CAT 2026 exam will be held on Sunday, November 29, 2026, in three shifts. IIM Indore is conducting CAT 2026, and the CAT 2026 Notification was released on July 26, 2026, on the official website, iimcat.ac.in.
CAT 2026 Registration has already started from August 3, 2026, and the last date to apply is September 15, 2026, at 5 PM.
Source: CAT 2026 Notification PDF
- The CAT 2026 application fee is ₹2,700 for General/EWS/NC-OBC candidates and ₹1,350 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
- There is no change in the basic CAT 2026 eligibility criteria.
- Candidates need a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates), and there is no age limit or restriction on the number of attempts.
- CAT 2026 will have 68 questions to be attempted in 120 minutes across three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA), with 40 minutes for each section.
- CAT scores are accepted by all 22 IIMs and more than 1,000 B-schools across India.
- The CAT 2026 Admit Card is scheduled to be released on November 4, 2026, while the CAT 2026 Result is expected in the first week of January 2027.
This CAT 2026 guide covers exam dates, registration, eligibility, fees, exam pattern, syllabus, topic-wise weightage, preparation strategy, previous year papers, mock tests, score vs percentile, IIM cutoffs, selection process and MBA colleges accepting CAT scores.
Related Links:
- CAT Registration 2026: How to Apply and Document Guidelines
- CAT Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions
- CAT Preparation 2026: Study Plan, Mock Tests and Topper Tips
Key Summary
- IIM Indore conducts CAT 2026 on November 29, 2026.
- Registration runs from August 3 to September 15, 2026.
- The paper has 68 questions across VARC, DILR and QA in 120 minutes.
- Marking is +3 for a correct answer and -1 for a wrong MCQ, with no penalty on TITA questions.
- Results are expected in the first week of January 2027.
CAT 2026 Highlights
| Key Area | CAT 2026 Details |
|---|---|
| Exam | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Institute | Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore) |
| CAT 2026 Convener | Prof. Aditya Billore, Professor of Marketing, IIM Indore |
| Notification Status | Released on July 26, 2026 |
| Registration Status | Registration Started on August 3, 2026 |
| Registration Deadline | September 15, 2026, till 5 PM |
| Examination Date | November 29, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Examination Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Test Sessions | 3 |
| Session Timings | 8:30 AM–10:30 AM; 12:30 PM–2:30 PM; 4:30 PM–6:30 PM |
| Total Questions | 68 |
| Total Test Time | 120 minutes |
| Sectional Time Limit | 40 minutes per section |
| VARC | 24 questions |
| DILR | 22 questions |
| QA | 22 questions |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for a correct answer; -1 for an incorrect MCQ |
| TITA Questions | No negative marking for incorrect TITA responses |
| Eligibility | Bachelor's degree with 50% marks; 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates |
| Age Requirement | No age limit |
| Application Fee | ₹2,700 for General/EWS/NC-OBC; ₹1,350 for SC/ST/PwD |
| Admit Card | Scheduled from November 4, 2026 |
| Result Timeline | Expected by the first week of January 2027 |
| Official Portal | iimcat.ac.in |
| Score Acceptance | All 22 IIMs and 1,000+ other management institutes |
CAT 2026 Conducting Body
IIM Indore is conducting CAT 2026 and will manage the notification, registration, admit card, exam, answer key and result. The six older IIMs conduct CAT on a rotational basis, and IIM Indore is taking charge of the CAT 2026 exam this year.
Prof. Aditya Billore, Professor of Marketing at IIM Indore, is the CAT 2026 Convener. He is a Fellow of IIM Indore and holds an M.Tech and B.E. degree. IIM Indore Director Prof. Himanshu Rai said the institute aims to conduct CAT 2026 with fairness, transparency, security and operational excellence.
CAT Difficulty Trend: Last Five Years
| Year | Conducting IIM | Overall Difficulty | Key Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | IIM Kozhikode | Moderate to Difficult | Slightly tougher than 2024, DILR sets leaned more reasoning-heavy |
| 2024 | IIM Calcutta | Moderate | Question count raised to 68 from 66 |
| 2023 | IIM Lucknow | Moderate | VARC leaned heavier on Reading Comprehension |
| 2020 | IIM Indore | Moderate | Duration cut to 120 minutes, 76 questions across three sections |
Note: CAT 2026 is expected to retain the 68-question, 120-minute format seen in 2024 and 2025. No structural change has been officially announced.
CAT 2026 Exam Dates
CAT Notification was released on July 26, 2026. Candidates should complete registration by the deadline, as the application window closes at 5 PM on September 15, 2026.
Source: CAT 2026 Notification PDF
| CAT 2026 Event | Date / Schedule |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 Notification | July 26, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Registration Begins | August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM |
| CAT 2026 Registration Last Date | September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM |
| CAT 2026 Form Correction | September 24–27, 2026 (Expected) |
| CAT 2026 Admit Card | November 4, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 29, 2026 (Confirmed) |
| CAT 2026 Answer Key | December 3, 2026 (Expected) |
| CAT 2026 Result | First week of January 2027 (Expected) |
Also Check: CAT 2026 Full Schedule and Slot Details
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- CAT 2026 eligibility criteria require candidates to have a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
- Candidates belonging to SC, ST and PwD categories need at least 45% marks.
- There is no age limit or restriction on the number of CAT attempts.
- Final-year graduation students and candidates with professional qualifications such as CA, CS, CMA (ICWA) and FIAI can also apply, subject to meeting the required eligibility conditions.
| CAT 2026 Eligibility Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university/institution |
| Minimum Percentage for General Category | 50% marks or equivalent CGPA |
| Minimum Percentage for SC/ST/PwD Category | 45% marks or equivalent CGPA |
| Eligible Professional Courses | CA, CS, CMA (ICWA), FIAI candidates can apply if they meet the required marks criteria |
| Final Year Students | Eligible to apply. Admission remains provisional until completion of the degree |
| Age Limit for CAT 2026 | No age limit |
| Attempt Limit | No restriction on the number of attempts |
| Graduation Stream Requirement | Candidates from any academic background can apply |
| CGPA to Percentage Conversion | If the university provides no conversion formula, percentage is calculated as: (CGPA ÷ Maximum CGPA) × 100 |
Source: CAT 2026 Notification PDF
Also Check: CAT Eligibility 2026: Age Limit, Qualification, Reservation Policy
CAT 2026 Reservation
For admission to IIMs, category-wise seat reservation is followed as per Government of India norms.
Source: CAT 2026 Notification PDF
| Category | Reservation |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| NC-OBC | 27% |
| EWS | Up to 10% |
| PwD | 5% |
CAT 2026 Registration Process
- CAT 2026 registration has started from August 3, 2026, and candidates can submit the application form until September 15, 2026.
- The registration process is available online at the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in.
Candidates can complete the CAT 2026 application form by following these steps:
| Step | Process |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Create CAT Login | Visit iimcat.ac.in and register using your email ID and mobile number to generate a User ID and password. |
| Step 2: Login & Fill Form | Use your credentials to log in and start filling the CAT 2026 application form. |
| Step 3: Enter Required Details | Fill in personal details, academic information, work experience (if applicable), preferred MBA programmes and test city choices. |
| Step 4: Upload Documents & Submit Fee | Upload the required documents, complete the declaration, pay the application fee and submit the form. |
Details required in CAT 2026 Application Form:
- Personal Information
- Academic Details
- Work Experience
- Programme Preferences
- Test City Selection
- Declaration & Fee Payment
How Many Students Appeared for CAT 2025 vs Previous Years (2019-2025)
| CAT Year | Registered Candidates | Appeared Candidates | Attendance Rate | Trend / Observation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 2025 | 2,95,000 | 2,45,000 | 83% | Registrations continued to remain high with a slight rise compared to 2024 |
| CAT 2024 | 2,93,000 | 2,49,000 | 85% | Recorded one of the highest registration numbers in CAT history |
| CAT 2023 | 2,88,000 | 2,42,000 | 84% | Candidate participation continued its upward trend after the pandemic period |
| CAT 2022 | 2,22,000 | 1,90,000 | 86% | Registrations increased significantly as exam participation recovered |
| CAT 2021 | 2,30,000 | 1,92,000 | 83% | Candidate numbers started stabilising after pandemic disruptions |
| CAT 2020 | 2,27,000 | 1,90,000 | 84% | Exam conducted during the COVID-19 period with reduced participation |
| CAT 2019 | 2,44,000 | 2,09,000 | 86% | Represented the pre-pandemic registration trend |
How Many Students Appeared for CAT 2025 Category-wise
Roughly 2.95 lakh students registered for CAT 2025 and about 2.58 lakh appeared, an attendance rate near 87%.
