All about CAT 2026 Exam

One of the most well-known and competitive management admission tests in India is the Common Admission Test (CAT). According to the announcement made on July 26, 2026, this year's test is scheduled for November 29, 2026, under the guidance of IIM Indore. The registration period will start on August 3, 2026, and end on September 15, 2026.

Each year, thousands of candidates vie for admission to the esteemed Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other elite business schools. Those who wish to pursue an MBA or PGDM must take the CAT.

Candidates' competency in several areas, such as verbal ability, logical reasoning, quantitative ability, and data interpretation, is assessed by the CAT. The test is intended to assess a person's analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.

No changes in syllabus, exam pattern, and eligibility criteria were suggested by IIM Indore – the official body representing the CAT 2026 exam this year. Last year, it was IIM Kozhikode.

CAT 2026 Application fee has increased by INR 100 and INR 50 compared to last year, bringing new fees to INR 2700 for General students and INR 1350 for SC/ST/PwD students.

We offer a thorough overview of the CAT 2026 exam in this post, emphasizing key information such as the registration window, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, and key dates.

 

Important Points of the CAT 2026 Exam

Below is an overview of all the crucial information from the notification released on July 26, 2026:

 

Feature	Details
Exam Name	Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026
Conducted By	IIM Indore
Mode of Exam	Computer-Based (Online)
Notification	July 26, 2026
Date of Exam	Sunday, November 29, 2026
Number of Test Cities	170+
Exam Duration	120 minutes (40 minutes/section)
Official Website	iimcat.ac.in
Application Fee (Gen/EWS/OBC)	₹2,700
Application Fee (SC/ST/PwD)	₹1,350

 

CAT 2026 Key Dates

To make sure you don't miss any deadlines, it's essential to keep track of the significant dates for CAT 2026. The CAT 2026 important dates are listed below:

 

Event	Dates (Tentative)
CAT 2026 Notification Release	July 26, 2026
CAT 2026 Registration Start Date	August 3, 2026
CAT 2026 Registration Last Date	September 15, 2026
Application Form Correction Window	4th Week of September 2026
CAT 2026 Admit Card Release Date	November 4, 2026
CAT 2026 Exam Date	November 29, 2026 (Sunday)
CAT 2026 Answer Key Release	Second Week of December 2026 (Tentative)
CAT 2026 Result Date	Last Week of December 2026 (Tentative)

 

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

To make sure you fulfil all the requirements, it is crucial to comprehend the CAT 2026 eligibility standards. The specific qualifying requirements are as follows:

 

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree: Applicants must hold a 3-year bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum Marks: The bachelor's degree must have a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for those who are SC, ST, or PwD).
• Last-Year Students: Applications are also accepted from students who are in their last year of an undergraduate degree. They must turn in their final grades and finish their degree before the start of the academic year.

 

Age Restrictions

• There is no maximum age to participate in CAT.

 

Work Experience

Even though taking the CAT is not necessary, many IIMs and esteemed business schools may consider work experience throughout the selection process.

 

Nationality

Both overseas applicants and Indian nationals are eligible to take the CAT. Foreign applicants may need to fulfil certain visa and qualification requirements, and their eligibility requirements vary.

 

How Can I Sign Up for CAT 2026?

The CAT 2026 registration procedure is simple, but it's important to pay close attention to the instructions. Here's how to register for the test step-by-step:

 

Step 1: Go to the official website

Visiting the official CAT website (https://iimcat.ac.in) is the initial step. To prevent fraudulent activity, make sure you are on the right website.

 

Step 2: Make an Account

In order to register, new users must provide a working email address and mobile number. Throughout the application process, this account will be used to log in.

 

Step 3: Enter Personal Information

After logging in, provide your personal information, such as your name, contact details, and educational background. Verify that all of the information is correct and corresponds with the papers you plan to submit.

 

Step 4: Add Documents

Upload scanned copies of your signature, a current passport-sized photo, and any other required documents, including diplomas.

• A recent passport-sized picture
• Signature scanned
• PwD/category certifications (if applicable)
• Certificate of final year (if still in school)

 

Step 5: Select Exam Locations

Choose any one exam centre out of 400+ cities that is most convenient to you.

 

Step 6: Cover the Application Cost

You can use net banking or debit/credit cards to pay the application cost online. The cost is non-refundable and may only be paid online.

