:00 am) |
| Registration Ends | September 15, 2026 (5:00 pm) |
| Admit Card Release | November 4–29, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 29, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Result Declaration | First Week of January 2027 |
| CAT Score Valid Till | December 31, 2027 |
How to Apply for CAT 2026
The application process will be conducted entirely online. Therefore, candidates should keep their academic details, identification documents, photograph, and signature ready before starting the registration.
Step 1: Visit the official CAT website and begin the registration process using your basic details.
Step 2: Log in using the generated credentials and complete the CAT 2026 application form.
Step 3: Upload the required documents and choose up to five preferred examination cities.
Step 4: Pay the prescribed application fee using the available online payment methods.
Step 5: Submit the application form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
What Makes CAT Important for MBA Aspirants?
CAT remains the most widely accepted MBA entrance examination in India. Every year, lakhs of candidates compete for admission to prestigious institutions such as the IIMs, along with numerous government, private, and autonomous management institutes that accept CAT scores.
Moreover, securing a high percentile can significantly improve admission prospects at top business schools. However, admission is rarely based on CAT scores alone. Many institutes evaluate candidates using multiple parameters, including academic consistency, work experience, written ability tests, group discussions, and personal interviews.
Selection Process Beyond CAT Scores
While CAT serves as the primary screening examination, individual IIMs follow separate admission policies. Consequently, candidates should review the admission criteria of their preferred institutes before applying.
Institutes may consider:
• CAT percentile
• Academic performance in Class 10, Class 12, and graduation
• Professional work experience
• Academic and gender diversity
• Personal Interview (PI)
• Written Ability Test (WAT), wherever applicable
Why Candidates Should Apply Early
Although the registration window remains open until September 15, candidates should avoid waiting until the final day. Early registration reduces the chances of technical issues and provides sufficient time to verify uploaded documents, select preferred test cities, and correct any mistakes before submission.
Additionally, candidates should regularly monitor the official CAT website for updates regarding admit cards, examination guidelines, and important announcements.
CAT 2026 Timeline at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Institute | IIM Indore |
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Registration Starts | August 3, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | September 15, 2026 |
| Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
| Result | First Week of January 2027 |
| Score Validity | Until December 31, 2027 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When will CAT 2026 registration begin? | Registration starts on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 am. |
| What is the last date to apply for CAT 2026? | The application window closes on September 15, 2026, at 5:00 pm. |
| Who is conducting CAT 2026? | IIM Indore is conducting CAT 2026. |
| When will the CAT 2026 exam be held? | The examination is scheduled for November 29, 2026. |
| How long will the CAT 2026 score remain valid? | The score will remain valid until December 31, 2027. |
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to keep the content accurate and up to date, readers should verify important details through the official website or the concerned authority before taking any action. This website is not affiliated with any government organization.