CAT 2026: Registration (Open), Exam Date (Nov 29), Fees, Eligibility & Syllabus

IIM Indore will conduct the CAT 2026 exam on November 29, 2026, in the computer-based test mode (CBT) in three slots across 170 cities in India. CAT 2026 exam pattern will be largely same and no significant change has been made to it. However, the CAT 2026 application fee has been increased to INR 2,700 for applicants who fall under the General, EWS, and NC-OBC categories, whereas the candidates falling under the SC, ST, and PwD categories are to pay INR 1,350. CAT 2026 registration window is ongoing on the CAT website, iimcat.ac.in, and and the CAT last date to apply is September 15, 2026.

CAT score will be used for admissions into management courses at 22 IIMs and 1,600 other B-schools and management institutes in India based on their eligibility requirements. CAT 2026 question paper shall be of a total duration of 120 minutes, with 40 minutes to be dedicated to each section VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) and QA (Quantitative Aptitude). The candidates can get all details regarding CAT 2026, such as exam dates, eligibility criteria, syllabus, past year papers, and IIM courses.

CAT is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted every year by one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on rotational basis.  CAT 2026 will be conducted by IIM Indore, and Prof. Aditya Billore, Professor of Marketing at IIM Indore, is the CAT 2026 Convener. CAT score is also accepted in a number of top non-IIM management schools and institutes in India. These institutes include FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, IIT Department of Management, etc. Students must ensure that they check the entry requirements of the respective institute before applying.

CAT 2026 notification was released on July 26, 2026. It provide candidates with important information about the exam as well as the admission process. It contains important information such as CAT 2026 exam date, registration dates, admit card dates, result dates, and other essential information.  Candidates can check the CAT 2026 official notification to check details related to:

• CAT 2026 eligibility criteria
• Reservation policy and applicable categories
• IIM programmes offered through CAT
• CAT 2026 application and registration process
• CAT 2026 exam pattern and marking scheme
• Exam date, timings, and test slots
• Number of CAT 2026 test cities
• Admit card and result-related information

Candidates who are preparing to appear for the CAT 2026 examination should ensure that they are well aware of the official schedule so that no crucial dates are missed by them. CAT 2026 Registration process is in progress, while the important dates regarding Admit Card, Examination, and Result have also been announced.

Every year, around 2.5 lakh students take the CAT test, thus being one of the most fiercely contested entrance exams for MBA studies in India. However, only a few get the 99.99 or 100 percentile mark, and hence this shows how tough this exam is and that its difficulty level is relatively high. Check the below table for CAT 2026 highlights:

CAT 2026 application will be conducted online on the CAT official website. Applicants are required to register for the application, fill the application form, upload documents, and pay the application fee for test eligibility. Please follow the step-by-step instructions below carefully. Please see below for the step-by-step process for applying for CAT Exam 2026: 

• Visit the official CAT 2026 website at iimcat.ac.in.
• Click on 'New Candidate Registration' to begin the registration process.
• Enter your name, date of birth, nationality, mobile number, and email ID to register.
• Log in using the User ID and Password sent to your registered email and complete the CAT 2026 application form.
• Fill in your personal, academic, communication, and work experience details (if applicable).
• Upload a recent passport-size photograph and scanned signature in the prescribed format.
• Select your preferred MBA programmes, IIMs, and CAT 2026 test city preferences.
• Pay the CAT 2026 application fee online using a debit card, credit card, UPI, or net banking, and submit the application form.

Check below the CAT 2026 exam fees below:

Step 6: Print confirmation page

The number of candidates registering for CAT exam is seen to have risen much more year by year. It indicates the popularity of MBA entrance exam and the increasing competition for admissions to the IIMs and other top B-schools in India. While the CAT registrations were about 1.70 lakh in the year 2005, there was a rise in the number of CAT registrations and the number became approximately 3.29 lakh in the year 2024, making a consistent increase over the years. The number of candidates appearing for the examination is gradually increasing, but it is less than the total number of registrations. The table below shows the year-wise trend in CAT exam registrations and candidates appeared for the examination:

Note: The figures are rounded for years where exact official numbers are not available. Registration and attendance figures can vary across sources depending on the reporting methodology.

Before appearing in the CAT 2026 exam, candidates are required to make sure that they fulfill the eligibility requirements. The eligibility criteria mainly include educational qualification, minimum marks, and provisions for candidates appearing in the final year of their graduation. There is no age limit or restriction on the number of CAT attempts. Check the table below for CAT 2026 eligibility criteria: 

IIMs follow the reservation policy set by the Government of India for getting into their management programmes using CAT. The reserved quota slots are allotted on the basis of various categories according to the norms applicable. Candidates who want to join through CAT 2026 need to be aware of the IIM reservation policy.

