The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most prestigious management entrance exams in India. Conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), CAT 2026 Exam is expected to be held on 29th November 2026. IIM Indore is likely to conduct CAT 2026 in online mode across 155 cities. It is the gateway to over 1,000 B-schools, including Tata Institute Of Social Sciences.
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Indore (Expected) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| CAT Frequency | Annual |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Sections | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for each correct answer, -1 for each wrong answer (MCQs only) |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
| CAT 2026 Events | Date (Expected) |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 Notification Release | 27th July 2026 |
| Start of CAT 2026 Registration | 3rd August 2026 |
| End of CAT 2026 Registration | 22nd September 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Form Correction Date | 5th October 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Admit Card Issue | 4th November 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | 29th November 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Results Announcement | TBA |
The CAT 2026 will follow a computer-based format with the following structure:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| No. of Sections | 3 Sections 1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) 2. Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) 3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
| Total Number of Questions | 66 Q’s (Tentative) |
| Type of Questions | MCQs and TITA (Type In The Answer) |
| Questions per Section | VARC: 24 DILR: 20 QA: 22 |
| Time Allotted | 120 minutes (40 minutes per section) |
| Marks for Correct Answer | +3 for each correct answer |
| Negative Marking for Wrong Answer | -1 for each incorrect answer |
| Negative Marking for TITA Questions | No negative marking for TITA questions |
| CAT Exam 2026 Marking System | ||
|---|---|---|
| Marks for Correct Answer | +3 for each correct answer | |
| Negative Marking for Wrong Answer | -1 for each incorrect answer | |
| Negative Marking for TITA Questions | No negative marking for TITA questions | |
The CAT syllabus is not officially defined but is derived from previous years’ papers. It covers:
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Result Date | December 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Selection Process Starts | TBA |
| WAT-PI Process | TBA |
The CAT 2026 application process is a crucial step for aspiring MBA candidates looking to secure admission into the prestigious IIMs and other top B-schools in India. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Application Portal | Official CAT website www.iimcat.ac.in |
| Application Fee | General/EWS/NC-OBC: ₹2,600 (tentative) SC/ST/PwD: ₹1,300 (tentative) |
| Documents Required | Scanned copies of passport-sized photograph, signature, academic certificates, work experience proof (if applicable), and category certificate (if applicable). |
How to Fill CAT Application Form ?