CAT (Common Admission Test)

COMMON ADMISSION TEST 2026 (CAT 2026)

Notification | Exam Dates | Application Form | Eligibility | Exam Pattern | Admit Card | Result | Counselling 

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the premier national-level management entrance examination in India, conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It serves as the primary gateway for admission into various postgraduate management programs (MBA/PGDM) at the 21 IIMs and over 1,300 other top-tier business schools across the country.

Key Highlights for CAT 2026

• Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT).
• Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours).
• Structure: Three distinct sections with a fixed 40-minute time limit per section. You cannot switch between sections during the test.
• Exam Date: Typically held on the last Sunday of November (tentatively November 29, 2026).
• Registration: Usually opens in the first week of August and closes in the third week of September.

CAT 2026 Notification

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is organized and conducted by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis. The Indian Institutes of Management have yet to release the official notification for CAT 2026, which is expected by the last week of July 2026. This national-level exam is tentatively scheduled to be held on November 29, 2026, across three sessions. The application process is expected to begin in early August and conclude in the third week of September 2026.

CAT 2026 Dates

The official schedule for CAT 2026 has not yet been released. However, based on the established annual cycle and historical trends, here are the expected key dates for the exam:

Tentative CAT 2026 Schedule

Anticipated Application Fees

The application fee is non-refundable and typically follows this structure:

• General, EWS, and NC-OBC Categories: Rs.2,600
• SC, ST, and PwD Categories: Rs.1,300

CAT 2026 Registration Process

The registration process for the Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted entirely online through the official portal, iimcat.ac.in. While the specific portal for CAT 2026 will go live in August, the process follows a standardized six-step workflow.

The 6-Step Registration Process

1. Account Creation (Registration):
• Visit the official website and click on "New Candidate Registration."
• Enter your full name (exactly as it appears on your Class 10/SSC certificate), date of birth, email address, and mobile number.
• Verify your details via an OTP sent to your mobile/email to generate your unique User ID and Password.
2. Login & Personal Details:
• Log in using your generated credentials.
• Complete the personal information section, including contact address, parent/guardian names, category, and nationality.
3. Academic History:
• Enter your educational qualifications, including Class 10, Class 12, and Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
• If you are a final-year student, you will mark your status as "Appearing."

Note: Ensure you use the official conversion method if your university provides CGPA.

1. Work Experience & Programmes:
• Enter any full-time work experience in months (part-time/internships are generally excluded).
• Select the IIMs and the specific management programs you wish to be considered for.
2. Test City Preferences:
• Choose up to 5 or 6 preferred test cities in order of priority. The exam centre is allotted based on these preferences and availability.
3. Document Upload & Fee Payment:
• Uploads: Upload a recent passport-sized photograph (white background) and a scanned signature as per the specified dimensions and file size.
• Payment: Pay the non-refundable registration fee via credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI.
• Submission: After a successful transaction, download the payment receipt and the final application form for your records.

Anticipated Documents Required

• Class 10th & 12th marksheets.
• Graduation marksheets/certificate.
• Scanned passport-sized photograph (recent, white background).
• Scanned signature (black ink on white paper).
• Category/PwD certificates (if applicable).
• Valid Photo ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport/Driving License)

CAT 2026 Application Process

The application process for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is conducted strictly through an online mode. Candidates must visit the official CAT website (iimcat.ac.in) to initiate the process.

Requirements

• Communication: A valid, personal email ID and an active mobile number are mandatory for all correspondence and OTP verification.
• Information: Candidates must have their personal details, academic marksheets (Class 10, 12, and Graduation), and work experience details (if applicable) ready.
• Documents: Scanned copies of a recent passport-sized photograph (typically with a white background) and a signature (in black ink on white paper) are required in JPEG/JPG format. Specific size and dimension guidelines will be provided in the official notification.
• Certificates: Category (SC/ST/OBC-NC/EWS) or PwD certificates must be available in the prescribed format if you are claiming reservation.

Steps to Apply for CAT 2026

1. Registration: Navigate to the official website and click on the “New Candidate Registration” link. Enter basic details such as full name (as per your Class 10 certificate), date of birth, nationality, email ID, and mobile number.
2. Verification: Submit the information to generate an OTP, which will be sent to your registered mobile number or email. Use this OTP to verify your account.
3. Login: Once verified, you will receive a unique User ID and Password via email and SMS. Use these credentials to log in to the application portal.
4. Form Filling: Log in and fill out the application form with accurate personal information, academic qualifications, work experience, and your preferred IIM programs.
5. Exam City Selection: Select up to six preferred test cities in order of priority for exam center allocation.
6. Document Upload: Upload the required scanned documents (photograph, signature, and category/PwD certificates, if applicable) ensuring they meet the specified file size and format requirements.
7. Review: Thoroughly review all entered details for accuracy and completeness. Once submitted, most fields cannot be modified.
8. Payment: Pay the application fee—which varies by candidate category—using a credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI.
9. Submission: After a successful transaction, submit the form and download the confirmation page. It is highly recommended to keep a printed copy for future reference.

