IIM CAT 2026 The Indian Institutes of Management have announced the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 for admission to postgraduate management and doctoral programmes. The online registration window was extended, and candidates could submit the CAT 2026 form up to 22 September 2026 at 5:00 PM, according to the latest update provided on the reference page.
The CAT 2026 examination is scheduled for 29 November 2026 in three sessions. The admit card is expected to be available from 4 November 2026, while the result is expected in January 2027.
CAT is a national-level computer-based entrance examination used by the IIMs and several other participating institutions for management admissions. Candidates should remember that qualifying CAT alone does not guarantee admission. Each IIM follows its own shortlisting and final-selection policy.
Current status: CAT 2026 registration is closed. Candidates should now focus on preparation, admit-card updates and the examination scheduled for 29 November 2026.
CAT 2026 Latest Update
| Admission/exam detail | Information |
| Exam name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Conducting body | Indian Institutes of Management |
| Exam mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Application start | 3 August 2026 at 10:00 AM |
| Extended last date | 22 September 2026 at 5:00 PM |
| CAT exam date | 29 November 2026 |
| Admit card | 4 November 2026 |
| Expected result | January 2027 |
| General eligibility | Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks or equivalent CGPA |
| SC/ST/PwBD eligibility | Bachelor’s degree with 45% marks or equivalent CGPA |
| Official website | iimcat.ac.in |
CAT 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date/status |
| Registration begins | 3 August 2026 at 10:00 AM |
| Original registration deadline | 15 September 2026 at 5:00 PM |
| Extended registration deadline | 22 September 2026 at 5:00 PM |
| Last date to pay fee | 22 September 2026 |
| Admit card release | 4 November 2026 |
| CAT 2026 examination | 29 November 2026 |
| Answer key | To be announced |
| Result/scorecard | January 2027 |
Candidates should rely on the latest notice displayed on the official CAT portal for any change in admit-card or result dates.
CAT 2026 Application Fee
| Candidate category | Fee |
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | ₹2,700 |
| SC / ST / PwBD | ₹1,350 |
| Payment method | Debit card, credit card, net banking or another method available on the portal |
| Fee rule | Paid once, regardless of the number of IIMs selected |
| Refund | Fee is non-refundable |
The registration fee is paid once for the CAT application. It is not charged separately for each IIM selected by the candidate.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must satisfy one of the recognised qualification routes below:
| Qualification route | Eligibility condition |
| Bachelor’s degree | Completed a bachelor’s degree with the prescribed percentage |
| Final-year candidate | Studying in the final year of a bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification |
| Professional degree | Completed CA, CS, ICWA/CMA or Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India with the required percentage |
| General/EWS/NC-OBC | Minimum 50% marks or equivalent CGPA |
| SC/ST/PwBD | Minimum 45% marks or equivalent CGPA |
The bachelor’s degree must be awarded by a recognised university or educational institution. Candidates awaiting results may apply, but those selected must later provide proof that all degree requirements were completed within the timeline prescribed by the admitting IIM.
CGPA to Percentage Conversion
If a university has an official method for converting CGPA into percentage, candidates must follow that method. If the university does not have a conversion scheme, the percentage may be calculated by dividing the CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA and multiplying by 100, as stated in the CAT information bulletin.
Is There an Age Limit for CAT 2026?
The CAT 2026 eligibility information does not prescribe an upper age limit. Candidates must meet the educational and category-wise percentage conditions.
CAT 2026 Reservation Details
| Category | Reservation percentage mentioned in the bulletin |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| NC-OBC | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | Up to 10% |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 5% |
Candidates claiming reservation must upload the relevant certificate during registration. For CAT 2026, the bulletin specifies that NC-OBC certificates should be issued on or after 1 April 2026. EWS certificates must be valid for 2026–27 and relate to the financial year 2025–26.
