CAT is India’s most competitive MBA entrance exam, accepted by IIMs and leading business schools across the country. This guide covers CAT 2026 exam dates, registration process, eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, marking scheme, preparation strategy, score validity, selection process, and top MBA colleges accepting CAT scores.
CAT 2026: Registration, Exam Date, Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern, Cut-Offs & Preparation
Table of Contents
- What is CAT?
- CAT 2026 Key Dates and Highlights
- CAT 2026 Exam Registration Process
- CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- CAT 2026 Application Fee
- CAT Exam 2026 Exam Pattern and Structure
- CAT 2026 Syllabus
- CAT 2026 Marking Scheme
- CAT 2026 Exam Score Validity
- CAT 2026 Selection Process
- Top Colleges Accepting CAT Scores
- CAT Exam 2026 Preparation Strategy
- CAT 2026 Preparation Timeline
- CAT 2026 Exam Expected Cut-Offs
- Common Mistakes to Avoid in CAT Preparation
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is CAT?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s most competitive MBA entrance exam and the mandatory gateway for admission into the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It is conducted annually on a rotational basis by one of the older IIMs. CAT 2026 is expected to be conducted by IIM Indore.
Beyond the IIMs, CAT scores are accepted by several leading MBA and PGDM colleges across India, making it one of the most important management entrance examinations for aspiring business leaders.
CAT 2026 Key Dates and Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
| Conducting Body | IIM Indore (2026) |
| Exam Date | Sunday, November 29, 2026 |
| Notification Release | July 2026 (Expected) |
| Registration Start | August 2026 (Expected) |
| Registration End | September 2026 (Expected) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Exam Slots | Morning: 8:30 to 10:30 AM / Afternoon: 12:30 to 2:30 PM / Evening: 4:30 to 6:30 PM |
| Total Questions | Around 68 (Expected) |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
| Result Declaration | December 2026 (Expected) |
CAT 2026 Exam Registration Process
Candidates can register for CAT 2026 on the official CAT website once registration opens.
Steps to Register
- Visit the official CAT website.
- Create a new account using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in personal, academic, and category details.
- Upload a photograph, signature, and supporting documents.
- Select preferred test cities.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the application form.
- Download and save the confirmation page for future reference.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To appear for CAT 2026, candidates must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
- Have at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for reserved categories).
- Final-year undergraduate students may also apply.
- There is no upper age limit for appearing in CAT.
CAT 2026 Application Fee*
| Category | Expected Fee |
| General/EWS/OBC | INR 2,600 |
| SC/ST/PwD | INR 1,300 |
*The application fee may be subject to revision upon release of the official CAT Exam 2026 notification.
CAT Exam 2026 Exam Pattern and Structure
CAT Exam consists of three sections:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Reading Comprehension
- Para Jumbles
- Para Summary
- Verbal Reasoning
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Data Interpretation Sets
- Logical Reasoning Puzzles
- Charts and Tables
- Arrangements
Quantitative Ability (QA)
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Number Systems
- Modern Mathematics
The CAT exam is conducted in a single two-hour session with sectional time limits.
CAT 2026 Syllabus
VARC
- Reading Comprehension
- Para Jumbles
- Para Summary
- Odd One Out
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Critical Reasoning
DILR
- Tables
- Pie Charts
- Bar Graphs
- Line Graphs
- Caselets
- Seating Arrangements
- Venn Diagrams
- Games and Tournaments
- Logical Puzzles
QA
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Number Systems
- Probability
- Permutation and Combination
- Time, Speed and Distance
- Profit and Loss
CAT 2026 Marking Scheme
The CAT Exam marking scheme generally follows:
- +3 marks for every correct answer
- -1 mark for every incorrect MCQ answer
- No negative marking for TITA (Type in the Answer) questions
Accuracy is crucial because incorrect MCQ responses incur penalties.
CAT Exam 2026 Score Validity
CAT scores are generally valid for only one admission cycle. CAT 2026 scores will be used primarily for MBA and PGDM admissions in the 2027–29 academic session.
CAT 2026 Selection Process
After the CAT results are declared, participating institutes shortlist candidates based on the CAT Exam percentile and other evaluation parameters.
The selection process may include:
- Written Ability Test (WAT)
- Personal Interview (PI)
- Group Discussion (GD) at selected institutes
- Academic Profile Evaluation
- Work Experience Assessment
Final admission offers are based on institute-specific selection criteria.
Top Colleges Accepting CAT Scores
- Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
- Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi
- SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai
- Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon
- Jaipuria Institute of Management (Lucknow, Noida, Jaipur, Indore)
- IMI New Delhi
- TAPMI Manipal
- Great Lakes Institute of Management
- FORE School of Management
CAT Exam 2026 Preparation Strategy
Start Early and Build Fundamentals
Begin preparing 8–12 months before the exam and focus on strengthening your understanding of the concepts.
Practice Section-Wise Daily
Allocate dedicated time to VARC, DILR, and QA every day.
Take Full-Length Mock Tests
Mocks improve stamina, speed, accuracy, and decision-making skills.
Read Daily for VARC
Regular reading of editorials, business articles, and non-fiction improves comprehension.
Revise Quant Concepts
Frequent revision of formulas and shortcuts enhances speed and confidence.
Analyse Mock Tests Thoroughly
Understanding mistakes is often more valuable than the mock score itself.
Focus on Selective Attempting
Strategic question selection can significantly improve the overall percentile.
CAT 2026 Preparation Timeline
12–9 Months Before CAT
- Build fundamentals
- Develop reading habits
- Learn core DILR concepts
9–6 Months Before CAT Exam
- Begin sectional tests
- Solve previous-year questions
- Improve speed and accuracy
6–3 Months Before CAT
- Increase mock test frequency
- Strengthen weak areas
- Develop exam strategy
Last 3 Months
- Take regular mocks
- Focus on revision
- Fine-tune time management
CAT 2026 Exam Expected Cut-Offs*
| Institute Type | Expected Percentile |
| IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta | 98–99.5+ |
| Other Top IIMs | 95–99 |
| New IIMs | 90–97 |
| FMS Delhi | 98+ |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | 95–98 |
| MDI Gurgaon | 94–97 |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management | 60–85+ |
*Actual cut-offs vary each year based on competition, difficulty level, category, and institute policies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in CAT Preparation
- Ignoring one section while focusing excessively on another
- Taking mock tests without analysing performance
- Attempting too many questions despite negative marking
- Starting preparation too late
- Neglecting reading practice
- Memorising formulas without understanding concepts
- Frequently changing preparation resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the eligibility for CAT Exam 2026?
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) from a recognised university.
When is CAT 2026 scheduled?
CAT 2026 Exam is expected to be conducted on November 29, 2026.
What is the CAT Exam 2026 application fee?
The expected application fee is INR 2,600 for General candidates and INR 1,300 for reserved categories.
Is there negative marking in the CAT exam?
Yes. One mark is deducted for every incorrect MCQ answer. There is no negative marking for TITA questions.
Which colleges accept CAT scores apart from the IIMs?
Institutes such as FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IMI New Delhi, TAPMI, Great Lakes, and Jaipuria Institute of Management accept CAT Exam scores.
Can final-year students apply for CAT 2026 Exam ?
Yes. Final-year undergraduate students are eligible to apply.
How many times is CAT conducted in a year?
CAT is conducted once every year.
How difficult is the CAT Exam compared to other MBA entrance exams?
CAT is generally considered the most competitive MBA entrance examination in India due to its difficulty level, high applicant volume, and limited seats at top management institutes.
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