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Last updated: April 20, 2026
Millions of students in India pass the graduate exam every year. Many dream of joining the corporate world to build a career and earn significant money by reaching top positions. An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is now an attractive choice for fulfilling this ambition. While many institutes offer MBAs, the CAT exam conducted by IIM holds the highest importance in India. About 2.5 lakh students take this exam annually, making it tough. To pass, students need consistent study.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based examination organized by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM). IIM students study Business Management and Business Administration programs to build careers in this field.
What is IIM?
IIM stands for the Indian Institute of Management. It organizes the CAT entrance exam for selecting students for its MBA programs. The CAT score is not only valid for IIMs but is also recognized by many other management schools.
Eligibility for CAT Exam
Students must possess a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized university. There is no fixed maximum age limit. Students in their final year or awaiting results are also eligible for CAT 2026.
Reservation:
- Scheduled Caste candidates: 15%
- Scheduled Tribes: 7.5%
- OBC: 27%
- Persons with Disabilities: 3%
CAT 2026 Online Registration
Candidates must apply online as there is no offline registration mode. The application will be available online in the second week of August.
How to apply for CAT?
- Go to CAT's official website: https://iimcat.ac.in
- Enter original details and register. Login details will be sent via email.
- Fill in all necessary details like name, address, and qualifications.
- Upload passport-size photographs, signatures, and other scanned documents.
- Pay registration charges only through online payment methods.
- Get a printout of your application to show at the examination center.
The Application Fee for CAT 2026
- General / NC-OBC candidates: Rs. 1700/-
- SC/ST/PWD candidates: Rs. 850/-
Fee payment can be made via debit/credit card or net banking only.
CAT Exam Syllabus
The examination paper is based on the topics mentioned above. The CAT course varies each year, so there is no definite pattern. There can be four types of questions: Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability and English, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability (Mathematics).
CAT 2018 had three sections:
- Section I: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension