The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is India’s premier national-level MBA entrance examination, conducted for admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and over 1,300 leading business schools across the country. As per the official schedule, CAT 2026 Registration will commence on August 3, 2026, and the CAT 2026 Exam will be held on November 29, 2026 (Sunday) in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. Every year, lakhs of MBA aspirants appear for the examination to secure admission into top management institutes and pursue quality management education.
On this page, you can find complete information about CAT 2026, including the latest notification, important dates, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, registration process, application fee, marking scheme, admit card, answer key, results, cut-offs, and preparation tips. Stay connected with Manabadi for the latest CAT 2026 updates, official announcements, and all the essential information you need to successfully complete the admission process.
CAT 2026 Overview Table
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Course Offered | MBA / PGDM |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Registration Start Date | 03 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 15 September 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Admit Card Release | 4 November 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | 29 November 2026 (Sunday) |
| Result Declaration | Expected January 2027 |
| Official Language | English |
| Exam Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
CAT 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 26 July 2026 |
| Registration Starts | 3 August 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Registration Ends | 15 September 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Application Correction | To be announced |
| Admit Card | 4 November 2026 |
| CAT Exam | 29 November 2026 |
| Result | Expected January 2027 |
CAT Exam Overview 2026
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s most prestigious national-level MBA entrance examination conducted annually by one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on behalf of all IIMs. Apart from admissions to the 21 IIMs, CAT scores are accepted by more than 1,300 leading management institutes across India including FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, IMT Ghaziabad, IIT MBA programs, TAPMI, FORE School of Management, and many others.
Unlike traditional competitive exams, CAT evaluates candidates based on logical thinking, analytical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, comprehension skills, and problem-solving capability rather than memorization.
The CAT examination is highly competitive, with over 3.5 lakh applicants expected to register for CAT 2026. A high CAT percentile significantly improves admission chances into premier MBA and PGDM programs.
Application Fee Table
This is one of the most searched topics.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/EWS/OBC | ₹2,600 |
| SC/ST/PwD | ₹1,300 |
What is CAT Exam?
The CAT Exam 2026 is the gateway to admission into India’s top management institutes. The examination measures a candidate’s ability in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Reasoning
- Logical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Mathematics
- Decision Making
- Data Interpretation
The examination follows a sectional format where candidates must complete each section within the allotted time before moving to the next.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The CAT exam consists of 68 questions divided into three sections.
| Section | Questions | MCQs | TITA | Time | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 16 | 8 | 40 Minutes | 72 |
| DILR | 22 | 14 | 8 | 40 Minutes | 66 |
| QA | 22 | 14 | 8 | 40 Minutes | 66 |
| Total | 68 | 44 | 24 | 120 Minutes | 204 Marks |
Important Highlights
- Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- 120 Minutes Duration
- 40 Minutes per Section
- No switching between sections
- Three marks for every correct answer
- Negative marking only for MCQs
- No negative marking for TITA questions
CAT 2026 Marking Scheme
| Response | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +3 Marks |
| Wrong MCQ | -1 Mark |
| Wrong TITA Question | No Negative Marking |
| Unanswered Question | 0 Marks |
CAT 2026 Syllabus (Section-wise)
The CAT 2026 syllabus is designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude, analytical ability, logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and reading comprehension. Although the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) do not officially prescribe a fixed syllabus, the exam pattern has remained largely consistent over the years. Based on previous CAT exams, candidates should focus on the following three sections.
1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section tests your English language proficiency, reading speed, comprehension skills, vocabulary, grammar, and critical reasoning. Reading Comprehension generally carries the highest weightage, making it one of the most important sections in the CAT exam.
Reading Comprehension (RC)
Candidates are required to read passages and answer questions based on their understanding, interpretation, and analysis. Passages are usually taken from diverse academic and non-academic subjects.
Important Topics:
- Science & Technology
- Economics
- Business & Management
- Literature
- History
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Politics
- Environment
- Current Affairs-based passages
Verbal Ability (VA)
This part evaluates sentence structure, grammar, logical arrangement of paragraphs, and vocabulary skills.
Important Topics:
- Parajumbles (Para Rearrangement)
- Paragraph Summary
- Odd One Out
- Sentence Completion
- Sentence Correction
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Critical Reasoning
- Fill in the Blanks
- Word Usage
- Verbal Logic
Preparation Tip: Develop a habit of reading newspapers, editorials, business magazines, and novels daily to improve reading speed, comprehension, and vocabulary.
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section evaluates analytical thinking, logical reasoning, and data analysis abilities. It is often regarded as the most challenging section because questions are usually presented in sets that require careful interpretation.
Data Interpretation (DI)
Candidates must analyze numerical data presented in different formats and answer related questions.
Important Topics:
- Tables
- Pie Charts
- Bar Graphs
- Line Graphs
- Mixed Graphs
- Caselets
- Radar Charts
- Venn Diagrams
- Network Diagrams
- Data Sufficiency
- Missing Data
- Data Comparison
Logical Reasoning (LR)
Logical Reasoning questions assess a candidate’s ability to identify patterns, solve puzzles, and make logical conclusions.
