CAT 2026: Notification, Eligibility, Dates, Registration, Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation Tips

The CAT 2026 Examination conducted through online mode is a significant National Level Exam held annually to facilitate admissions into Postgraduate Management Courses. Administered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis, it serves as a gateway to IIM member institutes and top MBA colleges nationwide.

 Additionally, several non-IIM institutes also consider CAT scores for candidate admissions. The exam spans three shifts and takes place across 155 cities in India. Aspirants planning to undertake the CAT exam in 2026 must initiate their preparations early, as the exam is known for its moderate to high difficulty level. 

Starting preparations at least nine months in advance is advisable to ensure comprehensive readiness. This article aims to provide essential insights into CAT 2026, encompassing exam dates, application procedures, eligibility criteria, and more, enabling candidates to embark on their preparation journey effectively.

CAT 2026 Highlights

CAT 2026 is a national-level entrance exam for admission to postgraduate management courses, conducted once a year by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It will be held in computer-based test mode and is open to candidates seeking admission to MBA/PGDM programs across various management institutions.

CAT 2026 Exam Dates

Here are the tentative exam dates for CAT 2026, the premier management entrance exam for admission to top business schools in India. 

CAT 2026 Application Form

The CAT 2026 Application Form will be available from the first week of August 2026, exclusively in online mode. To ensure successful registration, candidates should meticulously follow the provided instructions. It’s essential to furnish accurate details to prevent any discrepancies during the application process. Aspirants must carefully select their preferred examination cities and upload the necessary documents as per the prescribed format. Additionally, candidates should note the deadline for form submission, which is expected to be in the third week of September 2026 and utilize the correction window, if necessary, in the fourth week of September 2026.

• The CAT 2026 Registration will be available online from the first week of August 2026.
• Only online mode will be accepted for filling out the application form; no other method will be entertained.
• Ensure all details in the application form are accurate to avoid discrepancies.
• Enter information such as educational qualification, address, exam centre preferences, and category carefully.
• Provide correct details to prevent rejection of the application form.
• Candidates need to select six examination cities according to their preferences during form filling.
• Upload required documents including photograph, signature, and category certificate in the specified format.
• The last date for submitting the CAT 2026 registration form will be in the third week of September 2026.
• A correction window will be provided in the fourth week of September 2026 for any necessary changes.
• No hard copy submission of the registration form is required; however, candidates should keep a printout of the application form for future reference.

Application Fee:

Candidates applying for CAT 2026 need to pay the registration fee using online payment methods exclusively. Accepted modes include credit cards, debit cards, net banking, and UPI payments, ensuring a hassle-free transaction process. It’s essential to note that the fee, once paid, is non-refundable, emphasizing the importance of careful consideration before making the payment.

How to Fill the CAT 2026 Application Form?

Here are the detailed steps to apply for CAT 2026:

• Visit the CAT Website: Access the official CAT website by following the provided link.
• Click on CAT 2026 Registration: Look for the “CAT 2026 Registration” link on the homepage and click on it.
• Fill in Mandatory Details: Enter all the mandatory details asked in the registration form, such as your name, email address, contact number, etc. After filling in the details, click on the submit button.
• Login to Your Account: Once you have submitted the registration form, you will receive a user ID and password. Use these credentials to log in to your account.
• Complete Application Form: After logging in, you will need to complete the application form by providing educational, personal, and communication details as required.
• Select Exam Cities: Choose your preferred exam cities. You can select up to six exam cities based on your convenience.
• Upload Required Documents: Upload necessary documents such as category certification and photographs in the specified format.
• Submit Registration Fee: Pay the registration fee through online payment gateways available on the website.
• Review and Submit: Before final submission, carefully review all the details filled in the application form to ensure accuracy.
• Print Submitted Form: Once you have submitted the form successfully, take a printout of the submitted form for your records and future reference. Keep it secure for further procedures.

CAT 2026 Application Correction

The CAT 2026 application correction window is expected to open in the fourth week of September 2026, providing candidates with an opportunity to rectify any errors in their application forms. This correction facility will be available for a limited period, during which candidates must ensure to make necessary amendments to any incorrect details.

Candidates must utilize this window effectively and edit any wrong information within the stipulated timeframe, as no further correction opportunity will be provided after the deadline. Once all the necessary corrections have been made, candidates should generate a printout of the CAT registration form for future reference and documentation purposes.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for CAT 2026 outline the academic and other qualifications required for candidates to appear in the exam. These criteria ensure that candidates possess the necessary background and skills to pursue management education. Fulfilling these requirements is essential for candidates aspiring to take the CAT exam and seek admission to prestigious business schools in India.

• Qualifications: Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution to be eligible for the exam.
• Age Limit: There are no upper or lower age limits specified for candidates applying for the exam.
• Marks Criteria: Candidates need to have secured at least 50% marks in their Bachelor’s degree (45% for SC/ST and PWD candidates) to meet the eligibility criteria.
• Attempt Limit: There is no limit on the number of attempts for candidates applying for the exam.
• Appearing Candidates: Those in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply for CAT 2026.

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

The CAT 2026 exam pattern delineates the structure and format of the examination, guiding candidates on what to expect during the test. Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for candidates to prepare effectively and strategize their approach. 

