CAT Exam 2026 - Dates, Eligibility, Admit Card, Syllabus, Cutoffs

CAT 2026 (Common Admission Test) is India’s flagship national-level MBA entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission into MBA, PGP, and PGDM programs. The exam is taken by over 3 lakh aspirants every year, making it one of the most competitive tests for management education.

Apart from the 21 IIMs, more than 1200 top business schools, including IITs, FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, and IMT Ghaziabad, accept the CAT score.

This comprehensive guide covers CAT 2026 dates, eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, preparation tips, cutoffs, admission process, and more.

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based test that evaluates candidates on three major skills:

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

CAT is not just a knowledge-based exam — it tests speed, accuracy, decision-making, logical thinking, and time management. The exam is conducted once a year, usually in three slots on the last Sunday of November.

CAT 2026 Highlights

CAT 2026 Important Dates (Expected)

CAT follows a predictable annual timeline. Based on previous years, these are the expected dates:

CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

CAT has simple, inclusive eligibility rules:

Educational Qualification

• A Bachelor’s Degree of minimum 3 years from a recognized university.

• Minimum 50% marks for General, OBC, and EWS candidates.

• Minimum 45% marks for SC, ST, and PwD categories.

Final-Year Students

• Final-year students are eligible.

• Must provide a certificate from the university.

Age Limit

• No age limit for CAT.

Work Experience

• Not compulsory.

• However, experience may provide advantage during IIM PI shortlisting.

CAT 2026 Registration Process

The CAT application process is entirely online.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Visit iimcat.ac.in

2. Click on “New Registration”

3. Generate your CAT login ID

4. Fill personal, academic and work experience details

5. Upload required documents

6. Select up to 6 exam cities

7. Pay the application fee

8. Submit and download the confirmation page

Application Fee (Expected)

• General / OBC / EWS – ₹2,600

• SC / ST / PwD – ₹1,300

Documents Required

• Passport-size photograph

• Signature

• Category certificate (if applicable)

• PwD/DA certificate (if applicable)

CAT Exam Pattern 2026

The CAT pattern has remained stable since 2021.

Key Points

• Each section is separately timed

• Cannot switch sections

• MCQ and TITA mix

• On-screen calculator allowed only for basic functions

Marking Scheme

• 3 for correct answer

• –1 for wrong MCQ

• No negative marking for TITA

CAT Syllabus 2026 

1. VARC Syllabus

• Reading Comprehension (70% weightage)

• Para-Summary

• Para-Jumbles

• Odd-Sentence Out

• Inference-based questions

• Vocabulary in context

2. DILR Syllabus

• Seating Arrangements

• Bar/Line/Pie Charts

• Venn Diagrams

• Games and Tournaments

• Caselets

• Logic Puzzles

• Data Sufficiency

3. QA Syllabus

• Arithmetic (Highest weightage):Percentages, Profit and Loss, Ratio-Proportion, Time-Speed-Distance, Time and Work, Simple and Compound Interest, Averages, Mixtures
• Algebra:Equations, Inequalities, Progressions, Functions, Logarithms
• Geometry and Mensuration:Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry, Area and Volume
• Number System and Modern Math:LCM/HCF, Remainders, Factorization, Permutations, Combinations, Probability

CAT 2026 Slot Timings

CAT is conducted in three sessions:

Candidates must report 1.5 hours before the exam.

CAT Admit Card 2026

The CAT 2026 Admit Card is a mandatory document that candidates must download from the official CAT website once released. It verifies your identity and provides details required for appearing in the exam.

Details Mentioned on the CAT Admit Card

Your admit card will contain the following information:

• Candidate’s Name, Photograph and Signature – Must match the ID proof you carry.

• CAT Registration Number / User ID

• Exam Date and Reporting Time – Includes slot timing (Morning/Afternoon/Evening).

• Test Center Name and Full Address – Along with Google Maps link (usually provided).

• Exam Day Instructions – Items allowed, prohibited items, biometric guidelines, etc.

• Emergency Contact Information – For center-related queries on exam day.

