CAT 2026 FAQs 2026

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.