As the CAT preparation gains momentum, candidates are experiencing emotional tremors, wondering how they will perform in the competitive entrance exam and whether or not they will make it to an IIM. However, it all depends on the effort you put in.
In CAT 2025, more than 2.95 lakh candidates appeared for the examination. With CAT 2026 registrations already underway, candidates should keep track of the important dates and complete the application process within the specified timeline.
CAT 2026 Registration Dates
The CAT 2026 registration process started on 3rd August 2026 at 10:00 AM. Candidates can submit their applications through the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in. The last date to register is 15th September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Registration End Dates for CAT 2026
The last date to submit the CAT 2026 application form is 15th September 2026 at 5:00 PM. Candidates should avoid waiting until the deadline to complete their application, as they may need additional time to upload documents, verify details, and complete the payment process.
CAT 2026 Registration Process
To apply for the latest CAT exam, log in to iimcat.ac.in which is the official site.
1. Visit the official CAT website and click on the registration link to create a new account. Existing candidates can log in using their registered credentials.
2. New registration will provide name, and other personal details as asked. Hit the submit button.
3. Your log-in ID will be created. Hereafter, re-use the ID to log in to your account to get all the updates related to your CAT registration.
Eligibility Checks for the CAT 2026 Exam
- Eligible candidates must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (reservation category SC, ST, and PWD must have 45% aggregate marks.
- You still meet the eligibility criteria if your final year result in the graduate program is yet to come.
- Candidates with professional degrees such as CA, CS or ICWA/CMA may also be eligible, subject to the conditions specified in the CAT 2026 official notification.
How and Where to Download CAT 2026 Admit Card?
Candidates can download their CAT 2026 admit card from the official CAT website using their login credentials. The admit card will contain important details such as the test centre, date and session of the examination. Candidates should regularly check the official CAT website for the exact admit card release date.
CAT 2026 Exam Dates
CAT 2026 will be conducted on 29th November 2026. The examination will be conducted in three sessions at test centres across India. Candidates should check their admit card for their allotted examination date, session and test centre.
CAT 2026 is being conducted by IIM Indore.
What is the Syllabus & Exam Pattern of the CAT 2026 Exam?
As usual, the exam will be divided into the same three sections Quantitative Ability (QA), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC). Here’s an expected exam pattern of the CAT 2026 Syllabus.
|
CAT Syllabus 2024 |
||
|
Section |
Topics |
Weightage in Exam |
|
Quantitative Ability (QA) |
Arithmetic Modern Maths Number System Algebra Mensuration Trigonometry Geometry |
34-36% |
|
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
Data Charts Data Tables Bar Graphs Venn Diagrams Seating Arrangement Team Formation Clocks & Calendars |
30-32% |
|
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
Long & Short Passages Jumbled Paragraphs Para-summary Picking the Out Sentence |
32-34% |
Preparation Tips for the CAT 2026 Exam
- Understand the syllabus and exam pattern
- Assess your strengths and weaknesses
- Strengthen your fundamentals before moving to advanced-level questions.
- Create a study plan, and each day work on your skills
- Choose reliable study material, practise consistently, and analyse your performance through mock tests and previous-year questions.
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