The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance exam for students aiming to build a career in management and business administration. Through the CAT entrance exam, students can get admission into various management programmes offered by the top business schools in India. Graduates from these institutions often secure rewarding career opportunities with attractive salary packages.
Since a large number of aspirants appear for this exam each year, cracking the CAT requires a well-planned strategy and hard work. By clearly understanding the exam pattern, eligibility criteria, syllabus, and preparation approach, candidates can improve their chances of securing admission to top management institutions.
Key highlights:
- CAT 2026 Exam: An Overview
- CAT Entrance Exam 2026: Key Highlights and Quick Facts
- What’s New in the CAT Exam 2026?
- CAT 2026 Entrance Exam Dates and Schedule
- CAT Exam Registration Details 2026
- CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- CAT Entrance Exam Details: Pattern and Structure 2026
- CAT Exam Syllabus 2026
- CAT Exam Preparation Tips and Strategy 2026
- CAT 2026 Cut-off for Top Management Institutions
- CAT 2026 Admit Card, Answer Key and Result
- Exam Day Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Career Scope After CAT
- FAQS
CAT Exam 2026: An Overview
The CAT exam is an entrance test for admissions to Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) and Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) programmes at India’s top business schools. CAT is conducted once a year as a computer-based test (CBT) across 500+ centres in India.
Conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) annually, it is accepted by more than 1600 business schools. The exam includes three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA), which assess the candidate’s verbal skills, analytical thinking, mathematical ability and data interpretation skills.
CAT Entrance Exam 2026: Key Highlights and Quick Facts
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Any of the top IIMs |
| Types of Sections | VARC, DILR, QA |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Exam Level | National |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Total Marks | 204 |
| Number of Attempts | No restrictions |
| Selection Process | CAT scores, written ability test, group discussion, and personal interview |
| Score Validity | 1 year |
What’s New in the CAT Exam 2026?
- The total number of questions will be 68 instead of 66.
- The number of questions in data interpretation and logical reasoning will be increased from 20 to 22.
CAT 2026 Entrance Exam Dates and Schedule
The CAT exam is conducted on a single day in three shifts. Here are the key CAT entrance exam dates for 2026:
| Events | CAT Dates 2026 (Tentative/Official) |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | Last week of July 2026 |
| CAT Entrance Exam Registration Start Date | First week of August 2026 |
| CAT Entrance Exam Registration Last Date | Third week of September 2026 |
| Admit Card Issue Date | First week of November 2026 |
| Exam Date | 29th November 2026 |
| Result Declaration | Second week of December 2026 |
Note: The admit card is your entry pass to the examination hall.
CAT Exam Registration Details 2026
Candidates planning to appear for the CAT entrance exam must complete the registration process online through the official website.
Cat Exam Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Candidates need to follow the following steps to complete the registration process:
- Visit the official CAT website and click the new registration link.
- Enter basic details like name, date of birth, email ID, and contact number to get login details.
- Verify the details and log in using the credentials sent to the registered email ID to access the application form.
- Enter CAT exam information such as personal details, academic qualifications, and work experience (if applicable).
- Select the category and nationality.
- Provide a postal address and an alternate email ID.
- Upload a recent passport-sized photograph and a scanned signature.
- Select the preferred management programmes, IIMs, and exam cities.
- Pay the application fees using a credit card, debit card, or net banking.
Documents Required for CAT Registration
To complete the CAT entrance exam application form, you must provide the following list of documents:
- Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets.
- Bachelor’s degree or diploma certificates
- Work experience certificate (if applicable).
- Scanned passport-size photograph (recent, white background, as per specified dimensions).
- Scanned signature in the prescribed format and size.
- Applicable category or reservation certificates (if required).
CAT Entrance Exam Fees Details
Applicants must pay the CAT exam registration fees while submitting the form:
| Category | Registration Fees |
|---|---|
| General | INR 2600 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC), Schedule Tribe (ST), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | INR 1300 |
Correction Window Details
Applicants can make corrections in the CAT exam details form after registration. The window closes at the end of September 2026.
Details that can be edited are:
- Uploaded images, such as a photograph and a signature
- Personal details
- Address
- Educational details
- Exam city preferences
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for the CAT 2026 exam, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements set by the conducting authorities.
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or institution under the (University Grants Commission) UGC Act.
- Minimum Marks:
- General, Economic Weaker Section (EWS), and Non-Creamy Layer-Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC) candidates should have secured a minimum of 50% marks.
- SC, ST, and PwD candidates must have at least 45% marks.
- Final-Year Students: Eligible to apply, provided they submit a certificate from their principal or registrar confirming degree completion within the specified deadline.
- Professional Degrees: Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Institute of Cost and Works Accountant of India (ICWA) or Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), or Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India can also appear for CAT.
- Age Limit: There is no minimum or maximum age limit for appearing in the CAT exam.
