Complete CAT exam guide covering Dates, Syllabus, Pattern & Prep Strategy
CAT 2026 Exam is India’s most competitive MBA entrance test for admission to IIMs and 1600+ B-schools. It is expected on 29 November 2026, with notification in July 2026 and registration starting August 2026. The exam is conducted in CBT mode across three sections—VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude—with a total duration of 120 minutes. Aspirants targeting 95–99+ percentile should ideally begin preparation from January 2026 with a structured study plan, mock tests, and consistent analysis.
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Quantifiers CAT Academy, Chandigarh
Exam Date (Expected): 29 November 2026
Notification: July 2026 | Registration: Aug–Sep 2026
Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration: 120 minutes (40 min/section)
Sections: VARC, DILR, Quantitative Aptitude
Target Percentile: 95–99+ for top IIMs
Eligibility: Graduation with 50% (45% SC/ST/PwD)
Ideal Prep Time: 9–10 months (start Jan 2026)
Mocks Needed: 30–40 full-length tests
Colleges Accepting CAT: 1600+ MBA institutes in India
Based on previous years’ trends, here are the tentative dates for CAT 2026:
Before applying for CAT 2026, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements:
Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection; candidates must also clear the sectional and overall CAT cutoffs.
The CAT 2026 registration process will be conducted online. Candidates need to complete the application carefully to avoid rejection.
Early registration is recommended to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Understanding the CAT exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. CAT follows a fixed structure with sectional time limits.
The CAT syllabus 2026 is not officially defined, but it is based on past exam trends. The exam tests conceptual clarity, logical thinking, and problem-solving ability.
Your MBA journey doesn’t have to be confusing. At Quantifiers CAT Academy, we mentor students from the ground up—whether you’re preparing for CAT or exploring exams like SNAP, NMAT, CMAT, IIFT and MICAT. With personalised attention, proven strategies and performance-focused guidance, we help you build strong fundamentals, boost accuracy, and stay consistent throughout your preparation journey.
Preparing for CAT 2026 requires consistent effort, smart planning, and regular practice. A structured approach can significantly improve your percentile.
Reading newspapers, novels, and editorials daily helps improve VARC performance, while DILR and QA demand daily problem-solving practice.
The CAT 2026 admit card will be released approximately 15 days before the exam.
The admit card contains exam date, slot, test centre address, and important instructions.
The CAT 2026 answer key and response sheet will be released 2–3 days after the exam. Candidates can:
The CAT 2026 result and scorecard will be available in December 2026.
The CAT score is valid for one year only.
IIM | Qualifying Cutoff |
|---|---|
IIM Ahmedabad | 95 |
IIM Bangalore | 85 |
IIM Calcutta | 85 |
IIM Lucknow | 90 |
IIM Indore | 90 |
IIM Kozhikode | 85 |
IIM Mumbai | 85 |
IIM Shillong | 75 |
IIM Rohtak | 95 |
IIM Jammu | 94 |
Final cutoffs are usually higher than qualifying cutoffs and vary each year.
Starting early gives you:
The CAT 2026 exam is a golden opportunity for MBA aspirants aiming for top IIMs and premier B-schools in India. With the exam expected on November 29, 2026, starting preparation from January 2026 can give you a strong competitive edge. Focus on understanding concepts, practicing regularly, and analyzing mock tests deeply. With the right strategy and discipline, cracking CAT 2026 is absolutely achievable.
CAT 2026 is expected to be conducted on November 29, 2026, based on previous year trends.
The official CAT 2026 notification is likely to be released in July 2026.
CAT 2026 will be conducted by one of the top six IIMs on a rotational basis.
Nearly 3 lakh candidates appear for the CAT exam every year.
Candidates must have a graduation degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD).
Yes, final-year graduation students or those awaiting results can apply for CAT 2026.
No, there is no age limit to appear for the CAT exam.
CAT 2026 will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode.
CAT 2026 has three sections:
The total duration of the CAT exam is 120 minutes, with 40 minutes per section.
CAT usually consists of 68 questions, including MCQs and TITA questions.
CAT 2026 registration is expected to begin in the first week of August 2026.
The CAT 2026 admit card will be released in the first week of November 2026.
CAT 2026 results are expected in the second week of December 2026.
A percentile of 95+ is considered competitive, while 99+ percentile improves chances for top IIMs.
More than 1600 MBA colleges in India accept CAT scores.
Yes, CAT is considered the toughest MBA entrance exam in India due to its difficulty level and competition.
Ideally, candidates should start preparing from January 2026 for best results.
Serious aspirants should attempt 30–40 full-length mock tests before the exam.
The CAT score is valid for one academic year only.
Yes, most IIMs apply sectional as well as overall cutoffs.
Yes, CAT is mandatory for admission to all IIMs.
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