CAT 2026 will be held on Sunday, 29 November 2026, in three slots across about 170 test cities in India. The CAT 2026 admit card is available from 4 November 2026 on the official website, iimcat.ac.in, and can be downloaded until exam day. This year, the Common Admission Test is conducted by IIM Indore on behalf of all the IIMs.
If you are planning an MBA from an IIM or another top B-school in India, CAT is the exam that decides your path. This complete guide covers everything in simple language: the CAT 2026 exam date and slot timings, eligibility, how to download the admit card, exam-day rules, the exam pattern and marking scheme, the section-wise syllabus, how percentiles and cutoffs work, the IIM selection process, and a practical 25-day preparation plan. Even if you are hearing about CAT for the first time, you will be able to follow every part of it.
What is CAT 2026?
CAT (Common Admission Test) 2026 is India’s national MBA entrance exam, conducted by IIM Indore for the 2027–29 MBA batch. It is a 2-hour computer-based test with three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The exam is on 29 November 2026, and your CAT percentile is used for admission to the 21 IIMs and hundreds of other B-schools.
CAT 2026 Exam Date and Slot Timings: When Is CAT 2026?
CAT 2026 is on Sunday, 29 November 2026. The exam runs in three slots on the same day, and each candidate writes only one slot. Your slot is fixed by the IIMs and printed on your admit card; you cannot choose or change it.
CAT 2026 slot-wise timings with reporting and gate-closing time
Slot
Exam time
Reporting time
Last entry (gate closes)
Slot 1 (morning)
8:30 am – 10:30 am
7:00 am
8:15 am
Slot 2 (afternoon)
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
11:00 am
12:15 pm
Slot 3 (evening)
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
3:00 pm
4:15 pm
Reporting early gives time for identity checks, photo capture and seat allocation. Always follow the exact times printed on your own admit card, as they are final.
Is the CAT 2026 exam date the same for all candidates?
Yes. Every candidate takes CAT 2026 on 29 November 2026. Only the slot differs. Because the three slots have different question papers, the IIMs use a statistical process called normalisation so that no slot is easier or harder for scoring purposes.
CAT 2026 Important Dates: Admit Card, Answer Key and Result Schedule
Registration for CAT 2026 is closed. The dates that matter now are the admit card window, exam day, the answer key and the result.
Event
Date
Status
CAT 2026 notification released
25 July 2026
Done
Online registration window
3 August to 22 September 2026
Closed
CAT 2026 admit card download
4 to 29 November 2026
Released on 4 Nov
CAT 2026 exam
Sunday, 29 November 2026
Upcoming
Response sheet and provisional answer key
Early December 2026
Expected
Objection window for answer key
A few days after the answer key
Expected
CAT 2026 result
First week of January 2027
Expected
IIM shortlists, WAT/GD and PI rounds
January to April 2027
Expected
Missed CAT 2026 registration? Other MBA entrance exams you can still take
You cannot apply for CAT 2026 now. If you missed the deadline, look at these exams instead:
XAT 2027: exam on 3 January 2027, accepted by XLRI and many other B-schools.
SNAP 2026: held in December 2026, for Symbiosis institutes.
CMAT 2027: conducted by NTA, accepted by many AICTE-approved B-schools.
Check each exam’s official website for the latest registration deadlines.
What Is the CAT Exam? Full Form, Purpose and Who Should Take It
CAT stands for Common Admission Test. It is a computer-based aptitude test held once a year for admission to MBA, PGDM and similar postgraduate management programmes. The IIMs conduct it by rotation; in 2026 the responsibility is with IIM Indore.
CAT does not test what you studied in college. It checks three abilities that matter in management:
Reading and reasoning in English (VARC): understanding long passages and arguments quickly.
Handling data and logic (DILR): reading tables and charts, solving puzzles and arrangements.
Basic mathematical ability (QA): arithmetic, algebra and geometry, mostly at Class 10 level.
Who should take CAT 2026?
Final-year undergraduate students planning an MBA right after graduation.
Working professionals who want to move into management roles.
Graduates from any stream, including engineering, commerce, arts, science and professional courses like CA.
How many seats are there in the IIMs through CAT?