CAT 2026 Application Form

CAT 2026 Application Correction

Following the conclusion of the application process, the authorities typically open a correction window for a few days. During this period, successfully registered candidates are given the opportunity to rectify specific types of errors, such as:

• Uploaded photograph or signature (if blurry or incorrectly formatted).
• Test city preferences.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 are established by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). To be eligible for the exam, candidates must meet the following academic and administrative requirements:

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a university or institution recognized by an act of the central or state legislature in India, or other educational institutions declared as deemed to be universities under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification recognized by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
• Minimum Marks:
• General, EWS, and NC-OBC Categories: A minimum of 50% aggregate marks or an equivalent CGPA.
• SC, ST, and PwD Categories: A minimum of 45% aggregate marks or an equivalent CGPA.
• Professional Degrees: Candidates who have completed professional degrees such as CA, CS, ICWA, or CMA (Final) are eligible to apply, provided they meet the minimum percentage requirement.
• Final-Year Students: Candidates currently in the final year of their bachelor’s degree or those who have completed their degree but are awaiting results are eligible to apply. Admission remains provisional and is contingent upon the candidate meeting the minimum marks requirement upon final graduation and producing the necessary proof of completion before the IIM admission session begins.

Age and Attempt Limits

• Age Restriction: There is no minimum or maximum age limit for appearing in CAT 2026.
• Number of Attempts: There is no restriction on the number of times a candidate can take the CAT exam.

Work Experience

• Mandatory Status: Work experience is not mandatory to appear for the CAT exam.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria 

CAT 2026: Percentage Calculation & Reservation Policy

Percentage Calculation Guidelines

For the purpose of CAT eligibility and academic profile assessment, the calculation of aggregate percentages must adhere to the following rules:

1. University/Institution Norms: The aggregate percentage must be calculated strictly according to the rules and regulations stipulated by your respective university or institution.
2. Conversion of CGPA/Grades: If your mark sheet provides grades or a CGPA rather than an absolute percentage, you must use the official conversion formula provided by your university.
3. Default Equivalence: In cases where no official conversion formula is provided by the university, the equivalence should be calculated by dividing your obtained CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA and multiplying the result by 100.
• Formula:

Reservation Policy

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) follow the reservation policy mandated by the Government of India. The following percentages of seats are reserved for the respective categories:

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

The exam consists of approximately 66–68 questions, featuring both Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) questions.

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Note: There is no negative marking for TITA (non-MCQ) questions.

CAT 2026 Syllabus Overview

• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): Focuses on reading comprehension passages (literature, social science, economics), para jumbles, para summaries, and "odd one out" sentence identification.
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): Includes puzzles (seating arrangements, blood relations), data sets (graphs, pie charts, tables), and logical deduction.
• Quantitative Aptitude (QA): Covers Arithmetic (highest weightage), Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Number Systems, and Modern Math (Probability, Permutations & Combinations).

CAT 2026 Syllabus

CAT 2026 Admit Card

The official admit card for CAT 2026 has not been released yet. Based on the standard annual timeline for the Common Admission Test, here is the current outlook:

Expected Timeline

• Release Date: The admit card is expected to be available for download in mid-November 2026 (tentatively around November 12, 2026).
• Official Website: You will be able to download it exclusively from iimcat.ac.in.

Steps to Download (Process)

Once the portal is live, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the Website: Go to the official CAT website.
2. Log In: Click on the "Registered Candidate Login" button. Enter your User ID and Password (generated during the registration process).
3. Navigate to Dashboard: Once logged in, you will be directed to your candidate dashboard.
4. Download: Look for the "Admit Card" tab or link, click it, and then select the option to download the PDF.

CAT 2026 Admit Card

CAT 2026 Answer Key

Following the conclusion of the CAT 2026 examination, the conducting authority will release the provisional Answer Key and the candidates' individual response sheets via online mode.