CAT Entrance Exam Details: Pattern and Structure 2026
Candidates planning to appear for the CAT exam in 2026 should understand the exam pattern to gain clarity on the structure, sections, and types of questions included in the test.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Examination | Computer-based (online) |
| Number of Sections | 3 |
| Total Number of Questions | 68 |
| Questions per Section | VARC: 24 questions (72 marks) DILR: 22 questions (66 marks) QA: 22 questions (66 marks) |
| Total Time | 120 minutes (40 minutes per section) |
| Types of Questions | Multiple Choice of Questions (MCQs) Type in The Answer (TITA) |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for every correct answer -1 for incorrect attempt No negative marking for incorrect TITA |
CAT Exam Syllabus 2026
The CAT exam is divided into three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. The syllabus has largely remained consistent over the years.
| Syllabus | Topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Fill in the Blanks, Verbal Logic, Para Jumbles, Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Sentence Completion, Jumbled Paragraphs, Different Use of the Same Word, Syllogisms, Parts of Speech |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Venn Diagram, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Binary Logic, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Tables, Bars and Line Graphs, Puzzles, Family Tree, Assumptions, Pie Charts, Seating Arrangements, Data Sufficiency, Clocks and Calendars |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Mean, Mode, Median, Binomial Theorem, Geometry, Ratios and Proportion, Work and Time, Algebra, Percentages, Mensuration, Time, Speed and Distance, Square Root and Cube Root, Number System, Simple and Compound Interest, Geometric Progression, Surds and Indices |
CAT Exam Preparation Tips and Strategy 2026
To perform well in the CAT entrance exam, candidates must follow a well-planned and focused preparation strategy.
Phase-Wise Strategy
An effective CAT preparation plan depends on starting early and following a structured timeline. Undergraduate students should ideally begin in their final year, while working professionals should start at least 6-8 months in advance. Based on the time available, preparation can be divided into three clear stages:
Stage 1: Concept Building
You should start by understanding the three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. Build strong basics by learning key topics, such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, reading comprehension and basic puzzles. Join coaching classes or start using concept videos and textbooks to work on practical problems. Finally, memorise the important formulas and rules for each section.
Stage 2: Practise and Application
Once you are familiar with the concepts, you should focus on regular practise through varied questions and section-wise tests to improve speed and accuracy. Additionally, solve last year’s papers and take online tests to enhance problem-solving skills and improve accuracy.
Stage 3: Overdrive and Testing
In the final months, your focus should be on taking as many full-length mock tests as possible to build speed and handle time. Gradually, develop a strong exam strategy, refine speed, and improve confidence.
Section-Wise CAT Preparation Strategy
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Focus on understanding the main idea rather than memorising lines while reading. Read editorials and opinion pieces daily, practise a few comprehension questions regularly, and keep working on vocabulary and grammar.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
Solve one DILR set daily and practise selecting the right sets. Focus on solving two correct sets rather than attempting the entire section. Lastly, skip questions that seem too time-consuming.
Quantitative Aptitude
Begin with basic concepts at a Class 10 level and practise topic-wise questions daily. Take sectional tests regularly and learn quicker methods and shortcuts to solve questions. Track the time spent per question to improve speed.
Recommended Books for VARC, DILR and QA
| Sections | Refer to the Books on the Following Topics |
|---|---|
| VARC |
|
| DILR |
|
| QA |
|
CAT 2026 Cut-off for Top Management Institutions
Below is an estimated CAT exam 2026 cut-off percentile range for shortlisting at top management institutions, along with their 2025 management rankings as per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
IIMs
| Sr. No. | Institutes | General(Cut-off Percentile) | NC-OBC(Cut-off Percentile) | EWS(Cut-off Percentile) | SC(Cut-off Percentile) | ST(Cut-off Percentile) | NIRF Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IIM Ahmedabad | 80 | 75 | 80 | 70 | 60 | 1 |
| 2 | IIM Bangalore | 85 | 75 | 75 | 70 | 65 | 2 |
| 3 | IIM Kozhikode | 85 | 75 | 75 | 65 | 55 | 3 |
| 4 | IIM Lucknow | 90 | 82 | 82 | 70 | 65 | 5 |
| 5 | IIM Mumbai | 85 | 75 | 75 | 70 | 65 | 6 |
| 6 | IIM Calcutta | 80 | 75 | 75 | 70 | 65 | 7 |
| 7 | IIM Indore | 90 | 80 | 90 | 60 | 50 | 8 |
| 8 | IIM Raipur | 94 | 75 | 75 | 55 | 40 | 15 |
| 9 | IIM Tiruchirappalli/Trichy | 94 | 81 | 81 | 66 | 42 | 16 |
| 10 | IIM Ranchi | 94 | 75 | 75 | 55 | 40 | 18 |
Non-IIMs
| Sr. No. | Institutes | Expected 2026 Cut-off Percentile | NIRF Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Management Development Institute, Gurugram (MDI) | 94-96 | 9 |
| 2 | S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai (SPJIMR) | 85-93 | 20 |
| 3 | Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad (IMT) | 90-92 | 30 |
| 4 | T. A. Pai Management Institute, Manipal (TAMMI) | 85-87 | 39 |
| 5 | International Management Institute, Delhi (IMI) | 88-90 | 40 |
Note: These are indicative percentile ranges for shortlisting (not official), final interview, and admission cut-offs may vary once institutes announce their criteria.
