KU-CAT (Kerala University Common Admission Test For MBA & MBA Tourism)

Content Writer Priya Singh
Updated On Date: Dec 01, 2025

KERALA UNIVERSITY COMMON ADMISSION TEST FOR MBA AND MBA TOURISM (KU CAT) 2026

KU CAT 2026, or Kerala University Common Admission Test 2026, is an important university-level entrance exam conducted by Kerala University for admission into its postgraduate management and professional courses such as MBA and related programs. The exam serves as a gateway for candidates seeking higher education in diverse disciplines offered by Kerala University.

The KU CAT exam is conducted online in a computer-based test (CBT) mode. It generally takes place once a year, with exam duration set at 120 minutes (2 hours). The medium of the exam is English. The syllabus is designed to test candidates' aptitude through three key sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), which assesses language skills and critical reasoning; Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), evaluating analytical and problem-solving abilities; and Quantitative Aptitude (QA), testing mathematical understanding and numerical problem-solving skills.

Eligibility criteria for KU CAT 2026 require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized Indian university, conforming to a 10+2+3 or 10+2+4 academic pattern. Candidates must have secured at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). Final year students awaiting results are also eligible to apply provisionally. The university encourages inclusivity by applying category-wise reservations and relaxations as per government rules.

The application process for KU CAT 2026 is carried out online via the official Kerala University admission portal. Candidates must register, fill out the application form, upload necessary documents, and pay the prescribed fees within the stipulated time frame.

The exam is typically scheduled in July, with the application season usually opening around April and closing by June. Admit cards are released online a few weeks before the exam, and candidates must carry the admit card and a valid photo ID to the exam center.

After the exam, results are declared online, providing scores and ranks. Successful candidates qualify for the counseling process, which includes registration, choice filling, seat allotment, document verification, and final admission. Counseling ensures merit-based, transparent seat allocation as per candidate preferences and category reservations.

To prepare effectively for KU CAT 2026, aspirants should understand the syllabus and exam pattern, practice regularly using mock tests, strengthen fundamental concepts, improve reading and analytical skills, and manage time efficiently during preparation and on the exam day.

General exam instructions emphasize discipline and adherence to rules such as reporting on time, prohibiting electronic devices in the exam hall, and bringing required identification.

Overall, KU CAT 2026 is a comprehensive entrance examination that facilitates admission into Kerala University’s diverse postgraduate management courses, providing a merit and reservation-driven pathway for higher education aspirants in Kerala.

KU CAT 2026 Exams Highlights

Name of Exam

Kerala University Common Admission Test (KU CAT) 2026

Exam Level

University Level

Conducted by

Kerala University

Courses offered

Postgraduate Management and Professional Courses including MBA and related programs

Exam Mode

Online

Application Mode

Online

Exam Frequency

Once in a year

Exam Duration

120 minutes

Exam Medium

English

KU CAT 2026  Exam Dates

        Events

Event Dates (Tentative)

Application begins

April 2026

Application closes

June 2026

Application form correction

June 2026 (mid)

Admit card

June 2026 (last week)

Exam Date

July 2026 (first week)

 

Answer key

 

July 2026 (Second week)

Result

July 2026 (third week)

Counselling

July-August 2026

KU CAT 2026  Eligibility Criteria

The short eligibility criteria for KU CAT 2026 are as follows:

  • Candidates must be Indian nationals with a bachelor’s degree from a recognized Indian university under the 10+2+3 or 10+2+4 academic pattern.
  • They should have obtained a minimum of 50% marks in their qualifying examination (45% for SC/ST candidates).
  • Final-year degree students awaiting results are also eligible to apply, subject to submission of passing proof before admission.

KU CAT accepts valid scores from national entrance exams like KMAT, CMAT, or CAT for admission eligibility. Category-wise reservations apply as per Kerala University norms, facilitating social inclusivity in admissions.

Click Here For KU CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

KU CAT 2026  Application Process

The application will be accessible via the official admissions website of Kerala University. The KU CAT 2026 application is completed online. Candidates should watch for official announcements regarding the exact dates. According to previous years, the first week of June 2026 is usually the deadline for submissions.

Steps of KU CAT 2026 Application Process

  • Visit the official Kerala University admission portal - www.admissions.keralauniversity.ac.in) for KU CAT 2026 applications.
  • Create a new account with personal details (name, date of birth, email ID, mobile number) and receive login credentials.
  • Login to the candidate portal using the provided credentials to access the application form.
  • Fill out the application form with personal details, academic qualifications, and course preferences accurately.
  • Upload required documents, including a recent passport-size photograph and signature; additional documents may be needed for some programs.
  • Pay the non-refundable application fee online via debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI; fees vary by course category.
  • Review the application for correctness before submitting.
Click Here For KU CAT 2026 Application Process

KU CAT 2026  Admit Card

The KU CAT 2026 Admit Card is an essential document issued by Kerala University to candidates who have successfully registered for the Common Admission Test. It serves as a hall ticket and must be carried to the exam center for entry. The admit card is typically released a few weeks before the exam date, usually in June or early July 2026.

