CAT Exam Details 2026: Registration, Eligibility, Syllabus, & Exam Pattern

The CAT exam 2026 will be held on November 29, 2026 (Sunday) in three shifts, across 170 cities in India. The exam registration begins on August 3, 2026; candidates can apply online through the official CAT website. The registration window will remain open until September 13, 2026.

CAT (Common Admission Test) is one of India's most popular management entrance exams for admission to MBA or other management programmes at India's leading management institutions, such as IIM and other participating B-schools. The exam evaluates candidates on verbal ability and reading comprehension, data interpretation and logical reasoning and quantitative ability.

CAT Exam 2026 - Key Dates

What is the CAT Exam?

CAT is a national-level management entrance examination conducted every year for admission to MBA and other management programmes. The exam is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The exam evaluates candidates on their verbal ability, reading comprehension, data interpretation, logical reasoning and quantitative aptitude.

What is the Eligibility Required for CAT Exam?

CAT generally requires the following eligibility criteria -

• Candidates must have a bachelor's degree.
• General, EWS and NC - OBC candidates generally need at least 50 per cent marks in their bachelor's degree.
• There's no minimum or maximum age limit for appearing in CAT.
• Candidates with professional degrees such as CA, CS or CMA may also be eligible.

What are the CAT 2026 Exam Dates and Schedule?

The CAT 2026 exam notification was released on July 26, 2026. Check the CAT 2026 exam registration dates, admit card, exam date and result date.

Read More: Top MBA Entrance Exams in India: A Complete Overview

CAT Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

The CAT exam pattern outlines the exam structure, including the number of sections, duration, question types and marking scheme.

CAT Marking Scheme

• +3 marks for every correct answer.
• -1 mark for every wrong answer.
• No negative marking for non-MCQ/TITA questions.

What is the CAT 2026 Exam Syllabus?

The CAT exam syllabus is divided into three sections: Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Number System.

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Important topics include:

• Reading Comprehension
• Para Jumbles
• Para Summary
• Odd Sentence Out
• Sentence Completion
• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Verbal Reasoning

Read More: Top Entrance Exams After 12th for College Admission

2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

This section generally covers:

• Tables and Charts
• Bar Graphs
• Line Graphs
• Pie Charts
• Data Caselets
• Data Comparison
• Seating Arrangements
• Blood Relations
• Puzzles
• Venn Diagrams
• Logical Sequences
• Syllogisms

3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

Major topics include:

• Arithmetic
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Number System
• Modern Mathematics
• Percentages
• Profit and Loss
• Ratio and Proportion
• Time, Speed and Distance
• Time and Work
• Averages
• Simple and Compound Interest
• Linear and Quadratic Equations
• Permutation and Combination
• Probability

What is the CAT Registration Fee?

Note: The CAT exam fees are generally non-refundable after payment. Students are advised to check the official CAT 2026 website for the final fee applicable to their category.

CAT Exam Registration Process

Candidates can complete the CAT 2026 registration online through the official CAT website.

Steps to Register for CAT 2026

1. Visit the Official CAT website and click on the CAT 2026 registration link.
2. Create a user account by entering basic details such as name, DOB, email ID and mobile number.
3. Log in using the generated user ID and password.
4. Fill out the application form with personal, academic and work experience details.
5. Upload the required documents, including photographs, signatures and applicable certificates.
6. Select IIM programmes and preferred exam cities as instructed in the application form.
7. Pay the CAT application fee through the available online payment options.
8. Review all details carefully and submit the application form.
9. Save or download the confirmation page for future reference.

Read More: What to Do After UP Board 12th Result: TMU Guide

CAT 2026 Admit Card

According to the official CAT website, admit card download is scheduled to begin on 04 November 2026. The admit card generally contains the following important details:

• Candidate's name
• Photograph
• CAT Registration Number
• Exam date and time
• Test centre address
• Examination day instructions

How to Download the CAT 2026 Admit Card?

• Visit the official CAT website.
• Log in using your CAT 2026 registration credentials.
• Click on the "CAT 2026 Admit Card" download link.
• Check the details mentioned on the admit card.
• Download and take a printout for the exam day.

Official CAT 2026 Website

Which MBA Colleges in India Accept CAT Scores?

A valid CAT score is accepted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and many other leading MBA colleges across India.

IIMs Accepting CAT Scores

The IIMs accepting CAT scores include:

1. IIM Ahmedabad
2. IIM Amritsar
3. IIM Bangalore
4. IIM Bodh Gaya
5. IIM Calcutta
6. IIM Indore
7. IIM Jammu
8. IIM Kashipur
9. IIM Kozhikode
10. IIM Lucknow
11. IIM Mumbai
12. IIM Nagpur
13. IIM Raipur
14. IIM Ranchi
15. IIM Rohtak
16. IIM Sambalpur
17. IIM Shillong
18. IIM Sirmaur
19. IIM Tiruchirappalli
20. IIM Udaipur
21. IIM Visakhapatnam
22. IIM Guwahati

Read More: Top Colleges in India 2026: NIRF Rankings, Fees & Placements

Private Colleges Accepting CAT Scores

Several leading private MBA colleges in India accept CAT scores for admission to their management programmes.

