The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of India's most prestigious MBA entrance exams, conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). If you're aiming for top B-schools like IIMs, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, and other leading management institutes, CAT 2026 is an important step toward your MBA admission journey.

CAT 2026 Exam Date & Registration Timeline

The official CAT 2026 exam date and registration schedule are yet to be announced by the IIMs. Based on the previous CAT schedules, registration is expected to begin in August 2026, with the examination likely to be conducted in November 2026.

Note: The above CAT 2026 dates are tentative and based on previous years' schedules. Candidates should check the official CAT website for the confirmed notification and registration dates.

What is the CAT Exam?

The CAT exam is a national-level, computer-based aptitude test conducted by the IIMs. CAT scores are used for admission to MBA, PGDM, and other postgraduate management programmes offered by IIMs and participating non-IIM institutions.

The CAT exam evaluates candidates across three major sections:

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
• Quantitative Ability (QA)

CAT 2026 Registration: How to Apply

Candidates interested in appearing for CAT 2026 will need to complete the registration and application process through the official CAT website once the registration window opens.

How to Register for CAT 2026:

1. Visit the official CAT website: iimcat.ac.in
2. Create your User ID and Password using your registered email address and mobile number
3. Log in to your CAT 2026 account
4. Enter your personal, academic, and other required details
5. Upload the required documents, including photograph and signature
6. Enter your academic and work experience details, wherever applicable
7. Select your preferred CAT programmes and exam cities
8. Pay the CAT 2026 application fee online
9. Submit the application form and save the confirmation for future reference

CAT 2026 Application Fees:

Note: The CAT 2026 application fee will be announced in the official CAT 2026 notification. The fee is non-refundable after successful payment.

Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration

• Recent passport-size photograph
• Scanned signature
• Class 10 and Class 12 academic details
• Graduation or equivalent qualification details
• Valid category certificate, if applicable
• PwD certificate, if applicable
• Work experience details, if applicable

Start Preparing for CAT 2026

If you are planning to appear for CAT 2026, you can begin your preparation well before the registration window opens. Early preparation can help you build strong concepts, improve accuracy, and become familiar with the CAT exam pattern.

Begin your preparation with:

• CAT previous year question papers with solutions
• CAT mock test series
• Section-wise practice for VARC, DILR, and QA
• Topic-wise practice questions
• Time management and test-taking strategies

Why Practice with CAT Previous Year Papers?

• Understand the CAT exam structure and question trends
• Get familiar with the difficulty level of different sections
• Improve speed and accuracy
• Develop better time-management skills
• Identify your strengths and weaknesses

Benefits of Starting CAT 2026 Preparation Early

• Build a strong foundation in Quantitative Ability, VARC, and DILR
• Get enough time to revise important concepts
• Take regular mock tests and analyse your performance
• Balance preparation with college, work, or other commitments
• Improve confidence before the CAT 2026 examination