MBA
Aug 26, 2026
CAT 2026: IIM Calcutta Opens Registration; Significant Increase in Exam Centers Noted
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Rajesh Iyer
Aug 26, 2026
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The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta, the coordinating body for CAT 2026, has officially opened the online registration window for one of India's most prestigious management entrance exams. As of August 26, 2026, thousands of candidates have already logged onto the official portal to begin their application process. Professor Rajesh Iyer, the CAT 2026 Convenor, stated that the logistical framework has been significantly upgraded this year to ensure a seamless experience for the projected 3.5 lakh applicants.
One of the most notable changes this year is the expansion of the exam's geographical footprint. In an effort to make the exam more accessible to rural and semi-urban students, the NTA and IIM consortium have added 45 new test cities, particularly in the North-Eastern states and the aspirational districts of Central India. This move is expected to reduce the travel burden on students who previously had to commute long distances to Tier-1 cities.
The eligibility criteria remain largely unchanged, requiring a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in a Bachelor’s degree. However, the authorities have clarified the guidelines for final-year students, ensuring that those awaiting results can also apply provided they submit their certificates by the stipulated deadline in 2027. The exam pattern is expected to follow the three-slot format, comprising Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
Experts suggest that the competition this year will be particularly fierce due to a surge in working professionals seeking to upskill in the post-AI economic landscape. Several coaching institutes have noted a 20% rise in enrollments for their weekend batches. Aspirants are advised to keep their academic transcripts, category certificates, and digital signatures ready before starting the application to avoid last-minute technical glitches. The registration window is scheduled to close on September 25, 2026, and the exam is slated for November 29, 2026.
One of the most notable changes this year is the expansion of the exam's geographical footprint. In an effort to make the exam more accessible to rural and semi-urban students, the NTA and IIM consortium have added 45 new test cities, particularly in the North-Eastern states and the aspirational districts of Central India. This move is expected to reduce the travel burden on students who previously had to commute long distances to Tier-1 cities.
The eligibility criteria remain largely unchanged, requiring a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in a Bachelor’s degree. However, the authorities have clarified the guidelines for final-year students, ensuring that those awaiting results can also apply provided they submit their certificates by the stipulated deadline in 2027. The exam pattern is expected to follow the three-slot format, comprising Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
Experts suggest that the competition this year will be particularly fierce due to a surge in working professionals seeking to upskill in the post-AI economic landscape. Several coaching institutes have noted a 20% rise in enrollments for their weekend batches. Aspirants are advised to keep their academic transcripts, category certificates, and digital signatures ready before starting the application to avoid last-minute technical glitches. The registration window is scheduled to close on September 25, 2026, and the exam is slated for November 29, 2026.