CAT Exam 2026: IIM Indore Raises Application Fee Ahead of Registration Start

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore has announced an increase in the CAT 2026 application fee along with the release of the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 notification. The registration process for India's premier MBA entrance examination will begin on August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) and continue until September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM) through the official CAT portal. The examination is scheduled to be conducted on November 29, 2026 in three computer-based test (CBT) sessions across more than 170 test cities.

One of the key changes this year is the revision in the registration fee. Candidates from the General, EWS and NC-OBC categories will now pay ₹2,700, while the fee for SC, ST and PwD candidates has been increased to ₹1,350.

CAT 2026: Highlights

CAT 2026 Application Fee

The revised registration fee is as follows:

The increase marks the first revision in the CAT application fee for the 2026 admission cycle.

Important Dates

How to Apply for CAT 2026

Candidates can complete the application process by following these steps:

1. Visit the official CAT website iimcat.ac.in.
2. Click on New Registration.
3. Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
4. Fill in personal, academic, and work experience details.
5. Upload the required documents, including photograph and signature.
6. Select preferred test cities.
7. Pay the application fee online.
8. Submit the application form and download the confirmation page.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for CAT 2026 should meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD candidates).
• Final-year undergraduate students are also eligible to apply, subject to fulfilling eligibility conditions at the time of admission.
• There is no age limit for appearing in CAT.

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

The CAT examination will be conducted in three sections:

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
• Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

The exam will be conducted in three shifts on November 29, 2026.

Documents Required During Registration

Candidates should keep the following ready before applying:

• Passport-size photograph
• Signature
• Graduation details
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• PwD certificate (if applicable)
• Valid email ID and mobile number
• Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking for fee payment

Important Instructions

Candidates are advised to:

• Register well before the last date to avoid last-minute technical issues.
• Ensure all uploaded documents meet the prescribed specifications.
• Carefully choose preferred test cities while filling out the application.
• Keep a copy of the submitted application form and payment receipt.
• Regularly visit the official CAT website for updates regarding the admit card and examination schedule.

About CAT

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India's leading national-level MBA entrance examination. Conducted annually by one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis, CAT scores are accepted by all 21 IIMs and more than 1,300 management institutes across the country for admission to MBA and other postgraduate management programmes.

FAQs

When will CAT 2026 registration begin?

The CAT 2026 registration process will start on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

What is the last date to apply for CAT 2026?

Candidates can submit their applications until September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

What is the CAT 2026 application fee?

The application fee is ₹2,700 for General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates, and ₹1,350 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.

When will the CAT 2026 exam be conducted?

The CAT 2026 examination is scheduled for November 29, 2026, in three sessions.

Which institute is conducting CAT 2026?

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore is the conducting institute for CAT 2026.