CAT Notification 2026 Released: The CAT 2026 notification is out now. The notification release date is 25 July 2026. Candidates aiming for the CAT 2026 exam should read the official notification PDF carefully before applying. Every year, the CAT exam is organised by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis.
The CAT registration 2026 begins on 03 August 2026 (Monday) at 10:00 AM and ends on 15 September 2026 (Tuesday) at 5:00 PM. The CAT 2026 examination is scheduled in three sessions on 29 November 2026 (Sunday). This article covers everything about the CAT notification 2026, live updates, registration date, exam date and more to guide candidates in the right direction.
CAT 2026 Notification Live Updates
This page will give you all the recent updates about the CAT notification 2026. Well, the CAT notification is finally out on 25 July 2026, with details such as the registration timeline, exam date, eligibility criteria and more.
CAT Notification 2026: CAT 2026 Slot Timings- 12:08 PM – 28 July 2026
The CAT 2026 examination will be conducted in three different sessions:
- Morning session: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
- Afternoon session: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
- Evening session: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
CAT Notification 2026: In How Many Sessions Will CAT Exam Conduct?- 10:58 AM – 28 July 2026
The CAT 2026 examination will be conducted in three sessions: morning, afternoon and evening.
CAT Notification 2026: What Are Major Changes? – 10:58 AM – 27 July 2026
The major changes we have seen in the CAT 2026 notification is the increment in the application form fees of the CAT examination.
The CAT 2026 application form fees have increased to 100 Rs. That means the new fee structure is defined below:
- Rs. 1350 for SC/ST/PwBD
- Rs. 2700 for all other categories
CAT 2026 Notification: CAT Reservation Criteria – 7:00 PM -26 July 2026
As per the CAT 2026 notification, there are some reservation percentages given to every category of student, which are specified below:
- Scheduled Caste (SC): 15%
Scheduled Tribe (ST): 7.5% - Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC): 27%
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS): 10%
Person with Benchmark Disabilities: 5%
CAT Notification 2026: How Many IIMs in India?- 2:00PM-26 July 2026
There are total of 22 IIMs in India.
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
Indian Institute of Management Calcutta
Indian Institute of Management Lucknow
Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode
Indian Institute of Management Indore
Indian Institute of Management Shillong
Indian Institute of Management Rohtak
Indian Institute of Management Ranchi
Indian Institute of Management Raipur
Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli
Indian Institute of Management Udaipur
Indian Institute of Management Kashipur
Indian Institute of Management Nagpur
Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam
Indian Institute of Management Amritsar
Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya
Indian Institute of Management Jammu
Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur
Indian Institute of Management Sirmaur
Indian Institute of Management Mumbai
CAT Notification 2026: Programmes at IIMs- 12:54 PM-26 July 2026
| Institute | Programmes |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | PGP, PGP-FABM, MBA-BPGP: BA & AI |
| IIM Amritsar | MBA, MBA-Business Analytics, MBA-HRM, Executive MBA, M.Sc. in Data Science and Management (MSDSM) |
| IIM Bangalore | PGP, PGPEM, PGPBA, PGPPM |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | MBA, MBA (Digital Business and AI), MBA (Hospital and Healthcare Management), Executive MBA (EMBA) |
| IIM Calcutta | MBA |
| IIM Guwahati | MBA |
| IIM Indore | PGP, PGP-HRM, MSDSM (Master of Science in Data Science and Management), PGPMX |
