IIM Indore | August 3, 2026 | 11:25 AM IST — Campusutra News Desk. CAT 2026 registration is now live. The official portal at iimcat.ac.in is open for candidates seeking admission to IIMs, DMS (IITs), IIITs, and 300+ B-schools across India. This newsroom-style guide from Campusutra explains eligibility, exam pattern, fees, key dates, and a step-by-step application walkthrough so you can complete your registration accurately and on time.
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Key Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date / Deadline |
| Registration Opens | August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Registration Closes | September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Admit Card Release | Early November 2026 (TBA) |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 29, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Result Declaration | January 2027 (First/Second week) |
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Who Can Apply? CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
CAT 2026 Registration Starts Aug1 – Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Fees
Before you begin your application, make sure you meet the following eligibility requirements mandated for CAT 2026.
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- General / OBC / EWS: Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA.
- SC / ST / PwD (PwBD): Bachelor’s degree with at least 45% marks or equivalent CGPA.
- Final-year students: Candidates in the final year of their bachelor’s degree or awaiting results are eligible to apply.
- Professional qualifications: Holders of CA, CS, CMA, or equivalent professional credentials are eligible.
- No upper age limit applies for CAT 2026.
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IIM Indore has retained the established CAT structure focused on speed and accuracy. The test will be computer-based with strict sectional timing.
| Detail | Information |
| Total Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Sections | 3 (VARC, DILR, QA) |
| Time per Section | 40 minutes (strictly enforced) |
| Question Types | MCQs (negative marking) /
TITA (no negative marking) |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Section breakdown: VARC — Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension; DILR — Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning; QA — Quantitative Ability.
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Application Fee Structure
| Category | Application Fee (INR) |
| General / OBC / EWS | 2,700 |
| SC / ST / PwD | 1,350 |
Payment modes accepted: Net banking, credit/debit cards, and UPI. The one-time registration fee covers program selections across participating IIMs.
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Step-by-Step: How to Complete Your CAT 2026 Application
- Visit the official portal: iimcat.ac.in.
- New candidate registration: Click “New Candidate Registration” and enter basic details. Verify via OTP to receive your User ID and password.
- Log in and fill the application: Complete personal details, academic history, and work experience (if any).
- Upload documents: Provide clear scanned copies of passport-size photograph (colour, white background), signature (black ink), category or disability certificate (if applicable), and mark sheets (Class 10, 12, and graduation).
- Select preferences: Choose preferred IIM programmes, interview cities, and up to five test city preferences.
- Pay fee and submit: Complete the online payment, finalise submission, and download/print the confirmation page.
Pro tip: Complete your application at least one week before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues or heavy traffic on the portal.
Why CAT 2026 Matters for Your MBA Aspirations
A strong CAT score enables shortlisting and admission opportunities at all 22 IIMs and many other top management institutes across India, including select IIT DMS programs, IIITs, and leading private B-schools. Institutes evaluate candidates using the CAT score together with academic records, work experience, diversity factors, and performance in WAT/PI rounds.
Quick Summary
- Registration portal: iimcat.ac.in — LIVE now
- Registration window: August 3, 2026 to September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM)
- Exam date: November 29, 2026
- Conducting institute: IIM Indore
- Helpline: Use the official IIM Indore helpline on the portal for support.