Note:

• Seats remaining after the prescribed category-wise reservations are available under the unreserved category.
• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD) have a 5% horizontal reservation within each applicable category, including the unreserved category.
• Reservation policies may vary in implementation across IIMs and are subject to applicable Government of India rules and the admission policy of the respective institute.

CAT 2026 registration process is done online on the official CAT website. Those students who fullfill the CAT eligibility criteria can apply as per the procedure mentioned below:

• Visit the official CAT website: iimcat.ac.in.
  
• Go to “CAT 2026 New Registration” to initiate the registration procedure.
  
• Provide the name, date of birth, nationality, mobile number, and email ID for registering.
  
• Login using the User ID and password sent to your registered email ID.
  
• Fill in your personal and academic information along with parents’ information and contact details.
  
• Upload your passport-size photograph and scanned signature as per the format required.
  
• Choose your choice of IIM programs/courses.
  
• Select CAR exam city prefrences from the available options.
  

Make the CAT 2026 application fee payment via a credit card, debit card, or net banking.

Details to Fill in CAT Exam Form 2026

Candidates need to enter the following information while filling out the CAT 2026 application form:

• Personal Details
  • Communication address
  • Emergency contact details
  • Required documents, including passport-size photograph, signature, and category certificate
• Academic Details
  • Class 10/SSC details
  • Class 12/HSC/Diploma details
  • Bachelor’s degree details
  • Master’s degree details
  • Other professional qualification details
• Work Experience
• Programme and Interview City Preferences
• Up to Five Preferred CAT Exam Cities

CAT Application Fee 2026

CAT 2026 application fee depends upon the candidates category. Candidates have to pay the fee as per their respective categories while filling up the CAT application form. The fee details are given below:

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filling CAT Exam Form

Candidates are advised to verify all the data filled in the CAT 2026 application form to prevent any mistakes. The most common errors that one needs to prevent are:

• Filling incorrect personal details like name, date of birth, category, gender, and nationality.
  
• Entering incorrect marks in academics and making mistakes in conversion of CGPA to percentage.
  
• Not following to the required specifications for uploading the photo and signature.
• Choosing CAT exam cities that are not close to the applicant’s place of residence.
  
• Opting for IIM courses without considering the various options.
  
• Doing a duplicate payment while paying the application fee.
  

Note: After entering all the relevant details, the applicants must click on the “Preview” button and make sure that the details are correct before applying for the CAT application fee.

CAT 2026 question paper will consist of both Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type in the Answer (TITA) questions. The exam will be conducted in computer-based mode and will have a sectional time limit. While MCQs carry negative marking for incorrect answers, there is no negative marking for TITA or unattempted questions. Check the CAT 2026 exam pattern below.

Changes in CAT Exam Pattern Over the Years

The last change in the CAT exam pattern took place during COVID-19 pandemic, where there has been a reduction in the duration of the test along with a decrease in the number of questions. Since then, the pattern has not seen much change. There have been no changes announced by the IIM Indore in the CAT exam pattern for CAT 2026 exam. The table below shows how the CAT exam pattern changes over the years:

CAT 2026 syllabus has been categorized into three main parts, which include Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). In all three parts, candidates' aptitude, reasoning ability, and problem-solving skills are evaluated. The table below provides an overview of the important areas of CAT 2026 syllabus.Check the table below for CAT 2026 syllabus: 

Good results in CAT 2026 exam can only be achieved through proper preparation, good understanding of concepts, practicing on a regular basis, and managing time well. This can be done through proper planning of studying which includes covering the syllabus as well as taking mocks tests.

Phase-Wise CAT 2026 Study Plan

Students can plan their CAT 2026 preparation in three phases to cover the entire syllabus effectively and gain confidence through practice.

Section-Wise CAT Preparation Tips 2026

Each section of the CAT exam require a different preparation and approach strategy. It is essential for candidates to work on accuracy, speed, and choosing appropriate questions. Check below  CAT VARC preparation tips: 

• Develop a regular reading habit that will help increase your reading speed, comprehension ability, and knowledge about various subjects and writing styles.
  
• Pay particular focus to Reading Comprehension (RC), since it constitutes a significant portion of the VARC section. Learn to identify the main idea, central theme, tone, and view of the author.
  
• Work on important Verbal Ability topics like Parajumbles, Para-Summary, and Odd-One-Out questions.
  
• During the analysis of practice questions, learn the reason behind the incorrectness of an option rather than just looking for the right answer.
  
• Timed practice of RC passages should be done regularly.

CAT DILR Preparation Tips

• Take some time initially in scanning all the sets that are available and then choose the sets that seem easy or manageable before starting with the solution.
  
• Practice various kinds of sets like arrangement, games and tournaments, tables, graphs, charts and logic.
  
• Be organised in your calculations, tables, diagrams and any other rough work in order to minimize the chances of mistakes and repetition.
  
