CAT 2026 Registration Open: IIM MBA Form Deadline September 15; Check Exam Date, Syllabus

CAT 2026 Application Open: IIM admissions open till Sept. 15; exam date, pattern and syllabus here

The last leg of the CAT 2026 application process commences. IIM Indore will close the CAT 2026 application window on Sept. 15 at 5 p.m. MBA aspirants are left with a few days to complete and apply. The exam will be held on Nov. 29, 2026, in three sessions, in a computer-based format.

Aspirants should not delay the CAT 2026 application to the last minute, as the CAT 2026 window closes in a few days. The official CAT website is iimcat.ac.in. Candidates should apply only on the official website to avoid any problems.

CAT 2026 Registration: Important Dates

The CAT 2026 examination will be held in three sessions across around 170 test cities.

Who can apply for CAT 2026?

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with an aggregate score of 50 percent or equivalent CGPA. The minimum aggregate score is 45 percent for SC, ST and PwD candidates.

Students in the final year of their bachelor's degree as well as candidates awaiting their bachelor's degree results can also apply, provided they fulfil the other conditions at the time of admission. There is no upper age limit for CAT 2026.

CAT 2026 Registration fee

CAT 2026 application fee is lower for SC, ST and PwD candidates:

• General, EWS and NC-OBC: ₹2,700
• SC, ST and PwD/PwBD: ₹1,350

The registration fee is non-refundable and is applicable for all IIM programmes selected for application.

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

CAT remains a three-section examination designed to test different aspects of aptitude and reasoning. The paper will have 68 questions to be attempted within 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allotted to each section.

Candidates cannot freely switch between sections while the sectional timer is running.

CAT 2026 Syllabus - What to Study

1. VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)

This section comprises reading comprehension, parajumbles, gap-fills, summary, and odd sentence-type questions. Reading Comprehension makes this section the most important. Hence, consistent reading practice is required, rather than last-minute vocabulary building.

2. DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning)

This section may consist of multiple types of puzzles, blood relations, caselets, arrangements, sets, tables, charts, puzzles, Venn diagrams, syllogisms, data sufficiency and logical reasoning-based questions.

3. Quant

This section primarily consists of topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, percentages, profit and loss, ratios and averages, time and work, time-speed-distance and equations, probability, permutation and combination, along with other math concepts.

How to Fill CAT 2026 Application Form

Applicants should complete the following on the CAT portal to complete the application process.

• Register
• Enter personal and academic details
• Add work experience (if applicable)
• Select programs and test cities
• Upload photo, signature and certificates
• Validate the application form
• Pay the application fee

Candidates must verify their category, academic scores, uploaded files, and test city preferences.

What Are The Next Steps For Applicants?

You have until September 15 to fill out your application form. Hopefully, by the time you've read this text you have successfully registered yourself. Anyone who is still preparing to apply will have to sacrifice preparation in order to apply. Filling in a form is the only way to ensure a spot in the exam. Applications cannot be saved in progress

Once you register, preparation for the exam on November 29 will begin. All candidates should begin honing their skills for the exam's time-restrictive nature. The goal, clearly, should not be to increase the time spent preparing by numerous hours, but to improve accuracy and question selection.

Final Thoughts

There is no longer a need to view the CAT as an exam that is still far in the future. September 15 at 5 PM is the approaching deadline. November 29 is the larger of the dates you should be preparing for. The obstacles you run into by rushing the application may easily be avoided. Check your work before submission and visit iimcat.ac.in for important CAT announcements.

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