CAT 2026: Registration, exam date, eligibility, syllabus, pattern & everything you need to know

What is the CAT exam?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based entrance exam conducted at the national level for admission into postgraduate management programs such as MBA and PGDM. It tests a candidate’s aptitude in areas like quantitative ability, verbal reasoning, data interpretation, and logical thinking. CAT scores are accepted by all 21 IIMs and hundreds of other B-schools in India, making it a crucial exam for students aiming to build a career in management.

CAT 2026 exam schedule & important dates

A well-structured timeline is essential for planning your preparation for the CAT exam. These dates are critical checkpoints in the journey of every aspirant preparing for the exam. Keeping track of these milestones ensures that candidates do not miss any important updates and are fully prepared for each phase of the examination process. The exam schedule is as follows:

CAT 2026 application process

The CAT 2026 application process is a critical first step for candidates aiming to take the exam. It is conducted entirely online through the official website. Applicants must ensure that all personal, academic, and category details are accurately filled in to avoid disqualification at later stages. Here is a step-by-step guide to the application process:

Step 1: Online registration

Visit the official CAT website (iimcat.ac.in) and register by providing your name, date of birth, email address, and mobile number. You will receive a unique User ID and password on your registered email and phone.

Step 2: Login and fill application form

Use the credentials to log in and fill out the application form. Enter personal information, academic qualifications, and work experience (if any). Select your preferred IIM programs and city choices for the exam.

Step 3: Upload documents

Upload scanned images of your recent passport-size photograph and signature in the specified format. If applicable, upload caste, PwD, or EWS certificates.

Step 4: Choose test cities

You can select up to six preferred cities in order of preference. The exam authority will allot one based on availability.

Step 5: Pay the application fee

Make the payment through online modes such as credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI.

• General/EWS/NC-OBC: ₹2,700
• SC/ST/PwD: ₹1,350

Step 6: Submit and confirm

Step 6: Submit and confirm Carefully verify all entered details before final submission. Once submitted, download and save the confirmation page and payment receipt for future reference.

CAT 2026 exam centres

CAT will be conducted in over 150 cities across India to ensure accessibility for candidates from all regions. During the application process, candidates are required to select up to six preferred test cities in order of priority. The examination authority will allot a test centre based on availability and preferences indicated by the candidate.

Key points about CAT 2026 exam centres:

• Candidates can choose up to six cities in order of preference during registration.
• Exam centres are located in metropolitan cities, state capitals, and major towns across all states and union territories.
• Each city may have multiple test venues to accommodate candidates.
• The exact test venue and address will be mentioned in the admit card.
• Candidates must carry their admit card and a valid photo ID (like Aadhaar card, PAN card, or driving license) to gain entry into the test centre.
• No request for change of test city or centre will be entertained after the admit card is issued.

It is advisable to select cities that are easily accessible from your location to avoid any travel delays or complications on the exam day. be conducted in over 150 cities across India. Candidates can choose preferred test cities during the application process. The exact centre will be mentioned in the admit card.

Syllabus for CAT 2026

The CAT syllabus is designed to assess a candidate's aptitude across three key areas essential for management studies. While the syllabus is not officially defined by IIMs, it is based on core concepts from school-level mathematics and English, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking. Candidates should focus on understanding the concepts and improving speed and accuracy through regular practice.

• VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension): Reading comprehension, para jumbles, sentence correction, vocabulary, critical reasoning, and summary-based questions.
• DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning): Interpretation of data from charts, graphs, and tables, puzzles, seating arrangement, blood relations, and logical sequences.
• QA (Quantitative Ability) Arithmetic (percentages, profit & loss, time-speed-distance), algebra (linear/quadratic equations, inequalities), geometry and mensuration, number systems, probability, permutations and combinations, and modern mathematics. Reading comprehension, para jumbles, sentence correction, vocabulary.

