Candidates to appear in CAT 2026 should fulfill the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria for CAT are mentioned below:

• A Bachelor’s degree from a UGC-recognized university (BSc/ B.Tech/ BE/ B.Arch/ Humanities etc)
• A minimum of 50% score in bachelor’s degree for General, OBC and 45% for SC, ST, PWD/DA category
• Professional degree such as CA/ CS/ ICWA with the minimum acceptable percentage
• There’s no upper cap for the age limit. Working professionals who have completed their bachelor’s degree, seeking managerial positions can apply.
• Work experience is preferred but not mandatory.
• Final-year bachelor’s degree students can apply for the CAT 2026. However, final admission is subject to such candidates completing their bachelor’s degree.

CAT 2024 registration forms will be accessible on the IIMCAT website starting from the designated date. To enroll for the exam, candidates need to follow a simple process. Here’s a brief overview:

Steps for Registration-

1. Visit the official website: iimcat.ac.in
2. Click on ‘new registration.’
3. Provide your name, date of birth, nationality, phone number, and email ID.
4. Complete the CAPTCHA code and verify registration with the OTP received.
5. Log in using the CAT 2026 ID shared via email to fill out the form.
6. Enter personal and academic details.
7. Upload a recent passport-size photo and a scanned signature.
8. Choose preferred IIMs, courses, and test cities.
9. Pay the CAT application fee using credit/debit card or net banking.

Documents Required-

While filling out the CAT application form 2026, the candidate must also upload the required documents in the given format-

Application Fee-

After filling all the details in the CAT application form 2026, the candidate must make the payment to complete the registration process.

• For General, EWS and NC-OBC, the application fee is INR 2,200/-
• For SC, ST and PwD, the application fee is INR 1,100/-
• The fee can be paid through online mode only.

• Before submitting the CAT application form 2026 and making the payment, the candidate will be able to preview the complete form.
• After successful payment, the candidates will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes.

Below candidates can check the complete CAT Exam pattern 2026 :

CAT is a business aptitude exam that tests candidates on their analytical, and critical thinking abilities. The CAT exam syllabus comprises 3 sections viz. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

• The VARC section is divided into two main parts; reading comprehension and verbal ability. A major section of the VARC is reading comprehension which includes paragraphs of varying lengths with MCQ and TITA questions. The verbal ability section comprises parajumbles, odd sentences etc.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

• Data Interpretation consists of sets of questions based on various charts, graphs and other forms of data presentation. The data for the answers is to be directly extracted from the given charts. The logical reasoning section also consists of sets of questions based on seating arrangements, blood relations, puzzles etc.

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

• This section is focused on mathematics as the syllabus for QA is entirely based on school maths. Topics included are LCM & HCF, trigonometry, mensuration, probability etc. In recent years the difficulty of this section has been reduced by the IIMs.

As per last year's trends, the IIM will announce the CAT first week of November 2026. CAT 2026 is one of the most challenging MBA entrance exams. To prepare for the CAT 2026, candidates can follow these tips:

1. Create a personalized study strategy: Divide the syllabus into sections and allocate time accordingly.

2. Assess your strengths and weaknesses: Focus on improving weaker areas while maintaining your strengths.

3. Choose your mode of preparation: Decide between self-study or coaching classes and use reliable resources.

4. Emphasise mock exams: Take regular mock tests to assess your progress and improve time management.

5. Practice with previous year's papers: Solve past papers to understand the exam pattern and build confidence.

6. Stay updated with current affairs: Stay informed about current events for the general awareness section.

7. Manage your time effectively: Set realistic study goals and stick to a schedule.

8. Seek guidance and support: Connect with mentors or CAT toppers for advice and motivation.

9. Stay focused and motivated: Maintain a positive mindset and believe in your abilities.

10. Regularly revise and practice: Review concepts, and practice questions, and stay committed to your study plan.

Focus on Mock Exams: As you grow confident in your preparation, consider giving mock exams. The mock exams will help you to identify your weaknesses and strengths. It will enable you to improve on your weaker sections.

The admit card for the CAT 2026 exam is a crucial document that all MBA aspirants must carry on the day of the examination. Candidates need to be aware of the following important details regarding their CAT 2026 admit card.

1. Only registered candidates can download the CAT 2026 admit card.

2. Candidates can access and download their admit card from the official website of IIM CAT - iimcat.ac.in, by logging in with their ID and password.

3. The admit card will contain details such as the test centre, exam date, and other important information related to the exam.

4. The CAT admit card is a mandatory document that must be carried out on the day of the examination.

5. Candidates should ensure that all the information mentioned on the admit card is correct. In case of any discrepancies, they should contact the authorities immediately

CAT 2026 results are expected to be announced in the third week of December. To access the CAT results, candidates can visit the CAT official website and click on the link provided for CAT 2026 results. They will need to enter their login credentials, including the CAT ID and password. The CAT scorecard will remain valid for a year until 2026.