CAT Exam Registration 2026: Process & Important Details

One of the most important management entrance exams in India is the Common Admission Test, or CAT. Every year, thousands of MBA applicants take this tough exam to get admission to prestigious business schools like Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). A high CAT score can open the door to prestigious MBA programmes and pave the way for rewarding careers in management, finance, consulting, marketing, and business analytics.

Students should stay updated regarding the important exam-related details, such as the CAT exam 2026 registration date, CAT exam registration details, syllabus, admit card release, exam pattern, eligibility, study strategy, and result process, given the increasing competition. This comprehensive guide will help you understand everything in an easy-to-understand manner if you plan to take the CAT exam in 2026.

Overview of This Blog

Sections	What We Will Cover
About the CAT Exam 2026	An introduction to CAT, its purpose, participating institutions, and the skills assessed in the examination.
CAT 2026: Exam Highlights	Key information about the exam, including the conducting institute, exam mode, sections, eligibility, duration, marking scheme, and important dates.
CAT Exam 2026: Detailed Schedule	Important events such as registration, application correction, admit card release, examination, answer key, and result dates.
How Many Days Left for CAT 2026 Registration?	Information about the registration deadline and why candidates should complete their applications early.
Application Process for CAT 2026	A step-by-step guide covering registration, personal details, document uploads, city selection, and fee payment.
Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration	A checklist of academic documents, photographs, signatures, category certificates, and other details required during registration.
What is CAT Application Form Correction Window 2026?	Information about the expected correction facility, editable details, and important points candidates should remember.
Is There an Age Limit for CAT Exam?	Details about CAT’s age eligibility and the importance of meeting educational requirements.
CAT 2026 Preparation Strategy	A structured preparation plan focusing on concepts, practice, previous years’ questions, and mock test analysis.
MBA Opportunities at K.R. Mangalam University	Factors students can consider when exploring MBA programmes, including specialisations, practical learning, industry exposure, and career support.
Conclusion	A summary encouraging candidates to complete CAT registration carefully, prepare strategically, and explore suitable management education opportunities.

What is CAT 2026?

CAT 2026 is a national-level entrance examination for admission to MBA and PGDM programmes at IIMs and other participating institutions.

About the CAT Exam 2026

For admission to management programmes, one of the BLACKI IIMs administers the CAT Exam annually on a rotating basis. The test is administered online and is approved by:

Every IIM
Top Private MBA Schools
Public administration institutions
A Few Prominent Universities

The test’s objective is to assess candidates on:

Language proficiency
Comprehension
Quantitative Aptitude
Logical Reasoning
Data Interpretation

Students aspiring to gain admission to prestigious universities for an MBA or PGDM typically take the CAT 2026.

Who can apply for CAT 2026?

Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and the required minimum marks can apply. Final-year undergraduate students can also apply provisionally.

Also Read: Tips for Effective CAT Exam Preparation

CAT 2026: Exam Highlights

The CAT exam 2026 is set to take place on Sunday, November 29, 2026, at several testing locations in India. IIM Indore will administer the Common Admission Test for 2026 in order to grant admission to a number of Indian IIMs as well as other esteemed non-IIM schools. Additionally, the three core portions of CAT 2026 will be QA (Quantitative Ability/Aptitude), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning), and VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension). The official CAT test 2026 notice, which is accessible at iimcat.ac.in, contains all the details about the exam. The following are the key points of the CAT 2026 exam:

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	Common Admission Test (CAT)
Exam Level	National Level
Purpose	Admission to MBA/PGDM programmes at IIMs and other participating institutions
Exam Mode	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
CAT Exam 2026 Registration Date	August 3 to September 15, 2026
CAT 2026 Exam Date	November 29, 2026
Eligibility	Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for eligible reserved categories); final-year students can also apply
Number of Sections	3
Sections	VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Ability (QA)
Exam Duration	120 minutes
Sectional Time Limit	40 minutes per section
Question Types	MCQs and TITA/Non-MCQs
Total Questions	Approximately 68
Marking Scheme	+3 for every correct answer; −1 for an incorrect MCQ; no negative marking for TITA questions
Score Validity	Generally valid for one admission cycle
Official Website	https://iimcat.ac.in/

When is the CAT exam 2026 registration deadline?

The registration window is scheduled to close on September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM IST.

CAT Exam 2026: Detailed Schedule

The CAT exam application process is still in progress. In order for candidates to start the process appropriately, the exam dates and timetable have already been made public. An outline of important CAT exam date events is provided below. Let’s investigate:

CAT Exam 2026 Registration Date

On August 3, 2026, the CAT 2026 exam application window opened. The deadline for registration is September 15, 2026, so aspirants have until then to complete the form. No application for the CAT exam will be accepted after September 15, 2026. Therefore, it is recommended that you finish the registration process as soon as possible.

Date of CAT 2026 Application Form Correction

The fourth week of September 2026 is when the CAT exam correction window is expected to open. During this time, candidates can check their forms and correct any typos or other mistakes they may have made. There won’t be another opportunity to fix your errors on the CAT registration form after the correction window closes.

