IIM CAT 2026: Registration Opens August 3; Check Exam Date and Eligibility

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) will conduct the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 on Sunday, 29th November 2026, in three sessions, in a computer-based format. IIM CAT 2026 serves as a prerequisite for admission into various Post Graduate Programmes in Management (PGP) and Fellow Programmes in Management (FPM/ PhD) offered by 22 participating IIMs across the country, including IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode, Indore, and several others.

Before applying for IIM CAT 2026, candidates are advised to visit the official website and read the programme advertisement of the concerned IIM to confirm accurate and updated information on eligibility and admission processes, since each IIM independently decides its own selection criteria.

Also read: GATE 2027: Information Brochure is out; Here is all you should know about

Programmes Offered

Under IIM CAT 2026, candidates can apply for the following Post Graduate Programmes in Management (PGP) at the participating institutes:

Along with above-mentioned PG courses, multiple Fellow Programmes in Management/ PhD programmes are also offered by most of the above IIMs, ranging from a full-time Doctoral Programme in Management to Executive PhD tracks for working professionals.

Note: The CAT 2026 score can also be used by listed non-IIM member institutions, whose list is published at iimcat.ac.in. IIMs have no role in the selection process of these non-IIM institutions.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• To apply for IIM CAT 2026, a candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 50 percent marks or equivalent CGPA, awarded by a recognised University or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
• SC, ST, and PwBD candidates need a minimum of 45 percent marks or equivalent CGPA.

Candidates applying for IIM CAT 2026 should fulfil any one of the following conditions:

• Completed Bachelor’s degree with the required percentage of marks.
• Completed a professional degree (CA/ CS/ ICWA (CMA)/ FIAI) with the required percentage.
• Currently in the final year of Bachelor’s degree with the required percentage.

Final Year Student:

• Candidates in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree, or those awaiting results, can also apply.
• Such candidates, if selected, will be allowed to join the programme only provisionally, subject to submitting a completion certificate from their University/ Institution by the date stipulated by the respective IIM.

Selection Process

• Performance in IIM CAT 2026 is an important component of the admission process, but each IIM is independent in mandating its own eligibility criteria, academic cut-offs, and relative weights, and follows its own selection process.
• IIMs may also consider previous academic performance, relevant work experience, and other similar inputs while shortlisting candidates. Candidates are advised to check the admissions policy of each IIM on its respective website.
• Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria alone does not guarantee shortlisting by IIMs.

Steps to Apply

• Visit the application portal by clicking on the link given below in the “Important Links” section.
• Register with a valid and unique e-mail account and mobile number.
• Fill in personal, academic, and other required details.
• Select any five preferred test cities from the drop-down menu.
• Upload the required category certificates, where applicable.
• Pay the applicable registration fee and submit the form.
• After completion, download a copy of the application form and the payment receipt for future reference

Application Fee

Key Dates

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions

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