| Category | Registered | Appeared |
|---|---|---|
| General | 65.76% | 65.32% |
| EWS | 5.26% | 5.59% |
| NC-OBC | 17.82% | 18.52% |
| SC | 8.75% | 8.34% |
| ST | 2.38% | 2.22% |
| PwD | 0.49% | 0.49% |
CAT 2026 Application Fee
- Candidates need to pay the CAT 2026 application fee after completing the registration form on the official website, iimcat.ac.in.
- These amounts have increased from the CAT 2025 fees of ₹2,600 and ₹1,300, respectively.
- The fee can be paid online after entering personal details, academic information and uploading the required documents.
| Candidate Category | CAT Form Fee 2026 |
|---|---|
| General | ₹2,700 |
| EWS | ₹2,700 |
| NC-OBC | ₹2,700 |
| SC | ₹1,350 |
| ST | ₹1,350 |
| PwBD | ₹1,350 |
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
You get 40 minutes per section and must attempt them in the fixed order. Switching back to a previous section is not allowed.
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 24 | 40 min |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | 22 | 40 min |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 22 | 40 min |
| Total | 68 | 120 min |
| Parameter | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct answer | +3 |
| Wrong MCQ | -1 |
| Wrong TITA | No negative marking |
| Unattempted | 0 |
What the Last Ten Years Show
- Arithmetic carries the highest weightage inside Quant across recent papers.
- Algebra shows up in application-heavy formats rather than direct formula questions.
- Reading comprehension dominates VARC, so daily RC practice matters more than vocabulary drills.
- DILR rewards smart set selection over attempting every set.
Also Check:
CAT 2026 Syllabus
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Reading comprehension, para jumbles, para summary, para completion, vocabulary, idioms, error spotting and critical reasoning.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
Bar graphs, line charts, pie charts, tables, Venn diagrams, data sufficiency and caselets on the DI side. Seating arrangements, puzzles, blood relations, direction sense, games and tournaments, and binary logic on the LR side.
Quantitative Aptitude
Percentages, profit and loss, ratio and proportion, averages, time speed and distance, interest, mixtures, equations, logarithms, geometry, mensuration, permutations, probability and progressions.
| CAT QA Syllabus 2026: Topics and Weightage |
| CAT DILR Syllabus 2026: Topics and Weightage |
| CAT VARC Syllabus 2026: Topics and Weightage |
Read More: CAT Syllabus 2026: PDF Download, Topics & Section-wise Weightage
CAT 2026 Admit Card
- The admit card will be downloadable from November 4 until exam day, November 29, 2026.
- You log in with your registration ID and password on the official website.
- Carry one printed copy to the centre. Colour or black and white both work.
Also Check: CAT 2026 Admit Card: Direct Download Link
CAT 2026 Preparation Strategy
You have close to four months from today. Five to six focused hours a day is enough if you stay consistent.
- Give 1.5 hours each to VARC, DILR and QA.
- Keep one hour for revising what you already covered.
