CAT Exam Date 2026: Registration, Complete Schedule and Important Deadlines

CAT 2026 is expected to be held on the last Sunday of November 2026, i.e. around November 29, 2026. IIM Indore is expected to be the convening institute, as the IIMs rotate the responsibility each year. CAT 2026 registration is expected to open in the first week of August 2026 and close around the third week of September 2026. The exam consists of 68 questions across three sections, with a total score of 204 marks.

For reference, CAT 2025 was conducted by IIM Kozhikode on November 30, 2025, and the result was declared on December 24, 2025.

This article will provide the essential CAT exam date and detailed information on the registration process, eligibility, exam pattern, and more. 

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Important CAT Exam Date 2026 (Expected)

Below are the key CAT 2026 dates (expected, based on previous cycles) that every candidate must know before appearing for the exam:

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What is the CAT Exam?

The CAT (Common Admission Test) is an entrance exam for admission to postgraduate management programs, like an MBA, at top business schools and management institutes in India. It is conducted by the IIMs on a rotational basis. It provides opportunities for careers in various fields, such as marketing, including roles like brand manager, market research analyst, digital marketing manager, and product manager.

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CAT Exam: Highlights

Check the table below for a quick overview of all essential parameters for the CAT exam.

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CAT Exam Date 2026: Registration Date

Below is the CAT 2026 registration date (expected):

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CAT Exam Date 2026: Registration Process

To register for the CAT 2026 exam, follow these simple steps on the official IIM CAT website:

1. Visit the website and click on 'New Registration'.

2. Create an account and log in.

3. Complete the application form and upload your photo and signature.

4. Select your courses, IIMs, and test city preference.

5. Pay the CAT exam application fee.

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Before registering for the CAT exam, review the CAT Exam Fees eligibility criteria and the application process.

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CAT Exam Date 2026: Application Form 

To complete your registration, make sure to have the following documents ready for the CAT 2026 form: 

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CAT Exam Date 2026: Admit Card

Candidates must bring the CAT admit card to the exam center on exam day. It includes the test center location, exam slot, and reporting time. 

Follow these three simple steps to download your admit card:

1. Visit the official CAT website and log in using your application number and password.

2. Navigate to the 'Admit Card' section.

3. Click on 'Download' to save and print your admit card.

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CAT Exam Date 2026: Answer key

The CAT 2026 answer key will be available only through the official website. Candidates can download the CAT answer key by following the steps:

1. Go to the official CAT website and log in using your ID and password.

2. Click on the 'CAT 2026 Answer Key' option to view it on the screen.

3. Click the 'Download' to save it as a PDF.

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Candidates can raise objections to the CAT answer key within 3-4 days of its release by submitting an online form, uploading supporting documents, and paying a fee. Experts will review the objections; the preliminary answer key will be revised if they are valid. The final CAT 2026 result will be based on the updated answer key.  

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CAT Exam Date 2026: Result and Scorecard

Candidates can download the CAT exam scorecard from the official website, expected in the third week of December 2026. 

Follow the below steps to download the scorecard:

1. Visit the official CAT website and click on the 'Login' tab.

2. Enter your CAT application form number and password.

3. Go to the 'Scorecard' section and click the download option to save the scorecard as a PDF.

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The scorecard will display raw scores and percentiles for each section. The download link will remain active for one year, and no hard copies will be issued, so candidates should download and save the scorecard promptly.

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CAT Exam Date 2026: Exam Timings

The CAT is conducted in three slots, and candidates must adhere to the specified reporting and exam timings to ensure a smooth experience. 

The details for each slot are as follows:

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CAT Exam Pattern

The CAT exam is a multiple-choice test (MCQ) with a mix of non-MCQ (TITA) questions. Candidates earn +3 points for a correct answer, while one point is deducted for incorrect answers in MCQs. There is no negative marking for non-MCQs (TITA) or unattempted questions.

Below is an overview of the CAT exam pattern (based on the recent CAT exam):

Check out the detailed CAT Exam Pattern information, including sectional cut-offs, syllabus, and expert preparation tips.

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CAT Exam Analysis

Based on the trends observed in recent CAT exams, CAT 2026 is expected to range from moderate to difficult. Over the past few years, all three slots of the CAT exam have been considered high difficulty. The final analysis of CAT 2026 will depend on the feedback from candidates and experts appearing for the exam.

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CAT Exam Syllabus

The CAT exam consists of three sections, each with topics designed to test candidates' skills in various areas. 

Here is an overview of the syllabus for each section:

Discover the complete CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA, including section-wise details and weightage, to plan your preparation effectively.

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CAT Exam Guidelines

The CAT 2026 exam will take place at centers across India. Candidates must follow all instructions on the admit card to avoid issues on exam day.

Documents to Carry

Below are the documents candidate must carry to appear in the CAT exam:

Items Not Allowed Inside the CAT Exam Hall

The exam will be monitored with CCTV, and the following items are prohibited:

1. Electronic devices like calculators, phones, or smartwatches

2. Bags, purses, or personal items

3. Food or drinks

4. Metal jewellery or accessories

5. Jackets or clothing with pockets

6. Closed shoes

7. Books, notebooks, or loose paper

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CAT Score vs Percentile

Understanding how your CAT score relates to your percentile is important for knowing your chances of getting into top MBA colleges. 

Here is an indicative view of how different scores in each section of the CAT exam can affect your overall percentile:

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IIM CAT Exam Cut-Off

The CAT exam cut-off varies across different Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and is an important factor for admission. 

Below are indicative cut-off percentiles for various IIMs:

After clearing the CAT exam, check out the CAT Exam Colleges and their fees, admission criteria, and future opportunities.

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IIM Selection Process After CAT Exam

The IIMs use CAT scores to select candidates for their MBA and other programs. Candidates must also appear for the WAT-PI (Written Ability Test and Personal Interview) for full-time MBA admission. 

Below is an overview of the three stages of the IIM CAT selection process MBA:

1. Candidates are shortlisted based on their CAT scores.

2. Shortlisted candidates appear for the WAT-PI round.

3. Final selection and admission offer is made.

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CAT Exam Cut-Off: Non - IIMs

Many top business schools outside the IIMs also have competitive CAT cut-offs for admission into their MBA programs. Below are indicative cut-off percentiles required for various prestigious colleges:

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CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria

To appear for the CAT 2026 exam, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Educational Qualification

Candidates must have completed a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, and PwBD candidates) from a recognised university.

2. Final Year Students

Candidates in the final year of their bachelor's degree or awaiting results can also apply.

3. Professional Degrees 

Candidates with the required percentage in professional degrees (CA, CS, ICWA) are eligible.

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CAT Exam Preparation Tips

Here are some simple CAT preparation tips to help you prepare effectively for CAT 2026:

1. Create a daily study schedule 

Break the syllabus into sections and assign time for each part.

2. Choose self-study or join classes 

Opt for self-study or enroll in coaching classes using reliable study resources.

3. Make notes and flashcards

Write down key points and create flashcards with important formulas and techniques.

4. Practise regularly 

Solve previous year's CAT papers and take mock tests. Review your performance to identify areas for improvement.

5. Manage time during practise 

While solving questions, track the time spent on each one.

6. Improve general knowledge 

Read newspapers daily to stay updated.

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CAT 2026 is essential for those looking to join a top management program in India. By keeping track of the key dates and understanding the registration process, eligibility requirements, and exam pattern, you can prepare effectively for this competitive exam.

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