| IIM Jammu | MBA, MBA (Healthcare), MBA (AI & Business Analytics), Executive MBA |
| IIM Kashipur | MBA, MBA (Analytics), EMBA, EMBA (Analytics) |
| IIM Kozhikode | PGP, PGP-BL, PGP-FINANCE, PGP-LSM, EPGP-IL, EPGP Kochi |
| IIM Lucknow | MBA, MBA-ABM, MBA-SM, PGPWE, Blended MBA, Tech-MBA |
| IIM Mumbai | MBA, MBA (Operations and Supply Chain Management), MBA (Sustainability Management) |
| IIM Nagpur | MBA, E-MBA, BMWP (Blended MBA for Working Professionals), EMBA-EM (EMBA in Energy Management) |
| IIM Raipur | MBA, Executive MBA, MBA in Public Policy and Governance (Only for Chhattisgarh State domicile) |
| IIM Ranchi | MBA, MBA-HRM, MBA (Business Analytics) |
| IIM Rohtak | PGP, EPGDSM, PGPx |
| IIM Sambalpur | MBA, MBA-BA, MBA for Working Professionals |
| IIM Shillong | PGP, PGPEX, PGP (WE) |
| IIM Sirmaur | MBA, MBA (Tourism Management), MBA (Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management), PGPEX-LSM, ExMBA (Artificial Intelligence) |
| IIM Tiruchirappalli | PGPM (MBA), PGPM-HR (MBA-HR), PGPBM (MBA for Working Executives in Chennai) |
| IIM Udaipur | MBA, MBA-DEM (Digital Enterprise Management), MBA-GSCM (Global Supply Chain Management), Executive MBA (Online) |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | Post Graduate Program (MBA), Executive MBA (EMBA), PGPMCI, PGDMEx, MBA-AI & Innovation |
CAT Notification 2026: CAT 2026 Important Dates- 12:30 PM-26 July 2026
CAT 2026 Registration Start Date: 03 August 2026 (Monday) at 10:00 AM
CAT 2026 Registration End Date: 15 September 2026 (Tuesday) at 5:00 PM
CAT 2026 Exam Date: 29 November 2026 (Sunday)
CAT 2026 Admit Card Release Date: November 04, 2026 until November 29, 2026.
CAT 2026 Notification: CAT Exam Date – 10:30 AM – 26 July 2026
The CAT 2026 exam is scheduled for 29 November 2026 (Sunday).
CAT 2026 Notification: How To Access CAT Notification PDF? – 10:30 AM
Candidates can access the CAT 2026 notification PDF on the official CAT 2026 website (iimcat.ac.in)
CAT 2026 Notification: CAT Registration Fees for SC/ST Category Students- 26 July 2026 – 10:30 AM
The CAT 2026 registration fees for SC/ST/PwDB category students is Rs. 1350.
CAT 2026 Notification: Is Fee Increased?- 26 July 2026 – 10:02 AM
Yes, the CAT 2026 registration fees has increased.
SC/SC/PwDB category: Rs. 1350
For all other categories: Rs. 2700
CAT Notification 2026: CAT 2026 Test City – 26 July 2026 – 12:05 AM
The CAT 2026 exam will be conducted across 170 test city centres.
CAT Notification 2026: CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria – 10:30PM
Candidates who are applying for the CAT 2026 examination should follow one of the following conditions mentioned below:
- Candidates should completed the bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% in case of General, EWS and NC-OBC (whereas only 45% required for SC/ST/PwBD candidates.
- Candidates in the final year can also appear with the required percentages.
- Candidates who hold professional degrees like (CA/CS/ICWA (CMA)/Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI)) are also allowed to sit for the examination.
CAT 2026 Notification: Admit Card Release Date – 10:05 PM
The CAT 2026 admit card release date is November 04, 2026 until November 29, 2026.
CAT Notification 2026: CAT 2026 Registration Form Fees- 9:25 PM
CAT 2026 Registration form fees: Rs.1350 for SC, ST and PwBD candidates whereas Rs. 2700 for all other candidates.
CAT Notification 2026: CAT 2026 Registration End Date – 9:15 PM
The CAT 2026 registration last date is 15 September 2026 (Tuesday), 5:00 PM. So, it is indispensable for candidates that they should fill the form without waiting for the deadline or to avoid any last-minute hassle.
CAT Notification 2026: CAT 2026 Exam Date – 9:10 PM
The CAT 2026 exam date is scheduled for 29 November 2026 (Sunday). As per the official CAT 2026 notification, the examination will conduct in three sessions.
