The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the portal to India’s top Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other best B-schools. It evaluates applicants on Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning. Familiarity with the timeline and fulfilling eligibility are pivotal to a successful application.
This guide summarizes the CAT 2026 exam dates, eligibility standards, application schedules, and other important information to keep your preparation orderly.
CAT 2025 Exam Schedule – Key Dates
| Event | Tentative Date |
| Official Notification Release | Last Week of July 2025 |
| Registration Start Date | 1st Week of August 2025 |
| Registration Deadline | 3rd or 4th Week of September 2025 |
| Form Correction Window | September – October 2025 (1 week) |
| Admit Card Release | 3rd Week of October 2025 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | 30th November 2025 (Tentative – Sunday) |
| Answer Key Release | 1st Week of December 2025 |
| Result Declaration | 1st Week of January 2026 |
Tip: Keep a copy of your registration confirmation and admit card for future reference during admissions.
CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Criteria |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) |
| Final Year Students | Eligible; must submit required proof by the admission deadline |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
| Nationality | Indian nationals and NRIs eligible |
| Work Experience | Not mandatory; beneficial during the interview/admission rounds |
Eligibility Highlights – Quick Facts
- Backlogs: Candidates with backlogs in their undergraduate degree are still eligible to apply.
- Foreign Nationals: May need to appear for GMAT instead of CAT (depending on institute policy).
- Documents Needed: Recent photo, signature, category/PwD certificate (if applicable), academic documents.
Admission Through CAT – What Comes After the Exam?
| Stage | Process |
| Written Exam (CAT) | Computer-based test (Verbal, Quant, DILR) |
| Score Normalization | Based on difficulty across shifts |
| Shortlisting by IIMs | Based on CAT score, academic profile, etc. |
| WAT-GD-PI Rounds | Conducted individually by each IIM |
| Final Selection | Composite score: CAT + academics + experience |
FAQs – CAT 2025 Eligibility & Schedule
- Is CAT held online or offline?
CAT is conducted online (Computer-Based Test) in multiple shifts. - Is there a limit to the number of CAT attempts?
No, you can appear for CAT multiple times. - Can I apply for CAT in the final year of graduation?
Yes, but you must submit proof of graduation during admission. - Will CAT be conducted in regional languages?
No, CAT is conducted only in English. - Are IIMs the only colleges accepting CAT?
No. Apart from IIMs, FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR, IMT, IITs, and many top B-schools accept CAT scores.
Conclusion
Knowing the CAT 2026 schedule and eligibility is the beginning to mapping your MBA path. Ensure that you apply early, fulfill all eligibility criteria, and set a goal-oriented study plan to begin preparing. The journey to IIMs begins with an informed application and prompt action.
Next Steps:Want a CAT 2026 Preparation Timeline or Strategy Guide? I can create that too—just let me know!
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