CAT 2026 Important Dates: Registration August 1, Exam November 29

CAT 2026 registration opens on August 1, 2026 at iimcat.ac.in, and the exam is confirmed for November 29, 2026 — here is the complete date-wise schedule every MBA aspirant needs to bookmark right now.

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) conduct CAT every year for admission to MBA, PGP, and other management programmes across IIMs and over 1,200 participating B-schools. With the official notification dropping on August 1, the registration window is expected to stay open for roughly six weeks. Students must register, select their test cities, and pay the fee before the closing date to secure their slot.

• CAT 2026 Registration Start Date: August 1, 2026
• CAT 2026 Exam Date: November 29, 2026 (Sunday)
• Registration expected to close by mid-September 2026
• Admit card expected in late October 2026
• CAT 2026 results expected in January 2027

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CAT 2026 Important Dates — Full Schedule

The table below lists every key CAT 2026 milestone. Dates marked "Expected" are derived from CAT 2025 patterns and will be officially confirmed on iimcat.ac.in.

All expected dates are based on CAT 2025 patterns. Bookmark iimcat.ac.in and check back after August 1, 2026 for the official confirmed schedule.

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How to Register for CAT 2026

CAT 2026 registration opens at iimcat.ac.in on August 1, 2026. Follow these steps to complete your application before the closing date.

1. Visit iimcat.ac.in on or after August 1, 2026 and click the CAT 2026 registration link.
2. Create a new account using a valid email address and active mobile number.
3. Fill in the application form with your personal details, academic record, and work experience.
4. Upload your photograph and signature in the format and dimensions specified in the notification.
5. Select test cities — you may choose up to four cities in order of preference.
6. Pay the application fee online via net banking, credit card, or debit card.
7. Submit and save a printed copy of your completed application for future reference.

Fee amounts are expected based on CAT 2025 trends. The confirmed fee structure will appear in the official CAT 2026 notification on August 1, 2026.

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CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Confirm you meet the following requirements before you register. There is no age limit for CAT.

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CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

CAT 2026 is a computer-based test lasting 120 minutes, split into three timed sections. You cannot switch between sections once a section begins.

Marking scheme: +3 for every correct answer; −1 for every wrong MCQ answer. TITA (type-in-the-answer) questions carry no negative marking.

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What to Do Now — Preparation Timeline

With registration opening August 1 and the exam on November 29, you have about four months to build your preparation. Use this month-wise plan to stay on track.

Register as early as possible on August 1 to avoid server load and last-minute technical issues. Students who begin preparation at least four months before the exam consistently score in a higher percentile band — starting now gives you the full runway.