Back to Articles
May 3, 2026
Expert Analysis

CAT 2026 Exam Date: Notification and Registration Schedule Out

Looking for the CAT 2026 exam date? Check the tentative schedule for the IIM Common Admission Test, including registration dates, notification release, and exam day details.

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is the most prestigious entrance exam for MBA aspirants in India. If you are aiming for the IIMs or other top B-schools like FMS, SPJIMR, or MDI, staying updated with the official timeline is crucial.

Based on historical trends and the academic calendar, the CAT 2026 Exam Date is widely expected to be the last Sunday of November.


1. CAT 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)

While the official notification is usually released by the convening IIM in late July, here is the projected schedule for CAT 2026:

EventExpected Date
Official Notification ReleaseJuly 26, 2026 (Last Sunday of July)
Registration Start DateAugust 5, 2026 (First Week of August)
Registration Closing DateSeptember 20, 2026 (Third Week of September)
Admit Card ReleaseOctober 25, 2026
CAT 2026 Exam DayNovember 29, 2026
Result DeclarationSecond Week of January 2027

Official Website: iimcat.ac.in


2. CAT 2026 Registration Fee

The registration fee for CAT 2026 is expected to be:

  • General/NC-OBC Candidates: β‚Ή2,400 - β‚Ή2,500
  • SC/ST/PwD Candidates: β‚Ή1,200 - β‚Ή1,250

Note: Fees are subject to change as per the official notification.


3. Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2026

Before applying, ensure you meet the following requirements:

  • Graduation: A Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) from a recognized university.
  • Final Year Students: Candidates in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply.
  • No Age Limit: There is no age restriction for appearing in the CAT exam.

4. How to Start Your CAT 2026 Journey?

With the exam date roughly 6 months away, May-June is the perfect time to start your preparation.

  1. Understand the Pattern: CAT is a 120-minute exam with three sections: VARC, DILR, and Quant.
  2. Take a Diagnostic Mock: See where you stand today.
  3. Focus on Basics: Strengthen your Arithmetic and Reading Comprehension skills first.

πŸ‘‰ Check: 6-Month CAT 2026 Preparation Roadmap & Syllabus

πŸ‘‰ Practice: Free CAT 2026 Mock Test Series


5. Top Colleges Accepting CAT 2026 Scores

Apart from the 21 IIMs, several other institutes accept CAT scores:

  • FMS Delhi (High ROI)
  • SPJIMR Mumbai (Profile-based calls)
  • MDI Gurgaon
  • IITs (DoMS)
  • IMT Ghaziabad

πŸ‘‰ View: Best MBA Colleges for CAT 70-80 Percentile


Planning to crack CAT 2026? Let’s build your profile.

πŸ‘‰ Connect with Mohit Jain for Profile Analysis and Career Counselling


Related Posts:

Dominate Your
2026 Goals

Stop guessing. Get uncompromised, expert admission strategies to secure your seat in India's top B-Schools.

Join 15,000+ Students Guided in 2025