The 21 IIMs together offer roughly 7,400 to 8,000 seats in their flagship MBA/PGDM programmes. Including executive and specialised programmes, the total is higher. Hundreds of non-IIM institutes also use CAT scores, so the overall number of seats open to CAT-takers is much larger.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Minimum Marks, Final-Year Students and Age Limit
To be eligible for CAT 2026, you need a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA. For SC, ST and PwD candidates, the minimum is 45%. There is no age limit and no limit on the number of attempts.
Criterion
CAT 2026 rule
Educational qualification
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university, or equivalent
Minimum marks (General, OBC, EWS)
50% or equivalent CGPA
Minimum marks (SC, ST, PwD)
45% or equivalent CGPA
Final-year students
Eligible, provided they complete the degree with the required marks before joining
Professional qualifications
CA, CS, CMA and FIAI holders can apply if they meet the criteria
Age limit
None
Number of attempts
Unlimited
CAT 2026 application fee by category
Category
Fee
General, OBC-NCL, EWS
₹2,700
SC, ST, PwD
₹1,350
The fee went up by ₹100 for General, OBC and EWS candidates and by ₹50 for SC, ST and PwD candidates compared with CAT 2025.
Can students from any stream take CAT 2026?
Yes. Your stream does not matter. Engineers, commerce, arts and science graduates all take CAT, and many IIMs give extra weight to academic and gender diversity during shortlisting.
How to Download CAT 2026 Admit Card from iimcat.ac.in (Step-by-Step)
The CAT 2026 admit card is available only online, from 4 November to 29 November 2026. It is not sent by post or email. You need your CAT User ID and password to log in. IIM Indore released it on 4 November (see today’s admit card news).
Download the PDF and check every detail carefully.
Print 2–3 copies on A4 paper. A copy on your phone is not accepted at the test centre.
The website can be slow on release day because lakhs of candidates log in at once. If it does not load, try again later in the evening or the next morning. You have more than three weeks to download it.
Forgot your CAT User ID or password?
Use the Forgot User ID or Forgot Password option on the login page of iimcat.ac.in. The details are sent to the mobile number and email you used during registration. If you still cannot log in, contact the CAT helpdesk listed on the official website.
Details mentioned on the CAT 2026 admit card
Candidate’s name, photograph and signature
CAT User ID and registration number
Date of birth, category and PwD status
Exam date, slot and timing
Test centre name and full address
Reporting time and gate-closing time
Exam-day instructions
What to do if there is a mistake in your CAT 2026 admit card
If your name, photo, category or any other detail is wrong, contact the CAT helpdesk through iimcat.ac.in immediately and keep a record of your communication. Do not wait until exam week. Note that the test centre and slot cannot be changed once the admit card is issued.
CAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Documents, Dress Code and Rules
Following the exam-day rules is just as important as preparing well. A missing document or a banned item can stop you from entering the hall.
Documents required for CAT 2026 exam day
Printed CAT 2026 admit card on A4 paper.
One original, valid government photo ID: Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID or driving licence. The name must match your admit card.
PwD certificate, if applicable.
What is allowed and not allowed inside the CAT exam hall
Allowed / provided
Not allowed
Printed admit card and original photo ID
Mobile phone, smartwatch, Bluetooth device or any electronics
Scribble sheet and pen (given at the centre)
Calculator, log tables, papers or your own stationery
On-screen calculator during the test
Wallet, goggles, handbag
PwD certificate, if applicable
Metal jewellery, thick-soled shoes, clothes with large buttons
CAT 2026 dress code tips
Wear simple, comfortable clothes with small buttons and light footwear such as sandals or slippers. Avoid metal accessories and heavy jackets with many pockets, because they slow down frisking. Test centres are often air-conditioned, so a light, plain sweater is a sensible choice.
Other CAT 2026 exam-day rules
Parents and friends cannot enter the test centre.
You cannot leave the hall before the test ends.
Bio-breaks are discouraged except in emergencies, and the timer does not stop.
Return the scribble sheet to the invigilator before leaving.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Section-Wise Questions, Marks and Time Limit
CAT 2026 is a 120-minute computer-based test with three sections of 40 minutes each. IIM Indore has said the exam pattern is unchanged from CAT 2025. Each section has its own timer: you must finish one section in 40 minutes before moving to the next, and you cannot go back.
