CAT 2026 Complete Guide: Exam Pattern, Cutoffs, Dates & Strategy
The Common Admission Test (CAT) stands as India’s most challenging MBA entrance examination, attracting nearly 3 lakh candidates annually. Its syllabus encompasses three core sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
For those dissatisfied with their CAT 2025 performance, January 2026 is an ideal time to begin preparing for CAT 2026, scheduled for November 2026, with results anticipated in January 2027. Amid fierce competition—where 2-3 lakh aspirants vie for approximately 5,300 seats across 21 participating Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)—success demands a structured strategy and expert guidance.
CAT 2026 – Exam Overview
With CAT 2026 approaching, understanding its structure, dates, and key facts is essential for effective preparation. Below is a consolidated overview of the CAT Exam 2026.
| Particular | Details |
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Purpose | Entrance exam for admission to 21 IIMs and over 100 top B-schools in India for MBA/PGDM programs |
| Conducting Body | One of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM)—to be announced |
| Exam Level | National-level |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Medium | English |
| Expected Exam Date | Last Sunday of November 2026 (tentative; e.g., November 29) |
| Exam Sessions/Slots | 3 slots: Slot 1 (8:30–10:30 AM), Slot 2 (12:30–2:30 PM), Slot 3 (4:30–6:30 PM) |
| Mode | Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Total Questions | Around 66–68 |
| Sections | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Ability (QA) |
| Question Types | Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs |
| Marking Scheme | +3 marks for correct answers; -1 mark for incorrect MCQs only |
| Score Validity | 1 year |
| Approximate Test Takers | 2–2.5 lakh annually |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Seat Reservation | Follows the Government of India norms |
| Official Website | www.iimcat.ac.in |
CAT 2026 Important Dates
The CAT 2026 exam is tentatively scheduled for November 29, 2026 (Sunday), aligning with the traditional last-Sunday-of-November pattern. Official notification from one of the IIMs is expected during July 2026, with online registration commencing in August 2026.
Conducted annually as a single-day, three-shift computer-based test. Candidates should note these projected timelines for seamless preparation planning.
| Event | CAT 2025 (Actual) | CAT 2026 (Tentative) |
| Notification Release | 27 July 2025 | Last week of July 2026 |
| Registration Start Date | 1 August 2025 (10:00 AM) | First week of August 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Registration End Date | 13 September 2025 (5:00 PM) | Third week of September 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | – | Fourth week of September 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | – | First week of November 2026 |
| Exam Date | 30 November 2025 | 29 November 2026 (Last Sunday) |
| Answer Key Release | – | First week of December 2026 |
| Result Declaration | Second week of December 2026 Or the first week of January 2027 | Third/Fourth week of December 2026 |
CAT 2026 Notification
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 notification is a crucial update for MBA aspirants targeting top IIMs and B-schools across India. As of February 2026, it has not been officially released yet, with expectations building around late July announcements based on historical patterns.
Candidates should monitor the official website regularly, as these dates follow past cycles but remain tentative until confirmed.
CAT 2026 Application Process
The CAT 2026 registration process is entirely online and follows a structured sequence designed for efficiency and accessibility for all MBA aspirants.
Even previous test-takers must create fresh accounts, ensuring a streamlined experience via the official portal.
CAT 2026 Registration Steps
- Visit the official website at iimcat.ac.in and select New Candidate Registration.
- Enter essential personal information (name, email, mobile number) to generate a login ID and password.
- Verify your details using the OTP sent to your registered email and phone.
- Log in and complete the form with academic qualifications, work experience (if any), and program preferences.
- Choose up to six preferred test cities and select desired IIMs/courses.
- Upload required documents: passport-size photo, scanned signature, and category certificates (EWS/NC-OBC/SC/ST/PwD if applicable).
- Review all entries, pay the application fee online, and submit the form.
Registration is expected to open around August 1, 2026. Original mark sheets and degrees may be required later for verification. Monitor the website for exact deadlines and updates.
