The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 registration process has officially begun on the CAT website, iimcat.ac.in. CAT is the largest and most competitive MBA entrance exam in India, used for admission to 21 IIMs and hundreds of other top B-schools, including FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, IIFT, and several IITs. This article covers everything a candidate needs to know about CAT 2026 registration, including important dates, application fees, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, selection process, required documents, and the step-by-step application process.
Direct Link to Register IIM CATÂ 2026 Registration Window
IIM CAT 2026 Registration – Quick Overview
CAT 2026 Important Dates
Candidates should note the following official CAT 2026 registration and exam dates:
CAT 2026 Application Fee
- The application fee for CAT 2026 has been increased compared to CAT 2025, where it was Rs. 2,600 (General) and Rs. 1,300 (SC/ST/PwD).
- The fee can be paid online through the CAT 2026 registration portal using debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
- The application fee, once paid, is non-refundable and non-transferable.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
CAT 2026 will be conducted in three sessions/slots across test cities in a computer-based mode. The exam paper is expected to have the following broad structure, based on the CAT 2025 pattern, since IIM Indore has not announced major changes so far:
- Total exam duration: 120 minutes (40 minutes per section, with strict sectional time limits).
- Question types: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) questions.
- Marking scheme: +3 marks for every correct answer, -1 mark for every incorrect MCQ answer, and no negative marking for TITA questions.
- Once the time allotted for a section ends, candidates cannot go back to a previous section.
Candidates should note that the exact number of questions, sectional weightage, and any changes to the exam pattern for CAT 2026 will be confirmed only in the official information bulletin/mock test released closer to the exam.
How to Apply for CAT 2026: Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Visit the official CAT 2026 website: iimcat.ac.in.
- Click on the “New Registration” link and enter basic details such as name, email ID, and mobile number.
- Complete the registration using the OTP sent to your email/mobile number to generate your login credentials.
- Log in and fill out the CAT 2026 application form with personal details, academic details, work experience (if any), and programme/institute preferences.
- Upload the required documents, including photograph and signature, as per the specified format.
- Select your preferred test cities.
- Pay the CAT 2026 application fee online through the available payment modes.
- Review the complete application form carefully and submit the final declaration.
- Download and save a copy of the confirmation page/application form for future reference.
CAT 2026 Important Instructions
- Read the official CAT 2026 information bulletin/notification carefully before applying.
- Ensure all personal, academic, and category details entered in the form are accurate, as corrections may not be allowed after submission except during a limited error-rectification window, if provided.
- The application fee is non-refundable, so verify eligibility before making the payment.
- Do not wait until the last date to apply; complete the registration well in advance to avoid server issues or last-minute errors.
- Keep a printed and digital copy of the submitted application form and payment receipt.
- Regularly check iimcat.ac.in for updates on admit card release, exam city allotment, and other notices.
IIM CAT 2026 – Important Links
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