Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 27: The official notification for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026, the gateway to MBA admissions at the country’s premier management institutes, including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other leading B-schools, has been released.
The examination will be conducted this year by IIM Indore, which has announced several important changes, including an increase in the registration fee, revised disability category terminology and additional examination centre options.
Application fee increased for all categories
Candidates appearing for CAT 2026 will have to pay a higher registration fee compared to last year.
• General, NC-OBC and EWS category candidates: Rs 2,700, reflecting an increase of Rs 100 from the previous year.
• SC, ST and PwBD category candidates: Rs 1,350, an increase of Rs 50 from last year.
The registration fee can be paid only through online modes, including UPI, net banking and debit or credit cards. The fee, once submitted, will not be refundable.
CAT 2026 schedule announced
The important dates for the examination are:
• Notification release: July 25
• Online registration begins: August 3
• Last date to apply: September 15
• Admit card release: November 4
• CAT 2026 examination: November 29
• Result announcement: First week of January 2027
Eligibility criteria
Candidates who have completed a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50 per cent marks are eligible to apply for CAT 2026.
For candidates belonging to the SC, ST and PwBD categories, the minimum qualifying requirement is 45% marks in the undergraduate degree.
Students who are currently in the final year of their bachelor’s programme can also apply. However, they must meet all eligibility conditions at the time of submitting their application.
New changes introduced in CAT 2026
PwD category updated to PwBD:
The disability category terminology has been revised, with PwD (Persons with Disabilities) being replaced by PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) in line with the updated classification.
Five examination city choices allowed:
Candidates will now have the option to select up to five preferred examination cities, giving them greater flexibility while choosing their test location.
More postgraduate course options added:
The application form will include newly introduced postgraduate programmes offered by leading IIMs, including institutes such as IIM Ahmedabad, allowing candidates to select from a wider range of courses.
Computer-based test in three shifts:
CAT 2026 will be conducted as a computer-based test (CBT) across three shifts.
The examination will continue to include three sections:
• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
• Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Application process
Candidates can apply for CAT 2026 by visiting the official website iimcat.ac.in.
The application process requires candidates to:
• Register using their name, mobile number and email ID.
• Enter personal details and academic information.
• Select preferred examination cities.
• Upload a photograph, signature and required certificates.
• Pay the registration fee online.
With the fee revision and changes in application options, candidates have been advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria and complete the registration process within the stipulated deadline.