CAT 2026 (Common Admission Test) is India’s leading national-level MBA entrance exam, conducted by IIM Indore for admissions to all 21 IIMs and over 1,200 top management institutes across India. The exam is scheduled for November 29, 2026, in three sessions across around 170 cities in computer-based test (CBT) mode. With the CAT 2026 registration closed and the exam just a month away, candidates should now be deep into final preparation mode.
- Admit Card: The CAT 2026 admit card is expected on November 4, 2026, on iimcat.ac.in. Download it using your CAT User ID and password. For reference, the CAT 2025 admit card was released on November 5, 2025 — about 3 weeks before the exam.
- Exam Date: CAT 2026 is scheduled for November 29, 2026 (Sunday) in three sessions — morning, afternoon, and evening — across approximately 170 cities. Your session and exam centre will be mentioned on your admit card. You cannot switch sessions.
- Answer Key: IIM Indore is expected to release the CAT 2026 provisional answer key in the second week of December 2026. Candidates will get a short objection window (usually 2–3 days) before the final answer key is published.
- Result: The CAT 2026 result and scorecard are expected in the first week of January 2027. The scorecard will include section-wise percentiles (VARC, DILR, QA) and an overall percentile, which IIMs use for shortlisting candidates for WAT/PI.
What is CAT 2026?
CAT 2026 stands for Common Admission Test 2026. It is a national-level entrance exam for admissions to MBA and PGDM programmes at all 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and over 1,200 other B-schools. IIM Indore is the organising IIM for CAT 2026, as the responsibility rotates among IIMs each year.
CAT is held once a year, usually in November, as a computer-based test. It tests candidates in three areas — Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Around 2.5–3 lakh candidates appear for CAT every year, competing for approximately 4,500–5,000 seats across all 21 IIMs.
The exam is considered one of the toughest management entrance tests in India. Fewer than 2% of all candidates who appear for CAT get admission to an IIM. However, a good CAT score also opens doors to several top non-IIM institutes like FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, and SPJIMR Mumbai.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Common Admission Test |
| Short Name | CAT |
| Conducting Body | IIM Indore (for CAT 2026) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Number of Sections | 3 (VARC, DILR, QA) |
| Total Questions | 68 |
| Maximum Score | 204 |
| Exam Date | November 29, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Number of Exam Cities | ~170 |
| Number of Sessions | 3 (Morning, Afternoon, Evening) |
| Score Validity | 1 year (for 2027-29 batch admissions only) |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
CAT 2026 Important Dates
The CAT 2026 schedule is listed below. Upcoming events appear first, followed by events that are already over. All upcoming dates are based on official sources and historical patterns — check iimcat.ac.in for any last-minute changes.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Admit Card Download Begins | November 4, 2026 | Upcoming |
| CAT 2026 Exam — Session 1 (Morning) | November 29, 2026 | Upcoming |
| CAT 2026 Exam — Session 2 (Afternoon) | November 29, 2026 | Upcoming |
| CAT 2026 Exam — Session 3 (Evening) | November 29, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Candidate Response Sheet | First week of December 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| Provisional Answer Key | Second week of December 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| Final Answer Key and Result / Scorecard | First week of January 2027 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| IIM Shortlisting Announcements | January–February 2027 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| WAT / GD and Personal Interviews (at IIMs) | February–April 2027 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| Final Admission Offers from IIMs | April–May 2027 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| CAT 2026 Official Notification Released | July 26, 2026 | (Over) |
| CAT 2026 Registration Opens | August 3, 2026 | (Over) |
| CAT 2026 Registration Closes (Extended) | September 22, 2026 | (Over) |
| Application Correction Window | October 5–6, 2026 | (Over) |
Source: iimcat.ac.in
CAT 2026 Admit Card
The CAT 2026 admit card is expected to be released on November 4, 2026, on iimcat.ac.in. This is about 25 days before the exam. You must download it using your CAT 2026 User ID and password. IIM Indore will not send the admit card by post or email.
The admit card will remain available for download until November 29, 2026 (exam day). Download and print it as soon as it is available — do not wait until the last moment.
