High spin states in 106Cd were populated by the reactions 94Zr( 17O, 5n) and 76Ge( 34S, 4n) at 80 MeV and at 148 MeV, respectively. The γ-decay was studied by γ-spectroscopic methods using the Nordball multi-detector array. Protons and α-particles were detected in particle detector system, thus selecting the neutron channel. The experiment included γ-ray yields, γγ-coincidences and γ-ray angular correlation measurements. Collective bands extending up to spin 26 ++, 20 − and 21 −, have been observed in 106Cd. A new lifetime of 11 +6 -3, ns for the 16 + state at 7118.7 keV has been found. Both total Routhian surfaces and spin diabatic surfaces have been calculated and used for assigning quasiparticle configurations to the bands. The (+, 0) band is assigned as a v h 2 11 2 configuration below I = 16 + and at higher spins suggested to be built on a πg 2 9 2 v h 2 11 2 configuration. The large hindrance observed for the decay from the 16 + state supports the latter assignment. With the alignment of the v h 2 11 2 pair the deformation is predicted to change from ( ϵ 2 γ) = (0.13,-2°) to (0.17,4°). The configuration of the negative parity bands is assigned as either a v h 1 11 2 d 1 5 2 or a v h 1 11 2 ( g 7 2 ⊗d 5 2 ) 1 , with ( ϵ 2, γ) = (0.14,9°).