Complete Guide to CAT 2026 registration date 2026

The CAT 2026 registration process is expected to commence in the first week of August 2026, with the official notification anticipated by late July 2026. Aspirants should prepare to register via the official portal, iimcat.ac.in, as the window typically remains open for approximately seven weeks until late September 2026.

What is the Exam?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the premier national-level management entrance examination in India, conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It serves as the gateway for admission to prestigious MBA, PGDM, and other management programs across all IIMs and numerous top-tier private B-schools. We at Exam Bhai emphasize that CAT is not merely a test of academic knowledge but a rigorous assessment of analytical, logical, and verbal proficiency required for leadership roles.

Key Highlights 2026

Syllabus 2026

The CAT syllabus is designed to evaluate a candidate’s problem-solving aptitude. It is categorized into three major sections:

Exam Pattern

The exam follows a structured format designed to test precision under time constraints. Before diving into your studies, it is crucial to practice free mock tests for Management on Exam Bhai to familiarize yourself with the interface.

Eligibility Criteria

As per the official guidelines mandated by the IIMs, candidates must meet specific academic requirements. We at Exam Bhai remind you that meeting these criteria is a prerequisite for final admission:

• Bachelor’s Degree: A completed degree from a university recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or equivalent body.
• Minimum Marks: At least 50% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA) for General/EWS/OBC categories. 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
• Final Year Students: Students in the final year of their bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of meeting the marks criteria upon graduation.

Application Process

The entire registration process is conducted online. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Registration: Visit iimcat.ac.in and generate login credentials.
2. Form Filling: Log in to fill out your academic and personal details.
3. Document Upload: Attach your photograph, signature, and category certificates (if applicable) in the prescribed format.
4. Payment: Complete the fee payment (Expected ₹2,600 for General/EWS/OBC and ₹1,300 for SC/ST/PwD).
5. Submission: Review the form before final submission, as the fee is non-refundable.

Preparation Strategy

To succeed, we at Exam Bhai recommend a structured approach. Start by mastering basic concepts in Quant, then shift focus to high-frequency topics. You can practice free mock tests for Management on Exam Bhai to track your progress. Remember, consistent practice is more effective than last-minute cramming.

Cut-Off Trends

Cut-offs vary significantly across IIMs. While the IIMs set the baseline, individual institutes determine their own qualifying scores based on their specific selection criteria. According to historic trends shared by the IIMs on their admissions portals, top IIMs (like A, B, and C) often require an overall percentile above 99. For the latest updates on institutional cut-offs, always cross-reference data with the official IIM websites or the respective institute's admissions portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When exactly does CAT 2026 registration start? It is expected to start in the first week of August 2026. Keep checking the official iimcat.ac.in portal.

2. Is there an age limit for CAT? No, there is no age limit for appearing in the CAT examination.

3. Can I apply if I have a backlog in my graduation? Yes, you can apply as a final-year student, but you must clear your backlogs before the final admission date.

4. Is work experience mandatory for CAT? No, work experience is not mandatory to appear for the exam, although it carries weightage during the personal interview round in many IIMs.

5. Can I edit my application form after submission? IIMs provide a limited correction window, usually in late September, where you can edit specific fields like test city preferences, but not all details.

6. Where can I find quality practice resources? We at Exam Bhai suggest you practice free mock tests for Management on Exam Bhai to mirror the actual exam environment.