The admit card is your entry pass to the exam hall. You will NOT be allowed to sit for CAT 2026 without a printed copy of your admit card.
How to Download CAT 2026 Admit Card
- Go to the official website: iimcat.ac.in
- Click on the "Download Admit Card" link on the homepage
- Log in with your CAT 2026 User ID and Password
- Your admit card will open as a PDF on screen
- Download it and take 2–3 colour printouts to keep handy
Details on the CAT 2026 Admit Card
- Candidate’s name and CAT 2026 roll number
- Exam date: November 29, 2026
- Assigned session number (Session 1, 2, or 3) and reporting time
- Exam centre name and complete address
- Candidate’s photograph and signature
- Exam day instructions and rules
Documents to Carry on CAT 2026 Exam Day
- Printed CAT 2026 admit card (colour printout preferred)
- One original valid photo ID: Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence
- PwBD candidates must carry the relevant disability certificate issued by a competent authority
Check all details on your admit card as soon as you download it. If you notice any error — wrong name, photograph, or other personal details — contact the CAT helpdesk immediately through the contact information on iimcat.ac.in. Do not wait until exam day to report errors.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The CAT 2026 eligibility criteria are set by IIM Indore. The requirements are largely the same as in previous years. You should check your eligibility carefully before applying in future cycles.
Educational Qualification
- You must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university or institution in India or abroad
- Minimum marks: 50% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA) in graduation
- For SC, ST, and PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) candidates: 45% marks in graduation
- Candidates in their final year of a bachelor’s degree programme can also apply — but they must complete their degree (with the required percentage) before joining any IIM
- Holders of professional qualifications like CA (Chartered Accountant), CS (Company Secretary), ICWA/CMA, or FIAI are also eligible if their qualification is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree
| Category | Minimum Graduation Marks Required |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | 50% aggregate |
| SC / ST / PwBD | 45% aggregate |
Age Limit for CAT 2026
There is no upper or lower age limit for CAT 2026. You can apply at any age as long as you meet the educational qualification requirements.
Number of Attempts
There is no cap on the number of times you can take CAT. You can appear every year as long as you are eligible. Many candidates attempt CAT 2–3 times before achieving a good score.
Nationality
Both Indian nationals and foreign nationals can apply for CAT 2026. Foreign nationals must meet the same educational qualification requirements.
CAT 2026 Registration
CAT 2026 registration is now closed. The registration window was open from August 3, 2026 to September 22, 2026. IIM Indore extended the original deadline of September 15 by one week. The application fee payment deadline was September 24, 2026. The correction window to edit certain non-primary fields was available on October 5–6, 2026 and is now also closed.
If you missed the CAT 2026 registration, the next opportunity will be the CAT 2027 cycle, which typically opens for registration in July–August 2027.
CAT 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee (Non-Refundable) |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | Rs 2,700 |
| SC / ST / PwBD | Rs 1,350 |
CAT Registration Process (For Future Reference)
- Visit iimcat.ac.in and create a new account using your email ID and mobile number
- Fill in personal details, academic history, and work experience information
- Upload a scanned photograph and signature in the specified format and size
- Choose up to 3 preferred exam city choices
- Upload category and disability certificates if applicable (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD)
- Pay the application fee online (net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI)
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page for your records
CAT Registration Trends (Previous Years)
CAT registration numbers have remained fairly stable in recent years. For CAT 2025, around 2.95 lakh candidates registered, and approximately 2.58 lakh (86%) appeared for the exam. For CAT 2024, registrations were higher at around 3.29 lakh, with 2.93 lakh appearing (89% attendance). The CAT 2026 registration count will be announced by IIM Indore after the exam.
| Year | Registered (Approx.) | Appeared (Approx.) | Attendance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 2025 | ~2.95 lakh | ~2.58 lakh | ~86% |
| CAT 2024 | ~3.29 lakh | ~2.93 lakh | ~89% |
Source: iimcat.ac.in
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The CAT 2026 exam pattern follows the same structure as CAT 2025. The exam has three sections with a fixed 40-minute time limit per section. You cannot go back to a previous section once you move on. The exam is entirely computer-based, with a mix of MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) and TITA (Type In The Answer) questions.