- In November, shift to two hours of mock tests daily and analyse every mock properly.
| Month | Focus |
|---|---|
| August | Build basics in arithmetic, start daily RC reading, two DILR sets a day |
| September | Algebra, number system and geometry, three to four DILR sets daily |
| October | Three to four full mocks per week plus sectional tests |
| November | Previous year papers, formula revision, final mocks |
Recommended Books
| Section | Resource |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Arun Sharma, sorted by difficulty level |
| DILR | Nishit K. Sinha, strong on modern logic-based sets |
| VARC | Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis, plus daily editorials |
| Practice | Previous year papers from the last ten years |
Related Links:
CAT Score to Percentile Estimator
Move the slider to your expected raw score out of 204. The estimate uses percentile trends from recent CAT sessions.
Also Check:
CAT 2026 Expected Cutoff
Official cutoffs usually land in late December or the first week of January, once results are out.
- For a general category call from Ahmedabad, Bangalore or Kozhikode, keep your target at 98 to 99 percentile and above.
- Sectional cutoffs matter as much as the overall figure. Newer IIMs may sit near 70 to 75 percentile per section.
CAT 2025 Category-Wise Qualifying Percentile
| IIM | Gen | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | PwD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | 95+ | 95+ | 90+ | 85+ | 75+ | 85+ |
| IIM Bangalore | 85+ | 75+ | 75+ | 70+ | 65+ | 60+ |
| IIM Calcutta | 75+ | 65+ | 65+ | 60+ | 55+ | 45+ |
| IIM Lucknow | 90+ | 82+ | 82+ | 65+ | 60+ | 60+ |
| IIM Mumbai | 85+ | 75+ | 75+ | 70+ | 65+ | 65+ |
| IIM Indore | 90+ | 90+ | 80+ | 60+ | 45+ | 45+ |
| IIM Kozhikode | 85+ | 75+ | 75+ | 65+ | 65+ | 55+ |
| IIM Shillong | 75 | 75 | 75 | 60 | 50 | - |
| IIM Udaipur | 95 | 81 | 81 | 66 | 42 | 42 |
| IIM Tiruchirappalli | 90 | 75 | 75 | 50 | 30 | 30 |
These are qualifying percentiles for shortlisting, not final selection scores. Actual converts usually sit well above these numbers.
Also Check: CAT Previous Year Cutoffs
IIM Shortlist Matcher
Enter your percentile and profile to see which IIMs are realistic for a call this season.
Non-IIMs Accepting CAT 2026 Scores
More than 90 non-IIM institutes use CAT scores for admission. Here are the ones students target most.
| Institute | Percentile Range |
|---|---|
| FMS Delhi | 98-99+ |
| DMS IIT Delhi | 97-99+ |
| IIFT Delhi | 95-98+ |
| JBIMS Mumbai | 95-99+ |
| SJMSOM IIT Bombay | 94-98+ |
| MDI Gurgaon | 94-97+ |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | 85-97+ |
| VGSoM IIT Kharagpur | 90-95+ |
| XIMB Bhubaneswar | 90-95+ |
FAQs on CAT 2026
Ques. I am in my final year. Can I apply for CAT 2026?
Ans. Yes. You can apply provisionally. You only need to finish your degree with the required marks by the time admissions begin.
Ques. When exactly is the CAT 2026 exam?
Ans. Sunday, November 29, 2026, in three slots starting at 8:30 AM, 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM.
Ques. Is the exam pattern changing this year?
Ans. No major change. The bulletin confirms the same three-section, 120-minute structure with 68 questions.
Ques. I am not from a commerce background. Am I still eligible?
Ans. Yes. Any bachelor's degree in any discipline works as long as you meet the marks requirement.
Ques. Does the conducting IIM change the difficulty level?
Ans. Every IIM has its own paper-setting style, but overall difficulty has stayed broadly similar regardless of the institute in charge.
Ques. Is there a limit on the number of attempts?
Ans. No. There is no attempt cap and no age limit for CAT.
Ques. How is the percentile calculated?
Ans. Raw scores from all three slots are normalised first, then converted to a percentile that reflects your standing against everyone who appeared.
Ques. Do I need work experience for an IIM admission?
Ans. No. Freshers and working professionals both get admission, though some IIMs award a few points for relevant experience.
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