Documents to Carry on Exam Day

Candidates must bring the following to the exam center:

• Printed CAT 2026 Admit Card (preferably color print)

• Valid Government Photo ID Proof such as

  • Aadhaar Card

  • PAN Card

  • Passport

  • Voter ID

  • Driving License

• Additional Requirements (if applicable):

  • Medical certificate for scribe

  • Name change certificate (if name differs on ID)

Without the admit card and ID proof, candidates will not be allowed inside the examination hall.

CAT 2026 Answer Key

The CAT Answer Key 2026 is released a few days after the exam on the official portal. It helps candidates estimate their expected score before the result is announced.

What the Answer Key Includes

• Official Correct Answers for all questions in VARC, DILR, and QA.

• Candidates’ Marked Responses – Displayed separately so you can compare with the key.

• Question-wise Breakdown – With options, correct answers, and your chosen options.

Challenge/Objection Process

Candidates can:

• Raise objections if they find any discrepancy in the official answer key.

• Upload proof/documents to support the challenge.

• Pay an objection fee (refundable if the challenge is correct).

After reviewing all objections, IIMs release the Final Answer Key, which is considered accurate and final.

CAT 2026 Result and Scorecard

The CAT 2026 Result is declared online in the form of a digital scorecard. Candidates can download it using their login credentials.

Details Mentioned in the CAT Scorecard

The scorecard will include:

• Scaled Scores by Section

  • VARC scaled score

  • DILR scaled score

  • QA scaled score

• Overall Scaled Score

• Section-wise Percentile

• Overall Percentile – Determines eligibility for calls from top IIMs and other B-schools.

• Candidate Details – Name, registration number, and category.

Validity of CAT Score

• CAT score is valid for 1 academic year only.

• It is accepted by all 21 IIMs and hundreds of top MBA colleges across India.

IIM Selection Process 2026 

Every IIM follows a three-stage process:

Stage 1: CAT Score Shortlisting

• Sectional cutoff

• Overall cutoff

• Academic profile

• Work experience

• Gender and academic diversity

Stage 2: WAT/GD/PI Round

• Written Ability Test

• Group Discussion

• Personal Interview

Stage 3: Final Merit List

Weightage components may include:

• CAT score (30–60%)

• PI score

• 10th/12th/Graduation marks

• Work experience

• Diversity factor

Top Non-IIM Colleges Accepting CAT

Some of the most prestigious MBA colleges using CAT scores include:

• FMS Delhi

• MDI Gurgaon

• SPJIMR Mumbai

• IMT Ghaziabad

• IIT Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Kharagpur

• TAPMI Manipal

• NITIE Mumbai

CAT 2026 Expected Cutoffs

CAT 2026 Preparation Strategy

CAT demands structured preparation.

How to Start Preparation

• Build strong basics (first 2 months)

• Learn formulas, grammar, and logic concepts

• Start reading editorials daily

6-Month Study Plan

• Month 1–2: Basics of QA, RC practice

• Month 3–4: LRDI heavy practice

• Month 4–5: Full-length mocks

• Month 6: Revision Mock analysis

Mock Test Strategy

• Take 1–2 mocks per week initially

• After September: 3–4 mocks per week

• Analyze errors thoroughly

• Improve time allocation

Recommended Books

• Arun Sharma – CAT Series

• Nishit Sinha – QA and VARC

• Word Power Made Easy

• TIME/IMS/CL material

CAT Previous Year Exam Analysis

VARC

• RC-heavy

• Moderate difficulty

• Para-jumbles tricky

DILR

• Most challenging section

• Only 4 sets, 2 sets doable

• Requires smart selection

QA

• Arithmetic dominant

• Moderate overall

CAT Counselling and Admission Process

After results:

1. IIMs release shortlist

2. WAT/PI rounds begin

3. CAP round for new IIMs

4. Final merit list declared

5. Seat allotment

CAT 2026 is the gateway to India’s top MBA programs. Knowing the exam pattern, syllabus, admit card, answer key, and result helps candidates plan effectively. Focused preparation and mock practice can boost your percentile and open doors to leading IIMs and MBA colleges.