| Section | Full Name | Questions | Time Allowed | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 24 | 40 minutes | 72 |
| DILR | Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | 22 | 40 minutes | 66 |
| QA | Quantitative Ability | 22 | 40 minutes | 66 |
| Total | — | 68 | 120 minutes | 204 |
CAT 2026 Marking Scheme
| Answer Type | MCQ Marks | TITA Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +3 marks | +3 marks |
| Wrong Answer | −1 mark (negative marking applies) | 0 marks (no negative marking) |
| Question Not Attempted | 0 marks | 0 marks |
TITA questions do not have options to choose from — you type the numerical answer directly. Since there is no negative marking for TITA questions, you should always attempt them even if you are not fully sure of your answer.
CAT 2026 Exam Sessions
CAT 2026 will be conducted in three sessions on November 29, 2026. IIM Indore assigns candidates to a session randomly. The approximate timings for each session are:
- Session 1 (Morning): Typically around 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
- Session 2 (Afternoon): Typically around 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
- Session 3 (Evening): Typically around 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Since the paper in each session may carry slightly different difficulty levels, IIM Indore uses a normalization (equating) process to ensure all candidates are assessed on equal terms. Your session details will be printed on your CAT 2026 admit card.
CAT 2026 Syllabus
IIM Indore does not publish an official subject-wise syllabus for CAT. The topics below are based on previous years’ CAT papers and are widely accepted as the CAT 2026 syllabus by coaching institutes and toppers.
VARC Syllabus — Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
VARC has 24 questions in CAT 2026. About 16–18 questions are from Reading Comprehension (RC), and the remaining 6–8 are Verbal Ability (VA) questions. RC passages are typically 600–900 words long, drawn from topics like philosophy, history, economics, science, and culture.
- Reading Comprehension (RC): 4–5 passages with questions on main idea, tone, inference, purpose, and vocabulary-in-context
- Para Jumbles: Arrange 4–5 sentences in the correct logical order
- Para Summary: Pick the best one-line summary for a given paragraph
- Odd Sentence Out: Identify which sentence does not belong in the paragraph
- Critical Reasoning / Sentence Completion: Strengthen or weaken an argument, or complete a sentence logically
DILR Syllabus — Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
DILR has 22 questions arranged in sets of 4–6. Each set is based on a common scenario, dataset, or puzzle. It is generally considered the most unpredictable section of CAT because of the variety in set types that can appear each year.
- Data Interpretation: Bar charts, pie charts, line graphs, tables, combination charts, caselets with text-based data
- Logical Reasoning: Seating arrangements (linear and circular), blood relations, scheduling, games and tournaments, team formation, networks and flow diagrams
- Set-based problems: Venn diagrams, binary logic, constraint-based arrangement puzzles
QA Syllabus — Quantitative Ability
QA has 22 questions and covers Class 10–12 level mathematics. Arithmetic typically accounts for 40–50% of QA questions and is the highest-weightage area in this section.
- Arithmetic: Number systems, percentages, profit and loss, time-speed-distance, time and work, mixtures and alligations, ratios and proportions, simple and compound interest
- Algebra: Linear and quadratic equations, functions, surds and indices, logarithms
- Geometry and Mensuration: Lines, angles, triangles, circles, polygons, coordinate geometry, 3D solids (cylinders, cones, spheres)
- Modern Mathematics: Permutations and combinations, probability, set theory
- Number Theory: Divisibility rules, HCF/LCM, remainders, factorial-based problems, last digit of powers
How to Prepare for CAT 2026
With just about a month left for CAT 2026, this is the time to focus on consolidation, mock tests, and strategy — not starting new topics. Here are section-wise tips and a final-month plan.
