CAT 2026 Helpdesk and Official Information Sources

The CAT 2026 Helpdesk and official information sources allow candidates to receive accurate updates and resolve problems related to registration, fee payment, eligibility, admit cards, test centres and scorecards.

According to the official CAT 2026 Information Bulletin, the Common Admission Test will be conducted on Sunday, November 29, 2026, in three sessions. Candidates should rely primarily on the official CAT website and the designated helpdesk instead of unverified social media posts or third-party claims.

CAT 2026 Official Information Sources

The official CAT website is the main source for all examination-related announcements. The CAT 2026 Information Bulletin lists the following official information channels:

• Official CAT website: iimcat.ac.in

• CAT Helpdesk Number: 1800 210 0175

• Individual IIM websites for programme-specific admission policies

• Registered email address and mobile number for candidate communication

Candidates must maintain a valid and unique email account and mobile phone number throughout the CAT selection process. These details may be used for registration communication, admit card information, result notifications and other important updates.

CAT 2026 Helpdesk Number

The official CAT 2026 Helpdesk Number is 1800 210 0175. Candidates can use this support channel when they face genuine issues with the examination portal or registration process.

You may contact the helpdesk for problems such as:

• Difficulty creating a CAT account

• Problems receiving registration OTPs

• Login or password-related issues

• Errors while completing the application form

• Photograph or certificate upload failures

• Fee payment or transaction-related concerns

• Application status discrepancies

• Problems downloading the admit card

• Difficulty accessing the CAT scorecard

Before contacting the helpdesk, keep your registered details and evidence of the problem ready.

Details to Keep Ready Before Contacting the Helpdesk

Providing complete information can help the support team understand and resolve your issue faster. Keep the following details ready:

• Candidate’s full registered name

• CAT User ID

• Registered email address

• Registered mobile number

• Date of birth

• Payment transaction ID

• Payment receipt or bank confirmation

• Screenshot of the error message

• Date and approximate time when the issue occurred

• Brief description of the problem

Avoid sharing your password, banking PIN, OTP or other confidential information with anyone claiming to represent the CAT authorities.

CAT 2026 Registration Dates

Candidates must follow the dates given in the official Information Bulletin.

Candidates can download their admit cards from November 4 until the examination date. CAT 2026 will be conducted at centres across approximately 170 test cities.

Programme and Admission Information Sources

CAT is used for admission to multiple postgraduate and doctoral programmes offered by participating IIMs. However, each IIM independently determines its:

• Academic eligibility requirements

• CAT cut-offs

• Shortlisting criteria

• Relative weight assigned to CAT scores

• Weight given to academic performance

• Work-experience criteria

• Interview and final-selection process

Therefore, candidates should visit each IIM's official website and read its programme advertisement and admission policy. 

Meeting CAT eligibility criteria only makes a candidate eligible to appear for the examination. Admission to IIMs depends on institute-specific eligibility conditions, CAT score, academic performance, work experience, Written Ability Test (if applicable), Personal Interview, and final selection criteria. 

How to Identify Genuine CAT Information

Follow these checks to avoid misinformation:

• Confirm that the website domain is iimcat.ac.in.

• Verify dates against the official Information Bulletin.

• Check individual IIM websites for admission policies.

• Do not trust unofficial registration links.

• Avoid sharing login credentials with coaching agents or unknown persons.

• Save copies of official notices and payment receipts.

• Regularly check your registered email and mobile messages.

• Contact the official helpdesk when portal-related issues remain unresolved.

Common Mistakes Candidates Should Avoid

Candidates should avoid:

• Depending entirely on social media updates

• Calling unofficial “CAT support” numbers

• Waiting until the last registration day to report an issue

• Entering an inactive email address or mobile number

• Paying the application fee through unofficial links

• Ignoring programme-specific eligibility requirements

• Assuming that every IIM follows the same admission process

• Deleting application or payment records

The official bulletin warns that incorrect information or process violations detected at any stage may result in immediate disqualification.

The CAT 2026 Helpdesk and official information sources should be your primary reference throughout the application and admission process. Use iimcat.ac.in for registration, notices, admit cards and scorecards, and contact 1800 210 0175 for genuine support issues. You should also review the admission policies published by individual IIMs because eligibility, shortlisting and selection criteria can differ across institutes.