IIM CAT 2026 Information Brochure

All India
Apply By: 15 Sep 2026
Status: Active / Open

Job Description

Overview

The Indian Institutes of Management have officially released the information brochure for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026. This entrance examination serves as the primary gateway for candidates seeking admission into prestigious Post Graduate Programmes (PGP/MBA) and Fellow Programmes (FPM/PhD) across all 22 IIMs. Beyond the IIM network, numerous other top-tier business schools across India also utilize CAT scores for their selection processes, making it a critical milestone for management aspirants.

Key Responsibilities

  • Candidates must register through the official portal within the specified window to participate in the selection process.
  • Applicants are required to select five preferred test cities to facilitate the allocation of examination centers.
  • Participants must ensure all academic and personal data entered during registration is accurate and verifiable.
  • Candidates are responsible for downloading their admit cards during the designated window prior to the test date.
  • Students must adhere to the computer-based test guidelines and protocols established by the conducting IIM.
  • Successful candidates must monitor the official website for post-exam updates, including result declarations and subsequent admission rounds.

Why Apply

Securing a high percentile in the CAT exam opens doors to world-class management education, providing unparalleled networking opportunities and career advancement. Graduates from IIMs consistently secure leadership roles in global organizations, benefiting from the rigorous academic environment and industry-aligned curriculum.

Important Dates

  • Registration Start: 3rd August 2026
  • Registration End: 15th September 2026
  • Exam Date: 29th November 2026

Quick Facts

  • Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test
  • Conducting Body: IIM Indore
  • Test Cities: Approximately 170
  • Category: Management Entrance

IIM CAT 2026 Information Brochure Overview

Registration Date
03 Aug 2026 – 15 Sep 2026
Exam Date
29 Nov 2026
Salary
N/A
Vacancies
various
Eligibility
Bachelor's Degree
Application Link
Apply Now

Vacancy Details

  • Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 for PGP/MBA and FPM/PhD admissions across 22 IIMs.

How to Apply

  1. Visit the official website at iimcat.ac.in and select the 'New Candidate Registration' option.
  2. Enter your personal details, including full name, date of birth, mobile number, and email address to generate login credentials.
  3. Verify your account using the link sent to your registered email address.
  4. Log in to the portal and fill in your academic history, personal information, and work experience details.
  5. Upload your recent passport-size photograph, signature, and necessary category certificates in the specified format.
  6. Select five test cities from the provided list in order of your preference.
  7. Choose the specific IIMs and programs you intend to apply for.
  8. Complete the payment of the application fee using the available online payment methods.
  9. Submit the application form and download a copy of the confirmation page and the information bulletin for your records.

Cutoff Marks

Cut-off marks are determined individually by each of the 22 IIMs based on their specific admission policies and candidate performance.

Application Fee

General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates are required to pay an application fee of Rs. 2700. Candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwBD categories are eligible for a reduced fee of Rs. 1350. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online through the official portal during the registration process.

Age Limit

No age limit specified for candidates.

Selection Process

The selection process for IIM admission begins with the Common Admission Test, which is a computer-based assessment designed to evaluate a candidate's aptitude in various management-related domains. Following the written test, individual IIMs shortlist candidates based on their CAT scores, academic performance, and other criteria such as work experience or diversity factors. Shortlisted candidates are then invited for further rounds, which typically include a Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and a Personal Interview (PI). Final selection is based on a composite score derived from these stages, with each IIM maintaining its own specific cut-off and weightage system.

Exam Pattern

The CAT 2026 is a computer-based test conducted in three sessions. The paper typically evaluates candidates on Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. Specific details regarding the number of questions and time duration are provided in the official information bulletin.

Latest Current Affairs (Key Points)

National Affairs
26 Jul 2026
The Indian government has reportedly launched the 'Digital India 3.0' initiative, aiming to further enhance digital infrastructure and services across the nation.The Supreme Court of India has reporte...
Read more
International Affairs
26 Jul 2026
The G7 Summit in 2026 is scheduled to be held in Italy, focusing on global economic stability, climate action, and international security.Discussions are expected to revolve around post-pandemic recov...
Read more

Organization

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are a group of 22 public, autonomous business schools in India. Established as premier institutions for management education, they operate under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Their primary mandate is to provide high-quality management education, conduct research, and foster leadership in business and public policy. With headquarters spread across various states, the IIMs are globally recognized for their rigorous academic standards and significant contribution to the development of professional management talent in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is a mandatory entrance examination for admission to PGP/MBA and FPM/PhD programs at the 22 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). This year, the exam is being conducted by IIM Indore. It is a computer-based test held annually to assess candidates for management education.

The registration process for CAT 2026 begins on 3rd August 2026 at 10:00 AM. The application window will remain open until 15th September 2026, closing at 5:00 PM. It is highly recommended to complete your registration well before the deadline to avoid any technical issues.

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC/ST/PwBD). Professional degrees like CA, CS, ICWA, or FIAI are also accepted. Final-year students are eligible to apply, provided they can submit a completion certificate by the stipulated date.

No, there is no age limit prescribed for candidates appearing in the CAT 2026 examination. Any individual who meets the minimum educational qualification requirements is eligible to register and participate in the test, regardless of their age.

The application fee is Rs. 2700 for General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates. For candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwBD categories, the fee is Rs. 1350. The fee must be paid online during the registration process and is non-refundable.

You can apply by visiting the official website at iimcat.ac.in. Click on 'New Candidate Registration,' fill in your personal and academic details, upload the required documents, select your preferred test cities, and complete the payment online. Always keep a copy of the submitted form for your reference.

The CAT 2026 computer-based test is scheduled to be held on Sunday, 29th November 2026. The exam will be conducted in three sessions across approximately 170 test cities throughout the country. Ensure you download your admit card between 4th November and 29th November 2026.

You will need your Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, graduation degree/provisional certificate, a passport-size photograph, and a scanned signature. If applicable, you must also have your SC/ST/PwBD category certificate, NC-OBC certificate (issued on/after April 1, 2026), or EWS certificate (valid 2026–27) ready for upload.
job
Related Jobs
Home Exams Jobs Current Affairs Mock Tests