Q1. What is the educational eligibility for IIM CAT Admission 2026?

You must hold a bachelor degree in any stream from a recognised university. General, OBC and EWS applicants need at least 50% aggregate marks. SC, ST and PwD applicants need 45% aggregate marks. There is no subject restriction, so arts, science, commerce and engineering graduates all qualify. Always check the information bulletin for the exact marks rule of your target programme.

Q2. Can final year graduation students apply for CAT 2026?

Yes, final year students can apply. You simply need to be in the last year of your bachelor degree at the time of registration. If you get shortlisted, the institute will ask for your passing certificate and final marksheet later. Failing to produce those papers leads to cancellation of your candidature.

Q3. Is there any age limit for CAT 2026?

There is no minimum age and no maximum age for this exam. IIMs do not use age as a filter at any stage. A graduate of any age can register and appear for the test. Because there is no upper age cap, no age relaxation slabs apply to any category.

Q4. What is the CAT 2026 exam pattern and does negative marking apply?

The paper has 68 questions from VARC, DILR and Quantitative Ability. Total time is 120 minutes, with 40 minutes locked for each section. MCQs give 3 marks for a right answer and cut 1 mark for a wrong one. TITA questions carry no negative marking, so typing the answer carries no penalty risk.

Q5. What is the CAT 2026 application fee and who gets a concession?

General, OBC and EWS candidates pay Rs 2700 as the application fee. SC, ST and PH candidates pay a reduced fee of Rs 1350. The fee can be paid online through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI, Wallet, or E Challan. Your registration stays incomplete until the payment is confirmed by IIM Indore.

Q6. Can I correct mistakes in my submitted CAT 2026 form?

IIM Indore usually opens a short correction window a few weeks after registration closes. During that window you can edit limited fields such as test city preferences or some personal details. Category and programme choices often stay locked. Watch iimcat.ac.in closely for the exact correction dates before the window shuts.

Q7. When will the CAT 2026 admit card be released?

The admit card download link goes live on 04 November 2026. You can print it until the exam day, which is 29 November 2026. Carry a printed copy along with a valid photo identity proof to the test centre. Entry is refused without a proper admit card, so print it early.

Q8. Which documents are needed for CAT registration and later admission rounds?

Keep your Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets, bachelor degree marksheets, final degree certificate and category certificate ready. PwD applicants need a valid disability certificate. You also need a scanned photograph, signature and a photo identity proof like Aadhaar or PAN. Work experience letters help if you declare any job history in the form.

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IIM Indian Institute of Management IIM

IIM CAT 2026 Admission - Apply Online for MBA / PhD Programmes at 22 IIMs

CAT 2026 is the national entrance test for MBA and PGDM seats at all 22 IIMs and many top B schools. IIM Indore is conducting the exam this year. Registration opened on 3 August 2026 and closed on 22 September 2026 at 5 PM. Fee payment was extended to 24 September 2026. General, OBC and EWS candidates pay Rs 2700. SC, ST and PH candidates pay Rs 1350. You need a bachelor degree in any stream with 50% marks. SC and ST applicants need 45% marks. There is no age limit for CAT. The exam will be held on 29 November 2026 in three slots. You will face 68 questions from VARC, DILR and Quant in 120 minutes. Every wrong MCQ answer cuts one mark. Admit cards go live on 4 November 2026. Results arrive in January 2027. Apply online at iimcat.ac.in.

By Sarkari King Team

Updated: 15 September 2026 | 01:54 PM

⏱️ 8 min read

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Programme Name	Total Seats	Eligibility & Qualification Details
Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP / MBA)	Various	Bachelor degree in any stream from a recognised university or institute. Minimum 50% aggregate marks for General, OBC and EWS applicants. SC, ST and PwD applicants need at least 45% aggregate marks. Final year graduation students can also apply. Such candidates must submit their passing proof later. No prior work experience is needed for the flagship two year MBA programme.
Fellow Programme in Management (FPM / PhD)	Various	A master degree holder in any discipline can apply for the doctoral programme. Bachelor degree holders with a professional qualification like CA, CS, ICWA, or CFA are also eligible. Four year bachelor degree holders with strong academic records get considered at most IIMs. The exact marks rule differs from one IIM to another. Always read that institute brochure. FPM applicants must also clear the institute interview and research proposal round.
MBA / PGDM Seats at Non IIM B Schools	Various	Over a thousand private and government B schools accept CAT scores for admission. Each college sets its own cut off, group discussion and interview process. Your CAT 2026 score card stays valid for one full year from the result date. You must apply separately to every college you wish to join.

IIM CAT 2026 Admission - Apply Online for MBA / PhD Programmes at 22 IIMs

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