IIM CAT 2026 Registration: Official Notification, Dates, and Application Process
Indian Institutes of Management — Department of Higher Education
Executive Summary & Key Facts
The Indian Institutes of Management has issued an official recruitment notification for Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026, announcing a total of multiple vacancies located in All India. The online application window opens on 03 August 2026 and closes on 15 September 2026. To be eligible, applicants must hold Bachelor's degree or equivalent with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD), with category relaxation applicable as per government guidelines. The selection procedure comprises Computer-based examination followed by institute-specific selection rounds (Written Ability Test, Group Discussion, and Personal Interview).. For complete guidelines, syllabus breakdown, and official notification PDF, refer to the verified information below on ApplySarkariJob.
📅 Important Dates & Schedule
| Exam Date | 29 Nov 2026 |
|---|
📝 Detailed Notification Guide
Overview of IIM CAT 2026 Examination
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore has initiated the registration process for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026. This entrance exam is the gateway for admissions into 21 IIMs and various prestigious B-schools across India, including FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, and several IITs.
Application Fee Structure
The application fee for CAT 2026 is non-refundable and must be paid through the official portal using digital payment methods such as UPI, net banking, or debit/credit cards.
- General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates: Rs. 2,700
- SC, ST, and PwD candidates: Rs. 1,350
CAT 2026 Examination Pattern
The exam will be conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) format. The structure includes three sections with a total duration of 120 minutes.
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): 40 minutes
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): 40 minutes
- Quantitative Ability (QA): 40 minutes
The marking scheme awards 3 marks for each correct answer, with a penalty of -1 for incorrect MCQ responses. No negative marks apply to Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) questions.
Steps to Apply for CAT 2026
- Navigate to the official website at iimcat.ac.in.
- Select the 'New Registration' link to generate login credentials.
- Complete the registration using the OTP verification sent to your registered contact details.
- Log in to fill out the detailed application, including personal, academic, and professional experience details.
- Upload the required documents, specifically your photograph and signature, in the prescribed format.
- Submit the application fee and download the confirmation page for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my test city after submitting the application?
No, candidates are advised to select their preferred test cities carefully during the registration process as changes are generally not permitted.
Is there a sectional time limit?
Yes, each of the three sections is strictly time-bound for 40 minutes each. Candidates cannot move between sections once the time for the current section expires.
