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:
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | July 26, 2026 (Last Sunday of July) |
| Registration Start Date | August 5, 2026 (First Week of August) |
| Registration Closing Date | September 20, 2026 (Third Week of September) |
| Admit Card Release | October 25, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Day | November 29, 2026 |
| Result Declaration | Second 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: ₹2,400 - ₹2,500
- SC/ST/PwD Candidates: ₹1,200 - ₹1,250
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.
- Understand the Pattern: CAT is a 120-minute exam with three sections: VARC, DILR, and Quant.
- Take a Diagnostic Mock: See where you stand today.
- Focus on Basics: Strengthen your Arithmetic and Reading Comprehension skills first.
👉 Check: 6-Month CAT 2026 Preparation Roadmap & Syllabus
👉 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
👉 View: Best MBA Colleges for CAT 70-80 Percentile
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