MICA opens MICAT 2 2026 registration window open till 29 January 2026

MICA Ahmedabad has commenced registration for MICAT 2 2026, offering aspirants a final opportunity to apply for the prestigious PGDM and PGDM-C programs. The deadline is January 29, 2026. This second phase is crucial for candidates who missed Phase 1 or aim to improve their score, as MICA considers the better of the two attempts. Success hinges on mastering the exam's unique combination of Aptitude, Psychometric Test, and Descriptive Test that assesses creativity and strategic thinking.

The Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA), India’s foremost institute for Strategic Marketing and Communication, has officially activated the application window for the MICAT 2 2026 examination. With the last date for registration set for January 29, 2026, this marks the final opportunity for management aspirants to secure a seat in MICA’s highly regarded PGDM and PGDM-C (Communications) programs for the 2026-2028 batch.

This second phase is a critical lifeline, especially for those who are appearing for the first MICAT on December 6, 2025, and are seeking to improve their performance, or for late applicants who are only now finalizing their B-school applications after other major exams like CAT 2025 and XAT 2026 have concluded. MICA’s policy of considering the better of the two MICAT scores strategically encourages candidates to leverage this second chance. The MICAT 2 exam is scheduled for February 13, 2026, providing a solid two months for focused preparation on its unique structure which blends creative assessment with managerial aptitude.

I. Essential Dates and The 'Better Score' Advantage

For aspirants, the finality of the MICAT 2 registration deadline on January 29, 2026, requires immediate action. Understanding the timeline and MICA's scoring mechanism is key to maximizing the probability of admission.

• Registration Closes:January 29, 2026, at 11:50 PM. Candidates must ensure all details are correctly submitted, including their valid CAT 2025, XAT 2026, or GMAT score.
• Admit Card Release:February 10, 2026. This is a crucial logistical step for verifying exam city and centre details.
• MICAT 2 Exam Date:February 13, 2026. This date is the last hurdle before the Group Exercise (GE) and Personal Interview (PI) stage.
• Result Declaration:February 28, 2026.
• Maximizing Chances with Two Attempts: MICA's unique "better of the two scores" policy means that candidates who appear for both MICAT 1 and MICAT 2 will have their application assessed based on their highest performance. This significantly de-risks the selection process and rewards persistence.

II. Decoding the Unique MICAT 2 Exam Structure

The MICAT is renowned for its unconventional exam pattern, designed to select candidates who possess the 'left brain' analytical skills alongside the 'right brain' creative and strategic communication abilities—a requirement for the PGDM-C program. The exam, spanning 135 minutes, is divided into three sections:

• Section A: Psychometric Test (Qualifier): This mandatory section, comprising approximately 150 objective questions, assesses a candidate's personality traits and suitability for MICA's culture. It is a non-scoring, qualifying-only round, but failure to clear it disqualifies the candidate entirely.
• Section B: Descriptive Test (Subjective): This crucial section, worth 70 marks, evaluates a candidate's writing skills, creativity, and articulation through typically four subjective questions (e.g., essay writing, story completion, or opinion formation). There is no negative marking here.
• Section C: Aptitude Test (Objective): This section, also worth 70 marks, includes four sub-sections:
  • Divergent & Convergent Reasoning (DCR): Testing creative problem-solving and logical thinking.
  • Verbal Ability (VA)
  • Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA-DI)
  • General Awareness (GA) (Focusing on media, marketing, and business).
  • Note: Section C is the only part with negative marking ($0.25$ marks deducted for every incorrect answer).

III. Strategic Preparation for the Final Phase

With the countdown to February 13, 2026, underway, aspirants must adopt a focused, section-specific strategy to succeed in MICAT 2.

• Focus on the Differentiators: Unlike the CAT or XAT, success in MICAT hinges on the Descriptive Test and the Psychometric Test. Practice mock Descriptive Tests under time pressure (aim for 25 minutes) to improve structure, idea generation, and creative expression.
• Hone Creative Reasoning: Dedicate time to Divergent-Convergent Reasoning (DCR). Practice word association, visual reasoning puzzles, and finding connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. This section truly tests MICA-specific aptitude.
• Integrated GE-PI Preparation: The final merit list composite score gives significant weightage to the GE and PI (Group Exercise and Personal Interview), making up 50% of the final weightage along with the MICAT score (30%) and CAT/XAT/GMAT score (20%). While preparing for the exam, stay updated on current affairs, branding campaigns, and marketing trends to perform well in the final assessment rounds.

The opening of the MICAT 2 2026 registration is not just an administrative date; it is a final, strategic window into India's premier creative management school. By offering two attempts and focusing on a holistic assessment of both analytical and creative capabilities, MICA underscores its commitment to nurturing future leaders in marketing and communication. Do not delay—submit your MICAT 2 application before the January 29, 2026 deadline and immediately align your preparation to master the unique Psychometric and Descriptive components to secure your place at MICA!