• Mode of Exam: The CAT exam will be conducted through online mode (CBT).
• Question Type: The exam will feature both types of questions, including Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Non-MCQs.
• Duration: Candidates will have 2 hours to complete the question papers.
• Slots: The examination will be conducted in three slots.
• Marking Scheme: Candidates will be awarded 3 marks for every correct response.
• Negative Marking: There will be a deduction of 1 mark for each wrong answer in MCQs. No negative marking for the subjective section.

Subject-wise Distribution of Marks:

CAT 2026 Syllabus

The CAT 2026 syllabus encompasses key subjects such as quantitative aptitude, data interpretation and logical reasoning, and verbal ability, among others. The syllabus will be officially released online on the exam website. Here are some essential topics covered in the CAT 2026 syllabus:

CAT 2026 Preparation Tips

Preparing for the CAT 2026 exam requires a strategic approach and diligent effort. Here are some valuable preparation tips to help you excel in the exam:

1. Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the CAT exam pattern, including the number of sections, types of questions, and marking scheme.
2. Create a Study Plan: Develop a comprehensive study plan that allocates sufficient time to cover all sections and topics effectively.
3. Focus on Basics: Strengthen your fundamentals in quantitative aptitude, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and verbal ability before moving on to advanced concepts.
4. Practice Regularly: Practice solving CAT-level questions regularly to improve your problem-solving skills and speed.
5. Take Mock Tests: Take mock tests regularly to simulate the exam environment, improve time management, and identify areas for improvement.
6. Analyze Mistakes: Analyze your mistakes in mock tests and practice sessions to understand your weaknesses and work on them effectively.
7. Revise Regularly: Schedule regular revision sessions to reinforce concepts, formulas, and shortcuts.
8. Stay Calm and Confident: Maintain a positive mindset, stay calm during preparation and on the exam day, and approach the test with confidence.

CAT 2026 Books

Preparing for the CAT 2026 exam requires the right study material to supplement your preparation efforts. Here are some recommended books that cover the syllabus comprehensively:

CAT 2026 Exam Centre

The CAT 2026 exam will be conducted across various cities in India. Candidates can choose their preferred exam centre while filling out the application form. Some of the popular exam centres for CAT 2026 include:

CAT 2026 Admit Card

The CAT 2026 Admit Card will be accessible to registered candidates via online mode, tentatively in the fourth week of October 2026. To download the admit card, candidates will need to log in using the credentials provided during registration. Alongside the admit card, candidates must carry a valid photo identity proof to the exam centre.

Candidates must bring their CAT Admit Card to the exam venue, as they will not be permitted to enter without it. The admit card will contain essential details such as the candidate’s name, exam date, time, photograph, signature, and application number. Candidates are advised to thoroughly review the details printed on the admit card and report any discrepancies to the exam authority promptly.

CAT 2026 Answer Key

The CAT Answer Key for 2026 will be released online in PDF format, tentatively in the first week of December. Candidates can access it through the official website. During this period, candidates will also have the opportunity to raise objections against any discrepancies in the answer key.

To challenge the answer key, candidates will be required to pay a specified fee. If their objections are deemed valid, they may receive a refund of the fee. The final answer key, after considering all objections, will form the basis for the result calculation. Candidates are advised to download and retain their answer key for future reference and to estimate their expected scores.

CAT 2026 Result/ Score Card

The CAT results for the year 2026 will be released online in the fourth week of December. Candidates can access their scorecards using their login credentials on the official website. Additionally, the authority may send the CAT scorecard to candidates individually via SMS.

The CAT result cum scorecard will include essential details such as the candidate’s name, registration number, category, overall scores, sectional scores, and percentiles. Based on these scores, candidates will be shortlisted for further admission procedures. Candidates should print out their results and keep them safe for future reference.

CAT 2026 Cut-Off

After the declaration of results, CAT cutoff scores will play a significant role in shortlisting candidates for the admission process. These cutoff scores will be published on the official website shortly after the results are announced. The cutoff list will vary according to different categories and will represent the minimum scores candidates need to attain in the exam.

The determination of cutoff scores will depend on factors such as the total number of candidates who appeared for the exam, the difficulty level of the test, and the previous year’s cutoff trends. The authority will release section-wise cutoff lists in PDF format. Additionally, participating institutes will also establish their minimum cutoff marks for shortlisting candidates for admission.

CAT 2026 Selection Procedure

CAT 2026 will not have centralized counselling instead, each IIM will conduct its own admission and counselling procedures. These procedures will commence shortly after the declaration of results. Candidates must individually apply to the respective IIMs, each of which will have its admission criteria.

Selection criteria may include assessing candidates’ previous academic performance, work experiences, and other relevant factors. Additionally, institutes may conduct their admission tests, interviews, or group discussions. Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend these sessions at the designated institutes for document verification.

On the day of reporting, candidates must bring their original documents and admission letter. Final admission will be granted after the verification of documents and payment of the admission fee.

Participating Institutes of CAT

Here are the participating institutes of CAT, offering coveted management programs across India. These institutions, including the prestigious IIMs, contribute to shaping future business leaders and professionals. Candidates clearing CAT can seek admission to these esteemed management schools.

CAT 2026 FAQ’s

Sunil Kushwaha

As a dedicated Biology Science graduate, I’m passionate about sharing the latest updates in national and state entrance exams through my blog. I aim to keep aspiring students informed about exam trends, important dates, and changes in syllabi. With a keen interest in education, I strive to offer valuable insights for students navigating the competitive landscape of entrance examinations and admission tests. Stay updated with me.