CAT 2026 section-wise number of questions and marks (based on CAT 2025)
Section
What it tests
Questions
Time
Maximum marks
VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)
Reading speed, comprehension, logic in English
24
40 minutes
72
DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning)
Tables, charts, puzzles, arrangements
22
40 minutes
66
QA (Quantitative Ability)
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number system
22
40 minutes
66
Total
68
120 minutes
204
The exact number of questions can vary slightly from year to year, so treat these as a guide. PwD candidates get 160 minutes in total (about 53 minutes 20 seconds per section).
What are MCQ and TITA questions in CAT?
MCQ (multiple-choice question): four options, one correct answer. Wrong answers carry negative marks.
TITA (Type In The Answer): no options are given. You type the answer using the on-screen keypad. Wrong answers carry no negative marks.
Is the CAT 2026 exam pattern different from CAT 2025?
No. According to the CAT 2026 notification, the exam pattern, syllabus, marking scheme and eligibility remain the same as last year. The main changes are the conducting institute (IIM Indore instead of IIM Kozhikode) and a small fee increase.
CAT 2026 Marking Scheme: Is There Negative Marking for TITA Questions?
CAT 2026 gives +3 marks for every correct answer. A wrong MCQ costs 1 mark. There is no negative marking for TITA questions and no marks are lost for questions you leave unanswered.
Response
MCQ
TITA
Correct answer
+3
+3
Wrong answer
−1
0
Not attempted
0
0
How to use the CAT marking scheme to your advantage
Always attempt TITA questions you have worked on. A wrong answer costs nothing.
For MCQs, guess only if you can rule out at least two options.
Three wrong MCQs cancel one correct answer, so accuracy matters more than the number of attempts.
CAT 2026 Syllabus: Section-Wise Important Topics for VARC, DILR and Quant
The IIMs do not publish an official CAT syllabus. The topics below are the ones past CAT papers have consistently tested. Quant stays at roughly Class 10 level, while VARC and DILR test reasoning more than memory.
CAT 2026 VARC syllabus and important topics
Topic
What to expect
Reading comprehension
About 4 passages with roughly 16 questions; topics range from economics and science to philosophy and culture
Para summary
Choose the option that best captures the main idea of a short paragraph
Para jumbles
Arrange sentences in a logical order; usually TITA
Odd sentence out
Find the sentence that does not fit the paragraph; usually TITA
Sentence placement
Find where a given sentence fits best in a paragraph
Reading comprehension carries about two-thirds of VARC marks, so daily reading is the single most useful habit for this section.
CAT 2026 DILR syllabus and important topics
Data Interpretation
Logical Reasoning
Tables and caselets
Linear and circular arrangements
Bar graphs, line charts and pie charts
Scheduling and sequencing
Combination of graphs
Games and tournaments
Data sufficiency style sets
Venn diagrams and set-based puzzles
Spreadsheet-style data
Binary logic, routes and networks
DILR questions come in sets of 4–6 questions based on one piece of data. Choosing the right sets to attempt is as important as solving them.
CAT 2026 Quant syllabus and important topics
Area
Topics
Arithmetic
Percentages, profit and loss, ratio and proportion, averages, mixtures and alligations, simple and compound interest, time and work, time-speed-distance
Algebra
Linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, functions, logarithms, progressions (AP, GP)
Geometry and mensuration
Triangles, circles, polygons, coordinate geometry, areas and volumes
Number system
Divisibility, remainders, factors, HCF and LCM, unit digits
Modern maths
Permutations and combinations, probability, set theory
Arithmetic and algebra together usually make up the largest share of the Quant section, so they deserve the most revision time.
How Is CAT Percentile Calculated? CAT Score vs Percentile Explained
Your CAT scorecard shows two things for each section and overall: a scaled score and a percentile.
Raw score: your marks based on +3, −1 and 0.
Scaled score: your raw score after normalisation across the three slots, so no slot is unfairly harder.
Percentile: the share of test-takers who scored the same as or below you. A 95 percentile means you did as well as or better than 95% of candidates.
IIMs and other B-schools use your percentile for shortlisting. Your rank among all test-takers matters more than the raw number of marks.