No change in category is ordinarily entertained after registration. Applicants should check the certificate requirements carefully before submitting the form.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
CAT 2026 is conducted in three sections with a fixed time limit for each section.
| Section | Full form | Questions | Maximum marks |
| VARC | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 24 | 72 |
| DILR | Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | 22 | 66 |
| QA | Quantitative Ability | 22 | 66 |
| Total | — | 68 | 204 |
| Exam feature | Details |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Total duration | 120 minutes |
| Time per section | 40 minutes |
| Section switching | Not allowed during the active section |
| Question types | MCQ and non-MCQ/TITA questions |
| Correct answer | Generally 3 marks |
| Wrong MCQ answer | Generally 1 mark deducted |
| Wrong TITA answer | No negative marking |
| Unattempted question | No penalty |
Candidates belonging to eligible PwD categories may receive compensatory time and other facilities according to the official rules and supporting-document requirements.
CAT 2026 Syllabus
CAT does not prescribe a chapter-by-chapter school-style syllabus, but the questions generally test the following areas.
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
| Topic area | What to prepare |
| Reading comprehension | Main idea, inference, tone, structure, argument and vocabulary in context |
| Para summary | Identifying the most accurate summary of a passage |
| Para jumbles | Arranging sentences into a coherent paragraph |
| Odd sentence | Identifying the sentence that does not fit the paragraph |
| Sentence completion | Context, grammar and logical flow |
| Vocabulary | Meaning, usage, synonyms, antonyms and contextual interpretation |
| Grammar and usage | Sentence structure, modifiers, agreement and usage-based questions |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
| Topic area | What to prepare |
| Tables and charts | Tables, bar graphs, line graphs and pie charts |
| Caselets | Data-based paragraphs requiring calculations and interpretation |
| Games and tournaments | Rankings, matches, points and scheduling |
| Arrangements | Linear, circular, matrix and grouping arrangements |
| Networks and routes | Paths, connections and optimisation |
| Venn diagrams | Sets, groups and overlapping categories |
| Selection and distribution | Team formation, allocation and conditional choices |
| Quantitative reasoning | Ratios, averages, percentages and data sufficiency-style logic |
Quantitative Ability
| Topic area | What to prepare |
| Arithmetic | Percentages, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, ratios, averages, mixtures, time and work, time-speed-distance |
| Algebra | Equations, inequalities, functions, progressions, maxima/minima and algebraic expressions |
| Number system | Divisibility, remainders, factors, multiples, unit digits and number properties |
| Geometry | Lines, angles, triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, polygons and coordinate geometry |
| Mensuration | Perimeter, area, surface area and volume |
| Modern mathematics | Permutation, combination, probability and set theory |
The best preparation approach is to combine concept revision with timed sectional practice and full-length mock tests.
CAT 2026 Exam Sessions and Test Cities
CAT 2026 is scheduled in three sessions on 29 November 2026. The examination is conducted across approximately 170 test cities. Candidates select preferred cities during registration, after which a test centre is allotted subject to availability.
| Exam arrangement | Details |
| Exam day | 29 November 2026 |
| Number of sessions | Three |
| Test cities | Approximately 170 |
| City choices during application | Five preferred cities |
| Final test centre | Mentioned on the admit card |
| Centre allocation | Subject to availability; nearby city may be allotted if needed |
Candidates must follow the exact reporting time, centre address and permitted-item instructions printed on the admit card.
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CAT 2026 Admit Card
The CAT 2026 admit card is scheduled for release on 4 November 2026. Candidates should download it from the official CAT website using their login credentials.
Details to Check on the Admit Card
| Detail | What to verify |
| Candidate name | Correct spelling and personal details |
| Photograph and signature | Clear and matching application records |
| Test date | 29 November 2026 |
| Test session | Correct session and reporting time |
| Test centre | Complete address and city |
| Exam instructions | Identity proof, prohibited items and reporting rules |
Print the admit card on clean paper and keep the required original photo ID ready for the examination centre.
