CAT 2026 Notification Out: Registration Begins on 3 August, Exam on 29 November

As per the official CAT 2026 Information Bulletin, the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 will be conducted on Sunday, 29 November 2026, as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) in three sessions across approximately 170 test cities in India. The online registration process will commence on 3 August 2026 (10:00 AM) and remain open until 15 September 2026 (5:00 PM).

If you're planning to pursue an MBA from an IIM or any other leading management institute accepting CAT scores, understanding the official notification is the first step towards a successful application. This guide by EMGC brings together all the important information announced through the CAT 2026 Notification in a simple, easy-to-understand format so that you can stay informed and complete your registration with confidence.

CAT 2026 Important Dates

The CAT admission process follows a fixed schedule, and candidates should complete every stage within the prescribed deadlines. Keeping track of these dates will help you avoid last-minute issues during registration and ensure a smooth application process.

Download CAT 2026 Information Bulletin

The CAT 2026 Information Bulletin is the official document released by the Indian Institutes of Management that contains every important detail related to the examination and admission process. Candidates are strongly advised to read the bulletin carefully before filling out the application form.

The bulletin includes complete information on:

• CAT 2026 eligibility criteria
• Registration process
• Application fees
• Reservation policy
• Test city selection
• Admit card guidelines
• Exam day instructions
• Score validity
• Admission process for participating IIMs
• Important rules and candidate instructions

Reading the official bulletin before registering can help you avoid mistakes in the application form and ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements specified by the conducting authority.

CAT 2026 Notification Highlights

Before proceeding with the registration process, here's a quick overview of the major announcements made through the CAT 2026 Notification.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria - Quick Highlights

The CAT 2026 eligibility requirements are straightforward and apply to candidates from various educational backgrounds. Below are the key eligibility conditions mentioned in the official notification:

• Candidates must have completed a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university with the required minimum percentage.
• Final-year Bachelor's degree students or candidates awaiting their results are also eligible to apply.
• Candidates holding professional qualifications such as CA, CS, CMA (ICWA), or FIAI can also apply, provided they meet the required percentage criteria.
• There is no upper age limit for appearing in CAT 2026.
• Candidates with or without prior work experience are eligible to appear for the examination.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria Highlights

The table below summarises the minimum qualifying percentage required for different categories of candidates.