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CAT 2026 Exam:

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 in November 2026. IIM Indore is likely to organise CAT 2026 in online mode across 155 cities. It is the gateway to over 1,000 B-schools, including Tata Institute Of Social Sciences.


CAT 2026 Exam Highlights:

Exam NameCommon Admission Test (CAT)
Conducting BodyIndian Institute of Management (IIM), Indore (Expected)
Mode of ExamComputer-Based Test (CBT)
CAT FrequencyAnnual
Medium of ExamEnglish
Duration2 hours (120 minutes)
SectionsVerbal 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 Websiteiimcat.ac.in

CAT 2026 Exam Dates


CAT 2026 Exam is expected to be held on last week of November 2026

CAT 2026 EventsDate (Expected)
CAT 2026 Notification ReleaseLast week of July 2026
Start of CAT 2026 RegistrationFirst week of August 2026
End of CAT 2026 RegistrationThird week of September 2026
CAT 2026 Form Correction DateThird week of September 2026
CAT 2026 Admit Card IssueOctober 2026
CAT 2026 Exam DateFourth week of November 2026
CAT 2026 Results AnnouncementThird week of December 2026

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria:


To be eligible for CAT 2026, candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university.

  • Final Year Students: Students in the final year of their bachelor’s degree are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of graduation within the specified time frame.

  • Candidates having professional degrees such as CA/CS/ICWA/FCAI are also eligible for CAT.

  • Age Limit: There is no age limit to appear for CAT.

CAT Exam Pattern 2026:


The CAT 2026 will follow a computer-based format with the following structure:


ParticularsDetails
No. of Sections3 Sections
1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
2. Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Total Number of Questions66 Q’s (Tentative)
Type of QuestionsMCQs and TITA (Type In The Answer)
Questions per SectionVARC: 24
DILR: 20
QA: 22
Time Allotted120 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 QuestionsNo negative marking for TITA questions

CAT Exam 2026 Marking System:


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 QuestionsNo negative marking for TITA questions

CAT Exam Syllabus 2026:


The CAT syllabus is not officially defined but is derived from previous years’ papers. It covers:


Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC):

  • Reading Comprehension (RC)

  • Para Jumbles

  • Sentence Completion

  • Vocabulary & more

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR):

  • Tables and Charts

  • Caselets

  • Logical Puzzles

  • Seating Arrangements & more

Quantitative Aptitude (QA):

  • Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratios, Profit & Loss)

  • Algebra (Equations, Inequalities)

  • Geometry (Triangles, Circles)

  • Number System & more

CAT Selection Process Important Dates:


Event Dates
CAT 2026 Exam Date November 2026
CAT 2026 Result Date December 2026
CAT 2026 Selection Process Starts TBA
WAT-PI Process TBA

CAT 2024 Stage-wise Detailed Selection Process:

  • Shortlisting according to CAT percentile

  • Becoming qualified for GD and WAT.

  • Progressing to Personal Interview (PI)

  • Release of individual Final Merit Lists

  • Final selection and eligibility verification.

CAT 2026 Application Form:


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 ApplicationOnline
Application PortalOfficial CAT website
www.iimcat.ac.in
Application FeeGeneral/EWS/NC-OBC: ₹2,600 (tentative)
SC/ST/PwD: ₹1,300 (tentative)
Documents RequiredScanned copies of passport-sized photograph, signature, academic certificates, work experience proof (if applicable), and category certificate (if applicable).

How to Fill CAT 2025 Application Form ?


1. Register on the Official Portal

  • Visit the official CAT 2026 website.

  • Click on "New Candidate Registration" and provide your name, email ID, and mobile number.

  • You’ll receive a User ID and Password on your registered email ID and mobile.

2. Log In and Fill Out the Application Form

  • Use the credentials to log in.

  • Complete the application form with personal details, academic background, and work experience.

3. Select Your Preferred Exam Cities

  • Choose up to 6 cities in the order of preference for your test center.


4. Upload Required Documents

  • Ensure all documents are scanned in the required format and size:

  • Photograph: JPEG/JPG format, dimensions 30mm x 45mm, 80-150 KB.

  • Signature: JPEG/JPG format, dimensions 80mm x 35mm, 80-150 KB.

5. Pay the Application Fee

  • Complete the payment through Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, or UPI.


6. Submit and Print Confirmation

  • Review the form carefully before final submission.

  • Download and save a copy of the application form for future reference.

7. Important Dates for CAT 2026 Application Form

  • Release of Application Form: Expected in August 2026

  • Last Date to Apply: September 2026

  • Form Correction Window: Late September 2026

CAT Exam Registration Fee:


  • ₹2,600 (tentative) for General/EWS/NC-OBC category candidates.

  • ₹1,300 (tentative) SC/ST/PWD categories of candidates.

  • Please note that a candidate needs to pay the registration fees only once, irrespective of the number of institutes he/she is applying for Fees once paid cannot be refunded under any circumstances.