How to Prepare for CAT 2026
| Preparation stage | Recommended action |
| Diagnostic test | Take a full mock to identify strengths and weak areas |
| Concept building | Revise arithmetic, algebra, geometry, grammar and reasoning fundamentals |
| Reading habit | Read editorials, essays and long-form articles daily |
| Sectional practice | Solve timed VARC, DILR and QA sets separately |
| Mock strategy | Attempt full-length tests in the three-section format |
| Analysis | Spend more time analysing errors than merely taking mocks |
| Accuracy | Avoid random guessing in negative-marking MCQs |
| Final revision | Use short notes, formula sheets and previously missed questions |
CAT 2026 Admission Process
CAT is an entrance test, not a direct admission guarantee. Each IIM publishes its own admission policy.
| Admission stage | What may be considered |
| CAT registration | Test paper, academic and personal information |
| CAT performance | Overall and sectional performance |
| Shortlisting | CAT score, academic record, category and other institute-specific factors |
| Written ability/essay | Where required by the concerned IIM |
| Group discussion | Where required by the concerned IIM |
| Personal interview | Communication, knowledge, motivation and suitability |
| Final merit | CAT score plus academic, work-experience and selection components as defined by the IIM |
The minimum CAT eligibility percentage does not ensure shortlisting. IIMs can apply higher cut-offs and different weights for academic performance, work experience, gender diversity, category and interview performance.
Participating IIMs and Programmes
The CAT 2026 information bulletin lists participating IIMs offering management and doctoral programmes. Programme names and admission rules differ by institute.
| IIM group | Examples of programmes |
| Postgraduate management programmes | PGP, MBA, MBA specialisations and related management programmes |
| Executive programmes | Executive MBA, PGP for working professionals and other institute-specific programmes |
| Doctoral programmes | FPM, PhD and doctoral programmes in management |
| Specialised programmes | Business Analytics, Finance, HRM, Operations, Sustainability, Healthcare and Tourism, depending on the IIM |
Candidates should visit the individual IIM website before relying on CAT eligibility alone. Some programmes may have additional work-experience, academic-subject or professional requirements.
CAT 2026 Important Links
| Resource | Direct link |
| CAT 2026 official website | Visit iimcat.ac.in |
| CAT 2026 apply/login portal | Open CAT application portal |
| CAT 2026 information bulletin | Download official bulletin |
| Date extension notice | Download extension notice |
| Admit card | Available through the official CAT website from 4 November 2026 |
| Result/scorecard | Available through the official CAT website after declaration |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CAT 2026?
CAT 2026 is the Common Admission Test conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management for admission to postgraduate management, doctoral and related programmes offered by participating IIMs and other institutions.
When is the CAT 2026 exam date?
CAT 2026 is scheduled for 29 November 2026 and will be conducted in three sessions.
Is CAT 2026 registration still open?
No. The registration deadline was extended to 22 September 2026 at 5:00 PM. The application process is now closed.
What is the CAT 2026 application fee?
The fee is ₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates and ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwBD candidates.
What is the CAT 2026 eligibility percentage?
General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates need at least 50% in a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification. SC, ST and PwBD candidates need at least 45%.
Can final-year graduation students apply for CAT 2026?
Yes. Final-year bachelor’s degree students can apply, subject to the required marks and later submission of proof that they completed the degree requirements.
Is there an age limit for CAT 2026?
The CAT 2026 eligibility information does not prescribe an age limit. Candidates must meet the qualification and other application conditions.
What is the CAT 2026 exam pattern?
CAT 2026 has three sections: VARC, DILR and QA. The expected structure is 68 questions for 204 marks, to be completed in 120 minutes with 40 minutes allotted to each section.
What is the CAT 2026 syllabus?
The main areas are Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability in VARC, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning in DILR, and arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems and modern mathematics in QA.
Is there negative marking in CAT 2026?
Yes. Incorrect MCQ answers generally carry a one-mark penalty. Non-MCQ/TITA questions generally do not carry negative marking. Candidates should follow the instructions displayed in the actual test.
When will the CAT 2026 admit card be released?
The admit card is scheduled to be available from 4 November 2026.
When will the CAT 2026 result be declared?
The result is expected in January 2027, according to the supplied recruitment update. Candidates should check the official CAT website for the final result date.
Does CAT qualification guarantee admission to an IIM?
No. Each IIM independently decides its shortlisting and admission process. Academic performance, CAT score, category, work experience, interview and other factors may be considered.
How long is the CAT 2026 score valid?
The CAT 2026 score is stated to remain valid until 31 December 2027 for the admission cycle covered by the bulletin.
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