IIM CAT 2026 Notification Out: Check Key Exam Dates
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) officially announced the CAT 2026 notification on July 26, 2026. This national-level management entrance test will take place on Sunday, November 29, 2026, across three timed sessions in approximately 170 test cities.
Candidates aiming for MBA and PGP admissions at 22 IIMs and over 1,000 premier B-schools—including FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, and MDI Gurgaon—can access the detailed information bulletin on the official portal at iimcat.ac.in.
Official Schedule and Important Deadlines
The online application window for CAT 2026 registration opens on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM and closes on September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Event Activity Scheduled Date & Time Official Notification Release July 26, 2026 Online Application Starts August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) Registration Deadline September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM) Admit Card Download Window November 4, 2026 (5:00 PM onwards) CAT 2026 Exam Date November 29, 2026 (3 Sessions) Result Declaration First Week of January 2027
Eligibility Criteria and Application Fees
To register for the IIM entrance exam, candidates must meet specific academic qualifications. General, EWS, and NC-OBC applicants require a recognized bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks (or equivalent CGPA). Candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwD categories need at least 45% marks. Final-year undergraduate students and candidates with professional qualifications like CA, CS, or CMA are also eligible.
The application fee must be paid online during registration:
- General / EWS / NC-OBC Category: ₹2,700
- SC / ST / PwD Category: ₹1,350
Exam Pattern and Test Structure
The CAT 2026 syllabus and test format retain the standard computer-based test (CBT) structure. The exam spans 120 minutes and features 68 total questions divided across three sectionally timed modules:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
How to Fill Out the Application Form
Candidates can apply online by completing these simple registration steps:
Go to iimcat.ac.in and select 'New Candidate Registration.'
Generate login credentials using your name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number.
Fill in academic scores, work experience, and personal details.
Select preferred IIM post-graduate programs and choose six test city preferences.
Upload a scanned passport-size photograph (1200 x 1200 pixels, <80 KB) and signature.
Pay the non-refundable registration fee via debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI, then submit your form.