VARC Preparation Tips
- Read 1–2 RC passages daily from The Hindu, The Economist, or Business Standard to build reading speed and comprehension
- While solving RC questions, focus on understanding the author’s tone and main argument before looking at the options
- For para-jumbles, identify the opening sentence (the one that introduces a concept broadly) and the closing sentence first — this narrows the remaining order quickly
- Practice para-summaries by writing one-sentence takeaways from op-eds or editorials you read daily
- In the exam, limit yourself to 8–9 minutes per RC passage and move on if you are stuck
DILR Preparation Tips
- Practice 2–3 DILR sets daily under strict 40-minute conditions
- In the exam, spend the first 5–7 minutes reading all sets and picking the 3 most solvable ones — do not get stuck on a hard set
- Trending set types in recent CATs: games and tournaments, scheduling puzzles, network flow, and binary logic
- After each practice session, analyse every step in the sets you solved — this builds pattern recognition over time
- Target completing at least 3 full DILR sets correctly in 40 minutes for a 85+ percentile in the section
QA Preparation Tips
- Revise Arithmetic thoroughly — number systems, percentages, profit/loss, time-speed-distance, and ratios together account for almost half of all QA questions
- Always attempt TITA questions in QA since there is no negative marking for them
- Practice shortcut methods and approximation techniques for geometry and algebra — speed is essential in QA
- Target at least 14–16 correct QA answers for a 85+ percentile in the section
Final Month Strategy: Mock Tests
- Take at least 10–15 full-length mock tests before November 29, 2026
- Analyse each mock carefully: note which question types and topics cost you marks each time
- The official mock test is available free at iimcat.ac.in — use it to familiarise yourself with the actual exam interface
- Simulate real exam conditions for every mock: same time slot, no phone, no breaks between sections
- In the last 7 days before the exam, shift focus from new mocks to light revision of weak concepts and ensuring adequate rest
Recommended Books for CAT 2026
| Section | Book Title | Author |
|---|---|---|
| VARC | How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay |
| VARC | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
| DILR | How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT | Arun Sharma |
| DILR | Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
| QA | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Arun Sharma |
| QA | Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
| All Sections | Previous Year CAT Papers (2015–2025) | Official iimcat.ac.in / Various Publishers |
CAT 2026 Expected Cutoff for IIMs
Official CAT 2026 cutoffs will be set by each IIM individually after the result is announced in January 2027. There are two types of cutoffs to understand: the qualifying cutoff (the minimum overall percentile to be considered for shortlisting) and the actual call percentile (the real score at which interview calls are typically issued).
For old IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode, Indore), the qualifying cutoff is only a minimum screening threshold. The actual interview call percentile for General category candidates is typically in the 97–99+ range — much higher than the qualifying minimum.
CAT 2026 Expected Qualifying Cutoffs (Based on CAT 2025 Data)
| IIM | General / EWS | NC-OBC | SC | ST | PwBD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | 80 | 75 | 60 | 50 | 70 |
| IIM Bangalore | 85 | 75 | 60 | 55 | 65 |
| IIM Calcutta | 85 | 75 | 60 | 45 | 65 |
| IIM Lucknow | 90 | 80 | 65 | 55 | 65 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 85 | 75 | 60 | 45 | 60 |
| IIM Indore | 90 | 80 | 60 | 45 | 65 |
| IIM Shillong | 80 | 75 | 55 | 45 | 55 |
| New IIMs (Rohtak, Raipur, Ranchi, Kashipur, Trichy, Udaipur, etc.) | 80–85 | 70–75 | 55–60 | 45–50 | 55–60 |
These are expected qualifying cutoff percentiles based on CAT 2025 data. Official cutoffs will be declared by each IIM separately after the CAT 2026 result in January 2027. Meeting the qualifying cutoff does not guarantee an interview call — actual call percentiles for General category at old IIMs are typically 97–99+.
Sectional Cutoffs at Top IIMs
Most old IIMs also apply sectional cutoffs — a minimum percentile you must clear in each of the three sections (VARC, DILR, QA) individually. Based on the CAT 2025 cycle, IIM Ahmedabad applied a sectional qualifying cutoff of 85 percentile in each section for General category candidates, in addition to the overall cutoff. Falling short in any single section — even with a high overall score — can mean no interview call from that IIM.
CAT 2026 Marks vs Percentile Analysis
CAT does not use raw marks for final ranking. IIM Indore normalises the scores of all three sessions to account for difficulty differences, producing a scaled score. Percentiles are then calculated from the scaled scores of all candidates who appeared.
Your percentile tells you what percentage of test-takers scored below you. For example, a 99 percentile means you scored better than 99% of all candidates who appeared. Based on CAT 2025 data and historical trends, here is an expected marks-vs-percentile range for CAT 2026:
| Overall Percentile | Expected Raw Score Range (out of 204) | Approx. Rank (if ~2.5 lakh appear) | Typical Admission Prospects |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99.99+ | 190–204 | Top 25 | Strong contender for IIM A, B, C |
| 99.9 | 172–189 | ~250 | Interview eligible at IIM A, B, C (General) |
| 99 | 140–155 | ~2,500 | Old IIM shortlisting (General category) |
| 97 | 120–138 | ~7,500 | Interview calls at IIM L, K, I (General) |
| 95 | 105–119 | ~12,500 | New IIMs, FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR |
| 90 | 83–100 | ~25,000 | Top non-IIM B-schools (IMT, IMI, etc.) |
| 85 | 68–82 | ~37,500 | Mid-tier B-schools |
| 80 | 55–67 | ~50,000 | Qualifying threshold for some IIMs (reserved categories) |
These are expected ranges based on past CAT papers. The actual mapping depends on the overall difficulty of CAT 2026 and the normalization method used. Ranks are estimated assuming approximately 2.5 lakh candidates appear.
What Score Do You Need for IIM Ahmedabad?
For General category candidates, IIM Ahmedabad typically invites candidates scoring 99+ percentile for interviews. The qualifying threshold is around 80 percentile overall and 85 in each section — but the actual call percentile is far higher. Based on RTI data from the CAT 2025 cycle, the minimum General category percentile among those who actually received an IIM Ahmedabad call was around 91 — though this reflects composite profile scores, not CAT percentile alone. For a strong chance at IIM-A, target 99+ overall with balanced sectional scores.
CAT 2026 Result
The CAT 2026 result is expected in the first week of January 2027. IIM Indore will publish the scorecard on iimcat.ac.in. You can log in with your CAT User ID and password to download your individual scorecard.
What the CAT 2026 Scorecard Includes
- Scaled score in each section: VARC, DILR, and QA
- Overall scaled score
- Percentile rank in each section (sectional percentile)
- Overall percentile rank
CAT 2026 Score Normalization
Because CAT 2026 is held in three sessions on the same day, the difficulty level may differ slightly across sessions. IIM Indore applies a statistical normalization process (equating method) to make scores comparable across all sessions. Your raw score is converted to a scaled score, and percentiles are then calculated from the scaled scores of all candidates who appeared — ensuring fairness regardless of which session you were assigned to.
CAT 2026 Score Validity
The CAT 2026 scorecard is valid for one year. You can use it only for admissions to the 2027–29 batch at IIMs and other MBA colleges. It cannot be used for admissions in the 2028–30 batch — for that, you would need to appear for CAT 2027.
How to Download the CAT 2026 Scorecard
- Visit iimcat.ac.in after the result is announced
- Log in with your CAT 2026 User ID and password
- Click on "Download Scorecard" and save the PDF
- Keep this scorecard accessible when applying to non-IIM colleges — many require you to upload or share it during their application process
IIM Admission Process: WAT and Personal Interview
A good CAT 2026 percentile is the first step — it alone does not secure you an IIM seat. Each IIM has its own multi-stage selection process that follows the CAT result. Here is how it works.
Stage 1: Shortlisting for WAT / PI
Each IIM independently shortlists candidates for the next stage using a composite score. This typically includes:
- CAT percentile (overall and sectional) — usually the most heavily weighted factor
- Academic record — your marks in Class 10, Class 12, and graduation
- Work experience — number of months of full-time professional experience; 24–36+ months is generally preferred by old IIMs
- Gender diversity — some IIMs give additional weight to female candidates to improve gender balance in their cohorts
- Academic diversity — non-engineering graduates (arts, commerce, science, law) may receive additional consideration at some IIMs
IIM shortlisting for CAT 2026 is expected to begin in January–February 2027, after the result is out. Each IIM announces shortlists separately — check individual IIM websites for exact dates and criteria.
Stage 2: Written Ability Test (WAT)
Most old IIMs conduct a Written Ability Test (WAT) as the first in-person stage. You are given a topic and asked to write a short essay (typically 150–250 words) in 15–20 minutes. The WAT evaluates your ability to think clearly, structure an argument, and express ideas in English. Some IIMs conduct a Group Discussion (GD) in place of or alongside the WAT.
Stage 3: Personal Interview (PI)
All IIMs conduct personal interviews. A typical PI is 20–30 minutes long and is conducted by a panel of 2–3 faculty or industry professionals. Common areas covered in a CAT 2026 PI include:
- Your academic background and the subjects you studied in graduation
- Your work experience, achievements, and why you want an MBA now
- Why this specific IIM and what you hope to achieve
- Current affairs, economy, and business news
- Standard HR questions: strengths, weaknesses, short- and long-term goals
WAT and PI rounds for CAT 2026 are expected in February–April 2027. Each IIM sets its own schedule — check individual IIM websites after the CAT 2026 shortlist is announced.
Stage 4: Final Composite Score and Admission Offers
After the WAT and PI, each IIM computes a final composite score. This typically combines the CAT score (30–70% weight depending on the IIM), WAT/GD and PI performance, academic record, and work experience into a single rank. Final admission offers from IIMs are expected in April–May 2027.
| Admission Stage | Expected Timeline (CAT 2026 Cycle) |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 Result and Scorecard | First week of January 2027 (Expected) |
| IIM Shortlisting Announced | January–February 2027 (Expected) |
| WAT / GD and Personal Interviews | February–April 2027 (Expected) |
| Final Admission Offers | April–May 2027 (Expected) |
| MBA / PGP Programme Commences (Batch 2027–29) | June–July 2027 (Expected) |
Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT 2026 Score
CAT 2026 scores are accepted by all 21 IIMs and over 1,200 other MBA and PGDM colleges across India. The IIMs together offer approximately 4,500–5,000 PGP (MBA) seats per year. Beyond IIMs, several premier non-IIM institutes also use CAT scores as a primary selection criterion. Here are the top colleges accepting CAT 2026:
| College | Location | Expected CAT 2026 Cutoff (General) |
|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | 99+ percentile |
| IIM Bangalore (IIMB) | Bengaluru, Karnataka | 99+ percentile |
| IIM Calcutta (IIMC) | Kolkata, West Bengal | 99+ percentile |
| FMS Delhi (Faculty of Management Studies) | New Delhi | 98+ percentile |
| SPJIMR Mumbai (SP Jain Institute of Management) | Mumbai, Maharashtra | 97–98 percentile |
| IIM Lucknow (IIML) | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | 97–99 percentile |
| MDI Gurgaon (Management Development Institute) | Gurgaon, Haryana | 95–97 percentile |
| IIM Kozhikode (IIMK) | Kozhikode, Kerala | 95–97 percentile |
| IIM Indore (IIMI) | Indore, Madhya Pradesh | 95–97 percentile |
| IIM Shillong | Shillong, Meghalaya | 92–95 percentile |
| IMT Ghaziabad (Institute of Management Technology) | Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh | 90–92 percentile |
| IIM Rohtak | Rohtak, Haryana | 88–92 percentile |
| IIM Raipur | Raipur, Chhattisgarh | 88–92 percentile |
| IIM Ranchi | Ranchi, Jharkhand | 88–92 percentile |
| IIM Trichy | Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu | 88–92 percentile |
| IIM Kashipur | Kashipur, Uttarakhand | 85–90 percentile |
| IMI Delhi (International Management Institute) | New Delhi | 88–92 percentile |
| FORE School of Management | New Delhi | 85–90 percentile |
| GIM Goa (Goa Institute of Management) | Goa | 85–88 percentile |
| TAPMI Manipal (T.A. Pai Management Institute) | Manipal, Karnataka | 80–85 percentile |
Cutoff percentiles are expected figures based on previous cycles. Official cutoffs will be announced by each institute after the CAT 2026 result in January 2027.
