CAT 2026 Notification Out: Exam on November 29, Registration from August 3 at iimcat.ac.in

IIM Indore has officially released the CAT 2026 notification on July 25, 2026, confirming that the Common Admission Test (CAT) will be conducted on Sunday, November 29, 2026. Online registration for CAT 2026 begins on August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM IST) and closes on September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM IST) on the official website iimcat.ac.in.

Just Click :- Online CAT Coaching with Video Lectures, Mock Tests & Study Material

Why This CAT Notification Matters

1. Clear timeline: Register in August–September, download your admit card in early-to-late November, and sit for CAT on November 29.
2. Fee increase this year: The application fee has gone up — ₹2,700 for General/NC-OBC/EWS candidates and ₹1,350 for SC/ST/PwBD candidates, a rise of ₹100/₹50 over last year.
3. Wide accessibility: The exam will be held in roughly 170 cities, and you can choose up to five preferred test cities during registration.
4. Tighter category certificate rules: NC-OBC candidates need a certificate dated on or after April 1, 2026; EWS candidates need a certificate valid for 2026–27, based on FY 2025–26.

How to Apply: Step‑by‑Step Guide

1. Visit the official portal, iimcat.ac.in.
2. Click “New Registration” and enter a valid email & mobile number
3. Complete the application (personal and academic details), choose test city preferences
4. Upload required documents:
5. Class 10 & 12 mark sheets
6. Graduation transcript or provisional certificate
7. Passport-size photo, scanned signature
8. Category certificate if applicable
9. Work‑experience certificate, if any
10. Pay the non‑refundable fee through net‑banking, card, or UPI
11. Submit the form and save the confirmation page & fee receipt

Expect a form correction window in the last week of September in case you need to update any details

CAT Exam Pattern: What to Expect

As per tradition, CAT 2026 will follow a format similar to the previous year’s layout:

1. Duration: 120 minutes (40 minutes per section)
2. Sections:
3. VARC – Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
4. DILR – Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
5. QA – Quantitative Ability
6. Scoring: +3 for correct MCQ, –1 for wrong; no penalty for TITA (Type-In-The-Answer) questions

CAT 2026: Preparation Tips at a Glance

1. Start early: With over 3 lakh expected applicants, clarity and consistency matter.
2. Focus on section-wise divisions and strengths.
3. Regular mock tests and time management practice give you an edge.
4. Keep track of cutoff trends across various IIMs—even tiny percentile shifts can matter.

Final Thoughts

The CAT 2026 notification sets the stage for a structured journey—apply between August 3 and September 15, attend the exam on November 29, and await results in January 2027. With around 3 lakh candidates vying for admission into top B‑schools, early preparation, clarity on procedures, and awareness of timelines are key. Bookmark iimcat.ac.in, prepare your documents in advance, and use the upcoming months wisely to refine your strategy.