CAT 2026 Application Fee Details
The final stage of CAT 2026 registration requires candidates to complete the application fee payment exclusively through online channels for seamless processing. This step ensures form completion, with options to review details beforehand and receive instant confirmation post-payment.
| Aspect | Details |
| Fee Structure | – General/EWS/NC-OBC: ₹2,600- SC/ST/PwD: ₹1,300 |
| Payment Methods | Credit/debit card, net banking, UPI |
| Key Guidelines | – Non-refundable- Transaction charges borne by the candidate- Application incomplete until payment succeeds |
| Steps to Complete | 1. Review the application form2. Select payment mode and pay online3. Receive confirmation email4. Download payment receipt and form summary PDF |
| Post-Payment | The form is finalized; retain documents for future reference |
CAT 2026 – Eligibility Criteria
CAT 2026 eligibility criteria form the foundational requirements for aspirants seeking admission to IIMs and top B-schools through this prestigious national exam. These standards ensure fairness across categories while accommodating diverse academic backgrounds, including final-year students and professionals.
Below is a table highlighting the key eligibility criteria details:
| Criteria | Details |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution; professional degrees like CA/CS/ICWA/CMA/FIAI are also accepted |
| Minimum Marks (General/EWS /NC-OBC) | At least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA |
| Minimum Marks (SC/ST/PwD) | At least 45% marks or equivalent CGPA |
| Final-Year Students | Eligible if they complete degree requirements by the specified deadline; must submit a college certificate and later provide final mark sheets |
| Age Limit | No upper age restriction |
| CGPA Conversion | Divide the CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA and multiply by 100 if the university lacks a specified method |
| Seat Reservations | – SC: 15%- ST: 7.5%- NC-OBC: 27% (Non-Creamy Layer only)- EWS: Up to 10%- PwD: 5% (per RPwD Act, 2016) |
| PwD Categories | Includes blindness/low vision, deaf/hard of hearing, locomotor disability, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual/learning disabilities, mental illness, multiple disabilities, acid attack victims, etc. |
| Certificate Requirements | SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS/PwD candidates must upload valid certificates during registration and present originals at the interview/admission stages |
| Additional Notes | Use a valid email and mobile throughout; minimum eligibility does not guarantee shortlisting, as IIMs verify at every stage; provisional admission is possible for final-year students |
CAT 2026 Admission and Selection Process Overview
CAT 2026 admission to IIMs and top B-schools demands not just exam success but excellence across multiple evaluation stages, where preparation extends beyond testing to profile building and interview readiness. Strategic focus during shortlisting, WAT/PI/GD, and final selection can significantly boost conversion chances for qualified candidates.
CAT 2026 Admission Process
The following steps can help you get familiar with the complete admission and selection process:
Step 1: CAT 2026 Examination
Candidates complete the 120-minute computer-based test (tentative November 29, 2026) across VARC, DILR, and QA sections, yielding sectional/overall percentiles.
Step 2: Result Declaration and Score Analysis
Scorecards will be released in late December 2026, forming the basis for institute shortlists based on composite criteria. Calculate personalized cutoffs using 2025 data; apply to 10+ B-schools across tiers immediately after results.
Step 3: Shortlisting for Assessment Rounds
IIMs announce lists (January 2027) considering CAT percentile (primary), academics, work experience, category, and diversity. Email notifications follow. Strengthen your profile during pre-results—complete certifications (CFA L1, FRM, Google Analytics), publish LinkedIn articles, and secure strong recommendation letters.
Step 4: Written Ability Test (WAT), Personal Interview (PI), and Group Discussion (GD)
Attend rounds (Feb-April 2027) at designated centers:
- WAT: 20-30 min essay on current affairs/ethics/management
- PI: 15-30 min panel interview on goals, academics, current events
- GD (some institutes): 15-20 min team discussion
Step 5: Final Composite Score Calculation
| Component | Typical Weightage | Preparation Focus |
| CAT Percentile | 40-60% | Mock analysis, sectional mastery |
| Personal Interview | 25-35% | Communication clarity, confidence |
| Written Ability Test | 10-15% | Essay structure, current affairs |
| Academic Scores | 10-20% | Cannot change—highlight trends |
| Work Experience | 5-10% | Quantify achievements (revenue impact) |
| Diversity Factors | 5-10% | Gender/academic background advantage |
Step 6: Final Merit List and Offer Letters
Highest composite scores secure offers; pay commitment fees to confirm.