IIM Seats Across All 21 IIMs
All 21 IIMs together offer around 4,500–5,000 PGP/MBA seats per year. IIM Ahmedabad has around 400 seats, IIM Bangalore around 400 seats, and IIM Calcutta around 462 seats. Newer IIMs (set up after 2010) have between 60 and 180 seats each. With more than 2.5 lakh candidates competing, fewer than 2% of all CAT test-takers get into an IIM each year — making it one of the most selective admission processes in the country.
CAT 2026 FAQs
Ques. When is the CAT 2026 exam date?
Ans. CAT 2026 will be held on November 29, 2026 (Sunday) in three sessions — morning, afternoon, and evening — across around 170 cities in India. It is a computer-based test (CBT) conducted by IIM Indore. Your session and exam centre details will be mentioned on your CAT 2026 admit card.
Ques. When will the CAT 2026 admit card be released?
Ans. The CAT 2026 admit card is expected on November 4, 2026, on iimcat.ac.in. You can download it by logging in with your CAT User ID and password. It will remain available for download until exam day. IIM Indore will not send the admit card by post or email — you must download it yourself.
Ques. What is the CAT 2026 exam fee?
Ans. The CAT 2026 registration fee was Rs 2,700 for General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates, and Rs 1,350 for SC, ST, and PwBD candidates. The registration window for CAT 2026 is now closed. The next opportunity to register will be the CAT 2027 cycle, which typically opens in July–August 2027.
Ques. What is the eligibility for CAT 2026?
Ans. You need a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates) from a recognised university. Final-year graduation students can also apply. There is no age limit and no cap on the number of attempts. Professional degree holders (CA, CS, ICWA) are also eligible if their qualification is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.
Ques. How many questions are there in CAT 2026?
Ans. CAT 2026 has 68 questions in total — 24 in VARC, 22 in DILR, and 22 in QA. The total duration is 120 minutes (40 minutes per section, with no switching allowed). The maximum score is 204 marks (+3 per correct question).
Ques. Is there negative marking in CAT 2026?
Ans. Yes, but only for MCQ questions. You get +3 marks for a correct MCQ answer and −1 mark for a wrong MCQ answer. TITA (Type In The Answer) questions carry no negative marking — a wrong or unattempted TITA answer gets 0 marks. You should always attempt TITA questions in the exam.
Ques. When will the CAT 2026 result be declared?
Ans. The CAT 2026 result is expected in the first week of January 2027. IIM Indore will publish the result and individual scorecards on iimcat.ac.in. The scorecard will include your section-wise and overall percentile. You will need your CAT User ID and password to download it.
Ques. Which IIM is conducting CAT 2026?
Ans. IIM Indore is conducting CAT 2026. The responsibility for conducting CAT rotates among the IIMs each year. IIM Indore had previously also conducted CAT 2021. For CAT 2027, a different IIM will take over the organising role.
Ques. What percentile do I need for IIM Ahmedabad?
Ans. For General category candidates, IIM Ahmedabad typically sends interview calls to candidates above 99 percentile. The qualifying threshold is around 80 percentile overall and 85 in each section — but the actual call percentile is far higher. Work experience, academic profile, and diversity factors also influence shortlisting at IIM-A.
Ques. Can I change my CAT 2026 exam city or session?
Ans. No. Once the admit card is released, your exam city and session are fixed. IIM Indore allocates the exam city from the preferences you gave during registration and assigns sessions randomly. You cannot switch your city or session after the admit card is issued.
Ques. How many institutes accept CAT 2026 scores?
Ans. All 21 IIMs accept CAT 2026 scores. In addition, over 1,200 other MBA and PGDM colleges in India — including FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, and IMT Ghaziabad — accept CAT scores for admissions. The complete list of participating institutes is published in the CAT 2026 information bulletin on iimcat.ac.in.
Ques. Is CAT 2026 held only once a year?
Ans. Yes. CAT is held only once a year, usually in November. Unlike JEE Main, there is no second session for CAT. If you are not satisfied with your CAT 2026 score, you will need to appear for CAT 2027. There is no limit on the number of times you can attempt CAT.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is compiled from official sources, including iimcat.ac.in, and publicly available data. Dates marked as "Expected" are based on historical patterns and official announcements and may be subject to change. Always refer to the official CAT website (iimcat.ac.in) for the most current and verified information on CAT 2026 dates, eligibility, and admission criteria.
