CAT 2026 Overview
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level computer-based management entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management.
CAT scores are used for admission to postgraduate, fellow and doctoral programmes of participating IIMs and are also accepted by a number of non-IIM institutions.
Students targeting IIMs and other CAT-accepting MBA programmes should understand the examination pattern, eligibility, registration process, cutoff requirements and institute-specific admission policies before applying.
CAT 2026 Important Dates
The CAT 2026 notification was released on July 26, 2026. Registration is scheduled to begin on August 3, 2026 and the CAT 2026 examination will be conducted on November 29, 2026.
| Event | CAT 2026 Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | July 26, 2026 |
| Registration Begins | August 3, 2026 — 10:00 AM |
| Registration Ends | September 15, 2026 — 5:00 PM |
| Admit Card Download | November 4, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam | November 29, 2026 |
| Result | By first week of January 2027 |
Candidates should use iimcat.ac.in for registration and official CAT 2026 updates.
CAT 2026 Eligibility
Candidates should meet the academic eligibility requirements specified in the official CAT notification for the relevant admission cycle.
- Candidates should check the required qualifying examination and academic conditions specified in the official notification.
- Final-year candidates should verify the conditions applicable to them in the official CAT notification.
- Candidates belonging to reserved categories should check the applicable eligibility provisions and academic requirements.
- Programme-specific admission requirements may differ across IIMs, so candidates should also check the admission policy of each institute.
Do not treat the eligibility requirements of one IIM as automatically applicable to every IIM programme. Check the relevant institute's current admission policy.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
CAT is conducted as a computer-based examination and assesses quantitative ability, verbal ability and reading comprehension, and data interpretation and logical reasoning.
| Section | Area |
|---|---|
| VARC | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension |
| DILR | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning |
| QA | Quantitative Ability |
The exact section structure, duration, question distribution and marking scheme should be updated from the official CAT 2026 notification once released.
CAT 2026 Marking Scheme
The final CAT 2026 marking scheme should be confirmed from the official examination notification before candidates plan their attempt strategy.
- Check the official notification for marks awarded for correct answers.
- Check the official notification for the applicable negative marking.
- Verify whether marking differs between question types.
Do not rely on an older CAT marking scheme as the final CAT 2026 rule. Use the official CAT 2026 notification for the confirmed marking scheme.
CAT 2026 Syllabus
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
- Reading comprehension
- Para-based questions
- Verbal ability
- Language and comprehension skills
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
- Data interpretation
- Tables and graphs
- Arrangements
- Sets
- Logical and analytical reasoning
Quantitative Ability
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Number systems
- Modern mathematics
CAT 2026 Registration
CAT registration is conducted online through the official CAT website.
How to Register
- Visit the official CAT website.
- Create the registration account.
- Enter the required personal and academic information.
- Upload the required documents and photograph/signature as specified.
- Complete the application fee payment.
- Submit the application and save the confirmation for future reference.
CAT 2026 registration dates and fee details should be updated from the official CAT notification.
IIMs & B-Schools Accepting CAT
CAT is used for admission to programmes offered by the Indian Institutes of Management, subject to the admission policy of each individual institute. CAT scores are also accepted by several non-IIM B-schools.
Admission criteria, programme eligibility and selection processes vary across institutes. Always check the individual institute's current admission policy.
CAT Cutoff
CAT cutoff requirements vary across IIMs and other B-schools. The minimum qualifying percentile should not be treated as the same as the actual competitive percentile required for shortlisting.
| Institute | Cutoff Status |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | Check official admission policy |
| IIM Bangalore | Check official admission policy |
| IIM Calcutta | Check official admission policy |
| IIM Lucknow | Check official admission policy |
A qualifying CAT percentile does not guarantee a shortlist or admission. IIMs may consider CAT performance along with academic profile, work experience and other selection components.
CAT Selection Process
CAT is the entrance examination, but admission to an IIM programme is determined through the individual institute's selection process. The exact criteria and weightages differ across IIMs and programmes.
- CAT score / percentile
- Academic profile
- Work experience, where applicable
- Personal interview and other institute-specific stages
- Additional factors specified in the individual IIM admission policy
Do not assume that one IIM's selection criteria or weightage applies to another IIM. Check the official admission policy of the institute and programme you are targeting.
How to Prepare for CAT 2026
1. Build strong fundamentals
Start with basic concepts in arithmetic, algebra, reading comprehension and logical reasoning before moving to advanced questions.
2. Practise section-wise
Solve topic-wise questions and gradually move towards mixed sets, timed practice and full-length tests.
3. Take mock tests
Use mock tests to improve time management, question selection, accuracy and exam strategy.
4. Analyse every mock
Track incorrect answers, questions where you spent too much time, and concepts that repeatedly cause mistakes.
CAT 2026 FAQs
What is CAT?
CAT stands for Common Admission Test and is a national-level management entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management.
Is CAT compulsory for IIM admission?
CAT is the entrance examination used for the relevant IIM postgraduate and other programmes, subject to each programme's admission policy.
Can non-IIM colleges accept CAT scores?
Yes. CAT scores are also accepted by a number of non-IIM management institutions, subject to their individual admission requirements.
Where should I register for CAT?
Candidates should use the official CAT website for registration and official updates.
Is the CAT 2026 exam pattern final?
The final CAT 2026 section structure, duration, question distribution and marking scheme should be checked against the official CAT 2026 notification.