CAT 2026 exam pattern

Understanding the CAT 2026 exam pattern is essential for effective preparation. The exam is designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude in core areas such as reading comprehension, data analysis, logical reasoning, and quantitative problem-solving. The exam is divided into three sections, each with a strict time limit, and the pattern remains consistent with recent years. Here is an overview of the format:

• Mode: Computer-based test
• Duration: 2 hours (40 minutes per section)
• Sections: VARC (24), DILR (22), QA (22)
• Total questions: 68
• Marking scheme: +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect MCQs, no negative marking for non-MCQs.
• Total marks: 204

CAT 2026 mock tests

Mock tests are a vital component of effective CAT preparation. They help students familiarize themselves with the exam format, improve time management, and identify their strengths and weaknesses. Practicing with mocks allows candidates to build confidence and refine their test-taking strategies under timed conditions.

IIMs will release official CAT mock tests on the iimcat.ac.in website a few weeks before the exam. These are designed to replicate the actual exam environment and are an excellent way to understand the question interface and navigation.

In addition to the official mocks, candidates are encouraged to:

• Attempt mock test series offered by reputed coaching institutes
• Solve full-length tests weekly and analyze performance
• Practice section-wise and topic-wise mocks to strengthen weak areas
• Use previous year papers in mock test format for better exam insight.

Consistent practice and thorough analysis of mock tests can significantly improve accuracy and boost overall percentile in CAT 2026. release official CAT mock tests on the website. Additionally, aspirants can practice with third-party online mock tests, coaching institute series, and previous year papers.

Why take mock tests?

• Strategic preparation: Assists in forming effective strategies for solving questions efficiently.
• Performance evaluation: Regular feedback helps monitor progress and adjust study plans accordingly.
• Exam-day readiness: Enhances adaptability and preparedness for various scenarios that might occur on exam day.

CAT 2026 preparation tips

Preparing for CAT 2026 requires a strategic, disciplined, and analytical approach. Since the exam tests both speed and accuracy, aspirants must adopt a smart preparation strategy that balances concept clarity, practice, and revision. Here are some proven tips to help you succeed:

• Start early and plan wisely: Begin your preparation early to ensure ample time to thoroughly understand concepts across all subjects. Early preparation allows for a comprehensive revision of the entire syllabus, reducing last-minute pressure.
• Create a structured study schedule: Design a realistic study plan prioritizing topics based on their weightage in past exams and your personal difficulty level. Allocate more time to challenging topics, ensuring all subjects receive adequate attention.
• Conceptual clarity and problem-solving: Focus on thoroughly understanding theoretical aspects before tackling practice problems. Regularly solve problems from diverse sources, including previous years' papers, to build confidence and adaptability in applying concepts.
• Regular mock tests and analysis: Regularly take full-length mock tests to acclimate yourself to the exam environment, time management, and pressure handling. Carefully analyze your performance after each test to identify weak areas and systematically improve upon them.
• Maintain health and balance: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition, exercise, and sufficient sleep. Incorporate regular short breaks into your study sessions to prevent burnout and maintain mental freshness.

CAT 2026 admit card

Registered candidates will be able to download their CAT 2026 admit card from the official website starting November 4, 2026. The admit card is a mandatory document that must be carried to the examination centre on the exam day.

The CAT admit card will include the following details:

• Candidate’s name and photograph
• CAT 2026 registration number
• Date and time of the exam
• Exam centre address and reporting time
• Session timing and entry closing time
• Exam day instructions and COVID-related guidelines (if any)

Candidates must:

• Verify all details mentioned on the admit card and report discrepancies immediately.
• Carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid government-issued photo ID (like Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, or driving license).
• Keep the admit card safe even after the exam as it may be required during the admission process.

No candidate will be allowed to appear for the exam without a valid admit card and ID proof. Candidates can download the admit card from the official website starting November 4, 2026. It includes details like exam date, time, venue, and instructions.