CAT Exam 2025 Statistics

CAT exam 2025 witnessed strong participation from MBA aspirants across India, highlighting the competitive nature of the exam. The statistics on CAT 2025 candidates registered and appeared, along with attendance and other key figures, provide a useful picture of the exam’s competition and growing interest in management education.

How to Prepare for CAT?

Preparing for CAT requires a structured study plan, regular practice, and consistent mock-test analysis. Since the exam covers VARC, DILR, and QA, candidates should focus on building concepts first and then gradually improve their speed and accuracy.

1. Understand the CAT Exam Pattern

Before starting preparation, understand the three sections:

• VARC: Reading comprehension, para jumbles, para summary, etc.
• DILR: Data interpretation and logical reasoning sets.
• QA: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number system, and other mathematical concepts.

2. Create a Study Plan

Set aside dedicated time for each section. A balanced daily schedule could include:

• 1–1.5 hours: Quantitative Ability
• 1 hour: VARC and reading practice
• 1 hour: DILR practice
• 30 minutes: Revision and error analysis

3. Strengthen Your Basics

Start with fundamental concepts, especially in Arithmetic and Algebra for QA. For VARC, develop reading habits using newspapers, editorials, and quality articles. In DILR, practise different types of sets to improve logical thinking.

4. Practise Questions Regularly

After completing a topic, solve questions of different difficulty levels. Focus not only on solving questions but also on identifying shortcuts, recurring patterns, and common mistakes.

5. Take Mock Tests

Once you have covered the major topics, start taking full-length CAT mocks. Initially, focus on understanding your performance rather than simply looking at your score.

6. Analyse Every Mock Test

Mock-test analysis is as important as taking the test. Identify:

• Questions where you lost time
• Incorrect answers and their reasons
• Topics that need revision
• Questions you should have skipped
• Section-wise strengths and weaknesses

7. Improve Speed and Accuracy

CAT is a time-bound exam, so learn to select questions strategically. Avoid spending too much time on a difficult question. Regular timed practice can help improve both speed and accuracy.

8. Revise Regularly

Keep revising formulas, concepts, vocabulary, important question types, and mistakes from previous tests. Maintaining an error log can make revision more effective.

Tip: Rather than studying for a fixed number of hours, focus on measurable targets such as completing a certain number of questions, reading passages, solving DILR sets, or analysing a mock test.

Conclusion

The CAT exam 2026 is an important opportunity for candidates aspiring to pursue MBA and management programmes at IIMs and other leading business schools in India. With consistent practice, strong conceptual understanding and a well-structured study plan, aspirants can improve their performance and work towards securing admission to their preferred management institute.

Read More: Best MBA Colleges in UP 2026: Rankings, Fees & Placements

FAQ

Q1. Who is eligible for the CAT 2026 exam?

Ans. Candidates with a bachelor's degree and at least 50 per cent marks can generally apply for the CAT 2026 exam. For SC, ST and PwD candidates, the minimum is 45 per cent. Final-year students can also apply.

Q2. Is 37 a good score in the CAT exam?

Ans. A score of 37 marks cannot be judged directly because CAT exam results are measured through percentiles. The percentile varies based on the exam's difficulty level and overall performance.

Q3. Which city is best for CAT preparation?

Ans. Delhi - NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Chennai are popular choices due to coaching institutes and study resources. Online preparation is also an option.

Q4. What is the CAT cut-off?

Ans. The CAT cut-off varies by IIM, category and programme. Top IIMs generally require a high percentile, while the minimum qualifying cut-offs may be lower.

Q5. Can I join IIM without a CAT?

Ans. For regular MBA/PGP programmes, CAT is generally the main entrance exam for domestic candidates. However, some IIM programmes may have different admission routes.

Q6. How to crack CAT in the first attempt?

Ans. Understand the syllabus, strengthen VARC, DILR and QA concepts, practise regularly, take mock tests, and analyse your mistakes to improve speed and accuracy.

Q7. Can I give CAT without graduation?

Ans. No. Candidates generally need a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification. Final-year graduation students can apply subject to eligibility requirements.

Q8. Can I give the CAT exam just after 12th?

Ans. No, the CAT exam requires candidates to have completed or be pursuing a bachelor's degree.

Q9. Can I join IIM directly after 12th?

Ans. Not through CAT for a regular MBA. Students can explore undergraduate or integrated management programmes offered by some IIMs.

Q10. Is CAT for MBA only?

Ans. CAT is primarily used for MBA and postgraduate management admissions, including programmes at IIMs and other participating institutes.