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Are you preparing for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026? If yes, you're probably visiting the official website every few days, waiting for the notification to come. You're not alone - thousands of MBA aspirants across India have the same question right now.
CAT is one of the most respected entrance exams in India. Every year, students compete for seats in IIMs and other top B-schools through this test. Since the notification hasn't been released yet, this blog gives you everything you need to know based on past trends, so you can start preparing without wasting time.
CAT 2026 Notification: Expected Release Date
Based on the pattern followed over the last several years, the CAT notification usually comes out in the last week of July. Following this trend, the CAT 2026 notification is expected to be released around July 26, 2026.
This year, IIM Indore is expected to be the conducting institute. The notification will be released as a PDF on the official website, iimcat.ac.in, and will also appear in leading newspapers.
The notification will include:
- Registration start and end dates
- Exam date and shift timings
- Eligibility criteria
- Application fees
- Instructions for filling the form
Also Read: CAT Registration 2026, Important Dates, Eligibility, Form Fees
CAT 2026 Tentative Dates
Since the official notification is not out yet, here are the tentative dates based on previous years pattern. Treat these as estimates, not final dates.
Event | Tentative Date |
Notification Release | July 26, 2026 |
Registration Start | August 1, 2026 |
Last Date to Apply | Third week of September 2026 |
Application Correction Window | Late September 2026 |
Admit Card Release | Second week of November 2026 |
CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
Answer Key Release | Early December 2026 |
Result Announcement | Third week of December 2026 |
Why Does the CAT Notification Matters
Once the notification is out, everything moves fast. Registration opens within days, and the correction window closes quickly too. Many candidates lose their preferred exam city simply because they registered late. Knowing the expected timeline in advance helps you plan your documents, photo, signature, and study schedule ahead of time, instead of scrambling once the form goes live.
Also Read: CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026, Age Limit, Reservation Policy
CAT 2026 Registration Process
Registration for CAT is always done online. Here's how it's expected to work this year.
Step | What You Need to Do |
Visit Official Website | Go to iimcat.ac.in once live |
Create Account | Enter name, date of birth, mobile number, email |
Fill the Form | Add personal, academic, and work details |
Upload Documents | Scanned photo and signature as per size rules |
Select IIMs & Courses | Choose the programs you want to apply for |
Choose Exam Cities | Pick up to 5 cities in order of preference |
Pay Fees | Pay online through card or net banking |
Submit Form | Review everything before final submission |
CAT 2026 Registration Fee
The fee is expected to stay close to last year's numbers, though the final amount will only be confirmed in the notification.
Category | Registration Fee (Expected) |
General/EWS/OBC | ₹2,600 |
SC/ST/PwD | ₹1,300 |
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The CAT eligibility rules rarely change year to year. Based on past notifications, here's what is expected for CAT 2026:
- Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates)
- Final year students can also apply provisionally
- No age limit for any candidate
This makes CAT accessible to both fresh graduates and working professionals.
CAT Exam Pattern Overview
The CAT exam structure has remained fairly consistent over the past few years. CAT 2026 is expected to follow the same three-section format.
Section | Focus Area |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Reading passages, Para jumbles, Summary questions, Para completion |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Charts, Puzzles, Missing Data Tables, Venn Diagram, Scheduling |
Quantitative Ability (QA) | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System |
The test is 120 minutes long, split into 40 minutes per section, and conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode with MCQ and non-MCQ questions.
CAT Exam Expected Sessions
CAT is generally held in three shifts on the last Sunday of November. Based on past years, the timing is expected to look like this:
Session | Expected Timing |
Morning | 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM |
Afternoon | 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM |
Evening | 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM |
CAT 2026 Key Highlights
Particular | Details (Expected) |
Conducting Institute | IIM Indore |
Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Number of Cities | Around 180 |
Duration | 2 Hours |
Courses Offered | MBA / PGDM |
Accepting Colleges | 22 IIMs, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, IITs and Other B-Schools |
Test Frequency | Once a Year |
Website | iimcat.ac.in |
Tips While You Wait for the CAT Exam Notification
- Start Preparing Now: Don't wait for the notification to begin studying. With around 4 months left before the likely exam date, starting early gives you a real edge.
- Keep Documents Ready: Get your passport-size photo, signature scan, and marksheets sorted in advance.
- Follow IIM Indore Updates: Keep an eye on official channels for any early signals about the notification.
- Plan Your Exam City: Once registration opens, apply early so you get your preferred test city before slots fill up.
- Track the Official Website: Bookmark iimcat.ac.in and check it regularly starting mid-July.
CAT Notification 2026: Conclusion
The CAT 2026 notification hasn't been released yet, but based on past trends, it's expected around July 26, 2026, with IIM Indore likely conducting the exam. Use this waiting period wisely - get your documents ready, brush up on your basics, and keep checking the official website for updates. Once the notification is out, things will move quickly, so being prepared now will save you a lot of stress later.