CAT 2026 previous question papers

A significant component of your preparation should involve practicing with the previous year's question papers and reviewing answer keys. Here’s why this is important:

• Familiarization with exam format: Analyzing past papers helps you become familiar with the types of questions typically asked, the exam pattern, and the weightage given to each subject. This understanding allows you to prepare more effectively, prioritize your study efforts, and tailor your revision strategies to meet the specific demands of the exam.
• Time management: Regular practice with previous question papers significantly improves your speed and efficiency. You can simulate real exam conditions to better manage the limited time available. Developing strong time-management skills ensures you can allocate adequate attention to each question and complete the exam within the allotted duration, a critical factor for success in the competitive environment of CAT.
• Identify strengths and weaknesses: Consistent practice helps you identify which topics you excel at and which require additional focus. By pinpointing these areas early, you can allocate more revision time to challenging subjects and reinforce your understanding of key concepts.

Solving previous year CAT question papers helps understand the difficulty level and types of questions asked. Papers from 2017 to 2025 are available online.

CAT 2026 answer key & response sheet

• The provisional answer key contains the official correct answers to all the questions asked in each slot of the CAT exam.
• The response sheet displays the individual responses submitted by the candidate during the test.
• Candidates can download both documents by logging into their accounts on the official CAT website using their User ID and password.
• If candidates find discrepancies or have valid objections to any of the answers in the provisional key, they can raise objections within the stipulated time frame, usually 3–5 days after the release.
• A small non-refundable fee per question may be charged for submitting objections.
• After reviewing all objections, the final answer key will be published, which will be considered for result preparation.

Benefits of reviewing the answer key and response sheet:

• Builds confidence by confirming the accuracy of your answers.
• Provides clarity on the marking scheme and question evaluation criteria.
• Helps candidates accurately estimate potential scores and objectively assess their performance.

CAT 2026 results

• Declaration date: Expected date is Early January 2027.
• Score details: Scaled scores for each section (VARC, DILR, and QA), Percentile scores for each section, Overall scaled score, Overall percentile score.
• Results will be accessible via login at iimcat.ac.in
• Cutoff marks: The minimum required marks to qualify for counselling will be released alongside the results.
• Candidates should keep a printed copy of the scorecard safe, as it will be required during the selection and admission process.
• CAT scores are valid for one year and can be used for admission to 21 IIMs and over 1,200 B-schools across India.

Based on the CAT result, IIMs and other participating institutes will shortlist candidates for further rounds such as Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI) will be declared in the third or fourth week of January 2027 (tentative).

CAT 2026 cutoff details (Expected)

Expected CAT 2026 cutoff (percentile-wise):

• Top IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta): 98–100 percentile for General category
• Mid-tier IIMs (Lucknow, Indore, Kozhikode): 95–98 percentile
• New IIMs and other institutes: 90–95 percentile
• SC/ST/PwD candidates: Relaxed cutoffs ranging from 70–85 percentile depending on the institute.

CAT 2026 counselling process

There is no centralized CAT counselling process conducted by the IIMs or any government authority. Instead, each IIM conducts its own independent admission process based on CAT scores, academic profile, and other criteria. The selection procedure for IIMs and other B-schools includes multiple stages that assess a candidate’s overall profile

Here is a breakdown of the CAT 2026 counselling and admission process:

• Shortlisting: After the CAT results are declared, each IIM releases its list of shortlisted candidates for the next round. The shortlisting is primarily based on the CAT percentile, academic performance in Classes 10 and 12, graduation scores, work experience, and diversity factors.
• WAT/GD-PI rounds: Shortlisted candidates are invited to participate in further selection rounds such as:
  • Written Ability Test (WAT)
  • Group Discussion (GD)
  • Personal Interview (PI)
• Final merit list: Each IIM prepares a final merit list based on the cumulative performance in CAT, WAT, GD-PI, academic record, work experience, and category-based reservation norms.
• Admission offer: Candidates who make it to the final list receive admission offers through email or the respective IIM’s admission portal. Candidates must confirm their acceptance and pay the admission fee within the given deadline.
• Other B-schools: Apart from the IIMs, many top B-schools accepting CAT scores, such as FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, and others, have their own independent admission processes, which may include GD-PI rounds and profile-based evaluations.

Candidates are advised to regularly check the official websites of individual IIMs and other institutes they have applied to for updates on shortlisting and admission timelines. is no centralized CAT counselling. Each IIM conducts its own admission process, which includes Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI) based on CAT scores, academic record, and work experience.