• Provisional Answer Key: Candidates will be able to access the provisional answer key on the official website (iimcat.ac.in) on the date notified by the authorities.
• Objection Management: If candidates identify any discrepancies or potential errors in the provisional answer key, they will be provided with an opportunity to file an online objection within a specified timeframe.
• Final Answer Key: After a thorough review of all submitted objections, the authorities will release the final answer key on the official website. This version will be considered definitive, and no further grievances regarding the final key will be entertained. Candidates will be able to check the final answer key and their corresponding final responses online.

CAT 2026 Results

The results for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 will be announced exclusively through online mode. Candidates can access their results and download their scorecards from the official website, iimcat.ac.in.

Steps to Download the CAT 2026 Scorecard

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to iimcat.ac.in.
2. Login: Locate and click on the “CAT 2026 Scorecard Download” tab. Enter your registered User ID and Password to log in to your candidate dashboard.
3. Access Scorecard: Once logged in, navigate to the “Scorecard” tab.
4. Download and Print: The CAT 2026 result/scorecard will be displayed on your screen. Download the PDF and take multiple printouts for your records, as you will require them for subsequent admission processes (such as IIM shortlisting, WAT/PI rounds, and other B-school applications).

CAT 2026 results

CAT 2026: Counselling - Admission and Selection Process

Following the declaration of CAT 2026 results, each IIM independently commences the process of shortlisting candidates for the second stage of admission. There is no centralized counselling process for IIM admissions; instead, each institute establishes its own unique admission criteria, including category-wise qualifying CAT cut-offs, academic and personality weightages, and the specific formula for calculating the final composite score.

IIM Selection Pathways

While established IIMs conduct their individual selection processes, newer and "baby" IIMs often participate in a Centralized Admission Process (CAP) to streamline interviews.

• CAP Participating IIMs (2026): For the 2026 cycle, IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Jammu, and IIM Sirmaur participated in the Common Admission Process (CAP), which uses a "single-window" interview system.
• Non-CAP IIMs: Most older IIMs (such as IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode, Indore, and others) conduct their own independent shortlisting and WAT/PI rounds.
• Non-IIM Institutes: Over 1,300 other MBA institutes across India accept CAT scores, each publishing its own admission schedule and selection procedure separately.

The 3-Stage Selection Process

1. Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted based on their CAT percentile (overall and sectional), academic records (10th, 12th, graduation marks), work experience, and diversity factors (gender/academic).
2. Screening (WAT/GD/PI): Shortlisted candidates undergo a Written Ability Test (WAT), and in some cases, Group Discussions (GD), followed by a Personal Interview (PI). These rounds assess communication, analytical skills, and overall personality.
3. Composite Score Calculation: A final merit list is prepared using a composite score that assigns specific weights to the CAT percentile, WAT/PI performance, academic background, work experience, and diversity.

Communication and Call Letters

Shortlisted candidates receive an official Call Letter via email or through the candidate's dashboard on the respective IIM website. This letter contains:

• The registration link for the WAT/PI round.
• The deadline for registration.
• Details regarding interview dates, locations, and time slots.
• A list of required documents for verification.

Document Verification

On the day of the interview, candidates must report with original documents and two sets of self-certified photocopies, typically including:

• Call Letter and CAT 2026 Admit Card.
• CAT 2026 Scorecard.
• Academic Records: Marksheets and passing certificates from 10th grade through graduation.
• Government-issued Photo ID: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving License.
• Category Certificates: Valid SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS/PwD certificates, if applicable.
• Work Experience Proof: Appointment letters, relieving letters, and salary slips, if applicable.

Final Seat Allocation

After the final merit list is released, successful candidates receive an offer of admission via email or SMS. Candidates must then log in to the respective IIM portal, formally accept the offer, lock their seat, and complete the final enrollment formalities, including the payment of the admission fee, within the stipulated deadline.

CAT 2026 Counselling

CAT 2026 General Instructions

To ensure a smooth experience for the CAT 2026 examination, you must adhere to the official guidelines set by the IIMs. While the specific instructions will be finalized in your official admit card, the following are the standard mandatory requirements and protocols based on established CAT norms.

1. Mandatory Documents

You will be denied entry if you do not carry the following:

• Printed Admit Card: A clear, A4-sized color printout of your CAT admit card. Ensure the photograph and signature are clearly visible.
• Original Photo ID: Any one of the following government-issued original IDs (must be original, not a photocopy or digital copy):
• Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License.
• Passport-Sized Photograph: At least one recent photograph (preferably the same one uploaded during registration) to be affixed to the admit card.

