CAT 2026: Exam Date, Syllabus, Pattern, Registration, Eligibility, Preparation Tips

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 will be held on November 29th 2026, thus maintaining the traditional late, November schedule. The official announcement will come out in July 2026, but candidates can start their preparation straight away. CAT conducted by one of the top six IIMs on a rotational basis is the entry point to more than 1600 MBA colleges in India, thus making it the most crucial entrance examination for management education in the country.

CAT, widely acknowledged as the most difficult MBA entrance test in India, draws nearly 3 lakh candidates every year. The test consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). If you will be retaking the exam after CAT 2025, then the most suitable time to start your preparation will be January 2026. With a preparation period of ten months, you will have time to establish your basics, practice extensively and increase your odds to crack CAT 2026 the most.

What is CAT 2026?

CAT 2026 (Common Admission Test 2026) is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission into MBA and postgraduate management programs in IIMs and other top business schools across India. It is a computer-based test that evaluates candidates on Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability, and is a key gateway for students aspiring to build a career in management.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for CAT 2026 are quite simple and open, which means almost anyone can apply:

• Educational Qualification Candidates should have a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks (or equivalent CGPA) from a recognized university in any discipline.

• Relaxation for Reserved Categories SC/ST/PwD (Persons with Disability) candidates are required to have at least 45% marks in their graduation, thus receiving a 5% relaxation in the eligibility criteria.

• Final Year Students Eligible Students who are in their final year of graduation or those who are yet to receive their results can also apply for CAT 2026, thus it is also available for fresh graduates.

• Professional Degree Holders Welcome Candidates with professional qualifications like CA (Chartered Accountant) from ICAI, CS (Company Secretary) from ICSI, or CMA/ICWAI are eligible to take the exam.

• There are no age limits, work experience requirements, or restrictions on the number of attempts for CAT, which makes it one of the most candidate- friendly entrance examinations in India.

CAT 2026 Registration Process

The CAT 2026 registration will be conducted entirely online through the official website. All candidates, including those who have appeared for CAT previously, must complete a fresh registration. The application process is simple and user-friendly. Follow these step-by-step instructions to register for CAT 2026:

• Visit the Official Portal – Go to iimcat.ac.in and click on the 'New Registration' option to begin your application.

• Create Your Login – Enter your basic details (name, email, mobile number) to create a unique login ID for the CAT registration portal.

• OTP Verification – Verify your email address and mobile number using the OTP (One-Time Password) sent to complete authentication.

• Fill Application Form – Provide accurate personal details, academic qualifications, and educational background in the designated sections.

• Upload Documents – Upload a recent passport-sized photograph and scanned signature in the specified format and size as per guidelines.

• Choose Preferences – Select your preferred test cities, IIM programs you wish to apply for, and course specializations.

• Work Experience (Optional) – Add details of your professional work experience if applicable; freshers can skip this section.

• Pay Application Fee – Complete the payment to submit your application successfully.

CAT 2026 Documentation & Verification: Complete Guide

The CAT 2026 documentation and verification process ensures that all candidates meet the eligibility and reservation criteria set by IIMs. During registration and admission, applicants must upload and present valid documents such as academic certificates, identity proof, and category certificates (if applicable). Any mismatch or false information may lead to disqualification, so accuracy is crucial.

CAT Exam Pattern

CAT will be conducted in computer based test mode. The exam duration will be 120 minutes and the format of questions will be both MCQs and TITA. Check below, CAT exam pattern highlights: