CAT Notification 2026 OUT, Dates, Eligibility, Changes

CAT Notification 2026 Out

The CAT Notification 2026 has been officially released by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The notification announces the complete schedule for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026, including the CAT registration dates, eligibility criteria, application fee, exam date, admit card schedule, reservation policy, and other important instructions.

CAT 2026 will be conducted on Sunday, November 29, 2026, in three sessions across approximately 170 test cities in India. The exam serves as the gateway for admission to MBA/PGP programmes offered by 21 IIMs and several other leading management institutes across the country.

This article covers everything you need to know about the CAT Notification 2026, including important dates, registration process, notification PDF, eligibility criteria, and the latest updates announced by the IIMs.

CAT 2026 Notification PDF

The CAT 2026 Notification PDF contains all the important details about the examination, including the registration schedule, eligibility criteria, application fee, reservation policy, admit card dates, test cities, participating IIMs, score validity, and admission process. Candidates should carefully read the Information Bulletin before filling out the application form to avoid any mistakes.

Download CAT 2026 Notification PDF

CAT Notification 2026 Release Date

The CAT Notification 2026 was officially released on July 25, 2026, on the official CAT website. Along with the notification, the IIMs announced the complete registration schedule, application fee, eligibility criteria, admit card dates, and exam schedule.

CAT Notification Release Trends

The notification follows the usual trend of being released in the last week of July every year.

CAT 2026 Important Dates

Candidates should keep track of the official CAT schedule to avoid missing any important deadlines.

How to Check CAT 2026 Notification

Candidates can access the official notification by following these steps:

1. Visit the official CAT website iimcat.ac.in.
2. Click on the CAT 2026 Notification or Information Bulletin link.
3. Open the CAT 2026 Notification PDF.
4. Download the PDF for future reference.
5. Read the notification carefully before starting the registration process.

The notification contains all the official information regarding registration, eligibility, reservation, fees, exam centres, participating IIMs, and important instructions.

CAT 2026 Registration Process

The CAT 2026 application process is completely online.

Follow these steps to register:

1. Visit the official CAT website.
2. Register using your email ID and mobile number.
3. Complete the application form by entering your personal, academic, and work experience details.
4. Upload your photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable).
5. Select your preferred IIM programmes.
6. Choose five preferred test cities.
7. Pay the application fee online.
8. Submit the application and download the confirmation page.

CAT 2026 Application Fee

The registration fee is payable only once, irrespective of the number of IIMs selected. The fee is non-refundable.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

To apply for CAT 2026, candidates must satisfy the following eligibility requirements.

Educational Qualification

• Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA.
• SC/ST/PwBD candidates require 45% marks.

Final-Year Students

• Final-year bachelor's degree students and candidates awaiting results are also eligible to apply.

Professional Degree Holders

Candidates holding any of the following qualifications are also eligible:

• CA
• CS
• CMA (ICWA)
• Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI)

Age Limit

• There is no age limit for CAT 2026.

Note: Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission or shortlisting by the IIMs.

CAT 2026 Notification for IIMs

The CAT 2026 notification is applicable for admission to MBA and other management programmes offered by 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). In addition, several non-IIM institutes also use CAT scores for admission to their postgraduate management programmes.

Candidates should note that each IIM has its own admission policy, eligibility requirements, cut-offs, and selection criteria. Shortlisting is based not only on CAT scores but may also include academic performance, work experience, and other parameters decided by individual institutes.

CAT 2026 Notification Details

CAT 2026 Application Form: Key Points

• Registration starts on August 3, 2026.
• The last date to submit the application form is September 15, 2026.
• Applications are accepted only in online mode.
• Candidates can choose five preferred test cities.
• Upload the required documents in the prescribed format.
• Verify all details carefully before submitting the application.
• Keep your registered email ID and mobile number active throughout the admission process.

CAT Notification 2026: Conclusion

The CAT Notification 2026 has officially been released, announcing the complete registration schedule, eligibility criteria, application fee, and exam date. Candidates should carefully read the official Information Bulletin, complete their registration before the deadline, and begin their preparation early to maximise their chances of securing admission to the IIMs and other top MBA colleges.