Common Admission Test (CAT)

CAT 2026 Latest Updates

The CAT 2026 examination is scheduled for November 29, 2026. IIM Indore is conducting this year's examination. Candidates who have registered successfully should keep checking the official website for admit card, mock test, examination and result updates.

Latest CAT 2026 Updates

Important Information for Candidates

• CAT 2026 registration is closed.

• Candidates should download their admit cards from the official website when available.

• The examination will be conducted in three sessions.

• Candidates should check their allotted examination centre and reporting time.

• The answer key and response sheet release dates are yet to be announced.

• The result is expected in the first week of January 2027.

For accurate and updated information, candidates should regularly visit the official CAT website.

CAT 2026 – Common Admission Test

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is a national-level management entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It is one of the most popular entrance exams for students who want to pursue an MBA or other postgraduate management programmes from leading business schools in India.

CAT 2026 is being conducted by IIM Indore. The examination will take place in computer-based mode across approximately 170 test cities in three sessions. CAT scores are accepted by the IIMs and several other management institutes for admission to their MBA and related programmes.

CAT 2026 Highlights

CAT is an important entrance examination for students planning to study management at reputed institutions. However, clearing CAT does not automatically guarantee admission. Each institute follows its own shortlisting and selection process.

CAT 2026 Registration Dates

CAT 2026 Application Fee

The CAT application fee is non-refundable. Candidates were required to pay the fee online while submitting their application. The fee was payable only once, regardless of the number of IIM programmes selected.

CAT 2026 Registration Process

CAT 2026 registration was conducted online through the official website. Registration started on August 3, 2026, and the extended deadline was September 22, 2026. The fee payment deadline was September 24, 2026.

Official Website: https://iimcat.ac.in

How to Register for CAT 2026

Step 1: Visit the official CAT website.

Step 2: Register using a valid email address and mobile number.

Step 3: Log in using your registered user ID and password.

Step 4: Enter your personal details and contact information.

Step 5: Fill in your academic qualifications and work experience, if applicable.

Step 6: Select the IIM programmes you want to apply for.

Step 7: Choose five preferred examination cities.

Step 8: Upload your photograph, signature and required certificates.

Step 9: Pay the application fee using an available online payment method.

Step 10: Submit the application form and save the confirmation page.

Note: CAT 2026 registration is closed. Registered candidates should visit the official website for examination updates.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements specified by the Indian Institutes of Management to appear for CAT 2026. The basic requirement is a recognised bachelor's degree with the minimum qualifying marks.

Educational Qualification

Other Eligibility Requirements

• Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognised university or educational institution.

• Students appearing in the final year of their graduation can also apply.

• Candidates whose graduation results are awaited can apply, subject to the prescribed conditions.

• Candidates with professional qualifications such as CA, CS, CMA (ICWA) or FIAI may also be eligible if they meet the required criteria.

• There is no upper age limit for appearing in CAT.

• Candidates can take CAT multiple times, provided they meet the eligibility requirements for that examination year.

Important Points for Final-Year Students

Students who are currently pursuing their final year of graduation can appear for CAT 2026. However, they must complete their degree requirements and submit the necessary university or institution certificate within the timeline specified by the admission institute.

Meeting the CAT eligibility criteria only allows candidates to appear for the examination. Each IIM and other participating college may have additional admission requirements.

CAT 2026 Application Form

The CAT 2026 application form was available online at iimcat.ac.in. Candidates were required to register, enter their personal and academic details, upload the necessary documents, select their preferred test cities and pay the application fee.

The application process for CAT 2026 is now closed.

Documents Required for CAT 2026 Application Form

Candidates were advised to keep the following documents and details ready while filling out the application form:

1. Recent Photograph: A recent passport-size photograph in the format and size specified in the CAT application instructions.

2. Scanned Signature: A clear scanned image of the candidate's signature.

3. Class 10 Marksheet: Required for entering secondary school academic details.

4. Class 12 Marksheet: Required for entering higher secondary school details.

5. Graduation Marksheet or Certificate: Details of the bachelor's degree, university, subjects and marks.

6. Category Certificate: SC, ST, NC-OBC or EWS certificate, if applicable.

7. PwD Certificate: Required for candidates applying under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities category, if applicable.