CAT 2026 cutoff: what percentile do you need for IIMs?
Each IIM sets two kinds of cutoffs: an overall percentile and a minimum percentile in each section. You must clear both. Older, top-ranked IIMs usually shortlist at very high percentiles, while newer IIMs and many good non-IIM B-schools shortlist at lower percentiles. Cutoffs also differ by category. Exact CAT 2026 cutoffs will be published by each institute after the result.
IIM Admission Process After CAT 2026: Shortlisting, WAT-PI and Final Selection
A good CAT percentile gets you a call, but the final IIM offer depends on several factors. The process usually works like this:
Minimum CAT cutoffs: You must clear the overall and sectional percentile cutoffs set by each IIM.
Profile-based shortlisting: IIMs add points for Class 10 and 12 marks, graduation marks, work experience, and academic or gender diversity. Each IIM uses its own formula.
Interview call: Shortlisted candidates are invited, usually from January.
WAT or GD: A short written essay (Written Ability Test) or a group discussion, depending on the IIM.
Personal interview (PI): Questions on your background, academics, work experience, goals and current affairs.
Final merit list: A weighted mix of CAT score, profile, WAT/GD and PI decides the final offer.
What this means for you: a balanced score across all three sections is essential. A very high overall percentile with one weak section can still miss the sectional cutoff.
Top Colleges Accepting CAT 2026 Scores Other Than IIMs
CAT scores open doors well beyond the IIMs. Some well-known institutes that accept CAT include:
Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi
Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon
S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai
Business schools of the IITs, such as SJMSOM (IIT Bombay), DMS (IIT Delhi) and VGSoM (IIT Kharagpur)
IMT Ghaziabad
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai
Each institute has its own cutoffs and selection process, so check their admission pages after the result. For students in Karnataka, IIM Bangalore is the top CAT-based option, and many other Bengaluru B-schools also consider CAT scores.
How to Prepare for CAT 2026 in the Last 25 Days: Day-Wise Strategy
With about 25 days to go, this is not the time to start new topics. The goal now is to sharpen accuracy, build exam stamina and settle your strategy through mock tests and careful analysis.
25-day CAT 2026 preparation plan
Phase
Dates
Focus
Daily routine
1. Mock and fix
4 to 15 November
Find weak areas
One full mock every 2 days; spend as long analysing it as taking it; revise weak Quant topics on non-mock days
2. Sharpen
16 to 24 November
Speed and question selection
Sectional tests daily; 2 RC passages a day; 2–3 DILR sets a day; formula revision
3. Taper
25 to 28 November
Calm and confidence
One light mock at your slot time; revise error notes; sleep 7–8 hours
Exam day
29 November
Execute
No new study; reach early; trust your strategy
Section-wise preparation tips for CAT 2026 VARC, DILR and Quant
VARC: Read one editorial or long-form article daily. After each RC passage, summarise the main idea in one line. For para jumbles, look for opening sentences and linking words.
DILR: Practise set selection. Before solving, spend 1–2 minutes judging how hard a set is. Practise a mix of arrangement, scheduling and chart-based sets.
Quant: Revise formulas for arithmetic and algebra every day. Practise shortcuts like approximation and option elimination. Do not spend more than 2–3 minutes on any single question.
How to analyse CAT mock tests the right way
Review every question you got wrong and every question you skipped.
Label each mistake: concept gap, calculation error, misreading, or poor question choice.
Note easy questions you missed. These are the fastest marks to gain.
Keep an error notebook and review it before every new mock.
CAT 2026 exam-day strategy: how to attempt each section
VARC: Start with RCs, then verbal ability. Skip a very dense passage and return if time allows.
DILR: Spend the first 3–4 minutes scanning all sets. Pick the 2–3 easiest and solve them fully rather than half-solving many.
QA: Use two rounds. Solve quick questions first, then return to longer ones. Attempt every TITA you have worked on.
Common Mistakes CAT 2026 Aspirants Should Avoid
Not printing the admit card. A phone copy is not accepted. Print it this week and keep a spare.
Carrying the wrong ID. Bring an original government photo ID whose name matches your admit card exactly.
Reaching late. The gate closes 15 minutes before the exam begins, and late entry is not allowed.
