CAT Application Form 2026 LIVE: Registration opens for B-schools; application fee, syllabus, dates

Before filling out the CAT application form 2026, candidates are required to ensure they have all the following documents.

• Valid mobile number
• Email ID
• Passport-size photograph
• Scanned signature
• Personal details
• Past academic details
• Work experience certificate (if any)
• Payment details (credit/ debit card or  net banking details)

The CAT 2027 exam fees are Rs 2700 for General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates and Rs 1350 for SC/ ST/ PwD categories.

Yes, to get admission to MBA/PGP/PGDM courses at top IIMs, IITs, and other B-schools in India, candidates will have a valid CAT 2026 score and meet the CAT cutoff marks prescribed by the institutes.

Candidates can check the documents required for CAT Registration 2026 below:

• Email Address
• Mobile Number
• Passport Size Photograph
• Signature
• Personal Details
• Academic Details
• Work Experience Certificate (if any)
• Payment Details

Candidates can check the CAT 2026 Reservation Criteria below:

The CAT 2025 Registration fee for the general category is Rs 2700.

In the previous year, 2.93 candidates completed CAT 2026 registration, while around 2.58 lakhs appeared for CAT.

Documents required while filling the CAT 2026 application form are

• Class 10 (SSC) marksheet/certificate
• Class 12 (HSC) marksheet/certificate
• Graduation marksheets and other academic documents
• Work experience certificate(s) (if applicable)
• Recent scanned passport-size photograph (less than 80 KB)
• Scanned signature
• Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Driving Licence, Passport, etc.)
• Category/Reservation certificate (SC, ST, NC-OBC, EWS), if applicable
• PwD/Disability certificate, if applicable
• Online payment facility such as net banking, UPI, debit card, or credit card to pay the application fee.

Candidates must upload their passport-size photograph and signature while filling out the CAT 2026 application form. As per the registration guidelines, the photograph should have been taken within the last six months, feature a white background, and candidates are advised to keep additional printed copies of the same photograph for verification on the CAT 2026 exam day.

For the signature, candidates are required to upload a scanned image in JPG or JPEG format. The file size should not exceed 80 KB and must comply with the prescribed dimensions specified in the CAT 2026 registration guide.

CAT 2026 marking scheme:

• +3 marks are awarded for every correct answer.
• -1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer in multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
• No marks are deducted for unattempted questions or incorrect Type In The Answer (TITA) questions.

Important topics in the CAT DILR syllabus are:

The CAT 2026 dates are given below.

• Application form filling last date: September 15
• Exam dates: November 29, 2026 (Sunday)
• Admit card: November 4 to November 29, 2026
• Result date: First week of January 2027
• CAT 2026 score validity: Until December 31, 2027

The list of top MBA colleges as per NIRF rankings is given in the table below.

Before filling out the CAT 2026 application form, candidates should keep the following ready:

• Valid and unique email ID and mobile number
• Passport-size photograph (not older than six months, white background)
• Scanned signature
• Academic details from Class 10 onwards
• Category and PwBD certificates, if applicable
• Work experience details, if any

• Visit the official website, iimcat.ac.in.
• Click on the 'New Candidate Registration' link.
• Register using a valid email ID and mobile number and verify the OTP.
• Log in using the generated User ID and password.
• Fill in personal, academic and work experience details.
• Upload the required documents.
• Select preferred IIM programmes and five test cities.
• Preview the application form and pay the registration fee.
• Submit the application and download the confirmation page for future reference.

The CAT question paper will assess candidates in three sections:

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

The CAT registration process consists of six sections — personal details, academics, work experience, programmes, test city, and declaration. Candidates will be able to save the CAT 2026 application form and can complete it later before the final submission. However, candidates must note that once the CAT form fee is paid and the form is submitted, no changes will be allowed.

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIM), Indore, have activated the CAT 2026 application form link on the official website, iimcat.ac.in. Eligible candidates can now register for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 by creating a user ID, filling in the application form, uploading the required documents, and paying the application fee online.

The CAT 2026 registration fee has been fixed at Rs 2,700 for general, EWS and NC-OBC candidates, while SC, ST and PwBD candidates will have to pay Rs 1,350. The fee has to be paid only once, irrespective of the number of IIM programmes selected, and it is non-refundable.

The CAT 2026 syllabus is designed to assess a candidate's aptitude in language, logical reasoning, data analysis, and mathematics. Aspirants preparing for the MBA entrance exam should focus on the following three sections:

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

Before starting the CAT 2026 registration process, candidates should keep the following points in mind:

• Check the eligibility criteria on the CAT official website before applying.
• Use a valid and unique email ID and mobile number, and keep them active throughout the admission process, as all official communication will be sent through these registered contact details.
• Fill in all mandatory fields in the application form, as incomplete applications cannot be submitted.