• If you do not succeed in making any progress on a particular set in 8 to 10 minutes, shift to another set.
  
• Try to develop an ability to select the best set.

CAT Quant Preparation Tips

• Give importance to topics like Arithmetic and Algebra, which include Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Time Speed Distance, Time and Work, and Equations.
  
• Have a dedicated notebook for formulas and other important topics and revise it regularly.
  
• Accuracy is important, and do not attempt many questions, instead follow a two-round method where you can start attempting the easy questions first and then come back to moderate questions.
  
• Practice mental calculations like squares, cubes, square root, and fraction into percentage conversions.
  
• After each practice session, go through your mistakes and find out the topics that need further revision.

CAT exam 2026 preparation has entered the last phase. With less than a month for the exam, candidates are required to do the following:

• Take multiple CAT mocks in order to develop your time management and get a sense of the CAT pattern.

• Spend adequate time each day revising so that you stay on top of the most important concepts in all sections.

• Practice mental math so that you can be quicker and more accurate with calculations.

• Revise all important Quantitative Aptitude formulas to develop speed in obtaining answers.

• Solve DILR practice sets and sectional mocks to develop data handling skills.

• Learn smart shortcuts, rules, and techniques in order to more quickly and accurately respond to questions.

• Work through multiple Reading Comprehension (RC) passages from the previous year.

• Participate in online problem-solving sessions to learn new strategies and clarify your doubts.

Choosing the right books and study materials is important for CAT preparation.  The correct books will enable candidates to develop their concepts, practice various types of questions, and slowly enhance their performance in the CAT 2026 exam. Candidates may make use of NCERT books to develop their fundamental concepts while using CAT preparation books for advanced practice.

Tip: Candidates do not need to use every book listed above. It is better to select one or two reliable books for each section, complete them thoroughly, and supplement preparation with CAT previous-year questions and mock tests.

CAT Preparation via Free vs Paid Prep Resources

Students who are planning to appear for CAT 2026 have the option of selecting free or paid preparation materials, depending upon their mode of preparation. The choice of free material helps students prepare for concepts as well as practice questions. Paid material consists of comprehensive plans of studies and tests.

CAT 2025 admit card will be available for download from November 4, 2026, on the official website, iimcat.ac.in. Registered candidates must download and print a hard copy of the admit card, as it is a mandatory document to be carried to the examination centre along with a valid photo ID. The admit card can be downloaded until the CAT 2026 exam day. Check below the steps to download CAT 2026 admit card:

• Visit the official CAT 2026 website at iimcat.ac.in.
• Click on the 'Admit Card Download' link.
• Log in using your CAT 2026 User ID and Password.
• Click on the 'Admit Card' option to view your hall ticket.
• Download the admit card and take a printout for use on the examination day.

Candidates will be allotted CAT test centers according to the preferences provided by the candidates at the time of filling up the CAT 2026 application form. The CAT allotted test center and address of the same will be provided in the CAT admit card. Candidates have to give the exam from the CAT allotted test center only and no other venue is allowed to give the test. The CAT test centers will be under CCTV monitoring in order to ensure security during the IIM CAT test.

CAT 2026 answer key is most likely to be available within 2-3 days of the exam date. Candidates will also be able to download their individual response sheets to review their performance. Candidates can get the answer key by following the steps below:

• Go to the official CAT website (iimcat.ac.in)

• Click on the Login option

• Fill in your CAT 2026 application ID and password

• Click on the CAT 2026 Answer Key link which is shown on your screen

• Click on the download icon to download the answer key in PDF format

CAT 2026 answer key shall be challenged after its announcement. In case a candidate feels that the answer given in the official answer key is wrong, he/she can make an objection to the same using the online objection form made available to them on their candidate dashboard. They may also have to attach some supporting documents or valid evidence for the objection raised. Once all objections are received, the objection shall be reviewed by the authorities. If the objection made is valid, then the provisional CAT answer key will be changed, and the new one will be announced as the final answer key.

CAT 2025 exam was moderately difficult in terms of difficulty level with no significant changes in the paper pattern and section-wise pattern. The CAT exam took place in three different shifts, and Shift 2 was considered more difficult than Shift 1 and Shift 3. In CAT 2025, VARC was moderately difficult, while DILR was relatively difficult. Quantitative Aptitude was also considered moderately difficult. Taking into account the difficulty level of CAT 2025, aspirants appearing in CAT 2026 can take similar difficulty level as a benchmark while preparing for the exam.

Note: The difficulty level may vary across shifts. Candidates should not rely solely on the previous year's difficulty level and should prepare for a range of question difficulties in CAT 2026.