Ignoring sectional cutoffs. Do not leave one section almost blank to push another.
Guessing too many MCQs. Each wrong MCQ costs a mark, and random guessing usually lowers your score.
Taking new full mocks in the last two days. A bad final mock can shake your confidence. Revise instead.
Seeing the test centre for the first time on exam day. Check the route a few days earlier, especially for Slot 1.
What to Do After CAT 2026: Answer Key, Response Sheet and Next Steps
Response sheet and answer key: Released in early December on iimcat.ac.in. Use them to calculate your expected score.
Raise objections: If you think an answer in the provisional key is wrong, you can challenge it during the objection window by paying a fee per question.
Prepare for WAT-PI early: Start reading current affairs and practising short essays in December. Do not wait for the result.
Apply to non-IIM colleges: Many B-schools open applications in December and January. Keep track of their deadlines.
CAT 2026 FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the CAT 2026 exam date?
CAT 2026 is on Sunday, 29 November 2026, in three slots: 8:30 am to 10:30 am, 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm, and 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
2. When was the CAT 2026 admit card released?
The CAT 2026 admit card is available from 4 November 2026 to 29 November 2026 on iimcat.ac.in.
3. How can I download the CAT 2026 admit card?
Log in at iimcat.ac.in with your CAT User ID and password, open the Admit Card tab, then download and print it on A4 paper.
4. Which IIM is conducting CAT 2026?
IIM Indore is conducting CAT 2026.
5. How many questions are asked in CAT 2026?
CAT 2025 had 68 questions: 24 in VARC, 22 in DILR and 22 in Quant, for 204 marks. CAT 2026 follows the same pattern.
6. Is there negative marking in CAT 2026?
Yes, for MCQs only. A wrong MCQ costs 1 mark. There is no negative marking for TITA questions.
7. What is the time limit for each section in CAT 2026?
Each section has 40 minutes, for a total of 120 minutes. PwD candidates get 160 minutes in total.
8. Can I use a calculator in the CAT 2026 exam?
You cannot bring a calculator, but an on-screen calculator is provided during the test.
9. Can I change my CAT 2026 test centre or slot?
No. The test centre and slot cannot be changed once the admit card is issued.
10. Which ID proof is valid for the CAT 2026 exam?
Any one original government photo ID: Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID or driving licence. The name must match your admit card.
11. Can final-year students apply for CAT 2026?
Yes. Final-year students can take CAT, but they must complete their degree with the required marks before joining a programme.
12. Is there an age limit for the CAT exam?
No. There is no age limit and no limit on the number of attempts.
13. When will the CAT 2026 result be declared?
The CAT 2026 result is expected in the first week of January 2027 on iimcat.ac.in.
14. Is a CAT score enough for admission to IIMs?
No. IIMs also consider your Class 10, 12 and graduation marks, work experience and diversity, followed by a WAT or GD and a personal interview.
15. What is a good percentile in CAT 2026?
It depends on the college. Top IIMs usually shortlist at very high percentiles, while many good B-schools accept lower percentiles. A balanced score across all three sections matters too.
16. Is the CAT 2026 syllabus different from CAT 2025?
No. The syllabus and exam pattern are the same as CAT 2025.
17. Which colleges accept CAT scores other than IIMs?
FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, the IIT business schools, IMT Ghaziabad and many more accept CAT scores.
18. I missed CAT 2026 registration. What can I do now?
You can apply for other MBA entrance exams such as XAT 2027 (exam on 3 January 2027), SNAP 2026 (December) or CMAT 2027.
Conclusion: Your Next Steps for CAT 2026
CAT 2026 is on 29 November 2026, and the CAT 2026 admit card can be downloaded from 4 November at iimcat.ac.in. Your next steps are simple: download and print the admit card, check every detail, plan your route to the test centre, and use the 25-day preparation plan above to sharpen your accuracy in VARC, DILR and Quant.
Bookmark this page. We will update it when the CAT 2026 answer key, response sheet and result are released. You can also check our month-wise calendar of upcoming entrance exams to plan for XAT, SNAP and other MBA exams.
Dates and details are based on the official CAT 2026 notification by IIM Indore. Always confirm the latest information on iimcat.ac.in before acting.