CAT Notification 2026: CAT Registration Start Date – 9:05 PM
The CAT 2026 registration will start from 03 August 2026 (Monday) at 10:00 AM. Candidates can register on the official website i.e, iimcat.ac.in for start filling the form. The CAT registration form itself contains several important fields such as personal details, academic details, work experience, programme selection, uploading important documents, test city and a final declaration.
CAT 2026 Notification: Release Date – 25 July 2026 – 9:00 PM
The CAT notification 2026 is officially out on the official website i.e iimcat.ac.in. Candidates can check for the following updates such as the registration timeline, eligibility, CAT registration 2026 start date, end date, admit card details and more. The official CAT 2026 notification release date is 25 July 2026.
CAT Notification 2026 Latest Updates
- The CAT 2026 exam notification is now released on 25th July 2026.
- The CAT 2026 registration will begin at 10 am on 3rd August 2026 and the last date for filling the registration form is 15 September 2026 (5:00 PM).
- CAT notification is the official document released by IIMs and covers important exam details such as registration dates, exam pattern, registration process, CAT exam date and more.
- The CAT 2026 exam will be held on 29 November 2026.
- The expected CAT exam fees this year should be Rs. 2700 for general category students and Rs. 1350 for SC/ST category students.
What is CAT Notification?
The CAT notification is the official announcement made by top IIMs on a rotational basis every year. The CAT 2026 exam is scheduled for 29 November 2026.
The CAT notification advertisement will be published in several newspapers and in multiple languages across the country.
The official CAT notification PDF covers various information, such as the names of all the IIMs, CAT eligibility criteria, reservation, registration fees, important dates related to the Common Admission Test, test centres, and other related information.
CAT Notification 2026 Released: Last 10 Year Trend Analysis
The CAT notification is usually released in the month of July. The IIM authorities organise the CAT exam every year. The CAT exam notification release date in the past years is shared below:
| CAT Exam | Notification Date | Conducting IIM |
| CAT 2026 | 25 July 2026 | IIM Indore |
| CAT 2025 | 27 July 2025 | IIM Kozhikode |
| CAT 2024 | 28 July 2024 | IIM Calcutta |
| CAT 2023 | 30 July 2023 | IIM Lucknow |
| CAT 2022 | 31 July 2022 | IIM Bangalore |
| CAT 2021 | 31 July 2021 | IIM Ahmedabad |
| CAT 2020 | 29 July 2020 | IIM Indore |
| CAT 2019 | 28 July 2019 | IIM Kozhikode |
| CAT 2018 | 29 July 2018 | IIM Calcutta |
| CAT 2017 | 29 July 2017 | IIM Lucknow |
What To Do Before CAT Notification Release?
There are several requirements that candidates need to fulfil while filling out the CAT registration form. So, you can verify and keep ready with information related to the CAT application form.
- Verify your CAT eligibility criteria
- Keep your documents ready which can be used in the CAT registration form
- Start preparing about weaker section to get clarity till exam date
- Follow all the relevant updates related to the CAT notification
CAT Registration 2026
The CAT 2026 notification is now released on official CAT 2026 website (iimcat.ac.in) with the registration starts from 03 August 2026 (Monday) at 10:00 AM and ends at 15 September 2026 (Tuesday) at 5:00 PM.
There are several fields that needs to complete for filling the form.
- Personal Details
- Academics
- Work Experience
- Programmes
- Test City
- Declaration
CAT Notification 2026 Release Date
The CAT 2026 notification has already released on 25 July 2026. Last year, the CAT exam notification was released on July 27, 2025.
CAT Notification (Who Conducts CAT Exam?)
The CAT exam notification will expected to be out on the last week of July 2026 with the related information of exam such as:
“What is the CAT 2026 Registration Start Date?”
“What is the CAT 2026 Registration End Date?”
“Which IIM will conduct the CAT 2026 exam?”
One of the old IIMs conduct examination every year on a rotational basis.
What is the CAT 2026 Notification?
