CAT 2026: Exam Date, Admit Card, Result & Latest Updates

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of India's most important national-level entrance examinations for candidates seeking admission to MBA and other postgraduate management programmes. The examination is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis.

CAT 2026 is being conducted by IIM Indore. The computer-based examination is scheduled for 29 November 2026 in three sessions across India. CAT scores are used for admission to management programmes at IIMs and many other participating business schools.

Candidates preparing for CAT 2026 should understand the examination pattern, eligibility requirements, syllabus, marking scheme and admission process. Registered candidates should also keep track of the upcoming admit card release.

CAT 2026: Overview

CAT 2026 Important Dates

Candidates should note the following dates for CAT 2026.

The registration deadline was extended from 15 September to 22 September 2026. The application and fee-payment windows have now closed. Candidates who successfully registered should visit the official website for admit card and examination updates.

What Is the Common Admission Test (CAT)?

The Common Admission Test is a national-level entrance examination used by the IIMs to shortlist candidates for their management programmes. It is also accepted by numerous other business schools in India.

The examination evaluates a candidate's reading comprehension, verbal ability, logical reasoning, data interpretation and quantitative aptitude.

A good CAT percentile can help candidates compete for admission to leading management institutions. However, qualifying CAT does not automatically guarantee admission. Each participating institute follows its own selection policy, which may consider CAT performance, academic records, work experience, written assessments, interviews and other factors.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates should check the official eligibility requirements before applying.

Educational Qualification

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a university or institution recognised by the applicable authority.

The general minimum marks requirement is:

• General, EWS and other applicable categories: 50% marks or equivalent CGPA.

• SC, ST and PwD candidates: 45% marks or equivalent CGPA.

Candidates in the final year of their bachelor's degree or awaiting their results may also apply, subject to the conditions specified in the CAT 2026 information bulletin.

Age Limit

There is no upper age limit for appearing in CAT.

Number of Attempts

There is no fixed limit on the number of times a candidate can appear for CAT, provided the candidate satisfies the eligibility conditions applicable to that examination.

CAT 2026 Application Fee

The CAT 2026 registration fee was as follows:

The registration fee was payable online. It is non-refundable under the prescribed conditions.

Application status: The registration process for CAT 2026 is closed. Candidates should not rely on third-party websites claiming that fresh registrations are available unless an official announcement confirms a new application window.

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

CAT is a computer-based examination consisting of three sections. The total examination duration is 120 minutes.

Candidates receive a separate time limit for each section and cannot switch between sections during the examination.

The exact number of questions and their distribution may vary. Candidates should consult the official CAT mock test and examination instructions for the latest interface and question format.

CAT Marking Scheme

The examination generally follows this marking scheme:

• Correct answer: +3 marks.

• Incorrect MCQ answer: −1 mark.

• Incorrect non-MCQ or type-in-the-answer response: No negative marking.

• Unattempted question: No marks awarded or deducted.

Candidates should read the examination instructions carefully before beginning the test.

CAT 2026 Syllabus

CAT does not prescribe a rigid, exhaustive chapter-by-chapter syllabus. However, the following topics are commonly covered in preparation materials and previous examination papers.

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Important topics include:

• Reading Comprehension

• Para Jumbles

• Para Summary

• Odd Sentence Out

• Sentence Placement

• Verbal Reasoning

• Understanding the central idea of a passage

• Author's tone, inference and argument structure

Candidates should practise reading passages from diverse subjects and focus on accuracy, comprehension and time management.

2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Important topics include:

• Tables and Charts

• Bar Graphs and Line Graphs

• Pie Charts

• Caselets

• Data Sufficiency

• Seating Arrangements

• Puzzles

• Selection and Distribution

• Scheduling

• Games and Tournaments

• Logical Conditions

• Routes and Networks

Regular practice is essential because DILR questions often require candidates to organise information and identify efficient solution methods.

3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

Important topics include:

• Arithmetic

• Percentages

• Profit and Loss

• Simple and Compound Interest

• Ratio and Proportion

• Averages

• Time, Speed and Distance

• Time and Work

• Algebra

• Geometry and Mensuration

• Number Systems

• Permutation and Combination

• Probability

• Set Theory

Candidates should strengthen their fundamentals and practise timed questions rather than relying only on memorisation.

CAT 2026 Admit Card

The CAT 2026 admit card is scheduled for release on 4 November 2026.