CAT 2026 Admit Card, Answer Key and Result
CAT 2026 Admit Card
The CAT 2026 admit card is expected to be issued around 15 days before the examination. Follow these steps to download the hall ticket:
- Visit the official CAT exam website.
- Click on the candidate login section.
- Enter your CAT 2026 user ID and password.
- Click the download icon to save your admit card.
CAT 2026 Answer Key
The CAT exam 2026 response sheet and official answer key will be made available within 2-3 days after the exam. To access them:
- Go to the CAT official website.
- Click on candidate login.
- Enter your user ID and password.
- Select the response sheet option and download it.
CAT 2026 Result
The CAT 2026 result and scorecard are likely to be released in the third week of December 2026. Follow these steps to download your results:
- Visit the official website.
- Click on the scorecard download link.
- Log in using your user ID and password.
- View and download your CAT 2026 scorecard.
Exam Day Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
How to Manage Time on Exam Day
- Solve easy questions first and then the difficult questions.
- Non-MCQs usually take up a smaller portion of the section, but can be time-consuming. So, spend about 20–25% of your sectional time on these questions first, and then focus on MCQs.
- Since non-MCQs require typed answers, practise fast, accurate typing of numbers, fractions, and decimals, and get familiar with the test interface to save time on exam day.
- Allocate 10 minutes for TITA questions in each section.
- Spend 5 minutes revising the questions already answered.
Do’s and Don’ts
To navigate the CAT exam day, here are important dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
Do’s
- Make sure to carry the CAT examination admit card, a valid photo ID and a photograph.
- Dress simply and follow the official dress code.
- Read the exam instructions carefully provided by the invigilators.
- Use rough sheets smartly for calculations and logical reasoning.
- Manage time carefully since each section has fixed limits.
- Stay calm if any technical issue arises and inform the staff immediately.
Don’ts
- Don’t arrive late, as entry gates close 15 minutes before the exam begins.
- Don’t bring electronic devices such as phones, smartwatches, or calculators.
- Don’t argue with exam centre staff and follow instructions calmly.
- Don’t carry stationery, books, or notes into the exam hall.
- Don’t communicate with other candidates during the test.
- Don’t leave without submitting rough sheets and exam materials.
Career Scope After CAT
Here are the key career options available to graduates from top management institutes:
- Management Consulting: Management consulting remains one of the most sought-after career choices after CAT. Leading firms, like McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, and Bain & Company, recruit graduates from top business schools.
- Investment Banking and Financial Services: Companies such as Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Credit Suisse hire graduates for high-impact finance and analytical positions.
- Roles in Big Tech Companies: Global tech firms such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft hire management graduates for product management, operations, marketing, and strategic roles.
Understanding the exam structure, preparation strategy, and expected cut-offs is essential for every aspirant aiming to succeed in and learn more about CAT exam 2026. While studying in India’s top business schools is a valuable investment, the cost of tuition can be expensive. Therefore, education loans are a prudent choice for many to achieve their academic aspirations.
At Avanse Financial Services, we offer a customised education loan with 100% financing, quick sanctions, and flexible repayment options. You can use our education loan EMI calculator to determine your estimated EMIs and plan your finances better. If you have any queries about a student loan or education loan interest rate, connect with us today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When can I register for CAT 2026?
Registration for CAT 2026 is expected to start in the first week of August 2026 and last till mid/late September 2026.
2. Who will conduct CAT 2026?
The CAT exam 2026 will be conducted by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis.
3. Is CAT held twice a year?
No, the CAT exam is held once a year.
4. Who is eligible for CAT 2026?
Eligibility for CAT 2026 includes a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories), and final-year students are also eligible to apply.
5. Was CAT 2025 slot 1 tough?
CAT 2025 Slot 1 was easy to moderate, with VARC having the most questions from reading comprehension, and quantitative aptitude having more arithmetic questions.
6. Is the CAT exam tough?
CAT is widely regarded as one of India’s toughest MBA entrance exams due to high competition and complex questions. However, if you are well prepared, you can ace it.
7. Is the CAT exam only for MBA?
CAT scores are primarily used for admission to MBA/PGDM and related postgraduate management programmes at IIMs and many B-schools.
8. What is the CAT exam given for?
The CAT entrance exam is taken for admission to postgraduate management programmes such as MBA/PGDM.
9. How many questions are there in the CAT exam?
CAT 2026 is expected to have around 68 questions across three sections.
10. Can we use a calculator in the CAT exam?
The CAT exam does not allow a physical calculator, but you can use an on-screen calculator within the computer system during the exam.
Also Read: Top MBA Entrance Exams in India
