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CAT 2026: Exam Overview

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is a pivotal national-level entrance exam for aspirants aiming to secure admission into prestigious management programs offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools across India. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the CAT 2026 exam, including its conducting body, registration details, important dates, eligibility criteria, and application process.

Conducting Body

CAT is administered annually by the IIMs on a rotational basis. For CAT 2026, the specific IIM responsible for conducting the exam will be announced in the official notification, expected in the last week of July 2026. The official CAT website, https://iimcat.ac.in, will host all relevant information and updates.

Important Dates (Tentative)

Based on previous years’ trends, the following is the anticipated schedule for CAT 2026:

Event	Date (Tentative)
Notification Release	Last week of July 2026
Registration Start Date	First week of August 2026
Registration End Date	Third week of September 2026
Application Correction Window	Fourth week of September 2026
Admit Card Release	First week of November 2026
CAT 2026 Exam Date	28 November 2026 (Last Sunday)
Answer Key Release	First week of December 2026
Result Declaration	Third/Fourth week of December 2026

*Note: These dates are tentative and subject to change upon official announcement.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for CAT 2026, candidates must meet the following criteria:

- Educational Qualification: A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
- Final Year Students: Candidates appearing for the final year of their Bachelor’s degree or awaiting results are also eligible to apply.
- Age Limit: There is no age restriction for appearing in the CAT exam.

👉 Also Read 7-Month CAT Preparation Plan (May to November)

Registration Process

The CAT 2026 registration process is entirely online. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to iimcat.ac.in once the registration link is active.
2. New Candidate Registration: Click on ‘New Candidate Registration’ to create a user profile by providing basic details like name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number.
3. Login Credentials: Upon successful registration, you’ll receive a User ID and Password on your registered email and mobile number.
4. Fill Application Form: Log in using the credentials to fill out the application form, including personal, academic, and work experience details.
5. Select Test Cities: Choose up to six preferred test cities in order of preference.
6. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your passport-sized photograph, signature, and other necessary documents in the prescribed format.
7. Pay Application Fee: Proceed to pay the application fee online using credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI.
8. Submit Application: Review all details carefully before final submission. After submission, download and save a copy of the application form for future reference.

Application Fee

The application fee for CAT 2026 is as follows:

General/EWS/NC-OBC candidates: ₹2,500
SC/ST/PwD candidates: ₹1,250

Note: The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid online.

Exam Pattern

CAT 2026 is expected to follow a similar pattern to previous years:

Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration: 120 minutes (40 minutes per section)
Sections:
- - Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): 24 questions
  - Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): 20 questions
  - Quantitative Aptitude (QA): 22 questions
Question Types: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type In The Answer (TITA) questions
Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect answers (only for MCQs), and 0 for unattempted questions.

👉 Also Read CAT 2025 Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Key Points to Remember

- Ensure that all information provided during registration is accurate and matches official documents.
- Keep a copy of the submitted application form and payment receipt for future reference.
- Regularly check the official CAT website for updates and announcements.
- Start your preparation early to have ample time for revision and mock tests.

For the most accurate and updated information, always refer to the official CAT website: iimcat.ac.in. If you need assistance with preparation strategies, study materials, or have any other queries related to CAT 2026, reach out to Quantifiers at Quantifiers.in or CALL/WA at 7986961408 / 9988656560.

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