CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Check Who Can Apply as Registration Opens August 3

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria : The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 registration process will begin on August 3, allowing thousands of MBA hopefuls across India to apply for admission to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other renowned business schools. However, before filling out the application form, candidates should carefully check the CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria to ensure they meet all of the requirements and avoid any problems during the admissions process.

On November 29, 2026, IIM Indore will hold three sessions of the CAT 2026 examination at test centers in over 170 locations. The online application window will commence at 10:00 AM on August 3 and finish at 5:00 PM on September 15. Candidates can register on the official CAT website.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply for the MBA Entrance Exam?

According to the official announcement, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least 50% grades or an equivalent CGPA. Candidates from the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) groups must obtain a minimum of 45% marks or an equivalent grade.

Students in their last year of a bachelor’s degree or awaiting final results are also eligible to apply. Candidates offered admission, however, will only be awarded provisional admission until they produce a certificate from their university’s Principal or Registrar stating that they have fulfilled all academic requirements for their degree by the time established by the particular IIM.

Candidates having professional qualifications such as CA, CS, ICWA/FIAI, or any other government-accredited equivalent qualification are also eligible if they meet the academic requirements. There is no upper age limit for taking the CAT examination, making it appropriate for both recent graduates and working people seeking admission to MBA schools.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Important Points Before Registration

Before submitting the application, candidates should double-check their academic information and supporting papers. Candidature cancellation may occur at any point of the admission procedure if false educational information is provided or if the statutory eligibility standards are not met.

This year, the CAT 2026 examination pattern will not change. The test will continue to evaluate applicants in Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).

Candidates should be aware that the CAT 2026 registration fee has been doubled. General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates must pay ₹2,700, while SC, ST, and PwD candidates pay ₹1,350. To minimize last-minute technological challenges, applicants should finish the registration process well in advance of the deadline.

The CAT is one of India’s most competitive MBA entrance exams, attracting lakhs of candidates each year for admission to IIMs and other top management colleges. A high CAT score can considerably increase a candidate’s chances of being admitted to a top business school and pursuing a successful management career.

With registration beginning on August 3, experts advise hopefuls to establish their eligibility, prepare the necessary documents, and begin their preparation as soon as feasible. Completing the application by the September 15 deadline can help applicants avoid avoidable delays and focus solely on exam study.