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Yes, Collegedunia offers free mock tests. You can check here for the CAT Mock Test 2025: Free Mock Test Series, Topic, Sectional, Full CAT Mock Tests
Yes, you can register and log in to attempt the mocks at collegedunia. You can check here for the CAT Mock Test: Free Mock Test Series, Topic, Sectional, Full CAT Mock Tests
With a VARC 47th percentile, chances of getting an MBA call from IITs are very low. Most IITs (like IIT Delhi, Bombay, Madras, Kharagpur) require sectional cutoffs around the 60-70 percentile in each section, along with a strong overall percentile. Despite excellent Quants (97.43) and DILR (94.48), the low VARC score is a major constraint.
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You can check here for the CAT Question Paper (Available): Download CAT Previous Year Question Paper with Solutions PDF (2025-1988).The CAT question paper comprises of 68 questions carrying 204 marks.
You can check here for the Top MBA Colleges in India: Fees 2026, Ranking, Admission, Placement, Cutoff
You can check here for the CAT Mock Test 2025: Free Mock Test Series, Topic, Sectional, Full CAT Mock Tests
Yes, you can check here for the CAT VARC Mock Test: Free Mock Test Series, Topic, Sectional, Full CAT Mock Tests. The CAT question paper comprises 68 questions carrying 204 marks.
For admission to the best MBA colleges in India, a high entrance-exam percentile is very important in CAT. Top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta require 95-99+ percentile, while good Tier-1 colleges such as FMS Delhi, IITs, and SPJIMR prefer 90-98 percentile, depending on category. The admission process includes CAT/GMAT score evaluation, followed by WAT/GD/PI rounds, academic record assessment, work-experience points, and overall profile review.
Scoring 90 percentile in CAT for IIFT Delhi needs focused preparation, smart strategy, and disciplined practice. Start with building strong basics in Quant, DILR, and VARC through NCERTs, editorials, and daily problem-solving. Practice 2-3 VARC RCs daily, solve DILR sets with time limits, and revise important Quant chapters. Take full mock tests weekly, analyse your mistakes, and improve accuracy rather than speed alone. Follow a fixed study timetable for at least 4-6 months to reach 90 percentile.
The CAT registration date was open from August 1, 2025 to September 20, 2025 (5 PM). The CAT 2025 will be held on 30th November by IIM Kozhikode in CBT mode for 2 hours in 3 shifts. The CAT Admit card are available for download on the official website
The conducting body Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode) has released the official CAT mock test link on its website. You can also take mocks there. You can check here for the CAT Mock Test 2025: Free Mock Test Series, Topic, Sectional, Full CAT Mock Tests.
You can check here for the CAT Mock Test 2025: Free Mock Test Series, Topic, Sectional, Full CAT Mock Tests
Go to the Collegedunia website and search for the CAT Mock Test page. Click on any mock or chapter-wise test, and the site will ask you to sign up for free using your mobile number or email. Once you log in, you will get access to multiple free CAT mocks, including VARC, DILR, and Quant topic tests.
Yes, you can take free CAT mock tests on Collegedunia. You just need to register on the site, and then you can access topic-wise, sectional, and full-length mocks for free.
The NEET exam (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is India’s national-level entrance exam for admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, Veterinary, and other medical courses. Conducted by the NTA once a year, it tests Physics, Chemistry, and Biology based on the Class 11-12 syllabus. The exam is offline, with 200 questions (180 to attempt) and a total of 720 marks. NEET eligibility requires a 12th pass with PCB, and admissions are offered through All India and State counselling.
The CAT Admit card are available for download on the official website – iimcat.ac.in. The candidates can download the admit card by using their login Id and password.
You can download the CAT admit card by visiting the official website iimcat.ac.in and logging in with your registered email ID and password. After logging in, go to the “Admit Card” section inside the candidate dashboard and click on the download option. The admit card will open as a PDF, which you can save and print. Make sure to check details like your exam date, time, test centre, and photo before the exam to avoid any issues on the exam day.