 

Step 7: Send in the application

Verify your application once you've finished all the stages before submitting it. After submitting it, print the confirmation page for your records.

 

Documents Needed for Registration

Make sure these documents are prepared before beginning the registration process:

• A scanned copy of your passport-sized picture
• Your signature, scanned
• Class 10, 12, and graduation mark sheets
• SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS category certificate—in the format specified
• PwD certificate, if relevant
• If you are presently enrolled in college, your final year certificate

 

CAT 2026 Application Fees Structure

The CAT exam fee is raised by INR 100 and 50 for General and SC/ST/PwD candidates, respectively, bringing the new fees to a total of INR 2700 and INR 1350.

Depending on your category, the breakdown of the new fees is as follows:

 

Category	CAT Application Fee
General, EWS, OBC	₹2,700
SC, ST, PwD	₹1,350

 

CAT Exam Pattern 2026

For your preparation, the CAT 2026 exam pattern is essential. This year, IIM Indore has introduced no new changes in the exam pattern compared to last year. The exam pattern is broken down as follows:

 

Test Mode

• Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
• Number of Sections: 3
• Total Number of Questions: 68 questions

 

Sections and Distribution of Marks

There are three sections of the test, each with a different set of questions:

 

Section Names	Number of MCQs	Number of Non-MCQs	Total Questions	Total Marks	Cut-Offs
VARC - Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension	21	3	24	72	75-85
DILR - Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning	16	6	22	66	75-85
QA - Quantitative Ability	14	8	22	66	70-85
Total Questions	51	17	68	204	85-90

 

Marking Scheme of the CAT Exam

 

CAT Exam Negative Marking

Every correct response will earn you a +3 mark. MCQs have a -1 deduction for each incorrect answer. No deductions for answering non-MCQs

 

CAT 2026 Syllabus

VARC, DILR, and QA are the three sections that make up the CAT test. Over time, the CAT 2026 syllabus has essentially not changed.

 

Syllabus	Topics
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension	Fill in the Blanks, Verbal Logic, Para Jumbles, Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Sentence Completion, Jumbled Paragraphs, Different Use of the Same Word, Syllogisms, Parts of Speech
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning	Venn Diagram, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Binary Logic, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Tables, Bars and Line Graphs, Puzzles, Family Tree, Assumptions, Pie Charts, Seating Arrangements, Data Sufficiency, Clocks and Calendars
Quantitative Aptitude	Mean, Mode, Median, Binomial Theorem, Geometry, Ratios and Proportion, Work and Time, Algebra, Percentages, Mensuration, Time, Speed and Distance, Square Root and Cube Root, Number System, Simple and Compound Interest, Geometric Progression, Surds and Indices

 

CAT Admit Card 2026

The CAT 2026 admit card will be distributed on November 4, 2026, as per the latest notification. To download the hall pass, follow these steps:

• Go to the official website for the CAT exam.
• Select the section where candidates can log in.
• Enter your password and CAT 2026 user ID.
• To save your admission card, click the download icon.

 

CAT 2026 Answer Key

Within two to three days following the test, the official CAT answer key and response sheet for the CAT exam 2026 will be made accessible. To get to them:

• Visit the official CAT website.
• Select "Candidate Login."
• Enter your password and user ID.
• After choosing the answer sheet option, download it.

 

CAT 2026 Result

The third week of December 2026 is probably when the CAT 2026 scorecard and results will be made public. To download your results, follow these steps:

• Go to the official website.
• Click the link to get the scorecard.
• Enter your password and user ID to log in.
• View and obtain your scorecard for CAT 2026.

 

CAT 2026 Preparation Tips

Check out the tips below for CAT 2026 Preparation :

• Recognize the syllabus: Gaining a good understanding of the curriculum is the first stage in getting ready for the CAT Exam. Prioritize your areas of weakness and concentrate on the main points of each section.
• Effective Time Management: Since the CAT is a time-bound test, time management is essential. To improve your speed and accuracy, practice answering timed practice questions and mock exams.
• Mock Exams: You may better manage your time, become acquainted with the format of the exam, and evaluate your strengths and shortcomings by taking practice exams on a regular basis.
• Continue to Be Consistent: The secret is to be consistent. Create a study schedule, follow it, and make sure you cover all the required material with sufficient review.