8. Work Experience Details: Employment information and experience duration, if applicable.

9. Valid Email Address and Mobile Number: Required for registration and official communication.

10. Payment Details: A suitable online payment method for completing the registration fee payment.

Steps to Fill the CAT 2026 Application Form

1. Open the official CAT website.

2. Register using your email address and mobile number.

3. Log in to the candidate account.

4. Fill in personal information such as name, date of birth and contact details.

5. Enter academic details for Class 10, Class 12 and graduation.

6. Add work experience details, if applicable.

7. Select the IIM programmes you wish to apply for.

8. Choose five preferred test cities.

9. Upload your photograph, signature and applicable certificates.

10. Pay the application fee and submit the form.

11. Download and save the application confirmation page.

Candidates should carefully check all details before submission. Incorrect information or missing documents may create problems during the admission process.

Note: The application correction window for CAT 2026 was open on October 5 and 6, 2026. Only permitted fields, including photograph, signature and test city preferences, could be edited during this period.

CAT 2026 Important Exam Dates

The CAT 2026 examination schedule has been announced by IIM Indore. Candidates should keep track of the admit card download period, examination date and expected result announcement.

The CAT 2026 examination will be conducted in three sessions on the same day. Candidates should check their admit cards for their individual examination slot, reporting time and test centre address.

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

The CAT 2026 examination will be conducted in computer-based mode. The test evaluates candidates on three major areas: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights

CAT 2026 Sections

Important Exam Pattern Details

• Candidates must complete each section within its allotted 40 minutes.

• Candidates cannot move freely between sections once the sectional timer starts.

• The paper includes multiple-choice questions and non-MCQ questions, also known as Type In The Answer (TITA).

• Correct answers generally carry three marks.

• Incorrect MCQ answers attract a negative marking of one mark.

• TITA questions do not have negative marking.

• The exact number of questions and section-wise distribution should be checked in the official CAT 2026 instructions.

CAT tests a candidate's reading, reasoning, problem-solving and mathematical skills. Good time management and accuracy are important for achieving a high percentile.

CAT 2026 Syllabus

The CAT 2026 syllabus covers three major sections: VARC, DILR and Quantitative Ability. The examination checks a candidate's understanding of English, logical thinking, data analysis and mathematical concepts.

The official examination does not prescribe a fixed exhaustive topic-wise syllabus. However, candidates can prepare using the commonly tested topics listed below.

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

This section tests a candidate's reading, vocabulary and language skills.

Important topics include:

• Reading Comprehension

• Para Jumbles

• Para Summary

• Odd Sentence Out

• Sentence Completion

• Paragraph Completion

• Verbal Reasoning

• Vocabulary and Contextual Meaning

• Critical Reading

2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

This section checks how well candidates understand data and solve logical problems.

Important topics include:

• Tables and Charts

• Bar Graphs

• Line Graphs

• Pie Charts

• Caselets

• Data Comparison

• Seating Arrangements

• Puzzles

• Blood Relations

• Coding and Decoding

• Direction Sense

• Scheduling and Grouping

• Logical Games

• Venn Diagrams

3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

This section tests mathematical understanding and problem-solving ability.

Important topics include:

• Number System

• Arithmetic

• Percentages

• Profit and Loss

• Simple and Compound Interest

• Ratio and Proportion

• Averages

• Time, Speed and Distance

• Time and Work

• Algebra

• Linear and Quadratic Equations

• Geometry

• Mensuration

• Permutation and Combination

• Probability

• Set Theory

Candidates should understand the basic concepts of each topic and practise different types of questions. Regular mock tests and previous-year papers can help students understand the difficulty level and question style.

CAT 2026 Preparation Tips

Preparing for CAT requires regular practice, a clear understanding of concepts and good time management. Since the examination covers three different sections, candidates should prepare for each section separately while also practising full-length mock tests.

1. Understand the CAT Exam Pattern

Start by understanding the three sections, marking scheme, sectional time limits and question types. This will help you plan your preparation.

2. Build Strong Basic Concepts

Focus on basic mathematics, English comprehension and logical reasoning. Strong fundamentals make it easier to solve difficult questions.

3. Practise Reading Every Day

Read newspapers, editorials, articles and other informative content. This can improve reading speed, vocabulary and comprehension skills.

4. Improve Quantitative Ability

Practise arithmetic, algebra, geometry and number system questions. Start with basic questions and gradually move towards advanced problems.

5. Practise Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

Solve different types of puzzles, charts, tables and logical reasoning sets. Try to understand the information before attempting the questions.

