CAT 2026 registration will open on August 03, 2026, at 10 AM and close on September 15 at 5 PM through the official website, iimcat.ac.in. The CAT 2026 exam is scheduled for November 29 and will be conducted in three slots across test centers nationwide.
One of the major updates in CAT 2026 is the revised registration fee. Candidates from the General, EWS, and NC‑OBC categories will now pay INR 2,700, compared to INR 2,600 last year. For SC, ST, and PwD applicants, the fee has been increased to INR 1,350 from INR 1,300. The application fee is non‑refundable and must be paid online during the submission of the CAT 2026 form.
CAT 2026 Registration Fees
Check out the revised CAT 2026 registration fees in the table below:
| Category | CAT Registration Fee |
| General / NC-OBC | INR 2,700 |
| SC / ST / PwD | INR 1,350 |
CAT 2026 Notification: What Are the Other Key Changes?
No significant changes have been introduced in CAT 2026 compared to last year. Apart from the revised registration fee, candidates should carefully note the following updates and guidelines announced for this year’s exam:
- Conducting Institute: IIM Indore will administer CAT 2026.
- Registration Dates: Online applications start on August 03, 2026, and close on September 15, 2026.
- Admit Card Release: November 04, 2026.
- Exam Cities: The test will be conducted across 170+ cities nationwide.
- Exam Date: November 29, 2026, in three slots.
- Result Declaration: Results expected in the first week of January 2027. CAT 2026 scores remain valid until December 31, 2027.
- Official Website: Applications must be submitted via iimcat.ac.in.
- Information Brochure: States that no further changes will apply to CAT 2026 or subsequent IIM selection processes.
- Exam Pattern: No changes announced in the exam pattern or syllabus.
Who Can Apply for CAT 2026?
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, and PwD categories) are eligible to apply for CAT 2026. Final‑year undergraduate students may also register, provided they meet the required eligibility criteria at the time of admission.
FAQs – CAT 2026 Registration Fees
Ques: Has the CAT 2026 exam pattern changed?
Ans: No major changes have been announced in the exam pattern or syllabus for CAT 2026. The structure remains consistent with previous years, ensuring familiarity for candidates preparing through standard resources.
Ques: How many exam cities are available for CAT 2026?
Ans: The exam will be held in 170+ cities across India, giving candidates wide accessibility. Applicants can select their preferred test city during registration, subject to availability.
Ques: What is the validity of CAT 2026 scores?
Ans: CAT 2026 scores will remain valid until December 31, 2027. This means candidates can use their scores for admission to IIMs and other participating institutions during the 2027 academic cycle.