The authorities has released the CAT exam advertisement in English and Hindi on the official IIM CAT website. After 3-4 days, the detailed CAT notification 2026 PDF download link will be active. The advertisement for CAT 2026 is out now. And the CAT 2026 notification has already announced on 25 July 2026. Here are the following details mentioned in the CAT exam notification PDF:
- Exam Name
- Exam Conducting Body
- Exam Date
- List of IIMs along with their course names
- Eligibility
- Reservation
- Registration Fee
- CAT Registration Details
- Test Centres
- Admission Process, etc.
CAT Notification Out Date: Check Past Year Trend Analysis
| CAT Exam Year | Notification Release Date | Day |
| 2026 | 25 July 2026 | Saturday |
| 2025 | 27 July 2025 | Sunday |
| 2024 | 28 July 2024 | Sunday |
| 2023 | 30 July 2023 | Sunday |
| 2022 | 31 July 2022 | Sunday |
| 2021 | 31 July 2021 (newspaper advertisement published; registration opened on 4 Aug) | Saturday |
| 2020 | 29 July 2020 | Wednesday |
| 2019 | 28 July 2019 | Sunday |
| 2018 | 29 July 2018 | Sunday |
| 2017 | 30 July 2017 | Sunday |
Is CAT Notification 2026 Out?
Yes, the CAT 2026 notification is out now by the official authority. The CAT exam notification is out on 25 July 2026 with important information such as registration form start date, end date, pattern, which IIM will conduct the exam, etc.
Which IIM Will Release CAT 2026 Notification?
The CAT 2026 notification is out now and the exam is scheduled for 29 November 2026.
| Year | CAT Conducting IIM |
| 2025 | IIM Kozhikode |
| 2024 | IIM Calcutta |
| 2023 | IIM Lucknow |
| 2022 | IIM Bangalore |
| 2021 | IIM Ahmedabad |
| 2020 | IIM Indore |
| 2019 | IIM Kozhikode |
| 2018 | IIM Calcutta |
| 2017 | IIM Lucknow |
| 2016 | IIM Bangalore |
| 2015 | IIM Ahmedabad |
| 2014 | IIM Indore |
| 2013 | IIM Indore |
| 2012 | IIM Kozhikode |
| 2011 | IIM Calcutta |
| 2010 | IIM Lucknow |
| 2009 | IIM Ahmedabad |
| 2007 | IIM Bangalore |
CAT Notification 2026 Important Dates
The CAT Notification 2026 is released now by IIMs on 25 July 2026. The CAT 2026 registration will begin from 3 Aug 2026 (10:00 AM) and concluded at 5 PM on 13 September 2026.
| Events | Dates |
| CAT Notification 2026 | 25 July 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Registration Start Date | 03 August 2026 (Monday) at 10:00 AM |
| CAT Registration 2026 Last Date | 13 September 2026 (Tuesday) at 5:00 PM |
| CAT Correction Window 2026 | Last Week of September 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Admit Card Download | November 04, 2026 until November 29, 2026. |
| CAT Exam 2026 | November 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Result Announcement | December 2026 |
How to Check the CAT Notification 2026 PDF?
The CAT 2026 notification PDF will be released online. It will be declared in the PDF file at iimcat.ac.in. It comprises all the relevant details about the CAT exam. Check the steps to download the CAT Notification 2026 PDF:
- Go to the official CAT website, i.e., iimcat.ac.in.
- On the homepage, click the “CAT 2026 Information Bulletin” PDF link.
- The notification PDF will appear on the screen.
- Save, download or print the PDFs for future reference.
