IIM CAT 2026 Online Form – Common Admission Test

Exam Convening Institute: IIM Indore | Registration Extended till 22 September 2026

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have officially released the comprehensive notification for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026. Serving as the nation's premier gateway for pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM), CAT 2026 is being convened and conducted by IIM Indore. CAT scores are strictly mandated and accepted by 21 elite IIMs (including IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode) and over 1,300 leading B-Schools across India.

Candidates possessing a valid Bachelor’s degree (or those currently in their final year) can complete the IIM CAT Online Form 2026 directly via the official portal iimcat.ac.in. The examination authority has officially extended the registration deadline, providing candidates extra time to successfully apply. Below is a meticulously detailed guide covering the revised timeline, category-wise fee structure, exact eligibility criteria, examination pattern, participating institutes, and the step-by-step registration procedure.

IIM CAT 2026 – Key Overview

Important Dates & Exam Schedule

The organizing institute strictly enforces all registration timelines. With the recent deadline extension, aspirants are heavily advised to finalize their application and payment well before the new cutoff to circumvent last-minute server congestion.

CAT 2026 Application Fee Structure

The application fee must be remitted purely through digital payment gateways (Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI). It is imperative to note that the registration fee is strictly non-refundable under any circumstances once processed.

*Note: Additional bank transaction charges or convenience fees may be applicable depending on the payment mode selected. Using UPI or RuPay debit cards generally incurs zero convenience fees, making them the most economical option.

CAT 2026 Eligibility & Educational Qualification

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor's Degree (spanning at least 3 years of educational duration post 10+2) in any discipline from a recognized University or educational institution in India.
• Minimum Aggregate Marks:
  • For General, EWS, and NC-OBC category candidates: Minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA.
  • For SC, ST, and PwD category candidates: Minimum of 45% marks or equivalent CGPA.
• Final Year Students: Candidates currently pursuing the final year of their Bachelor’s degree, or those who have completed degree requirements and are awaiting final results, are completely eligible to apply. If selected, such candidates will be allowed to join the program provisionally, subject to submitting a certificate from the Principal/Registrar.
• Professional Degrees: Aspirants holding professional degrees such as CA (Chartered Accountancy), CS (Company Secretary), ICWA/CMA, or Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI) are also eligible, provided they meet the requisite percentage thresholds.

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

The CAT is a rigorous computer-based test designed to evaluate analytical, logical, and linguistic prowess. The examination enforces strict sectional timing, meaning candidates cannot navigate between sections arbitrarily during the exam.

• Question Types: The paper will consist of both Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) / Non-MCQ questions.
• Marking Scheme: +3 Marks are awarded for every correct answer.
• Negative Marking: -1 Mark is deducted for every incorrect MCQ. There is no negative marking for TITA (Non-MCQ) questions.
• Calculator Rules: An on-screen virtual basic calculator will be provided during the exam for computations. Physical calculators, mobile phones, and smartwatches are strictly prohibited.

Top Participating IIMs & Estimated Placement Metrics

CAT scores are the fundamental prerequisite for admission into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management. Below is a glance at some top-tier IIMs (based on historical trends) that candidates apply for through this form:

*Note: During the CAT registration process, candidates are required to explicitly select the specific IIMs and respective PG programs they intend to apply for. Furthermore, they will need to select suitable interview cities for the WAT/GD/PI rounds.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill the IIM CAT 2026 Online Form

The application process for CAT 2026 requires careful attention to detail. Candidates must use their own functional email ID and mobile number, as all official communications, admit card links, and results will be directed there.

1. Visit the Official Portal: Navigate your browser directly to the official CAT 2026 website: iimcat.ac.in.
2. New Candidate Registration: Click on the "Register" button under the New Candidate Registration tab. Enter your Name (exactly as per 10th certificate), Date of Birth, Email ID, Mobile Number, and Nationality. Submit this to generate a unique User ID and Password via OTP.
3. Login & Application Fill-Up: Log in using the newly generated credentials. The application form features multiple tabs including Personal Details, Academic Details, Work Experience, Programs, and Test City Preferences.
4. Academic & Work Details: Meticulously enter your Class 10th, Class 12th, and Bachelor’s degree marks. Input any relevant, full-time post-qualification work experience (calculated precisely up to July 31, 2026). Part-time jobs and pre-graduation internships do not count.
5. Select IIM Programs & Test Cities: Choose the IIMs and specific programs you wish to be considered for. You must also select up to five (5) preferred examination cities in decreasing order of geographic preference.
6. Upload Documents:
   • Scanned Passport Size Photograph (Max 80 KB, JPEG/JPG format, clean white background, resolution minimum 150 px/inch).
   • Scanned Signature (Max 80 KB, JPEG/JPG format).
   • Valid Category / PwD Certificate (if applying under SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS/PwD quota) in a clear PDF format.
7. Fee Payment: Preview the entire application form thoroughly. Proceed to the payment gateway to remit the ₹ 2,700 (or ₹ 1,350 for reserved) fee using Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
8. Final Submission: Once the payment is marked successful, the application is deemed submitted. Download the confirmation PDF and retain a printout for all future reference. Edits post-submission are strictly limited to the narrow correction window (only for photo, signature, and test city).

Important Official Links for CAT 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)