CAT cutoff 2026 is the minimum percentile that a candidate needs in order to be eligible for further proceedings of the admission process. Cutoffs differ from one institute to another and from one category to another. However, the qualifying cutoff only qualifies a candidate for consideration but not necessarily getting shortlisted.
CAT Cutoffs for IIMs (Expected)

Note: The cutoffs mentioned above are indicative of the General category. The qualifying cutoffs for candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, and PwD categories are generally lower. Candidates should refer to the respective IIM's admission policy for category-wise requirements.

Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Scores: Expected Cutoffs

The expected CAT percentile requirements for some prominent non-IIM institutes are given below:

Note: These are expected/indicative CAT percentile ranges and should not be treated as guaranteed admission cutoffs. The final selection may also consider factors such as academic performance, work experience, diversity, sectional scores, and performance in subsequent selection rounds, depending on the institute.

CAT 2025 toppers list highlights candidates who secured exceptional percentiles through strong conceptual clarity, consistent practice, and smart exam strategy. These toppers set benchmarks by achieving near-perfect accuracy across all sections—VARC, DILR, and Quant.  Know about the names of the CAT toppers 2025 with the percentage below.

In addition to assisting candidates with their exam prep, CAT previous years' question papers help determine exam styles, sectional weightage and the level of difficulty for questions. Candidates should work through at least the previous five years’ CAT exam papers to use for quality preparation and practice with accuracy in a real exam environment

CAT admission process to MBA and Postgraduate Management programs would include a case-by-case process of multiple evaluations. IIMs and other elite business schools or institutes identify candidates who are shortlisted based primarily on their CAT scores, followed by additional evaluation rounds with Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD) or Personal Interview (PI). Each institute stipulates its own minimum percentile cutoff on CAT to begin to evaluate the next stage in the admissions process.

IIM Admission Process

Before the announcement of CAT results, every IIM made available the detailed admission policy, which includes cutoff percentiles, ways to evaluate candidates, processes for selection, and weightage for individual components.

• Screening of candidates on the basis of their CAT score

• Written Ability Test/Group Discussion/Personal Interview (WAT/GD/PI)

• Computation of Composite Score followed by final selection

Non-IIM Admission Process Through CAT

There are a number of non-IIM institutes that accept CAT scores. They, too, follow up with selection rounds (GD, WAT, PI) in the process of making final selections for MBA or PGDM courses.  Some business schools will give admission decisions based on the CAT score only, without any rounds of assessing factors such as personality.

CAT scores are accepted by 21 IIMs across India for MBA, PGP, PhD, and Executive programs. The table below includes a list of IIMs accepting CAT scores, the IIMs flagship programs, as well as management programs typically offered by the IIMs.

CAT exam scores are used for admissions in various postgraduate management courses provided by Indian Institutes of Management (IIM). Candidates filling CAT 2026 application form would have to state their IIM course preferences as per the courses that can be selected. The following table gives an insight into the courses provided by different IIM through CAT admission process:

Note: Programme availability may vary by IIM and year, so candidates should refer to the official CAT 2026 notification and respective institute policies for updated details.

Students often believe that the only way to get into an MBA program is to pass the CAT test. However, this does not hold for online MBA degrees. Many of the top universities offer online MBA and management degrees that do not require students to complete the CAT exam. But rather evaluate applicants based on their academic record, work history, or another entrance exam. The choice of a specific university when selecting to pursue an online MBA degree is important because it ensures that the student receives a quality education along with excellent faculty and sufficient help in finding internships.

Online Management Degree Courses Without CAT

IIM CAT is considered one of the most famous and toughest MBA entrance tests in India. Candidates, however, can give various other management entrance tests as per their preferences for business schools.

• NMAT: The NMAT is accepted by some of the top B-schools of India, like NMIMS, KJ Somaiya, TAPMI, etc. It gives the aspirants more flexibility regarding timing and number of attempts.
  
• Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP): The SNAP test is being taken for admission in management programs of participating institutions of Symbiosis International (Deemed University).
  
• Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT): The XAT is conducted by XLRI on behalf of Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI).

Whereas CAT, XAT, NMAT, and SNAP test students based on skills like Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, and Quantitative Aptitude, the four entrance tests vary from each other in terms of their examination pattern, timing, scoring system, syllabus coverage, and toughness of the paper. For example, XAT has a Decision Making section, SNAP is famed for its quick and brief exam pattern, whereas NMAT provides greater flexibility through its multiple-attempt option and absence of negative marking.

Note: The IIMs accept CAT scores for their management admission process. Other B-schools may accept one or more entrance exams, such as CAT, XAT, NMAT, or SNAP, depending on their individual admission policies. Candidates should check the respective institute's official admission criteria before applying.

To get answers to questions related to registration or payment issues, or login issues for the exam, you can contact the official CAT helpdesk. Always refer to the official website for verified contact information and do not contact any third-party sites when dealing with sensitive information regarding communication or submitting documentation.