6. Attempt Mock Tests Regularly

Mock tests help you understand the examination environment and improve your time management. Analyse your performance after every test.

7. Focus on Accuracy

Avoid guessing answers without proper calculation or reasoning, especially in multiple-choice questions where negative marking applies.

8. Revise Important Topics

Keep revising formulas, shortcuts, vocabulary and concepts. Regular revision helps improve confidence and reduces mistakes.

9. Work on Weak Areas

Check your mock test performance and identify the topics where you make repeated mistakes. Spend additional time improving those areas.

10. Maintain a Consistent Study Routine

Prepare a realistic study timetable and follow it regularly. Consistency and proper revision are more useful than studying randomly for long hours.

CAT 2026 Exam Centres

CAT 2026 will be conducted at examination centres across approximately 170 test cities in India. Candidates were required to select five preferred test cities while filling out the application form.

The examination authority allots one test city based on the candidate's preferences and the availability of seats. If none of the preferred cities is available, another nearby city may be allotted.

Important Points About CAT 2026 Exam Centres

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

• Candidates can check their allotted test city and centre address on the admit card.

• The examination centre cannot be selected after the final allotment.

• Candidates should visit their allotted centre before the examination day, if possible.

• Reporting time and other instructions will be mentioned on the admit card.

• Candidates must carry their printed admit card and accepted original photo ID.

How to Check the CAT 2026 Exam Centre

1. Visit the official CAT website.

2. Log in using your registered user ID and password.

3. Open the admit card download section.

4. Download the CAT 2026 admit card.

5. Check the examination centre address, reporting time and session details.

Candidates should carefully read all exam-day instructions before visiting the examination centre.

CAT 2026 Question Papers

CAT question papers are useful study resources for candidates preparing for management entrance examinations. Practising previous-year CAT papers helps students understand the question format, difficulty level and types of questions asked in the examination.

CAT question papers generally cover three sections: VARC, DILR and Quantitative Ability.

Benefits of Solving CAT Previous-Year Question Papers

• Helps understand the examination pattern.

• Provides an idea of the difficulty level.

• Improves speed and accuracy.

• Helps identify strong and weak topics.

• Improves time management.

• Builds confidence before the actual examination.

How to Prepare Using CAT Question Papers

1. Start by solving papers from previous CAT examination years.

2. Attempt each paper within the prescribed time limit.

3. Check your answers and calculate your score.

4. Analyse incorrect answers and understand the mistakes.

5. Revise topics where you face difficulty.

6. Practise similar questions to improve accuracy.

Candidates should use reliable CAT preparation material and official mock tests wherever available. Since CAT is a computer-based examination, practising online tests can also help candidates become familiar with the exam interface.

CAT 2026 Admit Card Release Date

The CAT 2026 admit card is scheduled to be released on November 4, 2026. Candidates who have successfully completed their registration can download the admit card from the official CAT website using their login credentials.

The admit card is an important document because it contains the candidate's examination details and is required for entry into the examination centre.

CAT 2026 Admit Card Details

Details Mentioned on the CAT 2026 Admit Card

• Candidate's name

• CAT registration number

• Photograph and signature

• Examination date

• Examination session and reporting time

• Test centre name and address

• Important examination-day instructions

How to Download the CAT 2026 Admit Card

1. Visit iimcat.ac.in.

2. Click on the candidate login option.

3. Enter your user ID and password.

4. Open the admit card section.

5. Download the CAT 2026 admit card.

6. Check all the details carefully.

7. Take a clear printout for the examination day.

Documents Required on Exam Day

Candidates should carry a printed copy of their CAT 2026 admit card and an original, valid photo identity proof accepted under the official examination instructions.

If there is any mistake in the admit card, candidates should contact the CAT helpdesk immediately. They should not wait until the examination day to report an error.

CAT 2026 Expected Cut Off

The CAT cut off is the minimum score or percentile required by a management institute for shortlisting candidates for the next stage of its admission process. Every IIM and participating business school follows its own admission policy and cut-off criteria.

The CAT 2026 cut-off will depend on several factors, including the difficulty level of the examination, number of candidates, available seats and admission policies of individual institutes.

Factors Affecting CAT 2026 Cut Off

• Difficulty level of the CAT examination

• Total number of candidates appearing for the exam

• Number of available seats

• Previous-year cut-off trends

• Candidate category

• Academic performance and other selection criteria

Important Points About CAT Cut Off

• Each IIM may have a different overall and sectional cut-off.

