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The CAT Notification 2026 has been officially released by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). As per the official notification, CAT 2026 will be conducted on Sunday, November 29, 2026, in three sessions across approximately 170 test cities in India. The registration process will begin on August 3, 2026, and candidates can submit their applications until September 15, 2026.
In this article, you'll find the official CAT 2026 notification date, PDF, eligibility criteria, registration schedule, application fees, exam dates, and all the latest updates announced by IIMs.
CAT Notification 2026 Out
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 notification has now been released officially on the CAT website. Along with the notification, the Indian Institutes of Management have also announced the complete examination schedule, registration dates, eligibility criteria, reservation policy, application fees, admit card dates, and score validity.
CAT 2026 will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) on Sunday, November 29, 2026, in three sessions.
Candidates seeking admission to MBA/PGP programmes offered by the participating IIMs and other CAT-accepting colleges should carefully read the official notification before submitting the application form.
CAT 2026 Notification PDF
The CAT 2026 Notification PDF contains all the important details about the exam, including the registration dates, eligibility criteria, application fee, reservation policy, exam schedule, admit card, test cities, and admission process. Candidates should read the official Information Bulletin carefully before filling out the application form to avoid any mistakes.
Download the Official CAT 2026 Notification PDF below.
Download CAT 2026 Notification PDF
CAT Notification Date 2026
The official CAT 2026 notification has been released, and the complete registration schedule has also been announced.
| Event | Official Date |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 Notification Release | July 25, 2026 |
| Registration Starts | August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply | September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Admit Card Download | November 4 – November 29, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Result | Likely First Week of January 2027 |
Candidates should complete their registration well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues and to improve their chances of getting their preferred exam city.
Also Read, CAT Registration 2026, Important Dates, Eligibility, Form Fees
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for CAT 2026, candidates must satisfy the following criteria:
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA from a recognised university.
- SC/ST/PwBD candidates must have at least 45% marks or equivalent CGPA.
Final-Year Students
- Candidates appearing for the final year of their bachelor's degree or those awaiting their results are also eligible to apply.
- Such candidates must submit the required certificate at the time of admission, as specified by the respective IIM.
Professional Degree Holders
Candidates who have completed any of the following professional qualifications are also eligible:
- Chartered Accountant (CA)
- Company Secretary (CS)
- Cost and Management Accountant (CMA/ICWA)
- Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI)
Age Limit
- There is no age limit for appearing in CAT 2026.
Note: Fulfilling the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee shortlisting for admission to the IIMs. Shortlisting depends on each institute's admission policy.
What's New in CAT 2026 Notification?
The official CAT 2026 notification introduces several important updates that candidates should know before applying.
Official Registration Dates Announced
The CAT registration window will remain open from August 3 to September 15, 2026.
Registration Fee Revised
- General/EWS/NC-OBC: ₹2,700
- SC/ST/PwBD: ₹1,350
Around 170 Test Cities
CAT 2026 will be conducted in approximately 170 test cities, and candidates can choose five preferred cities during registration.
New NC-OBC & EWS Certificate Guidelines
Candidates applying under the NC-OBC category must upload a certificate issued on or after April 1, 2026.
For EWS, the certificate must be valid for 2026–27 and based on the financial year 2025–26.
If candidates have applied for a fresh certificate but have not yet received it, they can upload the required undertaking along with the prescribed supporting documents.
Score Validity
The CAT 2026 score will remain valid until December 31, 2027.
Where can I download the CAT Notification 2026 PDF?
Candidates can download the CAT Notification 2026 PDF by following these simple steps:
- Visit the official CAT website – iimcat.ac.in.
- On the homepage, look for the "CAT 2026 Notification" or "Information Bulletin" link.
- Click on the CAT 2026 Information Bullet in PDF.
- The notification PDF will open in your browser.
- Click the Download icon to save the PDF to your device.
- Open the downloaded PDF and carefully read all the details, including the registration process, eligibility criteria, reservation policy, application fee, important dates, test cities, participating IIMs, admit card details, and exam guidelines, before filling out the application form.
CAT Notification 2026: Conclusion
The CAT Notification 2026 has been officially released with all the important details, including the registration schedule, eligibility criteria, application fee, and exam date. Candidates should complete their registration on time, read the official Information Bulletin carefully, and begin their preparation early to maximise their chances of securing admission to their preferred MBA college.