Final Conversion Tips:
- Track multiple IIM calls—accept best fit, not highest brand
- Negotiate waitlist movement with polite follow-ups
- Multiple offers? Choose based on specialization/alumni network/placement ROI
- Secure accommodation/finance early post-acceptance
Overall Process Success Strategy:
- Start PI prep Dec 2026 (don’t wait for the shortlist).
- Build a 6-month current-affairs database
- Practice 100+ PI mocks across diverse panels
- Document ALL achievements quantitatively
- Network with 2nd-year IIM students for insider tips
This comprehensive roadmap maximizes conversion rates for serious CAT 2026 aspirants targeting top-20 B-schools.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
CAT 2026 follows a standardized computer-based format designed to evaluate candidates’ aptitude under timed conditions. The exam features a mix of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and type-in-the-answer (TITA) formats across three sections, promoting both speed and accuracy.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
| Particular | Details |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Number of Sections | 3 (VARC, DILR, QA) |
| Sectional Time Limit | 40 minutes per section (no switching allowed) |
| Exam Slots | 3 slots across the day |
| Total Questions | 68 |
| Total Marks | 204 |
| Question Types | MCQs and TITA (Type In The Answer) |
| Marking Scheme | +3 marks for each correct answer; -1 for incorrect MCQs; 0 for unanswered questions and incorrect TITA attempts |
This structure emphasizes time management and strategic section attempts, consistent with recent exam trends.
CAT 2026 Syllabus
The CAT 2026 syllabus covers three core sections—VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude—with topics drawn from standard Class X-level English and mathematics, though no official syllabus is prescribed by the conducting IIM.
Trends from previous years remain consistent, helping aspirants focus their preparation on high-weightage areas like reading comprehension, data sets, and arithmetic fundamentals.
| Section | Key Topics |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)(~24 questions) | Reading comprehension, passages, para jumbles, para completion, odd sentence out, para summary, fill in the blanks, grammar, sentence completion, verbal logic, different word usage, and parts of speech. |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)(~20-22 questions) | Tables; Pie Charts; Bar/Line Graphs; Seating Arrangements; Venn Diagrams; Coding-Decoding; Binary Logic; Blood Relations; Syllogisms; Direction Sense; Puzzles; Family Trees; Assumptions; Clocks & Calendars; Abstract Reasoning. |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA)(~22 questions) | Arithmetic (Ratios, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, Work & Time, Simple/Compound Interest); Algebra; Geometry; Mensuration; Number System; Trigonometry; Surds & Indices; Square/Cube Roots; Mean, Median, Mode; Geometric Progression; Binomial Theorem. |
Cat 2026 Exam Centre
CAT 2026 exam centers are strategically distributed across North, South, East, West, and Central India, covering over 150 cities to maximize accessibility for candidates during registration. Applicants can select up to six preferred locations from this comprehensive list, with final allocation determined by availability and exam slot requirements.
