CAT 2026: Exam Date, Notification, Syllabus, Pattern, Registration, Eligibility & Preparation Strategy
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CAT 2026: Common Admission Test
It is believed that the The CAT-2026 (Common Admission Test) is one of the most significant MBA entrance tests in India. It is conducted annually at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) the CAT is the main entry point to MBA and PGDM programs provided by IIMs as well as greater than 1,600 B-schools of top quality across the country..
According to the past patterns and analysis of exam cycles, CAT 2026 is expected to be held on the 29th of November 2026. Although the official announcement is expected to be issued within the month of July in 2026 candidates who want to sit for CAT should start their preparations early to be ahead of the other applicants.
Every year, close to 3 lakh applicants are enrolled in the CAT exam, which makes it not only highly competitive but it is also among the most difficult management entrance exams to be taken in India. This article will get complete and up-to-date information on the CAT exam date of 2026 and eligibility requirements, the registration process and syllabus, exam pattern as well as exam tips, admit card answer key, results as well as IIM cutting-offs.
What is CAT Exam?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level online aptitude examination conducted for admission to MBA and management programmes in India. The exam is designed to evaluate a candidate’s overall aptitude and problem-solving skills.
The CAT exam primarily assesses candidates in the following three sections:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
CAT scores are accepted by all Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and many top private MBA colleges across the country. Based on CAT performance, candidates are shortlisted for further selection rounds such as Personal Interview (PI), Written Ability Test (WAT), and Group Discussion (GD).
CAT 2026 Exam Highlights
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | One of the top 6 IIMs (on a rotational basis) |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Sections | 3 |
| Total Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Accepted By | 21 IIMs + 1600+ MBA Colleges |
Related CAT Resources & Guides
- For complete details about the CAT exam, eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern and updates, visit our main exam page: CAT Exam Complete Guide
- Aspirants preparing for previous or upcoming attempts can also check our detailed guide on: CAT 2025 Complete Guide
- To improve your performance with smart strategies and digital tools, read: Effective CAT Preparation Online Tips
- After checking your expected percentile, explore the list of institutes accepting CAT scores: Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT
CAT 2026 Exam Date & Important Schedule
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted once every year on a single day in three slots across multiple test centres spread throughout India.
CAT 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 Notification | July 2026 |
| Registration Begins | First Week of August 2026 |
| Registration Ends | Third Week of September 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | First Week of November 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | 29 November 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | December 2026 (2–3 days after exam) |
| Result Declaration | Second / Third Week of December 2026 |
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for CAT 2026, candidates must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria prescribed by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD categories) from a recognised institution.
- Candidates appearing in the final year of graduation or those awaiting their results are also eligible to apply.
- Candidates possessing professional qualifications such as CA, CS, or CMA (ICWAI) are eligible to apply.
Age Limit
There is no age limit for appearing in the CAT examination.
CAT 2026 Application Fee
- General / EWS / NC-OBC: ₹2600
- SC / ST / PwD: ₹1300
The application fee can be paid online using credit card, debit card, or net banking.
CAT 2026 Syllabus (Section-wise)
The CAT syllabus is not officially prescribed by the IIMs, but it has remained largely consistent over the years. The examination evaluates a candidate’s conceptual clarity, logical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.
1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Reading Comprehension passages
- Para Jumbles
- Para Completion
- Para Summary
- Odd Sentence Out
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts
- Caselets
- Seating Arrangement
- Blood Relations & Family Tree
- Clocks & Calendars
- Syllogism
- Coding-Decoding
- Venn Diagrams
3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Arithmetic (Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, Percentages)
- Algebra
- Geometry & Mensuration
- Number System
- Trigonometry
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The CAT examination is designed to assess a candidate’s accuracy, speed, and time management skills through a computer-based test.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Sections | 3 |
| Total Questions | 68 |
| Total Marks | 204 |
| Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Sectional Time Limit | 40 Minutes |
| Question Type | MCQs & TITA |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect MCQ |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking for TITA questions |
CAT 2026 Preparation Strategy & Tips
Preparing for CAT requires a minimum of 8–9 months of consistent effort. Aspirants are advised to start their preparation by January or February 2026 to build strong fundamentals and improve problem-solving skills gradually.