While registering, domestic candidates must verify their mobile number and email ID through OTP to generate their User ID and password. Overseas candidates will receive the OTP only on their registered email ID, after which the login credentials will be sent via email.

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 will be conducted on November 29 in three computer-based sessions. The national-level MBA entrance exam is the gateway to admission into 22 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other leading business schools across the country.

The CAT 2026 registration fee is Rs 2,700 for candidates belonging to the general, EWS, and NC-OBC categories and Rs 1,350 for SC, ST, and PwBD candidates. The CAT registration fee is a one-time payment and remains the same regardless of how many IIMs a candidate chooses to apply to.

The CAT 2026 registration window will open today, August 3, 10 am. Last date to submit the CAT application form 2026 is September 15. Candidates will be able to choose five preferred test cities while filling out the CAT application form through the official website at iimcat.ac.in.

• Visit the official CAT website and 
• Click on the 'New Candidate Registration' link.
• Register by entering your name, date of birth, email ID, mobile number, and other required details to generate a User ID and password.
• Log in using the generated credentials.
• Fill in the application form by entering your details and other details
• Upload the required documents, including your photograph, signature, and category/PwD certificates (if applicable).
• Preview the application form and verify all the details entered.
• Pay the application fee online using net banking, UPI, debit card, credit card, or other available payment options.
• Submit the application form and download the confirmation page for future reference.

Important topics and concepts in the CAT QA syllabus 2026

Here are the important topics in the CAT 2026 VARC Syllabus:

Candidates must use and maintain a valid, unique email address and mobile number throughout the CAT admission process. These contact details will be used for important communication related to the examination and admissions

Candidates can refer to the CAT syllabus and exam pattern below to understand what to expect in the upcoming question paper.

The CAT 2026 registration window will open on August 3, 2026, and candidates will be able to submit their application forms until September 15, 2026. The CAT 2026 admit card will be issued on November 4, 2026, while the entrance examination is scheduled to be held on November 29, 2026. The response sheet and provisional answer key are expected to be released in December 2026, followed by the declaration of the CAT 2026 result later in December 2026.

Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements prescribed by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) before applying for CAT 2026. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

• Candidates should have a bachelor's degree from a recognised university with at least 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD candidates).
• Final-year bachelor's degree students or candidates awaiting their results are also eligible to apply, provided they fulfil the minimum qualifying marks requirement at the time of admission.
• There is no upper age limit for appearing in the CAT 2026 examination.

The CAT 2026 application form consists of six sections—personal details, academics, work experience, programmes, test city and declaration. Candidates can save each section separately before moving to the next stage of the application.

The CAT 2026 registration process will begin today, August 3, 2026, at 10 am (IST) and will remain open until September 15, 2026, at 5 pm (IST). Candidates can submit their application forms online through the official CAT website within the prescribed registration period.

Documents required while filling the CAT 2026 application form are

• Class 10 (SSC) marksheet/certificate
• Class 12 (HSC) marksheet/certificate
• Graduation marksheets and other academic documents
• Work experience certificate(s) (if applicable)
• Recent scanned passport-size photograph (less than 80 KB)
• Scanned signature
• Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Driving Licence, Passport, etc.)
• Category/Reservation certificate (SC, ST, NC-OBC, EWS), if applicable
• PwD/Disability certificate, if applicable
• Online payment facility such as net banking, UPI, debit card, or credit card to pay the application fee.

Candidates are required to upload their photo and signature while filling the CAT application form 2026. As per the photo upload guidelines, the passport-size photograph should be taken within the last six months and have a white background. Candidates should keep extra printed copies of the same photograph for use on the CAT exam day. 

According to the signature upload rules, candidates must upload a scanned signature in JPG or JPEG format while applying for CAT exam 2026. The file size should not exceed 80 KB and should meet the prescribed dimensions mentioned in the registration guide.

CAT 2026 marking scheme:

• +3 marks are awarded for every correct answer.
• -1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer in multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
• No marks are deducted for unattempted questions or incorrect Type In The Answer (TITA) questions.

Key topics in the CAT DILR syllabus:

The CAT syllabus 2026 helps MBA aspirants plan and organise their exam preparation effectively. A clear understanding of the CAT syllabus is essential for candidates aiming to secure admission to top business schools in India. The CAT exam comprises three sections:

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

The CAT 2026 exam will be conducted in test centres across approximately 170 cities. Candidates can select five preferred cities during CAT registration 2026, while the final allotment will depend on availability. Test centre details will be mentioned on the admit card.

