Is it really free? No hidden charges?

100% free. No in-app purchases, no subscriptions, no forced ads. Play immediately from the shared question bank — no setup needed. Optional extras stay optional: watch a rewarded ad only if you want +5 coins, and add your own free Gemini API key only if you want unlimited AI-generated questions.

What is a Gemini API key and do I need one?

You don't need one — the shared question bank works without it. A Gemini key is a free key from Google AI Studio that unlocks unlimited freshly generated AI questions tuned to your exam and branch. Takes 2 minutes, no billing: aistudio.google.com → Get API Key → Create → copy and paste.

Should I install from Google Play or the APK?

Both give you the same app — Aspirant Arcade is live on Google Play. Play Store is the easiest route: standard install, automatic updates. The direct APK is for anyone who prefers to skip the Play Store — it installs in 30 seconds after enabling 'Install unknown apps'. Don't want to install anything? The web version runs straight in your browser.

Which engineering branches are supported?

Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, Computer Science/IT, Electronics, Metallurgy, Mining and Petroleum. Questions generated specifically for your branch — not generic.

Will questions repeat across sessions?

No. The app tracks every question you've seen and tells Gemini to avoid them. Every session has fresh questions.

Does it work offline?

Partially. Bookmarked questions and insights are available offline. AI question generation needs internet to call the Gemini API.

Yes. Stored locally on your device using encrypted secure storage. Never sent to any server — not ours, not anyone's.

Which engineering exams are covered?

GATE, IES/ESE and PSU recruitment exams — HPCL, Coal India, BHEL, ONGC, NTPC, SAIL, IOCL, GAIL, BPCL and more. Interview Simulator available for exams with GD/PI rounds like HPCL, BHEL and IES.

Is Aspirant Arcade only for engineering exam aspirants?

No — engineering (GATE, IES, PSU) is one of five categories. It also covers entrance exams (JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET, CUET, BITSAT), govt exams (SSC, Banking, Police), college degrees (BCA, MCA, MBBS, Nursing, B.Pharm and more) and CBSE Class 9–12 boards. Pick your category on the home screen.

Does Aspirant Arcade cover SSC, Banking and Police exams?

Yes. SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD Constable and CPO, IBPS PO/Clerk, SBI PO/Clerk, UP Police Constable and Delhi Police Constable are all covered with free, section-wise gamified MCQ practice matching each exam's real syllabus, question count and marking scheme.

Is Aspirant Arcade a replacement for Testbook, Adda247, Physics Wallah or Unacademy?

No — it's a free companion, not a competitor. Platforms like Testbook, Adda247, Physics Wallah and Unacademy give you structured courses, live classes and full-length mocks. Aspirant Arcade adds a gamified practice layer on top: streaks, survival rounds, multiplayer challenges and AI interview drills that turn idle scroll time into extra MCQ reps between coaching sessions.

Which college degree exams are supported?

BCA, MCA, MBBS, BMLT/BMLS, BMRIT, BPT (Physiotherapy), B.Sc Nursing and B.Pharm — free subject-wise core practice authored from each degree's real university curriculum, with shared foundational subjects (like Anatomy and Physiology) reused across the medical degrees at the right difficulty band.

Do I need a Gemini API key to play?

No. You can play immediately from our shared question bank — no key or signup required. Adding a free Gemini key (Google AI Studio, 2 minutes, no billing) unlocks unlimited freshly generated questions every session.

How do coins and multiplayer challenges work?

You start with 100 coins, earn +50 per referral, and can watch an optional rewarded ad for +5. Spend 2 coins to unlock a question hint. For multiplayer, create a Synced Challenge lobby, share the invite code with up to 10 friends, and compete under a synchronized 5-minute timer for ranked trophy scorecards.

Focus Mode is an Android-only feature that catches you on Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts and makes you clear a few MCQs from your branch and syllabus before you can keep scrolling. You set the scroll limit and how many questions, and you can turn it off anytime. It turns doom-scrolling into drip-fed revision without quitting the app.

Does Focus Mode read my messages or spy on me?

No. It only checks which app is open and the screen name (Reels or Shorts) — like a sign on a door, not what's inside the room. It never reads your DMs, captions, comments or the videos themselves, and nothing leaves your phone. Questions are cached locally on your device.

Can I pay the CAT 2026 application fee offline?

No, the application fee must be paid online through the official portal during the registration process. There is no provision for offline payment.

What if I start my CAT 2026 registration but don't complete the payment by September 15?

Your registration will be considered incomplete and will not be accepted. The deadline applies to both the full form submission and the successful payment of the fee.

Can I change my test city preferences during the correction window?

Yes, test city preferences are typically among the details that can be modified during the application correction window, which is expected in the first week of October.

What documents should I keep ready before starting the CAT 2026 registration?

Ensure you have your academic certificates, personal details, and scanned copies of your photograph and signature ready for upload during the application process. Refer to the official notification for exact specifications and file formats.

Is there any possibility of the CAT 2026 registration deadline being extended?

While there have been extensions in previous years, IIM Indore has not announced any for CAT 2026. Candidates should treat September 15, 2026, as the final and absolute deadline.