Registered candidates should follow these steps to download their hall tickets:

1. Visit the official CAT website: https://iimcat.ac.in/

2. Open the CAT 2026 candidate login page.

3. Enter the required registration credentials.

4. Locate the admit card download option.

5. Download and print the admit card.

6. Check the examination date, session, centre address and candidate details carefully.

Candidates should follow all instructions printed on their admit cards and carry the prescribed identity documents to the examination centre.

CAT 2026 Exam Date and Sessions

CAT 2026 will be conducted on Sunday, 29 November 2026, in three sessions.

The exact session and examination centre will be assigned to registered candidates. Candidates should follow the reporting time and instructions mentioned on their admit cards.

Arriving at the centre late, carrying prohibited items or failing to produce the required documents may lead to difficulties in appearing for the examination.

CAT 2026 Admission Process

CAT is an entrance examination, not a direct admission guarantee. The admission process generally involves the following stages:

1. CAT Examination: Candidates appear for the computer-based test.

2. Result and Percentile: The examination authority releases CAT results.

3. Shortlisting: Participating institutions shortlist candidates under their respective admission policies.

4. Written Assessment or Other Evaluation: Some institutions may conduct a written ability test or another assessment.

5. Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.

6. Final Merit List: Institutions evaluate candidates using their prescribed selection criteria.

7. Admission Offer: Selected candidates complete the admission formalities.

Each IIM has its own admission policy. Candidates should check the individual institute's website for weightage assigned to CAT scores, academic performance, work experience and interview performance.

Top Colleges Accepting CAT Scores

CAT scores are used by the IIMs and several other management institutions. Examples include:

• Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad

• Indian Institute of Management Bangalore

• Indian Institute of Management Calcutta

• Indian Institute of Management Lucknow

• Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode

• Indian Institute of Management Indore

• Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi

• Management Development Institute, Gurugram

• SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai

• Indian Institute of Technology management departments that accept CAT scores

Eligibility, programme availability, cut-offs and selection processes vary by institution. Candidates should verify the admission requirements of their preferred colleges.

CAT 2026 Preparation Tips

Candidates preparing for CAT should follow a structured study plan.

Build conceptual clarity: Strengthen arithmetic, algebra, grammar-related understanding, reading comprehension and logical reasoning fundamentals.

Practise sectional tests: Take regular VARC, DILR and QA tests to identify weak areas.

Attempt mock examinations: Practise full-length mock tests under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.

Analyse mistakes: Review incorrect answers and identify whether errors occurred due to conceptual gaps, calculation mistakes or poor time management.

Improve reading habits: Read editorials, essays and analytical articles to develop comprehension skills and reading speed.

Develop time-management strategies: Learn when to attempt a question and when to move on to avoid wasting time on difficult problems.

Revise consistently: Maintain a record of formulas, recurring mistakes and important concepts for regular revision.

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the CAT 2026 exam date?

CAT 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on 29 November 2026.

2. When will the CAT 2026 admit card be released?

The admit card is scheduled to be available from 4 November 2026 through the official CAT website.

3. Is CAT 2026 registration still open?

No. Registration closed on 22 September 2026, and the extended fee-payment deadline was 24 September 2026.

4. What is the minimum graduation percentage required for CAT?

The general requirement is 50% marks or equivalent CGPA, reduced to 45% for SC, ST and PwD candidates, subject to the official eligibility rules.

5. How many sections are there in CAT?

CAT has three sections: VARC, DILR and Quantitative Ability.

6. What is the duration of CAT 2026?

The examination duration is 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allotted to each section.

7. Is CAT compulsory for MBA admission?

CAT is used by the IIMs and many other business schools. However, some institutions accept other entrance examinations, so candidates should check the admission requirements of their preferred colleges.

8. Does a high CAT percentile guarantee admission to an IIM?

No. Each IIM follows its own admission criteria and may consider academic performance, interview performance, work experience and other factors in addition to CAT scores.

Conclusion

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is an important entrance examination for graduates planning to pursue an MBA or another management programme at leading business schools in India.

CAT 2026 will be held on 29 November 2026, and the admit card is scheduled for release on 4 November 2026. Candidates who have already registered should download their admit cards when available, verify their examination details and continue practising the three sections of the test.

For the latest updates, examination instructions and official announcements, candidates should regularly visit the CAT website at https://iimcat.ac.in/.

Disclaimer: Examination dates, eligibility requirements, fees and admission policies should be verified against the official CAT 2026 information bulletin and the respective institution's admission policy.