CAT Notification 2026: Overview
Candidates should be familiar with all the details of the CAT 2026 Notification. Some of the key information about the CAT 2026 exam is tabulated below:
| Particular | Details |
| CAT Full Form | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| CAT 2026 Exam Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) |
| Number of Registrations | 2.95 lakh (CAT 2025) |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) & Type in the Answer (TITA) |
| CAT Syllabus 2026 | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability |
| Total Number of Questions | 68 |
| Question Per Section | VARC: 24 DILR: 22 Quantitative Ability (QA): 22 |
| Total Marks in CAT 2026 | 204 |
| CAT 2026 Marking Pattern | +3 Every Correct Answer -1 Every Wrong Answer |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes (40 minutes Per Section) |
| CAT Exam Fee 2026 | SC, ST and PwD: Rs 1300 Other category: Rs 2600 |
| CAT Exam Important Documents | Passport-sized photograph Signature Valid government ID proof Caste Certificate (if applicable) PwD Certificate (if applicable) |
| CAT Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
CAT 2026 Notification: Key Details
One of the IIMs is expected to release the CAT 2026 notification in the last week of July 2026 on the official CAT website, i.e., iimcat.ac.in. It will comprise the following details:
- Exam Conducting Body: The notification will feature the name of the IIM that will be conducting the CAT 2026 exam.
- CAT Exam Date 2026: Candidates will get to know about the test date and the number of sessions in the CAT 2026 exam. Talking about last year, the CAT 2025 exam was conducted on November 30, 2025, in three sessions.
- List of IIMs along with programmes: The CAT notification also includes the complete list of names along with the management programmes offered.
- Eligibility: It comprises details about eligibility. Candidates who have completed graduation can apply.
- CAT Registration Dates: It comprises the starting and closing dates for applications with the time.The CAT registration window was open from 10.00 a.m. on August 3 and closed at 5:00 p.m. on September 15.
- Registration Fees: It provides registration fee details. The CAT 2025 application fee was Rs 1300 for reserved and Rs 2600 for other categories.
- Test Centres: It highlights the number of exam centres. Last year, the CAT exam was held in around 170 cities.
What after the CAT 2026 Notification Release?
The CAT 2026 notification has released on 25 July 2026. It provides complete details about registration, application fees, exam dates, etc. After the CAT Notification 2026 release, you must do the following things:
Read the Notification
Applicants should read the CAT 2026 Notification. It will be made available on the official website. Or, they can check the direct download link on the iQuanta website. It highlights eligibility, exam dates, application dates, registration fees, etc.
Confirm Your Eligibility
Checking CAT exam eligibility is the first step when applying. Candidates must ensure they fulfil all the eligibility criteria before applying. The minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree with 50% (45% for the reserved category). Candidates appearing for the final year of a bachelor’s degree can also apply.
Gather all Your Documents
Candidates should keep all their documents in one place. This helps them avoid any stress during registration. Some important documents/details are a valid Email ID, mobile number, 10th/12th/Graduation marksheet/certificates, scanned copies of photograph & signature, category certificate, etc.
Register Early
It’s a good idea to register early for the CAT exam. Candidates can submit their forms on time. They must fill out the online form with valid information. These include name, DOB, qualification, photo, signature, test centre, etc.
Start the CAT Preparation
Candidates should start preparing for the CAT 2026 exam with focus. This is where the iQuanta CAT 2026 course helps. It offers customised modules, doubt-solving sessions, mock analysis, etc. Their books and study materials are based on the latest exam trends.
Wrapping Up: CAT Notification 2026
The CAT 2026 notification will be released soon. It’s high time to speed up your preparation. All you need is the right resources and guidance. That’s where the iQuanta 2026 CAT course helps you. It offers live classes, doubt-solving, mock analysis, etc. Enrol today and enhance your preparation.
FAQs
The CAT 2026 notification is out now. Candidates can check the complete information from the official PDF which is available on the official website iimcat.ac.in.
You can check the notification on the official CAT website iimcat.ac.in.
One of the IIMs conducts the CAT exam on a rotational basis.
The CAT registration 2026 will begin from 03 August 2026 (Monday) at 10:00 AM.
The last date to submit the CAT 2026 registration form is 15 September 2026 (Tuesday) at 5:00 PM.
The CAT exam is scheduled for 29 November 2026 (Sunday) in three sessions.
It comprises exam date, eligibility, registration, fees, etc.
Yes. The authorities open the application correction window. Candidates can edit their application during this window.
It varies by category. This will be announced in the notification. The CAT 2026 application fee was Rs 1350 for SC/ST/PwD and Rs 2700 for other categories
The CAT exam is a computer-based test. It is conducted via online mode.