Date of CAT 2026 Admit Card Download

To enter the exam room, you must have your CAT admission card. From November 4, 2026, until the date of the CAT exam, aspirants will be able to download their admit card. Please be aware that admit cards are only accepted in physical hard copy. So, after downloading the CAT exam admission card, print it out.

Date of the CAT Exam

CAT 2026 will be held on November 29th, just like previous years. Unlike weekday exams, the test is scheduled for a Sunday, allowing candidates to avoid heavy traffic and commute more conveniently. To prevent last-minute confusion, arrive at the designated exam locations at least 1.5–2 hours early.

Date of the CAT Exam 2026 Answer Key

The CAT exam answer key is anticipated to be made available by the CAT 2026 officials during the first week of December 2026. Using their login information, aspirants can obtain the CAT answer key 2026 from the official website. Answer keys assist them in matching their responses and estimating the possible exam scores.

Date of CAT Exam Results 2026

The first week of January 2027 is anticipated to see the announcement of the CAT 2026 results. Candidates can use iimcat.ac.in to view their results. Aspirants can move forward with the admissions procedure for the courses they want to take at the schools or institutions of their choice when the results are made public.

Exam Schedule for CAT 2026

On November 29, 2026, the CAT 2026 exam will be administered in three shifts: morning, afternoon, and evening. Candidates must arrive at least 1.5 hours before the exam.

Timing of the 2026 CAT Exam

General, OBC, SC, and ST candidates will have two hours to complete the CAT exam. Each section must be finished in forty minutes. Candidates who are PwD (Persons with Disabilities) may be granted additional time to finish their exam.

How Many Days Left for CAT 2026 Registration?

If you are planning to appear for CAT 2026, keeping track of the registration deadline is important. The CAT Exam 2026 registration date began on August 3, 2026, and the application window is scheduled to close on September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM IST.

Candidates should avoid waiting until the last day, as completing the application early provides sufficient time to arrange documents, review entered information, and resolve any technical issues.

Why Should You Register Early?

Avoid last-minute technical difficulties.
Get enough time to arrange the required documents.
Carefully review personal and academic details.
Complete the application and payment process without unnecessary stress.

Tip: Complete your CAT application well before the CAT 2026 last date to apply and regularly check the official website for any updates or changes to the registration schedule.

Application Process for CAT 2026

Here is the application process for this exam in a tabular form

Steps	Process	Details
1	Visit the Official Website	Visit the official CAT website and access the registration link to begin the application process.
2	Create Your Login Credentials	Register using your name, mobile number, and email address. OTP verification may also be required during registration.
3	Enter Personal and Academic Details	Provide details such as your date of birth, category, address, academic qualifications, and graduation information.
4	Add Work Experience (Optional)	Candidates with work experience can provide details about their organisation, designation, and duration of employment. Work experience is not mandatory for CAT registration.
5	Upload Required Documents	Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph, signature, and category certificate, if applicable.
6	Select Preferred Exam Cities	Choose your preferred examination cities from the options available in the application form.
7	Pay the Application Fee	Complete the application fee payment using available online methods such as a debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.

Tip: Candidates should carefully review all information before submitting their CAT exam registration form, as only selected details may be available for correction later.

Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration

Before starting the CAT 2026 registration process, candidates should keep the necessary documents and information ready. Having these details available in advance can help make the online application process smoother and reduce the chances of errors or delays.

The commonly required documents include:

Class 10th Marksheet/Certificate: Required for academic and personal details, including the candidate’s date of birth.
Class 12th Marksheet/Certificate: Used to provide details of higher secondary education.
Graduation Marksheet: Candidates should keep their graduation marksheet and relevant academic details ready. Final-year students may need to provide their current academic information.
Work Experience Documents: Candidates with work experience should keep relevant employment details and supporting documents ready.
Recent Passport-Size Photograph: A recent scanned colour photograph in the prescribed format should be uploaded.
Scanned Signature: Candidates should keep a clear scanned copy of their signature ready as per the application guidelines.
Valid Photo ID Proof: A government-issued photo identity document, such as an Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving Licence, may be required for identification.
Category Certificate: Candidates applying under SC, ST, NC-OBC, or EWS categories should keep a valid certificate in the prescribed format ready.
PwD Certificate: Candidates applying under the PwD category should have the relevant disability certificate.
Online Payment Details: Candidates should have access to an appropriate online payment method to pay the CAT registration fee.

Important: Document requirements and upload specifications may change, so candidates should carefully check the latest CAT 2026 instructions on the official CAT website before submitting their application.

Pro Tip: Keep both digital and physical copies of your academic and category documents organised before beginning the CAT registration process. This can help you complete the application more efficiently.

Can I edit my CAT application after submission?

Only selected details may be editable during the application correction window. Candidates should carefully review their forms before submission

What is the CAT Application Form Correction Window 2026?

It is expected to provide registered candidates with an opportunity to review and correct certain details in their submitted application form. This facility is particularly useful for candidates who notice errors after completing their CAT registration.

Based on currently available information, the CAT 2026 correction window is expected to open after the registration process closes, with reports suggesting that candidates may be able to edit limited details such as their photograph, signature, and examination city preference. However, the exact dates and the list of editable fields should be confirmed through the official CAT notification.

