CAT Exam 2026: Everything You Need to Know About Registration, Syllabus, and Important Dates

CAT is one of the biggest entrance exams for MBA aspirants in India. It opens the door to 21 IIMs and more than 1,300 other business schools across the country. Every year, over 2.5 lakh students take this exam, all competing for a limited number of seats at India's top management institutes.  cat-exam-syllabus

The exam checks how well you can think analytically, solve problems, and interpret data — skills that matter a lot in an MBA program. That's why it's such an important test for anyone serious about a management career.

Latest Update on CAT 2026: The Indian Institute of Management Indore released the official CAT 2026 notification on 26 July 2026. The exam will be held on Sunday, 29 November 2026, in three shifts, across roughly 170 cities in India. Registrations opened on 3 August 2026 at 10 AM and will close on 15 September 2026 at 5 PM. The application fee is ₹2,700 for General/EWS/OBC candidates and ₹1,350 for SC/ST/PwD candidates. You can apply through the official portal, iimcat.ac.in, which also has full details on eligibility, exam pattern, and test-center choices.

What Exactly Is the CAT Exam?

CAT stands for Common Admission Test. It's a computer-based aptitude test used for admission into management programs at some of the best institutes in India. It's widely regarded as one of the toughest and most respected entrance exams in the country.

CAT is usually held on the last Sunday of November each year, and in 2026 it will take place on 29 November. Out of the 2.5 lakh-plus students who appear every year, only around the top 7,200 manage to secure a seat in an IIM. But CAT scores aren't just used by IIMs — more than 1,400 business schools across India accept CAT results for admission.

Each institute sets its own criteria for shortlisting and selecting candidates. The exam itself is conducted by one of the IIMs on a rotating basis, and in 2026, IIM Calcutta is hosting it. CAT remains the top choice for anyone applying to PGP, PGDM, MBA, or similar programs at both IIMs and non-IIM colleges. There are currently 21 IIMs in India offering various management courses.

Key Details About CAT 2026

How to Register for CAT 2026

Registration for CAT 2026 began on 3 August 2026 and will stay open until 15 September 2026 (tentative). To apply, candidates need to fill out the application form on the official IIM website. The entire process — from registration to fee payment — happens online.

Who Can Apply? CAT Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for CAT, you need to meet these conditions:

1. You should hold a bachelor's degree of at least three years, with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
2. The degree must be from a university recognized under an Act of Parliament or state legislature, or an institution deemed a university under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Ministry of Education.
3. Students in their final year of graduation, or those awaiting results, can also apply. If selected, they'll get provisional admission and will need to submit a certificate from their college (by 30 June) confirming they've completed all requirements for their degree.

CAT Exam Syllabus 2026

The CAT syllabus is broadly divided into three sections:

1. VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension): Reading comprehension passages, para summary, odd sentence out, and para jumbles.
2. DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning): Binary logic, seating arrangements, team formation, bar graphs, radar charts, column graphs, network and route-based questions, bubble charts, Venn diagrams, pie charts, and data tables.
3. QA (Quantitative Ability): Number systems, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, and modern math.

Read Also :- How to Prepare for CAT 2026

Each section has many sub-topics, and CAT doesn't limit itself to a fixed syllabus. In fact, IIMs have never published an official syllabus — everything aspirants know is based on analyzing previous years' question papers and mock tests.

Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

CAT lasts 2 hours (120 minutes), and last year's paper had 66 questions in total. It's a multiple-choice exam conducted online. You get 3 marks for every correct answer, and 1 mark is deducted for every wrong answer. PwD candidates get an extra 13 minutes per section.

What's the CAT Cut-off?

Cut-offs are set individually by each institute, based on factors like the number of seats, courses on offer, number of applicants, exam difficulty, and more. Top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta usually have cut-offs between 99 and 100 percentile. Newer IIMs (sometimes called "Baby IIMs") tend to have somewhat lower cut-offs, typically between 87 and 93 percentile. Most institutes also declare two types of cut-offs — a qualifying cut-off and a final cut-off.

Why Should MBA Aspirants Take the CAT Exam?

The biggest reason to appear for CAT is the chance to get into top institutes like IIMs, IITs, FMS, and IMT. These colleges don't just offer strong academic programs — they also come with excellent placement records and high-paying job offers. Getting into one of these institutes can genuinely change the trajectory of your career. Beyond that, preparing for and taking CAT teaches you how to handle pressure and stay competitive, which is valuable in itself.

Courses Offered by IIMs Through CAT

Frequently Asked Questions

When is CAT Exam 2026 ? 

CAT Exam 2026 will be held on Sunday, 29 November 2026.

Who is conducting CAT 2026? 

IIM Indore released the notification, while IIM Calcutta is hosting the exam this year.

What is the application fee for CAT 2026? 

₹2,700 for General/EWS/OBC candidates and ₹1,350 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.

How many sections does CAT have? 

Three — VARC, DILR, and QA.

What is the exam duration? 

120 minutes (2 hours), with 160 minutes for PwD candidates.

Read Also :- Best CAT Coaching Institutes in India | CAT 2026 Preparation