Important Topics:
- Seating Arrangement
- Blood Relations
- Games & Tournaments
- Matrix Arrangement
- Puzzles
- Binary Logic
- Team Formation
- Scheduling
- Distribution Problems
- Routes & Networks
- Family Tree
- Circular Arrangement
- Linear Arrangement
- Coding-Decoding (occasionally)
Preparation Tip: Solve puzzle sets regularly and practice previous CAT DILR questions to improve speed and accuracy.
3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
The Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section measures mathematical ability, numerical problem-solving skills, and conceptual understanding. Arithmetic and Algebra generally account for the largest share of questions.
Arithmetic (Highest Weightage)
Arithmetic forms the backbone of the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section and contributes the highest number of questions every year.
Important Topics:
- Percentages
- Profit & Loss
- Discount
- Simple Interest
- Compound Interest
- Ratio & Proportion
- Partnership
- Time & Work
- Pipes & Cisterns
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Average
- Mixtures & Alligations
- Ages
- Boats & Streams
Algebra
Algebra questions focus on equations, functions, and mathematical relationships.
Important Topics:
- Linear Equations
- Quadratic Equations
- Functions
- Inequalities
- Logarithms
- Sequences
- Progressions (AP, GP, HP)
- Surds & Indices
Geometry & Mensuration
This area tests understanding of geometric figures and measurement concepts.
Important Topics:
- Triangles
- Circles
- Quadrilaterals
- Polygons
- Coordinate Geometry
- Lines & Angles
- Mensuration (2D & 3D)
- Trigonometry (Basic Concepts)
Number System
Questions from Number System assess divisibility rules and mathematical properties of numbers.
Important Topics:
- Factors & Multiples
- LCM & HCF
- Remainders
- Divisibility Rules
- Prime Numbers
- Unit Digit
- Cyclicity
- Base System
Modern Mathematics
Although the weightage is relatively lower, Modern Mathematics questions appear regularly.
Important Topics:
- Probability
- Permutation & Combination
- Set Theory
- Venn Diagrams
- Basic Statistics
Preparation Tip: Build strong conceptual clarity before attempting shortcuts. Practice calculation techniques and solve a variety of mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
CAT 2026 Syllabus Highlights
| Section | Major Topics |
|---|---|
| VARC | Reading Comprehension, Parajumbles, Paragraph Summary, Grammar, Vocabulary, Critical Reasoning |
| DILR | Tables, Graphs, Caselets, Seating Arrangement, Puzzles, Matrix, Blood Relations, Team Formation |
| QA | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Number System, Probability, Permutation & Combination, Set Theory |
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates should carefully check eligibility before applying.
Educational Qualification
- General/OBC/EWS candidates must have at least 50% marks in Bachelor’s Degree.
- SC/ST/PwD candidates require 45% aggregate marks.
Final Year Students
- Students appearing in the final year of graduation are also eligible.
Age Limit
- There is no upper age limit for CAT.
Recognized Degree
The Bachelor’s degree must be awarded by a recognized university or institution.
Who Should Apply for CAT 2026?
The examination is suitable for:
- Engineering Graduates
- Commerce Students
- Arts & Humanities Graduates
- Science Graduates
- Working Professionals
- Final Year Degree Students
CAT 2026 Preparation Tips
Include:
- Best books for VARC, DILR, and QA
- Mock test strategy
- Daily study plan
- Time management tips
CAT 2026 Registration Process
Candidates can complete the online application by following these steps:
- Visit the official CAT portal.
- Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Verify your account using OTP.
- Fill in personal and academic details.
- Upload photograph and signature.
- Select preferred test cities.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit and download the confirmation page.
Documents Required for CAT 2026 Application
Candidates should keep the following documents ready:
- Passport-size Photograph
- Signature
- Class 10 Marksheet
- Class 12 Marksheet
- Graduation Marksheets
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- PwD Certificate (if applicable)
- Valid Email ID
- Active Mobile Number
- Government Photo ID
Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Scores
Some of the leading institutes accepting CAT scores include:
- Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
- FMS Delhi
- SPJIMR Mumbai
- MDI Gurgaon
- IIT Delhi (DMS)
- IIT Bombay (SJMSOM)
- IIT Kharagpur (VGSoM)
- IMT Ghaziabad
- TAPMI Manipal
- FORE School of Management
- Great Lakes Institute of Management
Conclusion
The CAT Exam 2026 is one of India’s most competitive and prestigious MBA entrance examinations, offering admission to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other top business schools. With CAT 2026 registration beginning on August 3, 2026, and the exam scheduled for November 29, 2026, aspirants should start their preparation early and focus on building strong conceptual knowledge, time management, and problem-solving skills. A well-planned study strategy, consistent practice through mock tests, and regular revision can significantly improve your chances of achieving a high percentile.
Stay connected with Manabadi for the latest CAT 2026 Notification, registration updates, admit card, answer key, results, cut-offs, and MBA admission news to ensure you never miss an important announcement.