CAT 2026 Exam Updates, Delhi MBA Colleges & Preparation Strategy
CAT 2026 Exam Updates, Delhi MBA Colleges & Preparation Strategy
Updated: 2026|Academically Reviewed by: Dr. Rajesh Verma, Ph.D. in Management Education, Senior Career Counselor with 15+ years of experience guiding students through IIM, XLRI, and top B-school admissions.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level management entrance examination used by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other business schools for admission to postgraduate management programmes. Candidates planning to pursue an MBA or PGDM in Delhi NCR can use their CAT scores to apply to participating institutions, subject to each institution’s admission policy.
CAT 2026 registration has closed, and the examination is scheduled for November 29, 2026. Candidates who successfully registered can use the application correction window until October 6, 2026, for permitted changes to their photograph, signature and test city preferences. The next major CAT 2026 milestones are the admit card release and the examination.
This guide covers the latest CAT 2026 updates, MBA colleges in Delhi NCR that consider CAT scores, admission factors, exam comparisons, and a practical preparation strategy.
Quick Facts: CAT 2026 & Delhi MBA Landscape
| Category | CAT 2026 Details |
|---|---|
| Registration | Closed |
| Registration Closing Date | September 22, 2026 |
| Correction Window | October 5–6, 2026 |
| Correction Deadline | October 6, 2026, 5 PM |
| Admit Card | November 4, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
The September 22 closing date and October 5–6 correction window are reflected in current CAT 2026 reporting.
CAT 2026 Registration & Key Dates
Important Timeline
- Registration Deadline:
September 15, 2026 - Admit Card Release: Late October 2026
- Exam Date: November 29, 2026 (Expected)
- Result Declaration: January 2027
How To Fill CAT 2026 Application Form?
Candidates can follow these steps to complete the CAT registration:
- Visit the official website, iimcat.ac.in.
- Click on New Candidate Registration.
- Enter the required basic details and complete OTP verification.
- Log in using the user ID and password received on the registered email ID.
- Fill in your Class 10, Class 12 and bachelor’s degree details.
- Add details of academic achievements, if required.
- Enter eligible full-time work experience completed up to July 31, 2026.
- Select the preferred IIM programmes and interview cities.
- Choose at least five test cities in order of preference.
- Upload the required documents, including a recent colour photograph and signature.
- Check all the details carefully.
- Pay the application fee through the available online payment options.
- Submit the form and save the confirmation page for future reference.
CAT 2026 Application Fee
The application fee for CAT 2026 is different for different categories:
- General category: Rs 2,700
- SC, ST and PwD candidates: Rs 1,350
Candidates can pay the fee online through UPI, credit card, debit card or net banking.
Candidates should check the complete application form carefully before submitting it. Once submitted, any mistake in the details could create problems later in the admission process.
CAT 2026 Exam: What Candidates Should Do Next
With registration closed, candidates who successfully submitted their applications should focus on the remaining examination stages.
1. Check the admit card announcement
Visit the official CAT website for the admit card release notice. Once the admit card becomes available, download it and check the candidate’s name, registration details, examination date, reporting time, test centre, and other instructions.
2. Review the examination pattern
Understand the sections, question formats, marking scheme, and time limits specified in the official CAT 2026 information. Practise both question-solving techniques and time management.
3. Take full-length mock tests
Attempt mock examinations under timed conditions. After each test, review incorrect answers, questions left unanswered, time spent per section, and topics that require additional practice.
4. Research MBA colleges
Prepare a list of institutions based on programme, fees, location, eligibility, admission criteria, and career goals. Remember that a CAT score alone does not guarantee admission.
CAT 2026 What to Do After Registration
CAT 2026 registration is now closed. Candidates who successfully completed registration should focus on the examination and preparation schedule. The correction facility is available until October 6, 2026 for permitted fields. The CAT 2026 examination is scheduled for November 29, 2026.
MBA Colleges in Delhi NCR Accepting CAT Scores
Delhi NCR includes New Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Greater Noida, and nearby areas. The region offers MBA and PGDM programmes through public institutions, universities, and private management schools.
The following institutions are worth researching if you plan to apply using a CAT score. Programme-specific eligibility and accepted entrance examinations can vary, so verify the current admission policy before applying.
| Institution | Location | Programme or area | What to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), University of Delhi | Delhi | MBA | CAT eligibility, selection criteria and fees |
| Management Development Institute (MDI) | Gurugram | PGDM and related management programmes | Programme-specific CAT requirements |
| Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) | Delhi | MBA programmes | Current admission route and eligibility |
| Department of Management Studies, IIT Delhi | New Delhi | MBA | CAT requirements and selection process |
| International Management Institute (IMI) | New Delhi | PGDM programmes | Accepted tests and programme eligibility |
| FORE School of Management | New Delhi | PGDM programmes | Accepted tests and selection criteria |
| Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM) | New Delhi | PGDM programmes | Programme-specific entrance requirements |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management | Noida | PGDM programmes | Accepted tests, fees and eligibility |
| University School of Management Studies, GGSIPU | Delhi | MBA | Current admission route and university rules |
This is a reference list, not a ranking. It does not imply that every programme listed uses CAT for every admission cycle. Check each institution’s official admission notice for the relevant academic year.
CAT vs XAT vs SNAP: Which Exams to Take?
CAT (Common Admission Test)
XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
Strategic Recommendation
Application Strategy & Preparation Tips
Frequently Asked Questions Of CAT Registration 2026
Q1: What is the last date to apply for CAT 2026?
Q2: Which is the best MBA college in Delhi with low fees?
Q3: Is SNAP easier than CAT?
Q4: Do I need to apply separately for IIMs after CAT?
Q5: What is the selection process for IIFT Delhi?
Q6: When will the CAT 2026 admit card be released?
A6: The CAT 2026 admit card is scheduled to be available from November 4, 2026, according to current published information.
