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How to Apply for CAT 2026 IIM Entrance
Apply for CAT - IIM MBA entrance test. 1 of toughest exams. ~3 lakh applicants.
๐ Education
โฑ๏ธ 30-45 mins
๐ฐ โน1100-2200
Visit Official Portal โ
About This Guide
Common Admission Test (CAT) for MBA admission to 21 IIMs and 1500+ B-schools. Conducted by IIMs rotationally in November. ~3 lakh applicants for ~5,000 IIM seats. Online CBT 2 hours: VARC, DILR, QA. Negative marking -1/3. Score percentile-based. Top 99+ percentile for IIM Ahmedabad/Bangalore/Calcutta. Apply at iimcat.ac.in.
Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor's degree min 50% (45% SC/ST/PwD)
- Final year students eligible
- No age limit
- Any nationality
- SC/ST/OBC/PwD reservation in IIMs
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before starting application. Missing documents = delayed approval.
- 10th, 12th, Graduation certificates
- Aadhaar
- Photo (recent)
- Signature image
- Category certificate
- PwD certificate
- Work experience certificates (optional)
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps in order. Each step is critical - skip none.
Visit Portal
iimcat.ac.in.
New Registration
Personal details. Get User ID.
Login & Fill
Educational, work experience, category.
Choose Test Cities
5-6 cities priority.
Upload Photo + Signature
Strict specs.
Pay Fee
โน2200 Gen/OBC, โน1100 SC/ST/PwD.
Admit Card
2 weeks before exam (Nov).
Result
4-5 weeks. Percentile released.
Apply IIMs Separately
Each IIM has cutoffs + WAT/PI rounds.
Key Benefits
- IIM MBA admission
- Top B-schools (XLRI uses XAT, ISB uses GMAT)
- Average package โน25-40 lakh post-MBA
- Lifetime IIM brand value
- Network of IIM alumni
- International exposure
- Strategic management roles
What Happens After Application?
Percentile released. IIMs shortlist based on cutoffs (98+ for IIM ABC). WAT (Written Ability Test) + PI (Personal Interview). Final selection: CAT + Acads + WAT + PI + Diversity (gender/work-ex).
Frequently Asked Questions
Cutoff for IIM ABC?
IIM-A: 99+. IIM-B: 99+. IIM-C: 99+. New IIMs: 90-95. Tier 2 B-schools: 85+ enough.
CAT vs XAT vs GMAT?
CAT: IIMs primary (95% take). XAT: XLRI + few IIMs. GMAT: International + ISB. Take all 3 if serious about MBA.