CAT 2026 Notification Expected Soon at IIMCAT.ac.in; IIM Indore Likely to Release Details on July 26

The Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore) is planning to publish the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 notification on their official website, iimcat.ac.in, soon. This notification will include all the important details like the schedule, eligibility criteria, application fees, and exam pattern for the 2026 cycle. IIM Indore is the main organizing institute for the CAT 2026 exam. For several years now, they have usually released the notification on the last Sunday of July. So, the 2026 notification is likely to come out around July 26, 2026. Here is a quick summary of the key details expected for CAT 2026. The exact dates will be confirmed once the official notification is released.

Application Fee for CAT 2026

The application fee for CAT 2026 is expected to be similar to the previous year. Payment can only be made through online methods on the official website. 

CAT 2026 Application Fee

The application fee for CAT 2026 is expected to remain in line with the previous cycle. Payment will be accepted only through online modes on the official portal.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants need to have a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks. The minimum percentage for SC, ST, and PwD candidates is 45%. Graduation students who are in their final year can also apply on a provisional basis. There is no upper age limit for CAT 2026. Candidates with a CA, CS, or ICWA qualification are also eligible under the degree rule. Foreign degree holders must have their qualifications approved by AIU. 

What Is the CAT 2026 Exam Pattern?

CAT is a computer based test held in three shifts across the country. The paper carries three sections, each with a strict sectional time limit of 40 minutes.

Exam Pattern for CAT 2026

CAT is a computer-based test conducted in three shifts across the country. The exam paper consists of three sections, and each section has a time limit of 40 minutes. Each correct answer is awarded 3 marks. A wrong answer to a multiple-choice question (MCQ) has a penalty of 1 mark. There is no negative marking for non-MCQ or TITA (Type in the Answer) questions. 

Convening IIM for CAT Over the Last Five Years

The responsibility of organizing CAT rotates among the older IIMs. The table below shows the recent pattern of this rotation. 

How to Apply for CAT 2026

Applications can only be submitted through the official portal. The registration period usually lasts for about seven weeks.

1. Visit the official website at iimcat.ac.in.
2. Click on the CAT 2026 new registration link.
3. Enter your name, email, mobile number, and date of birth.
4. Note down the user ID and password sent to your email.
5. Log in again and fill in your academic, professional, and category details.
6. Upload your photo, signature, and necessary documents.
7. Select your preferred test cities and IIM programs.
8. Pay the application fee online and submit the form.

Action Plan for Candidates

1. Bookmark the official website, iimcat.ac.in, and check it every day starting from July 20, 2026.
2. Have a scanned photo and signature in the required format ready.
3. Prepare soft copies of your Class 10, Class 12, and degree mark sheets.
4. Keep a valid category or PwD certificate if you plan to avail of reservation benefits.
5. Make sure your debit card, credit card, or net banking is active to pay the fee.
6. List your preferred test cities and IIM programs in advance.