CAT 2026 Registration Now Open: Complete Guide on Eligibility, Pattern, Fees & How to Apply

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 (FMSM SPJIMR, MDI , IMT) 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. Apply to any top 250 B Schools from one window. Shortlist, save. CLICK ▶️ REGISTER HERE For More MBA Updates. Get Regular Updates on MBA Entrance Exams, Last Dates, CutOffs, Applications for 250+ B Schools, Unlimited Mocks, Pro Tips on CAT from 100 Percentilers and much more. Register Now. Join MBA 2026 Helpline. Download MBA Handbook 3.0 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) IIM Admission 2027, MBA Placement, Fees, SIP and CAT Cut off Who Can Apply? CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria https://campusutra.com/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. Evaluate, Select, APPLY - Entire List of 200+ Top B Schools : CLICK HERE ! https://campusutra.com/iim-ranchi-placements-mba-business-analytics-average-package/ 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1adPJbuVuY&t=3513s Also Watch: LIVE Session: Decode the last 3 years of CAT paper trends, prep strategies & more! CAT Exam Pattern — Format & Sections 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. Compare B Schools Series 54: FMS vs XLRI vs JBIMS vs IIM B 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. MBA Entrance Exam. CAT | XAT| SNAP | NMAT | GMAT | CMAT https://campusutra.com/compare-business-school-series-22-iim-n-vs-iim-amritsar-vs-iimv/ 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. https://campusutra.com/how-to-crack-the-quantitative-ability-section/ 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.