CAT 2026 Registration Starts Aug1 – Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Fees

CAT 2026: The CAT 2026 official notification is expected to be released by end of July 2026, and registration is set to open on August 1, 2026 at the official portal — iimcat.ac.in. The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is India’s most competitive and prestigious MBA entrance exam, conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to MBA, PGDM and other postgraduate management programmes across 20+ IIMs and 300+ top B-schools in India.

Apply to any top 250 B Schools from one window. Shortlist, save. CLICK

  ▶️ REGISTER HERE For More MBA Updates.

Whether you are a final-year graduate, a working professional, or a CA/CS/CMA degree holder — CAT 2026 is your gateway to India’s top management institutions. Here is everything you need to know, straight from the official source, curated by Campusutra.com — India’s most trusted higher education portal.

MBA Entrance Exam. CAT | XAT| SNAP | NMAT | GMAT | CMAT

CAT 2026 Important Dates (Expected)

MDI SIP 2027: Average Stipend Up 32.5% With Record Growth in PGDM-BA

IIM Bodh Gaya MBA Placements 2026. Highest Domestic CTC 30 LPA

CAT Eligibility Criteria

• Academic Qualification: A Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA.
• Relaxation for Reserved Categories: Candidates from SC, ST, and PwD categories are eligible with a minimum of 45% marks or equivalent CGPA.
• Final Year Students: Candidates currently in the final year of their undergraduate degree or awaiting results are fully eligible to apply for CAT 2026. Such candidates must submit proof of qualifying degree at the time of interview/admission.
• Professional Degree Holders: Candidates holding CA (Chartered Accountancy), CS (Company Secretary), or CMA (Cost & Management Accountancy) qualifications are also eligible to register.
• Age Limit: No upper age limit has been prescribed for CAT 2026.

Join our MBA 2027 HelpLine WhatsApp Group 

Shubarambh 2026: Amrita School of Business Welcomes Its 18th MBA Batch

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Structure

Also Read: Compare Business Schools: XLRI vs MDI G vs IIFT Delhi vs SJPIMR

The 3 Sections of CAT 2026

Compare B Schools Series 54: FMS vs XLRI vs JBIMS vs IIM B

CAT Application Fee

Evaluate, Select, APPLY – Entire List of 200+ Top B Schools : CLICK HERE !

IIM Ranchi Placements 2026: MBA Business Analytics Top 25% Secures ₹27.81 LPA Average Package

How to Apply for CAT 2026 – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1 – Visit the Official Portal: Go to iimcat.ac.in — the only official CAT 2026 registration website.

Step 2 – New Registration / Account Creation: Click on ‘New Registration’, enter your name, valid email ID, and mobile number. Verify via OTP sent to your registered credentials to generate User ID and Password.

Step 3 – Fill the Application Form: Log in with credentials and fill in personal details, academic history, CGPA/percentage, and work experience.

Step 4 – Upload Required Documents: Upload passport-sized photograph, signature, and category/disability certificates (if applicable).

Step 5 – Select IIM Programmes & Test Cities: Choose your preferred IIM programmes and select up to 6 test city preferences in priority order.

Step 6 – Pay Fee & Submit: Pay the applicable registration fee online, submit the form, and download the confirmation page for your records.

Apply Now: SPJIMR PGPM Applications Open for Class of 2027

CAT 2026 Preparation Tips by Campusutra

1. Start with a Diagnostic Mock Test: Identify your strong and weak areas across VARC, DILR, and QA before building your study plan.
2. Build a 4-Month Structured Plan: Allocate time proportionally — most aspirants need maximum focus on DILR and QA.
3. Read Widely for VARC: Read editorials, essays, and long-form articles daily to build reading speed and comprehension accuracy.
4. Master Data Sets for DILR: Practice varied puzzle types — grids, games, seating arrangements, bar charts, and network diagrams.
5. Clear QA Fundamentals First: Cover Arithmetic, Percentages, Ratios, Algebra, and Geometry thoroughly before moving to advanced topics.
6. Take Full-Length Mocks Regularly: Simulate real CAT conditions — timed, 3-section, CBT-style. Analyse every mock in detail.
7. Focus on Accuracy Over Attempts: CAT rewards accuracy. A score of 99%ile is achievable with ~45–50 correct attempts out of ~66 questions.
8. Stay Updated on Official Notifications: Follow iimcat.ac.in and Campusutra.com for admit card, slot booking, result, and cutoff updates.

IIM Bodh Gaya Joins as 6th IIM to Earn AACSB Accreditation

Why Follow Campusutra for CAT 2026?

Campusutra.com — India’s most trusted higher education portal, with its case study featured in Harvard Business Review (HBR) — brings you:

• Real-time CAT 2026 notification & date updates
• IIM-wise cutoff trends and admission insights
• Expert preparation strategies and topper interviews
• MBA college comparison and selection tools
• CAT to IIM admission journey — end to end

XLRI PGDM Admission. Applications Opened, Apply Online