Smart Preparation Tips
- Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly
- Identify your strong and weak areas early
- Start with basic concepts and gradually move to advanced-level questions
- Read editorials, novels, and articles daily to improve VARC skills
- Practice previous year CAT question papers regularly
- Attempt mock tests frequently and analyse your performance
- Focus on accuracy first, then work on improving speed
Daily Study Plan
- Study for 6–8 hours daily with proper breaks
- Divide study time equally among VARC, DILR, and QA
- Revise important formulas and concepts on a weekly basis
CAT 2026 Admit Card
The CAT 2026 admit card is expected to be released approximately 15 days before the examination. Candidates must download and carry the admit card to the exam centre, as entry without it will not be permitted.
Steps to Download CAT 2026 Admit Card
- Visit the official CAT website: iimcat.ac.in
- Log in using your CAT ID and password
- Click on the “Admit Card Download” link
- Download and take a printout of the hall ticket
The CAT admit card contains important details such as the exam date, exam slot, test centre address, and candidate’s personal information.
CAT 2026 Answer Key & Response Sheet
The official CAT 2026 answer key and response sheet are expected to be released within 2–3 days after the examination. Candidates can access both by logging in to the official CAT website.
Candidates Can:
- Check correct answers using the official answer key
- Calculate their expected CAT score based on responses
- Raise objections to any answer by paying a nominal objection fee
The objection window usually remains open for a limited period, after which the final answer key is released before the declaration of results.
CAT 2026 Result & Scorecard
The CAT 2026 result is expected to be announced in December 2026. Candidates can download their scorecards from the official CAT website using their login credentials.
How to Download CAT 2026 Result
- Visit the official CAT website
- Log in using your registered credentials
- Click on the “Scorecard Download” link
- Download and save the PDF for future reference
The CAT scorecard displays the candidate’s sectional percentile, overall percentile, and scaled scores, which are used by IIMs and other MBA colleges for shortlisting candidates.
Final Words
CAT 2026 is not just an entrance examination, but a journey that demands discipline, consistency, and smart planning. With the right preparation strategy, quality practice, and regular mock test analysis, achieving a high percentile in CAT is absolutely possible.
If you are serious about securing admission to a top IIM or a reputed MBA college, start your preparation early, stay focused on your goals, and trust the process. Consistent efforts over time will surely lead to success.
CAT 2026 FAQs
When will CAT 2026 be conducted?
CAT 2026 is expected to be conducted on 29 November 2026. The official confirmation will be released along with the CAT 2026 notification in July. As per previous trends, the exam is usually held on the last Sunday of November.
When will registration for CAT 2026 begin?
The CAT 2026 registration process is expected to begin in the first week of August 2026. Candidates can apply online through the official CAT website.
What is the eligibility criteria for CAT 2026?
Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD categories). Final-year graduation students are also eligible to apply for CAT 2026.
What is the syllabus for CAT 2026?
The CAT 2026 syllabus consists of three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The syllabus is expected to remain similar to previous years.
What is the exam pattern for CAT 2026?
CAT 2026 will be a computer-based test with 3 sections, 68 questions, and a total duration of 120 minutes. Both MCQ and TITA-type questions will be included, with a sectional time limit of 40 minutes.
What is the application fee for CAT 2026?
The expected application fee for CAT 2026 is ₹2600 for General/EWS/NC-OBC candidates and ₹1300 for SC/ST/PwD candidates. Payment can be made using credit card, debit card, or net banking.
Is there negative marking in CAT exam?
Yes, CAT has negative marking for MCQ questions. One mark is deducted for each incorrect MCQ answer. However, there is no negative marking for TITA questions.
How much time is required to prepare for CAT 2026?
Ideally, 8–9 months of consistent preparation is sufficient to score well in CAT 2026. Candidates who start early and take regular mock tests have a higher chance of achieving a good percentile.
When will CAT 2026 result be declared?
The CAT 2026 result is expected to be announced in December 2026, most likely in the second or third week. Candidates can download their scorecards from the official CAT website.
Which colleges accept CAT scores?
CAT scores are accepted by all 21 IIMs and more than 1,600 MBA colleges across India, including top private business schools and universities.
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