Candidates with a bachelor's degree securing at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST and PwBD candidates) are eligible to fill the CAT exam form 2026. Final-year undergraduate students and candidates awaiting results can also apply, subject to fulfilling admission requirements later.

Yes. Candidates appearing for the final year of their bachelor's degree or awaiting results are eligible to apply for CAT 2026 exam. Those selected for admission will have to submit a certificate from their university confirming completion of degree requirements within the prescribed deadline.

The CAT form fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. Candidates are required to pay the CAT application fee only once, irrespective of the number of IIM programmes they choose while applying. The CAT exam fee 2026 must be paid online during the submission of the application form to complete the registration process.

• General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates: Rs 2,700
• SC, ST and PwBD candidates: Rs 1,350

Candidates appearing for the exam are advised to attempt the CAT mock test once it is available to understand the computer-based test interface, navigation, and question-answering process.

As per the CAT exam date 2026, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) will conduct the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 on November 29, 2026, in three computer-based sessions. CAT scores will be used for admission to MBA and other management programmes offered by 22 IIMs and several participating non-IIM institutes.

Before starting the CAT 2026 application process, candidates should keep scanned copies of their recent passport-size photograph and signature ready. They should also collect academic, work experience and category-related documents to complete the form without delays.

• Recent passport-size photograph (not older than six months, white background, JPG/JPEG, up to 80 KB).
• Scanned signature (JPG/JPEG, up to 80 KB).
• Class 10 (SSC) marksheet/certificate.
• Class 12 (HSC)/Diploma marksheet.
• Bachelor's degree details (or final-year details, if applicable).
• Master's degree details (if applicable).
• Professional degree details such as CA, CS, CMA (ICWA), FIAI (if applicable).
• Valid category certificate (SC, ST, NC-OBC, or EWS), if claiming reservation.
• PwBD certificate issued by the competent medical authority, if applicable.
• Scribe affidavit, if a PwBD candidate is opting for a scribe.
• Work experience details (only full-time experience after graduation, if applicable).
• Valid and unique email ID and mobile number for OTP verification and future communication.
• Emergency contact mobile number (different from the candidate's primary mobile number).

The CAT 2026 registration schedule is:

• Registration starts: August 3, 2026 (10:00 am IST)
• Last date to register: September 15, 2026 (5:00 pm IST)

The official bulletin does not provide details on the CAT syllabus section-wise topics or subject-wise weightage. Aspirants should note that the official brochure focuses on eligibility, registration, reservation, admit card, and admission-related guidelines instead of a prescribed CAT exam syllabus.

During CAT registration 2026, domestic candidates will have to verify both their mobile number and email address through OTP. Overseas candidates will receive an OTP only on their registered email address before the user ID and password are generated.

Candidates who are willing to appear for the CAT exam are required to complete the application process. The CAT exam form filling steps are

• Register to create a unique User ID and password.
• Log in using the generated credentials to complete the application form.
• Submit the application form after filling in all the required details and paying the registration fee online to complete the registration process.

The CAT exam form window will open at 10 am on August 3 and close at 5 pm on September 15. Candidates will be able to choose five preferred test cities while filling out the application form through the official CAT website.

The information bulletin does not specify an official CAT exam syllabus for the entrance exam. Candidates are advised to prepare according to the exam pattern and previous years' trends, as no subject-wise topics have been listed in the bulletin.

The CAT 2026 registration fee is Rs 2,700 for general, EWS and NC-OBC candidates, while SC, ST and PwBD candidates will have to pay Rs 1,350. The fee is payable only once, regardless of the number of IIMs selected.

The list of top MBA colleges as per NIRF rankings is given in the table below.

CAT 2026 syllabus includes three sections: 

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

CAT 2026 exam will be held in three sessions, and the timings for each session are given below. 

• Slot 1 timing: 8:30 am - 10:30 am (Morning Session)
• Slot 2 timing: 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm (Afternoon Session)
• Slot 3 timing: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm (Evening Session)

There's no change in CAT 2026 syllabus and exam pattern this year. 

The CAT 2026 dates are given below. 

• Application form filling last date: September 15
• Exam dates: November 29, 2026 (Sunday)
• Admit Card: November 4 to November 29, 2026
• Result Date: First week of January 2027
• CAT 2026 score validity: Until December 31, 2027

IIM Indore will begin the Common Admission Test (CAT 2026) registration tomorrow, August 3.