• Meeting the minimum cut-off does not guarantee an interview call.

• Institutes may consider academic records, work experience, diversity and other selection parameters.

• Final admission depends on the institute's complete selection process.

• Official CAT 2026 admission cut-offs will be available through individual institute admission policies.

Candidates should check the admission pages of their preferred IIMs and business schools for the latest cut-off and shortlisting requirements.

CAT 2026 Result Date

The CAT 2026 result is expected to be announced in the first week of January 2027. Candidates will be able to check their results and download their scorecards from the official CAT website.

The CAT scorecard will provide details of the candidate's performance in the examination, including sectional and overall scores and percentiles.

CAT 2026 Result Highlights

How to Check the CAT 2026 Result

1. Visit the official CAT website at iimcat.ac.in.

2. Log in using your CAT user ID and password.

3. Find the result or scorecard section.

4. Open the CAT 2026 scorecard.

5. Download and save the scorecard for future admission processes.

Details Mentioned on the CAT Scorecard

• Candidate's name and registration number

• Overall scaled score

• Overall percentile

• Section-wise scaled scores

• Section-wise percentiles

After the result declaration, candidates can use their CAT scores to apply for or participate in the admission processes of IIMs and other participating business schools, according to each institute's admission policy.

Candidates should remember that the CAT result alone does not confirm admission. Shortlisting and final selection depend on the admission criteria of individual institutes.

Q1. What is CAT 2026?

CAT 2026 stands for Common Admission Test 2026. It is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management for admission to MBA and other management programmes.

Q2. When will CAT 2026 be conducted?

CAT 2026 is scheduled for November 29, 2026. The examination will be conducted in three sessions across India.

Q3. Who is conducting CAT 2026?

IIM Indore is conducting CAT 2026 on behalf of the Indian Institutes of Management.

Q4. What is the CAT 2026 registration fee?

The registration fee was Rs. 2700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates and Rs. 1350 for SC, ST and PwD candidates.

Q5. What is the eligibility criteria for CAT 2026?

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree with at least 50 percent marks or an equivalent CGPA. SC, ST and PwD candidates need at least 45 percent marks. Final-year graduation students can also apply, subject to the prescribed conditions.

Q6. When will the CAT 2026 admit card be released?

The CAT 2026 admit card is scheduled to be released on November 4, 2026. Candidates can download it from the official CAT website using their login credentials.

Q7. How can I download the CAT 2026 admit card?

Visit iimcat.ac.in and log in using your registered user ID and password. Open the admit card section, download the document and print a copy for the examination day.

Q8. What is the duration of the CAT 2026 examination?

The CAT 2026 examination will last 120 minutes. Each of the three sections has a separate time limit of 40 minutes.

Q9. What are the three sections of CAT 2026?

The three sections are Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.

Q10. Is there negative marking in CAT 2026?

Yes. Incorrect multiple-choice answers generally attract a penalty of one mark. Non-MCQ questions do not have negative marking.

Q11. How many cities will host CAT 2026?

CAT 2026 is scheduled to be conducted in approximately 170 test cities across India. Candidates selected five preferred cities during registration.

Q12. When will the CAT 2026 result be declared?

The CAT 2026 result is expected in the first week of January 2027. Candidates can check their results on the official website after the announcement.

Q13. How long is the CAT 2026 score valid?

The CAT 2026 score is intended for the 2027 admission cycle. Candidates should check the official CAT notification for the applicable score validity period.

Q14. Can final-year graduation students appear for CAT 2026?

Yes. Final-year graduation students can appear for CAT 2026 if they meet the prescribed eligibility requirements.

Q15. Is CAT 2026 conducted online or offline?

CAT 2026 is a computer-based examination. Candidates must take the test at their allotted examination centre.

Q16. Does qualifying CAT 2026 guarantee admission to an IIM?

No. Qualifying CAT does not guarantee admission. Each IIM follows its own selection process and may consider CAT scores, academic performance, work experience and interview performance.

Q17. What is the official website for CAT 2026?

The official website is https://iimcat.ac.in. Candidates can use it to access examination updates and download their admit cards when available.

Q18. Can I appear for CAT more than once?

Yes. Candidates can appear for CAT in different years if they meet the eligibility requirements. There is no fixed lifetime attempt limit.