The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is set to take place on November 29, organized by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) Indore. The exam will be conducted in three sessions at 170 test centers nationwide. This year, candidates will face a slight increase in application fees across all categories.
Understanding CAT and Its Role in MBA Admissions
The CAT exam is a crucial gateway for admission into postgraduate management programs at IIMs and other top business schools in India. It tests candidates on various skills including quantitative ability, verbal ability, data interpretation, and logical reasoning. The scores are heavily weighted—often around 40%—in the final admission decisions for MBA programs.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of candidates compete in this highly competitive exam to secure a seat in one of the prestigious IIMs or affiliated institutions. The test is computer-based and conducted simultaneously across multiple cities to accommodate the large number of applicants.
Key Details and Changes for CAT 2026
- Exam Date: November 29, 2026, in three sessions.
- Test Centers: 170 locations across India.
- Application Fee: Increased to Rs 2,700 for General, EWS, and NC-OBC categories (up from Rs 2,600 in 2025); Rs 1,350 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates (up from Rs 1,300).
- Registration Period: August 3 to September 15, 2026.
- Admit Card Availability: November 4 to 29, 2026.
- Result Announcement: First week of January 2027.
- Score Validity: CAT 2026 scores will be valid until December 31, 2027.
- Eligibility: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD). Final-year students can also apply but must provide a completion certificate later.
- Reservation: Seats reserved as per government norms: 27% for NC-OBC, 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST, up to 10% for EWS, and 5% for PwD candidates.
Why the Fee Increase and What It Means for Applicants
The slight rise in application fees reflects the increasing costs associated with conducting a large-scale, technology-driven exam across numerous centers. While the hike is modest, it underscores the growing demand for quality management education and the resources required to maintain exam integrity and accessibility.
For candidates, this means budgeting carefully for the application process and ensuring all eligibility criteria are met before applying. The availability of multiple sessions aims to provide flexibility, but competition remains intense, with over 2.5 lakh candidates participating last year. Achieving a high percentile is critical for admission to top IIMs, where only a handful of candidates reach the perfect 100th percentile each year.
Additionally, the diverse range of postgraduate programs offered by various IIMs—from traditional MBA courses to specialized degrees in data science, healthcare management, and artificial intelligence—means candidates should research the programs that best fit their career goals before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does CAT 2026 registration start and end?
A: Registration opens on August 3, 2026, and closes on September 15, 2026.
Q: What are the revised application fees for CAT 2026?
A: The fee is Rs 2,700 for General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates, and Rs 1,350 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.
Q: Are final-year students eligible to apply for CAT 2026?
A: Yes, final-year bachelor’s degree students can apply but must submit a certificate confirming completion of their degree later.