Important Points to Remember

Candidates should log in using their CAT ID and password to access the correction facility.
Only selected details may be available for modification; not every part of the application form can necessarily be changed.
Candidates should carefully review all changes before submitting the corrected form.
Once the correction window closes, further modifications may not be permitted.

Details That Cannot Be Edited in the Application Form

While filling out the CAT 2026 application form, candidates should carefully review all details before submission. The CAT application correction facility generally allows changes only to limited fields, such as the photograph, signature, and test city preferences. Several important details remain non-editable after submission or payment.

The details that candidates should enter carefully include:

Candidate’s name
Date of birth
Mobile number
Email ID
Academic details, including marks and percentages
Category details
Work experience details

Since correction options are limited, candidates should verify all personal, academic, and contact information before completing their CAT 2026 registration. If there is an error in a non-editable field, candidates may need to contact the CAT helpdesk for guidance.

Is There an Age Limit for CAT Exam?

No. There is no age limit for appearing in the CAT exam, including CAT 2026. Candidates of any age can apply as long as they meet the required educational eligibility criteria.

For CAT 2026, the primary eligibility requirement is generally a bachelor’s degree with the prescribed minimum marks, while final-year undergraduate students can also apply provisionally.

Note: While CAT itself has no age restriction, individual MBA programmes or institutions may have their own admission requirements, so candidates should always check the specific programme’s eligibility criteria.

CAT 2026 Preparation Strategy

The CAT 2026 exam is set for November 29, 2026. There are roughly four months from the notification date to fully prepare for the CAT exam. Those who have been preparing to take the CAT might prepare strategically by adhering to a set schedule. Here is a comprehensive four-month exam preparation schedule. Aspirants can stick to the same CAT exam study schedule or modify it based on their priorities and the amount of time they have left before the test:

Months	Weeks	Focus Areas	Preparation Strategy
1: Focus on the Basics	1–2	CAT syllabus and exam pattern, important topics from each section	Familiarise yourself with the CAT syllabus and exam format. Identify high-weightage topics and create a study plan. Develop a daily reading habit by reading newspapers and other relevant material.
1: Focus on the Basics	3–4	Topic-specific preparation across all three sections	Practise topic-specific questions from each section and prioritise accuracy over speed. Review completed topics on weekends and solve a variety of questions for better understanding.
2: Complete the Curriculum	5–6	Modern Mathematics, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Verbal Ability, DILR and Reading Comprehension	Strengthen your quantitative aptitude concepts while practising advanced DILR sets and verbal ability questions. Continue working on reading comprehension regularly.
2: Complete the Remaining Curriculum	7–8	Remaining topics across all sections and previous years’ CAT questions	Complete the remaining concepts and solve previous years’ CAT questions topic-wise. Take section-wise mock tests, focus on accuracy, and analyse performance after every test.

Tip: During the first two months, focus on building strong concepts and accuracy. Speed can be gradually improved through regular practice and mock tests.

MBA Opportunities at K.R. Mangalam University

Before making a decision, students should carefully review the programme curriculum, specialisations, eligibility criteria, admission requirements, fees, and career opportunities to choose an MBA programme that aligns with their academic interests and professional goals. Students can also evaluate the institution based on factors such as faculty mentorship, practical exposure, internships, industry interaction, and career development support. Students planning to pursue management education can consider K.R. Mangalam University (KRMU) while exploring their MBA options. The university offers management programmes with different specialisation options and an emphasis on industry-oriented and practical learning.

Conclusion

To sum up, keeping track of the CAT exam 2026 registration date and completing the application carefully are important first steps for MBA aspirants. Candidates should check their eligibility, keep the required documents ready, submit the form before the deadline, and begin their preparation early.

Start planning your MBA journey today—explore your options and take the next step towards your management career.

Also Read: MBA Programme: Eligibility, Admission, Fee, Syllabus & Scope

FAQs

When will CAT 2026 be conducted?

CAT 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on November 29, 2026.

Who is eligible to appear for CAT 2026?

Candidates generally need a bachelor's degree with the prescribed minimum marks. Final-year undergraduate students can also apply provisionally, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.

Is there an age limit for the CAT exam?

No, there is no age limit for the CAT exam. Candidates of any age can apply if they meet the educational eligibility criteria.

What documents are required for CAT 2026 registration?

Commonly required documents and details include academic records, a recent passport-size photograph, a scanned signature, and applicable category or PwD certificates. Candidates should check the official guidelines for the complete list.

Can candidates edit their CAT application form after submission?

Applicants may be provided with an application correction window for selected details. However, not all information can be edited, so candidates should carefully review their application before submission.

What are the sections included in CAT 2026?

CAT 2026 includes three main sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).

How long is the CAT exam?

The CAT examination generally has a total duration of 120 minutes, with a sectional time limit of 40 minutes for each section, subject to the official examination guidelines.

How should students prepare for CAT 2026?

Students should focus on understanding the syllabus, strengthening fundamental concepts, practising regularly, solving previous years' questions, and analysing mock tests to improve their performance.