Updated on 17 Sept 2026
By Jiya Tyagi, Content Manager
Candidates are advised to regularly visit the official CAT website for the latest announcements regarding registration, admit card, exam guidelines, and other important updates. Below are the latest updates for CAT 2026:
CAT 2026 answer key is expected to be released within a week after the exam. Students can download the answer key and answer sheet using the login details that have been registered during the time of registration process. The answer key would contain the responses entered by the candidates and the correct answers against all questions. The score of CAT 2026 can be calculated using the answer key. The window for filing objections against the CAT Answer Key 2026 will open on the very same day when the provisional answer key is declared. Students who observe any mistake can raise an objection online by submitting the objection form and paying the required fee. Click here to know more details regarding CAT 2026 response sheet & answer key.
Candidates can download the CAT 2026 answer key and response sheet online using their registered CAT login credentials. Follow the steps below:
CAT 2026 answer key will contain important details related to the candidate's exam attempt and responses. The following information is expected to be available:
CAT 2026 exam dates will be announced by the exam conducting authority on the official CAT website. Candidates must keep track of the official notification regarding their registration, admit card, exam date, answer key, and results. Check the below table for CAT 2026 date:
| CAT 2026 Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 Registration Window | 03 Aug '26 – 15 Sep '26 |
| Last Date to Apply for CAT 2026 | 15 Sep '26 |
| CAT 2026 Admit Card Download | 04 Nov '26 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | 29 Nov '26 |
| CAT 2026 Result Announcement | To Be Notified |
CAT 2026 answer key candidates who identify any mistake in can file an objection on the CAT website. This objection form can be filled by using the CAT login ID and password of the candidate. The fee required for filing an objection is INR 1,500 per question. The following steps can be followed to file objections:
Candidates should keep the following points in mind before submitting an objection against the CAT 2026 answer key:
Candidates can calculate their expected CAT 2026 scores using the CAT response sheet and answer key. For estimating the raw score, the candidate needs to match their responses with the answer key and assign points based on the CAT marking scheme. There is no deduction for the unanswered questions.
The CAT exam includes both MCQ and non-MCQ questions. While MCQs carry negative marking for incorrect answers, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in non-MCQs.
| Question Type | Correct Answer | Incorrect Answer |
| MCQ | +3 marks | -1 mark |
| Non-MCQ | +3 marks | 0 marks |
Note: No marks are deducted for unanswered questions or incorrect answers in non-MCQs.
Candidates can use the following formula to calculate their CAT raw score:
CAT Raw Score = (Correct MCQs × 3) + (Correct Non-MCQs × 3) − (Incorrect MCQs × 1)
Example: If a candidate answers 50 questions correctly and 10 MCQs incorrectly, the raw score will be: 50 × 3 − 10 × 1 = 140 marks
Therefore, the candidate's estimated raw score would be 140 marks.
CAT raw scores are normalised to account for differences in difficulty levels across the three exam slots. The normalised CAT score is then used to calculate the candidate's percentile. CAT results are reported in percentiles, which are used by participating B-schools as one of the factors in their admission process. Candidates can use their estimated raw score and a CAT percentile predictor to get an indicative idea of their expected percentile.
CAT answer key objection 2026 facility allows candidates to challenge an answer or question. In case the aspirants feel that there is any discrepancy in the provisional answer key, then they can do so. They need to file their objection through the online mode during the time frame for filing objections using their CAT login details and the prescribed fee.
CAT official answer key 2026 release date will be announced by the exam conducting authority after the CAT 2026 examination. The provisional answer key is anticipated to be published alongside the candidate’s response sheets. Candidates can cross-check their responses and correct answers and get an idea of their estimated score through the same. The examination authority will also allow a window of objections against any answer or question to the candidates.
CAT 2026 answer key download link will be activated on the official CAT website after the release of the provisional answer key. Candidates can use their CAT login credentials to access and download the answer key and response sheet. The direct link will be updated on this page once it is made available by the exam authority.
| Common Admission Test (CAT) Answer Key Question Paper-2025 slot 2 | |
| Common Admission Test (CAT) Answer Key Question Paper-2025 slot 1 |
CAT 2026 response sheet PDF will be made available along with the provisional answer key on the official CAT website. The answer sheet will have the recorded responses of the candidates to the questions answered in the exam. Candidates can download the answer sheet through their login credentials and match their answers with the answer key to estimate their CAT score.
CAT 2026 unofficial answer key is available from many coaching centers and educational websites soon after the exam takes place. This unofficial answer key may contain suggested answers and solutions according to the candidates’ reviews and analysis. The candidates may refer to these unofficial answer keys in order to get an initial idea about their performance before the CAT official answer key is announced.
CAT 2026 answer key and response sheet show all section-wise questions along with their status, including your marked answer, the correct answer, and any unanswered questions. CAT answer key 2026 also includes essential test details, allowing candidates to review their performance before the final result is announced.
Name of the candidate
CAT registration number
CAT 2025 exam centre
Test date
Test time
Question
Question type
Question ID
Status (attempted/not attempted)
Right option/answer
Candidate's response
CAT 2025 analysis shows that all three slots i.e, 1, 2, and 3 were moderate in difficulty and comparatively easier than previous years. Below are the major topics from which questions were asked.
| CAT sections | Topics | Difficulty Level |
| VARC | RC passages, para completion, odd sentence, para summary, parajumble | Easy |
| DILR | Bar Graph, Arrangement, Scheduling, Point graph | Moderate |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Factors , Digits Based, Set Based, Log, Linear Equations, Functions, Inequality, Time Speed Distance, T&W, Simple Interest Compound Interest, Percentage-1, Ratio, PLD-1 Mixture, Maxima/Minima, P&C, Circle, Polygon, Coordinate Geometry | Mode |
CAT 2026 Score vs Percentile chart helps candidates understand how their score converts into a percentile. CAT uses a scaled scoring system, so even a small change in marks affects the percentile. Higher section scores usually lead to a higher overall percentile. This comparison helps students know where they stand and what colleges they can expect calls from.
| CAT Marks | CAT Percentile |
| 120 - 125 | 99.9 |
| 105 - 110 | 99.5 |
| 95 - 100 | 99 |
| 80 - 85 | 97 |
| 70 - 75 | 95 |
| 58 - 62 | 90 |
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