The registration window for CAT 2026, conducted by IIM Indore, is closing on September 15. Candidates must apply via iimcat.ac.in for admission to India's premier management institutes.
- Registration Deadline: September 15, 2026
- Exam Date: November 29, 2026
- Conducting Body: IIM Indore
- Official Portal: iimcat.ac.in
The countdown has begun for aspirants seeking a seat in India's most prestigious business schools. The registration process for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is rapidly approaching its deadline of September 15. This year, the responsibility of conducting the exam rests with IIM Indore, ensuring a rigorous and standardized evaluation process for management hopefuls.
The CAT exam is the primary gateway for admission into the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other top-tier business schools across the country. Given the high volume of applicants, the authorities have urged candidates to complete their registration well before the cutoff to avoid potential server crashes due to last-minute traffic.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
To ensure a seamless application, candidates should visit iimcat.ac.in and navigate to the 'New Candidate Registration' section. After OTP verification, users must log in with their credentials to provide detailed academic records for Class 10, 12, and graduation. A critical part of the form is the entry of full-time work experience completed up to July 31, 2026, and the selection of at least five preferred test cities.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the shift in conducting bodies (rotating among IIMs) often brings slight variations in administrative efficiency and communication styles. With IIM Indore at the helm, the focus remains on maintaining a high benchmark for the quantitative and verbal ability sections, which directly impacts the percentile and subsequent shortlisting for interviews.
"Consistency in mock tests and a deep understanding of the exam pattern are more critical than rote learning for CAT success."
The fee structure for CAT 2026 is tiered based on category. General category applicants are required to pay Rs 2,700, while SC, ST, and PwD candidates are charged a concessional fee of Rs 1,350. Payments are accepted via UPI, credit/debit cards, and net banking.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹ 2,700 |
| SC/ST/PwD | ₹ 1,350 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I edit my application after submission?
A: Generally, once the form is submitted and the fee is paid, major corrections are not permitted. Double-check all entries before final submission.
Q2: When will the CAT 2026 exam take place?
A: The exam is scheduled for November 29, 2026.