Steps to download KEAM Admit Card

Visit the Official Website:

Go to the official Kerala University admission portal where KU CAT admit cards are released.

Login with Credentials:

Enter your registration number or application number along with the password or date of birth to log in to your candidate account.

Locate the Admit Card Download Link:

Find the link labeled “Download KU CAT 2026 Admit Card” or similar on the dashboard or notifications section.

Download the Admit Card:

Click on the link to view your admit card. Review the details carefully, including your name, exam date, venue, and timings.

Save and Print:

Download the PDF version of the admit card and take a clear printout. It is advisable to print multiple copies for safety.

KU CAT 2026 Syllabus

The KU CAT 2026 syllabus covers three main sections designed to test a candidate’s aptitude for admission into postgraduate programs at Kerala University. These include Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), focusing on grammar, vocabulary, sentence completion, para jumbles, and comprehension passages; Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), which involves analyzing data from charts, tables, puzzles, seating arrangements, coding-decoding, and other reasoning-based questions; and Quantitative Aptitude (QA), encompassing topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, probability, and data interpretation. The syllabus aims to assess language skills, analytical reasoning, and quantitative problem-solving abilities essential for management education and other professional courses.

Click Here For KU CAT 2026 Syllabus

KU CAT 2026  Exam Pattern

The KU CAT 2026 exam format is intended to evaluate applicants' abilities in three crucial domains: Quantitative aptitude, data interpretation and logical reasoning, and verbal ability and reading comprehension.

Subjects

No of Questions

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

24

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

22

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

22

Total

68      Questions

Click Here For KU CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

KU CAT 2026 Result

The KU CAT 2026 result is a crucial announcement for candidates who have appeared in the Kerala University Common Admission Test. It reflects their performance in the entrance exam and determines their eligibility for admission into various postgraduate and professional courses offered by Kerala University. The result typically includes the candidate’s score, rank, and qualifying status.

Click Here For KU CAT 2026 Results

KU CAT 2026 Cut-Off

The KU CAT 2026 cutoff marks are the minimum scores that candidates need to qualify to be eligible for admission to various programs through Kerala University. While the exact cutoffs for 2026 are to be officially announced post-exam.

  • The overall cutoff percentile typically ranges from 50% to 60% for General category candidates, but this can vary by program and competition level.
  • Reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) get relaxations, with cutoffs usually lower by 5-10 percentile points.
Click Here For KU CAT 2026 Cut Offs

KU CAT 2026 Preparation Tips

Some strong preparation tips are given here-

  • Understand the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly.
  • Strengthen fundamentals in English, logical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude.
  • Practice regularly with mock tests and previous year papers.
  • Improve reading comprehension by daily reading.
  • Work on time management and accuracy.
  • Analyze mistakes and focus on weak areas.
  • Stay consistent and motivated throughout your preparation.

These tips will help you prepare effectively and perform well in KU CAT 2026

Click Here For KU CAT 2026 Preparation Tips

KU CAT 2026 General Instructions

KU CAT 2026 General Instructions provide essential guidelines for candidates appearing for the exam to ensure smooth conduct and fairness. 

  • Candidates must be Indian nationals and have completed graduation under the 10+2+3 or 10+2+4 system as approved by Kerala University.
  • The exam is computer-based and conducted online, so familiarity with online test-taking is recommended.
  • On exam day, candidates must carry the admit card and a valid photo ID for verification; no other items like calculators, mobile phones, or electronic gadgets are allowed in the exam hall.
  • It is imperative to report to the exam center well before the scheduled time to complete necessary formalities.
  • Candidates should attempt all sections within the allotted time and adhere strictly to exam rules to avoid disqualification. 

These instructions help maintain a transparent and organized testing environment for all applicants.

KU CAT 2026  Exam FAQs

Q1. What is KU CAT?

Ans. KU CAT (Kerala University Common Admission Test) is an entrance exam conducted by Kerala University for admission into various postgraduate management and professional courses.

Q2. When will KU CAT 2026 be conducted?

Ans. The exam is tentatively scheduled for July 2026. Exact dates will be announced on the official Kerala University website.

Q3. What is the exam mode of KU CAT 2026?

Ans. The exam is conducted online as a computer-based test.

Q4. What is the duration of KU CAT 2026?

Ans. The duration of the exam is 120 minutes (2 hours).

Q5. What subjects/topics are covered in the KU CAT syllabus?

Ans. The syllabus includes Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.