2. Exam Day Protocol

• Reporting Time: Arrive at the test center at least 90 minutes before your scheduled slot. The gate-closing time is strictly enforced, and latecomers will not be permitted entry under any circumstances.
• Biometric Verification: Upon arrival, you will undergo security screening and biometric verification (fingerprint and photograph capture).
• Prohibited Items: Do not carry the following items into the test lab:
• Electronics: Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, cameras, Bluetooth devices, etc.
• Personal Belongings: Bags, wallets, purses, or stationery items (pens, pencils, erasers).
• Metallic Objects: Large jewelry, chains, earrings, or metallic accessories.
• Dress Code: Wear simple, comfortable clothing. Avoid garments with large buttons, heavy embroidery, multiple pockets, or thick-soled shoes/boots. Slippers or flat footwear are recommended.

3. Inside the Exam Hall

• Provided Materials: You do not need to bring your own stationery. The center will provide a pen and a scribble pad for rough work.
• Water: You are permitted to carry a simple, transparent water bottle (without any labels).
• Technical Assistance: Familiarize yourself with the interface before the exam. If you encounter any technical issues, immediately notify the invigilator. Do not attempt to leave your seat without permission.

4. Important Reminders

• Check Admit Card Details: Once your admit card is released (expected November 12, 2026), immediately verify your name, registration number, test center address, and shift timings. If there is any discrepancy, contact the CAT Helpdesk (cathelpdesk@iimcat.ac.in) immediately.
• Pre-visit: If possible, visit your assigned test center a day before the exam to understand the travel route and parking availability, especially if your slot is early in the morning.
• Strict Adherence: Any attempt to use unfair means, communicate with other candidates, or violate exam rules will lead to immediate disqualification.

Preparation Tips to Crack CAT 2026

To crack the CAT 2026 exam, a structured and consistent approach is key, especially given that it tests application and logic rather than rote memorization. Whether you are a student or a working professional, your preparation should revolve around three phases: Foundation, Practice, and Testing.

1. The Three-Phase Strategy

• Phase 1: Foundation (Concept Building): Dedicate the first 4–5 months to mastering the basics.
• QA: Prioritize Arithmetic (40-50% of the section), followed by Algebra and Geometry.
• VARC: Build a daily reading habit. Focus on dense editorials (e.g., The Hindu, The Guardian, Aeon essays) to improve comprehension of abstract topics.
• DILR: Solve at least one puzzle or logic set daily to develop pattern recognition.
• Phase 2: Practice & Consolidation: Once your syllabus is ~80% complete, shift to time-bound practice. Use sectional tests to build stamina and learn to use options to eliminate incorrect answers.
• Phase 3: The Mock Marathon: Aim to take 25–30 full-length mocks. Crucially, the analysis of these mocks is more important than the test itself. Spend time evaluating why you got questions wrong or why you left them blank.

2. Section-Wise Tips

• VARC: Do not obsess over vocabulary; focus on "comprehension speed" and "ruthless elimination" of options. Practice identifying the gist of a passage quickly.
• DILR: Do not aim to solve every set. Success in this section comes from identifying the 2–3 "doable" sets and solving them with 100% accuracy within the 40-minute limit.
• QA: Remember, CAT Quant is based on 10th-grade level mathematics. Focus on application rather than advanced calculus. Use a formula sheet for quick revisions.

3. Advice for Working Professionals

If you are working full-time, consistency is your biggest asset.

• Utilize "Dead Time": Use your commute for vocabulary building, listening to podcasts, or revising formulas.
• The Weekend Shift: Dedicate 5–6 hours on Saturdays for intensive practice/sectional mocks, and 6–7 hours on Sundays for a full-length mock and deep analysis.
• Weekday Focus: Commit to at least 2–3 hours of focused study post-work.

4. Essential Strategies for Success

• Learn What to Skip: The CAT is designed to be a test where finishing is nearly impossible. Knowing which questions to skip is often more important than knowing which ones to solve.
• Mock Analysis: Treat each mock as a learning tool. Log your errors to ensure you don't repeat the same mistakes in the next one.
• Accuracy Over Volume: Because of negative marking, prioritize accuracy. Answering 50-55% of the paper correctly is historically enough to reach a 99+ percentile.

Recommended Daily Routine (Approx. 2 Hours)

• VARC (30-45 mins): 1 RC passage + 1 logical set/para jumble + Editorial reading.
• QA (45-60 mins): 10-20 problems from the current focus area.
• DILR (20-30 mins): 1-2 logic sets from previous year papers.

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