CAT 2026 Application Fee Increased; Know What Else Has Changed This Year

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore has released the CAT 2026 notification, announcing a hike in the application fee along with a few other important updates for MBA aspirants. Know all details below.

CAT 2026 Application Fee Increased; Know What Else Has Changed This Year

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 registration process will begin on August 3 at 10 AM and continue till September 15 (5 PM) through the official website, iimcat.ac.in. The CAT 2026 exam will be held on November 29 in three slots across the country.

One of the biggest changes this year is the increase in the registration fee.

• Candidates belonging to the General, EWS and NC-OBC categories will now have to pay INR 2,700, up from INR 2,600 last year.
• The application fee for SC, ST and PwD candidates has also been revised to INR 1,350 from INR 1,300. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online while submitting the application form.

CAT 2026: Are There Any Other Changes?

No major changes have been made to the exam this year compared to last year. However, besides the fee revision, candidates should take note of the following updates:

• Conducting institute: CAT 2026 will be conducted by IIM Indore.
• Registration dates announced: Online applications will be accepted from August 3 to September 15.
• Admit card release date: November 4
• Exam cities: The exam will be held across 170+ cities.
• Exam date confirmed: CAT 2026 will be conducted on November 29 in three slots.
• CAT 2026 result: The CAT results are likely to be declared by the First week of January 2027. The CAT 2026 score is valid only till December 31, 2027
• Official website launched: Candidates can complete the application process through iimcat.ac.in.
• Official brochure available: The brochure clearly states that "No subsequent changes will be effective for CAT 2026 and any subsequent selection process of the IIMs."
• No major change in exam pattern: The notification does not announce any changes to the exam pattern or syllabus.

LIVE Now: CAT 2026 Notification (OUT); Registration Begins on (Aug 3)

Who Can Apply - CAT Eligibility 2026?

Candidates who have completed a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST and PwD candidates) are eligible to apply. Final-year undergraduate students can also register, provided they fulfil the eligibility requirements at the time of admission.