Know everything about CAT 2026, including the application process, registration dates, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, admit card, exam date, result and admission process. Get the latest information to plan your CAT preparation and management admissions.
CAT 2026: Application Form, Registration Date, Admit Card, Exam Dates & Result
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- CAT 2026 Dates & Schedule
- CAT 2026 Registration Fee
- How to Apply for CAT 2026
- CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- CAT 2026 Exam Centres
- CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
- CAT 2026 Result
- How to Get Admission to Jaipuria Institute of Management?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Sources
Introduction
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of India’s most competitive management entrance examinations. Conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), CAT is used for admission to postgraduate management programmes at the IIMs and is also accepted by several other leading business schools across India.
For CAT 2026, the examination will be conducted by IIM Indore on 29 November 2026 in three sessions. The registration process opened on 3 August 2026 and will close on 15 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
CAT 2026 will be conducted as a computer-based test with three sections:
- Section I: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Section II: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Section III: Quantitative Ability (QA)
The examination has a total duration of 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allotted to each section. Candidates cannot move between sections while a section is in progress.
MBA Entrance Exams
Group Discussion Topics for Management Students
Before exploring the registration process, eligibility criteria, exam dates and other important details, here are the key points candidates should know about CAT 2026.
Key Takeaways
- CAT (Common Admission Test) is an entrance examination for admission to postgraduate management programmes at the IIMs and other leading B-schools.
- CAT 2026 will consist of three sections: VARC, DILR and QA.
- The CAT 2026 exam is scheduled for 29 November 2026 and will be conducted in three sessions.
- Candidates should check the latest eligibility criteria, registration dates, application fee and exam details before applying.
- CAT scores are considered as part of the admission and shortlisting process at the IIMs and several other management institutes.
- Jaipuria Institute of Management accepts CAT scores for admission to its PGDM programme across its four campuses.
CAT 2026 Dates & Schedule
The important CAT 2026 dates are as follows:
| Event | CAT 2026 Date |
| CAT 2026 Registration Begins | 3 August 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Registration Last Date | 15 September 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Admit Card Download Begins | 4 November 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | 29 November 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Result | To be announced |
The CAT 2026 registration window is currently open and candidates can complete their applications through the official CAT website.
CAT 2026 Registration Fee
The CAT 2026 registration fee is:
- INR 1,350 for SC, ST and PwD candidates
- INR 2,700 for other candidates
Candidates need to pay the registration fee while submitting the CAT application form.
How to Apply for CAT 2026
Candidates can register for CAT 2026 through the official CAT website.
The registration process involves creating an account, entering personal and academic details, selecting preferred test cities, uploading the required documents and paying the application fee.
Candidates should carefully check all information before submitting the application form, as incorrect information can affect their candidature.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for CAT 2026 should meet the prescribed eligibility requirements.
- Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA from a recognised university or educational institution.
- Candidates belonging to SC, ST and PwD categories must have at least 45% marks or equivalent CGPA.
- Candidates appearing for the final year of their bachelor’s degree can also apply, subject to the applicable eligibility conditions.
- There is no specified age limit for appearing for CAT.
Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not automatically guarantee shortlisting or admission. Individual IIMs and other participating institutions may have their own selection criteria.
CAT 2026 Exam Centres
CAT 2026 will be conducted across approximately 170 test cities. Candidates can select their preferred test cities during the registration process, subject to the conditions specified by the CAT authorities.
The test city and examination centre allotted to a candidate will be mentioned on the admit card.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
CAT 2026 consists of three sections:
| Section | Duration |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 40 minutes |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 40 minutes |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 40 minutes |
| Total | 120 minutes |
Candidates must complete each section within its allotted time and cannot switch between sections during the examination.
CAT 2026 Result
The CAT 2026 result will be announced after the examination. Candidates will be able to access their scorecards through the official CAT website using their login credentials.
The CAT score is used as part of the admission and shortlisting process at the IIMs and is also accepted by several other management institutes.
How to Get Admission to Jaipuria Institute of Management?
Jaipuria Institute of Management accepts CAT, MAT, XAT, ATMA, GMAT and CMAT scores for admission to its Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) programme across its campuses in Lucknow, Noida (Delhi NCR), Indore and Jaipur.
Candidates shortlisted for admission in PGDM may be required to participate in the institute’s selection process, which includes group discussions and personal interviews.
The selection process considers multiple factors, including:
- Score in CAT/MAT/XAT/ATMA/GMAT/CMAT
- Case-Based Group Discussion
- Personal Interview
- Academic performance in Class X, Class XII and graduation/postgraduate studies
- Work experience, sports and extracurricular activities
Candidates should refer to the latest admission guidelines for the applicable selection criteria and weightages.
How to Calculate CAT Percentile
Download CAT Previous Year Question Papers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is CAT?
CAT is the Common Admission Test conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management for admission to postgraduate management programmes.
When will CAT 2026 be conducted?
CAT 2026 will be conducted on 29 November 2026 in three sessions.
When does CAT 2026 registration close?
The CAT 2026 registration deadline is 15 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
What is the CAT 2026 registration fee?
The registration fee is INR 2,700 for candidates in the general, EWS and NC-OBC categories and INR 1,350 for SC, ST and PwD candidates.
Who is eligible for CAT 2026?
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA can apply. The minimum requirement is 45% for SC, ST and PwD candidates. Final-year bachelor’s degree students can also apply, subject to the applicable conditions.
How many sections are there in CAT 2026?
CAT 2026 has three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Each section has a 40-minute time limit.
Apply Now for MBA^/PGDM
Sources
Trending Placement Videos of Jaipuria Institute of Management
Sumit Pandey
Sumit Pandey is a Web Developer and technical content professional with expertise in modern web design, landing page development, responsive UI design, and content-driven digital experiences. Skilled in creating engaging websites and clear, research-driven technical content focused on performance, creativity, and user experience.
