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The complete schedule for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026, conducted for admission to MBA and other management courses at the country's prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), has been released. The online application process will commence at 10:00 AM on August 3, 2026, and conclude at 5:00 PM on September 15, 2026. Admit cards will be available on the official website starting November 4, and candidates will be able to download them until November 29. This computer-based test is scheduled to be held on November 29, 2026 (Sunday), across exam centers nationwide in three shifts. CAT facilitates admission not only to IIMs but also to numerous other leading business schools.

**Who can apply?**
A bachelor's degree from a recognized university is mandatory for CAT 2026. Candidates belonging to the General, OBC, and EWS categories must have secured a minimum of 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA. For candidates in the SC, ST, and PwBD categories, the minimum requirement is set at 45%. Students in their final year of graduation may also apply, provided they furnish proof of degree completion during the selection process. Additionally, candidates holding professional qualifications such as CA, CS, CMA/ICWA, and FIAI are eligible to apply, subject to meeting the prescribed eligibility criteria.

**What is the application fee?**
The application fee is ₹1,350 for SC, ST, and PwBD categories and ₹2,700 for all other categories. This is a one-time fee and is non-refundable once paid.

**Selection of five preferred exam cities**
During registration, candidates must select five preferred cities for the examination. Exam centers will be allocated based on seat availability. If seats are unavailable in the chosen cities, the center will be allotted in the nearest available city. CAT 2026 will be conducted across approximately 170 exam cities.

**Selection process**
The exam results are likely to be declared in the first week of January 2027. Candidates will be able to download their scorecards from the official website. The CAT 2026 score will be valid until December 31, 2027. However, admission to IIMs will not be granted solely based on the CAT score; during the final selection process, the institutes will also consider educational records, work experience, interviews, and other prescribed criteria alongside the CAT score. Therefore, merely passing the exam does not guarantee admission.

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