How to Apply for CAT 2026 IIM Entrance

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.

Key Benefits

• IIM MBA admission
• Top B-schools (XLRI uses XAT, ISB uses GMAT)
• Average package ₹25-40 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

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