CAT 2026 : Exam Date, Registration, Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Eligibility – Complete Guide

Introduction

Planning to pursue an MBA from IIMs or other premier B-schools? The CAT 2026 is the most important step in your journey. Conducted annually by the IIMs, the CAT entrance exam is one of the toughest and most competitive management exams in India. This guide covers CAT 2026 notification, exam dates, eligibility, registration process, syllabus, exam pattern, admit card details, result timeline, and most importantly, how to start your CAT 2026 preparation the right way.

Whether you’re looking for CAT coaching classes, online resources, or simply clarity on the exam, this detailed blog will give you all the information you need.

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance conducted for admission into MBA, PGDM, and other management programs across India. Beyond the IIMs, CAT scores are also accepted by institutes like FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, and many others.

Every year, lakhs of aspirants fill the CAT application form and compete for limited seats in India’s top business schools.

👉 These CAT exam dates are tentative and based on past year trends. Candidates must track the official website for the exact schedule.

Before filling the CAT registration, candidates should check the CAT eligibility criteria carefully:

● Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any stream with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD).

● Final Year Students: Eligible to apply, provided they complete graduation by the time of admission.

● Age Limit: No age bar.

● Attempts: Unlimited — you can attempt the CAT exam as many times as you wish.

The CAT exam pattern is designed to test candidates’ aptitude, reasoning, and verbal skills.

● Duration: 2 hours (40 minutes per section)

● Marking Scheme: +3 for correct MCQ, –1 for wrong MCQ, no negative marking for non-MCQs.

● Sectional Time Limit: Candidates cannot switch sections before time ends.

The CAT syllabus is not officially prescribed, but is based on previous years’ exam analysis.

Verbal Ability & RC

● Reading Comprehension (factual & inferential passages)

● Para Jumbles, Sentence Completion, Odd Sentence Out

● Vocabulary, Grammar

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

● Caselets, Graphs, Tables, Charts

● Seating Arrangement, Puzzles, Blood Relations

● Venn Diagrams, Data Sufficiency

Quantitative Ability

● Arithmetic (Percentages, Time & Work, Speed & Distance)

● Algebra (Quadratic Equations, Inequalities)

● Geometry (Triangles, Circles, Coordinate Geometry)

● Modern Math (Probability, Permutation & Combination, Progressions)

A mix of CAT preparation books and structured CAT study material from trusted institutes can help you cover these topics in depth.

Candidates need to complete CAT 2026 registration online only.

1.Visit the official website once the CAT notification is released.

2.Create an account and log in.

3.Fill the CAT application form with personal and academic details.

4.Upload documents (photo, signature, category certificate).

5.Select test cities (usually up to 6 preferences).

6.Pay the application fee (approx. ₹2,800 for General / ₹1,400 for SC/ST/PwD).

7.Download confirmation for records.

The CAT admit card will be available online in late October or early November 2026. It contains your test city, exam center, reporting time, and guidelines.

Candidates must carry:

● Printed admit card

● Original photo ID proof (Aadhar, Passport, Driving License, etc.)

Without the admit card, entry into the CAT exam hall is strictly prohibited.

The CAT result will likely be declared in the first week of January 2027. Along with the result, IIMs release scorecards with section-wise percentiles.

Post-result, B-schools announce their CAT cut off. Shortlisted candidates are called for WAT (Written Ability Test), GD (Group Discussion), and PI (Personal Interview).

Top IIMs usually require CAT Cut Off 99+ percentile, while other leading institutes may accept lower scores depending on their admission policies.

Starting your CAT exam preparation early ensures you cover all sections thoroughly. Here’s how to plan:

● Understand the exam pattern before diving in.

● Make a CAT preparation timetable.

● Begin with fundamentals of QA, grammar basics, and logical puzzles.

● Attempt CAT mock tests regularly to assess progress.

● Analyze your weak areas and revise consistently.

● Explore online preparation for CAT if you prefer flexibility.

If you’re wondering how to prepare for CAT or how to prepare for CAT exam from scratch, structured learning through CAT coaching can give you discipline and expert guidance.

When it comes to choosing the best CAT coaching, quality mentorship and practice are key. At Manoeuvre Education, we provide:

● CAT online coaching with live + recorded classes

● Access to CAT classes led by expert mentors

● Updated CAT study material based on the latest trends

● Regular online CAT preparation tests and analysis

● Personalized mentoring & doubt clearing

● Recognized as one of the best CAT coaching in Mumbai with proven results

The CAT 2026 exam is a golden opportunity to enter India’s top MBA programs. With timely CAT 2026 registration, smart planning, and consistent practice, you can crack this highly competitive exam.

Stay updated with the official CAT 2026 notification, track your progress with mocks, and use high-quality resources like CAT preparation books and expert-led CAT coaching classes.

Remember: the right preparation strategy, guided practice, and dedication can transform your CAT attempt into a B-school success story.