CAT 2026 – Eligibility & Details
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission into IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) and other top B-Schools in India. CAT is the most popular MBA entrance exam, taken by lakhs of students every year for admission into MBA / PGDM programs.
CAT score is accepted by IIMs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, IMT, IIT Management departments, and many other reputed institutes.
CAT 2026
The CAT 2026 (Common Admission Test) is the most critical entrance exam for MBA/PGDM aspirants aiming for the 21 IIMs and over 1,200 other top B-schools like FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, and MDI Gurgaon.
While the official notification is usually released in July, based on historical patterns and current academic calendars, here are the full details for the 2026 cycle.
🗓️ CAT 2026 Exam Date (Expected)
As per past trends, CAT 2026 is expected to be conducted in November 2026.
📅 Important Dates (Tentative)
- CAT 2026 Notification: July 2026
- Online Application Start: August 2026
- Last Date to Apply: September 2026
- Admit Card Release: October 2026
- CAT 2026 Exam Date: November 2026 (Last Sunday – Expected)
- Result Declaration: December 2026 / January 2027
🏫 Institutes Accepting CAT Score
Top IIMs
- IIM Ahmedabad
- IIM Bangalore
- IIM Calcutta
- IIM Lucknow
- IIM Kozhikode
- IIM Indore
- IIM Shillong
- New & Baby IIMs
Other Top B-Schools
- FMS Delhi
- SPJIMR Mumbai
- MDI Gurgaon
- IMT Ghaziabad
- IIT Delhi / Bombay / Kharagpur (MBA)
🎓 CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
✔️ Candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks
✔️ SC/ST/PwD: Minimum 45% marks
✔️ Final year graduation students can also apply
✔️ No age limit to appear for CAT
🧠 CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The exam is a 120-minute computer-based test divided into three mandatory sections of 40 minutes each. You cannot switch between sections.
| Section | Questions (Approx.) | Time Allotted |
| VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) | 24 | 40 Mins |
| DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) | 22 | 40 Mins |
| QA (Quantitative Aptitude) | 22 | 40 Mins |
| Total | 68 | 120 Mins |
- Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Sections:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Total Questions: Around 68
- Marking Scheme:
- +3 marks for correct answer
- -1 mark for wrong MCQ
- No negative marking for non-MCQs
🏛️ Admission Process (IIMs & B-Schools)
Scoring well in CAT is only the first step. The admission process usually follows this hierarchy:
- CAT Percentile: Shortlisting based on overall and sectional cutoffs (Top IIMs usually require 99+ percentile).
- WAT/PI/GD: Shortlisted candidates undergo a Written Ability Test (WAT), Personal Interview (PI), and sometimes a Group Discussion (GD).
- Composite Score: Final selection is based on a “Composite Score” which includes:
- CAT Score (~30-50% weightage)
- Academic Record (10th, 12th, and Graduation marks)
- Work Experience (usually 2–3 years is the “sweet spot”)
- Gender & Academic Diversity (non-engineers often get extra points)
Tip: Since it is currently January 2026, you have roughly 10 months to prepare. This is the ideal time to start with basics (Arithmetic and Reading Comprehension).
📘 CAT 2026 Selection Process
1️⃣ Appear in CAT exam
2️⃣ Shortlisting by IIMs / B-Schools
3️⃣ Written Ability Test (WAT)
4️⃣ Group Discussion (GD) / Personal Interview (PI)
5️⃣ Final merit list & admission offer
🌐 Official Website
👉 CAT Official Website:
https://iimcat.ac.in
✅ Why CAT is Important for MBA Aspirants
- Gateway to top IIMs & B-Schools
- High career growth opportunities
- Strong alumni network
- Excellent placement packages
📝 Conclusion
The CAT 2026 exam is a crucial opportunity for students aiming for admission into IIMs and top management institutes in India. With the exam expected in November 2026, candidates should start their preparation early and focus on conceptual clarity, mock tests, and time management.
For latest CAT updates, application forms, and results, keep visiting ExamUpdates.co.in.
CAT 2026 exam date, eligibility, exam pattern and admission details for IIMs and top B-Schools. Check complete CAT details here.
