National · MBA/PGDMSample data
CAT 2026
Common Admission Test. 66 questions (VARC 24, DILR 20, QA 22), 198 marks, 2 hours. Used for IIMs and 1,200+ B-schools.
Countdown
to CAT 2026
Overview
CAT 2026 is conducted by IIMs (rotating). About 3.3 lakh+ students apply each year. It is the entry route to IIMs and 1,200+ B-schools.
Highlights
Important dates
| Event | Date | Status | Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration opens | 3 Aug 2026 source: IIM Indore, official CAT 2026 website iimcat.ac.in | Passed | Add to calendar |
| Registration closes (extended from 15 Sep) | 22 Sep 2026 source: IIM Indore, official CAT 2026 website iimcat.ac.in | Passed | Add to calendar |
| Admit card download | 4 Nov 2026 source: IIM Indore, official CAT 2026 website iimcat.ac.in | Passed | Add to calendar |
| Exam day (three sessions) | 29 Nov 2026 source: IIM Indore, official CAT 2026 website iimcat.ac.in | Upcoming | Add to calendar |
Registration was extended from 15 Sep to 22 Sep 2026. The exam is held in three sessions on one day; IIMs reserve the right to change the test date.
Dates checked against the source on 8 Nov 2026. Passed / Upcoming is computed at build time; download an .ics to add the event to your calendar app.
Eligibility
- Class 12 passed or appearing in the exam year
- Required subjects: graduation with 50% (45% reserved)
- Age limit: no upper age limit
- Indian nationals, OCI and NRI as per the information bulletin
Exam pattern
Marks weightage
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal & Reading | 24 | 72 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | 20 | 60 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 22 | 66 |
Marking: +4 / −1 for a wrong MCQ where applicable.
Syllabus
Verbal & Reading 2 units
Reading comprehensionPara-jumbles and summaries
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning 2 units
Tables, charts, caseletsArrangements, puzzles, games
Quantitative Aptitude 2 units
Arithmetic, algebraGeometry, number systems
Weightage shown in practice tests is based on the last three years of papers.
Cut-offs (last year)
| Category | Cut-off (last year) |
|---|---|
| IIM shortlist (General) | 90–99 percentile |
| Top private B-schools | 85–95 percentile |
Colleges accepting CAT
How to prepare
- Months 1–3: conceptsFinish the syllabus once with NCERT first; one chapter test per week.
- Months 4–6: practiceTopic-wise question banks; track accuracy per chapter.
- Last 8 weeks: full mocksTwo full-length mocks a week in exam timing, then review every mistake.
- Last 7 days: reviseFormula sheets, error log and sleep; no new topics.
FAQs
How many attempts are allowed in CAT?
See the eligibility tab; most national exams allow appearing every year you are eligible.
Is there negative marking in CAT?
−1 for a wrong MCQ.
When is CAT 2027?
29 Nov 2026 (three sessions) (expected).
Turn your score into the right seat
Choice filling, rounds and backups, planned with a certified counsellor.
Explore more
More in Exams, rankings & cut-offs