CAT 2026 Registration Closes September 15: Key Dates and Application Details

What's Official: CAT 2026 Key Dates and Fees

The clock is ticking for MBA aspirants targeting CAT 2026. The registration window, managed by IIM Indore this year, is set to close definitively on September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. This is a critical deadline that demands immediate action from all prospective candidates. The Common Admission Test is scheduled for November 29, 2026, a Sunday, providing ample time for rigorous preparation once your application is secured.

It is imperative that all aspiring candidates complete their registration on the official portal, iimcat.ac.in, well in advance of the closing time to avoid last-minute complications.

Tip

Do not wait until the final hours on September 15. Technical glitches or payment gateway issues can arise unexpectedly, jeopardizing your application.

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CAT 2026 Key Dates at a Glance

Regarding the application fee, General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates are required to pay ₹2,700. For SC, ST, and PwD (PwBD) candidates, the fee is ₹1,350. This represents an increase of ₹100 from the previous year. The payment must be made online as part of the application process.

▸Notification released: July 26, 2026
▸Registration opened: August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM)
▸Registration last date: September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM)
▸Correction window: Expected in the first week of October 2026
▸Admit card: Expected in early November 2026 (around November 4)
▸CAT 2026 exam: November 29, 2026 (Sunday)
▸Result: Expected in late December 2026

Understanding the Critical CAT 2026 Deadline

The September 15, 5:00 PM cutoff is more than just a date; it signifies the absolute completion of your application. A crucial point often overlooked by candidates is that registration is deemed complete only after you have meticulously filled every section of the application form AND successfully paid the requisite fee. Simply creating your login credentials in August does not constitute a completed registration.

An incomplete or unpaid form, even if partially filled, will be treated as if no registration was made at all. Once the portal closes, no new registrations or fee payments will be processed under any circumstances. Therefore, securing both form submission and payment well before the deadline is non-negotiable.

Aspirants frequently inquire about the possibility of an extension to the registration deadline. As of now, IIM Indore has made no announcement regarding any extension. While some past CAT cycles have seen a brief extension, there is no guarantee for this year. There is typically no provision for late-fee submissions or manual applications for those who miss the official deadline. Candidates should consider September 15 as the absolute final date and plan their application accordingly.

Eligibility at a Glance for CAT 2026

To be eligible for CAT 2026, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree with at least 50% aggregate marks. A relaxation is provided for reserved categories, requiring a minimum of 45% aggregate marks. Importantly, students currently in their final year of graduation are also fully eligible to register and apply for CAT 2026, provided they meet the degree requirements by the time of admission.

CAT 2026 Exam Structure and Test Cities

The CAT 2026 examination will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode on November 29, 2026. The exam will be administered in three distinct sessions across approximately 170 test cities nationwide. During the application process, candidates are required to select their preferred test cities.

It is vital to list genuine preferences, as the final exam city allotment is based on seat availability and the choices made. While the context provides high-level details, the comprehensive breakdown of sections, number of questions, and specific time limits will be detailed in the official CAT 2026 notification.

Step-by-Step Guide to Register for CAT 2026

Registering for CAT 2026 is a straightforward process if you follow the steps diligently. Ensure you have all necessary documents and information ready before you begin to streamline the application.

Tip

Gather all academic records, personal details, and scanned copies of your photograph and signature before starting the registration to ensure a smooth process.

How to Register for CAT 2026

▸Visit the official website: Go to iimcat.ac.in.
▸Initiate New Registration: Select 'New Candidate Registration' on the CAT 2026 homepage.
▸Enter Personal Details: Provide your name, date of birth, country, and email address accurately.
▸Generate & Verify OTP: Click 'Generate OTP' and complete the mobile/email verification process.
▸Log In to Portal: Use your new credentials to log in to the candidate portal.
▸Fill Application Form: Complete all sections of the detailed application form.
▸Upload Documents & Pay Fee: Upload the required information and documents, then proceed to pay the application fee through one of the available online methods.
▸Submit & Save: Submit the completed form and make sure to save or print the confirmation page for your records.

CAT 2026 Application Correction Window: What to Expect

After the registration window closes, IIM Indore is expected to provide a limited application correction window. This facility is typically active for three to four days, likely in the first week of October. Crucially, this correction window is only available for candidates who have successfully registered and paid their application fee by the September 15 deadline.

During this period, eligible applicants can modify specific details such as their photograph, signature, and test-city preferences. It is important to note that this facility will not be extended to those who failed to complete their registration and payment by the stipulated deadline.

Why Your CAT 2026 Application is Pivotal

CAT is undoubtedly India's most competitive and widely accepted MBA entrance examination. A strong CAT score is your gateway not only to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) but also to over 1,000 other highly reputable management institutes and B-schools across the country for MBA and PGDM admissions.

Understanding the weight of this examination, aspirants must start their preparation with unwavering focus. To truly excel in CAT, consistent practice is non-negotiable. Aspirant Arcade offers a vast array of topic-wise drills and full-length mock tests, designed to simulate the real exam environment and help you fine-tune your strategy, ensuring you are thoroughly prepared for every section. The September 15 deadline is not merely an administrative cut-off; it is a critical step towards securing your future in management education.