CAT 2026 Exam Centers by Region
North India
| State/UT | Test Cities |
| Delhi-NCR | Delhi, New Delhi, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Noida, Faridabad, Gurugram, Panipat |
| Haryana | Ambala, Bahadurgarh, Hisar, Palwal, Rohtak, Sonipat |
| Himachal Pradesh | Shimla, Waknaghat |
| Jammu & Kashmir/Ladakh | Jammu, Samba, Kashmir, Leh |
| Punjab | Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mohali, Pathankot, Patiala, Ropar, Sangrur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Fatehgarh Sahib |
| Uttarakhand | Dehradun, Roorkee |
| Uttar Pradesh | Agra, Allahabad, Bareilly, Ghaziabad, Gorakhpur, Greater Noida, Kanpur, Lucknow, Mathura, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Noida, Varanasi |
South India
| State/UT | Test Cities |
| Andhra Pradesh | Guntur, Kakinada, Kurnool, Nellore, Rajahmundry, Tirupati, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam |
| Karnataka | Bengaluru, Belagavi, Dharwad, Gulbarga, Hubli, Mangaluru, Mysuru, Udupi |
| Kerala | Ernakulam, Kasaragod, Kollam, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, Trivandrum |
| Puducherry | Puducherry |
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Namakkal, Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli |
| Telangana | Hyderabad, Karim Nagar, Warangal |
East & North-East India
| State/UT | Test Cities |
| Andaman & Nicobar | Port Blair |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar |
| Assam | Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Silchar |
| Bihar | Aurangabad, Muzaffarpur, Patna, Purnea |
| Jharkhand | Bokaro, Dhanbad, Jamshedpur, Ranchi |
| Manipur | Imphal |
| Meghalaya | Shillong |
| Mizoram | Aizawl |
| Odisha | Balasore, Berhampur, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Rourkela, Sambalpur |
| Tripura | Agartala |
| West Bengal | Asansol, Bankura, Burdwan, Durgapur, Hooghly, Howrah, Kalyani, Kolkata, Siliguri |
West India
| State/UT | Test Cities |
| Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
| Goa | Madgaon, Panaji |
| Gujarat | Ahmedabad, Anand, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli/Daman & Diu | Silvassa |
| Maharashtra | Ahmednagar, Amravati, Aurangabad, Jalgaon, Kolhapur, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nanded, Nashik, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Raigad, Satara, Solapur, Thane, Ulhasnagar |
| Rajasthan | Ajmer, Alwar, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Sikar, Udaipur |
Central India
| State | Test Cities |
| Chhattisgarh | Bhilai, Raipur |
| Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Sagar |
Choose centers 1-2 zones away from your home city to avoid overcrowding; arrive 90 minutes early with your printed admit card and valid photo ID. Final allocation cannot be changed post-registration.
CAT 2026 Admit Card
CAT 2026 admit cards serve as the mandatory entry pass for candidates appearing at designated exam centers across India. Available exclusively online, they contain critical exam-specific information and must be downloaded well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
| Particular | Details |
| Release Date | First week of November 2026 (tentative; likely November 5) |
| Mode of Availability | Online download only; no physical copies dispatched |
| Official Website | www.iimcat.ac.in |
| Access Credentials | User ID and Password created during registration |
| Key Information Printed | Candidate’s name, application/roll number, exam date & slot, test center address, reporting time, and instructions |
| Documents Required on Exam Day | Printed CAT admit card + valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License) |
CAT 2026 Answer Key & Response Sheet
The CAT 2026 official answer key and candidate response sheet will be published approximately 2-3 days following the exam date. This allows registered participants to review their answers, evaluate performance, and submit objections if needed through a dedicated online process.
- Navigate to the official exam portal at www.iimcat.ac.in.
- Select the Candidate Login section.
- Input your User ID and password from registration.
- Choose the Response Sheet tab to view and download your individual responses.
- Locate the provisional answer key and raise objections via the online form by paying the required fee if discrepancies are found.
Candidates should retain login credentials for timely access and objection submission.
CAT 2026 Typical Preparation Duration
The duration for CAT 2026 varies by candidate background but follows proven timelines used by 99+ percentile scorers:
Recommended Start Dates (Exam: Nov 29, 2026)
| Candidate Profile | Start Month | Duration | Daily Hours | Success Rate |
| College Students (2nd/3rd year) | June-July 2025 | 16-18 months | 3-4 hrs/day | Highest (deep concepts) |
| Final Year Grads | Oct-Dec 2025 | 12-14 months | 4-5 hrs/day | Very High |
| Working Professionals | Jan-Mar 2026 | 8-10 months | 2-3 hrs + 8 hrs weekend | High (structured) |
| Repeaters/Engineers | May-June 2026 | 5-6 months | 5-6 hrs/day | Good (intensive) |
| Crash Prep (risky) | Aug-Sep 2026 | 3 months | 8-10 hrs/day | Low |
Weekly Commitment by Profile
- Full-time students: 30-35 hrs/week
- Working pros: 20-25 hrs/week (2 hrs weekdays + 6-8 hrs weekend)
- Repeaters: 40-45 hrs/week
Key Insight: 12 months with 25-30 hrs/week consistently beats 6-month crash courses. Early starters (2025) hit 99.5+ percentiles more reliably.
Pro Tip: Take diagnostic mock tests to assess your baseline; customize your timeline accordingly.
CAT 2026 Mock Tests and Online Tests
CAT 2026 aspirants should prioritize mock tests as the cornerstone of preparation, with both official mocks and private online test series available throughout the year.
Official CAT Mock Tests (Free)
- CAT Official Mock Test: Released by IIM ~4-6 weeks before exam (late October 2026) on www.iimcat.ac.in
- Format: Replica of actual exam (66-68 questions, 120 mins, 3 sections)
- Purpose: Familiarize with the interface, sectional timing, and TITA format
CAT aspirants must integrate both official and third-party mocks into their preparation, with LearnTheta emerging as a powerful AI-driven practice platform alongside established test series.
CAT 2026 Result
CAT 2026 results, including scorecards with percentiles, will be announced online in the third or fourth week of December 2026, shortly after the exam concludes. This timeline enables quick progression to IIM shortlisting and other B-school admissions for the 2026-27 cycle.
| Particular | Details |
| Expected Release Date | Third/Fourth week of December 2026 |
| Mode of Release | Online download only (no physical dispatch) |
| Official Website | www.iimcat.ac.in |
| Access Credentials | User ID and Password from registration |
| Download Steps | 1. Visit iimcat.ac.in2. Click Scorecard Download.3. Enter login details4. Select and download the PDF scorecard |
| Scorecard Contents | Candidate name, roll/registration number, sectional & overall percentiles, normalized scores |
| Score Validity | 1 year (valid for 2026-27 admissions) |
| Re-evaluation | Not permitted |
| Format | Downloadable PDF for personal records |
Scorecards provide percentiles essential for calls from IIMs and 100+ B-schools—retain copies securely.
CAT 2026 Salary
Success in CAT 2026 unlocks lucrative career opportunities at India’s premier management institutes, where placement packages reflect institutional prestige and market demand. Average salaries for CAT graduates vary widely by IIM tier and specialization, with consulting and finance roles commanding premium compensation based on 2025 placement trends.
Salary Prospects After CAT 2026
CAT qualifiers targeting top IIMs can expect a strong return on investment, with placement outcomes driven by academic performance, prior work experience, and economic conditions. While final CAT 2026 batch placements occur in 2028, recent cycles provide reliable projections.
| Institute Tier | Average CTC (₹ LPA) | Highest CTC (₹ LPA) | Top Recruiters |
| Top IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow) | 28-35 | 70-115+ | McKinsey, BCG, Goldman Sachs, Accenture Strategy |
| Mid-Tier IIMs (Indore, Kozhikode, Shillong) | 20-28 | 45-60 | Deloitte, KPMG, HDFC Bank, Amazon |
| Newer IIMs (Ranchi, Trichy, Kashipur) | 16-22 | 30-50 | ITC, ICICI Bank, Aditya Birla, Tech Mahindra |
| Tier-1 Private (XLRI, FMS Delhi, MDI) | 22-30 | 50-75 | Similar to the top IIMs |
| Tier-2 B-Schools (SPJIMR, IMT, new IIMs) | 12-18 | 25-40 | BFSI, FMCG, domestic consulting |
Key Career Insights:
- Consulting/Finance: 30-40+ LPA averages dominate top IIM offers
- Marketing/Operations: 18-25 LPA is the typical range
- Placement Rates: 100% at top 10 IIMs; 90-95% at others
- Best ROI: FMS Delhi and IIM Bangalore (fees ₹20-25L vs. high packages)
Candidates scoring 99.5+ percentiles and converting to IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, and Lucknow final calls can realistically target 30+ LPA starting salaries. These figures position CAT as one of India’s highest-ROI management qualifications.
CAT 2026 Cut-Off
CAT 2026 IIM cutoffs consist of two key thresholds: qualifying cutoffs (minimum eligibility for PI consideration) and final cutoffs (actual shortlisting percentiles).
These vary by institute and candidate category, with top IIMs maintaining the highest benchmarks while newer IIMs offer relatively accessible entry points.
Expected CAT 2026 Qualifying Cutoffs for IIMs (General Category)
| IIM Tier | Institute | Qualifying Cutoff | Typical Final Cutoff |
| Top 6 IIMs | IIM Ahmedabad | 95 | 99-100 |
| IIM Bangalore | 85 | 99-99.5 | |
| IIM Calcutta | 85 | 99-99.7 | |
| IIM Lucknow | 90 | 97-98 | |
| IIM Indore | 90 | 97-98 | |
| IIM Kozhikode | 85 | 97-98 | |
| Mid-Tier IIMs | IIM Nagpur | 94 | 95-97 |
| IIM Sambalpur | 94 | 95-97 | |
| IIM Trichy | 94 | 95-97 | |
| IIM Raipur | 94 | 94-96 | |
| IIM Ranchi | 92 | 94-96 | |
| IIM Kashipur | 94 | 94-96 | |
| Newer IIMs | IIM Amritsar | 90 | 92-95 |
| IIM Udaipur | 94 | 94-96 | |
| IIM Bodhgaya | 94 | 92-95 | |
| IIM Shillong | 75 | 90-94 | |
| IIM Sirmaur | 94 | 92-95 | |
| IIM Rohtak | 95 | 95-97 | |
| IIM Mumbai | 85 | 95-97 | |
| IIM Jammu | 94 | 92-95 | |
| IIM Vizag | 82 | 90-94 |
Key Notes for Aspirants:
- Qualifying = Minimum eligibility (met by ~20-30% candidates)
- Final = Actual PI call percentile (top 1-5% candidates)
- Category-wise: SC (70-85), ST (55-70), OBC (85-92), EWS (90-95)
- Sectional minimums: Typically 70-80 across VARC/DILR/QA for top IIMs
Strategic Target: Aim for 94+ overall to access most IIMs; 99+ for top 6 calls.
CAT 2026 vs Other MBA Entrance Exams
CAT 2026 stands out as India’s premier MBA entrance exam, accepted by all 21 IIMs and over 1,000 B-schools, but several alternatives like XAT, NMAT, SNAP, CMAT, and MAT provide additional pathways to quality management programs.
This expanded comparison highlights key differences in exam structure, difficulty, flexibility, and target institutes to guide aspirants in strategic planning.
| Exam Name | Accepting Institutes | Expected Exam Date(s) | Sections | Duration | Total Questions | Marking Scheme | Difficulty Level | Unique Features |
| CAT 2026 | 21 IIMs + 1,000+ B-schools | Last Sunday of November 2026 (e.g., Nov 29) cracku | VARC, DILR, QA (3 sections) | 120 minutes | ~66-68 | +3 correct; -1 MCQ wrong; 0 unanswered/TITA wrong | High (unpredictable DILR, tough QA) iquanta | Sectional time limits (40 min each); no switching |
| XAT 2027 | XLRI + 160+ institutes | Early January 2027 (e.g., Jan 3) toprankers | Decision Making, Verbal, QA, GK (4 sections + Essay) | 190-210 minutes | ~100 | +1 correct; -0.25 wrong (no negative for GK) YouTube | Very High (DM + long paper) iquanta | Essay writing; GK emphasis |
| NMAT 2026 | NMIMS + 40+ B-schools (incl. international) | Oct-Dec 2026 window | Language Skills, QA, Logical Reasoning (3 sections) | 120 minutes | 108 | +3 correct; No negative marking chunocollege | Moderate (adaptive, speed-focused) iquanta | 3 attempts allowed; computer-adaptive |
| SNAP 2026 | 16 Symbiosis institutes | 3 slots in December 2026 | QA/DI/Data Sufficiency, Verbal, Analytical & Logical (3 sections) | 60 minutes | 60 | +1 correct; -0.25 wrong cracku | Moderate (speed-critical, 1 min/question) iquanta | Multiple attempts (best score counts) |
| CMAT 2026 | 1,000+ AICTE B-schools | April 2026 (single day) toprankers | QA, Logical Reasoning, Language, GK, Innovation (5 sections) | 180 minutes | 100 | +4 correct; -1 wrong YouTube | Moderate (broader coverage) | Widely accepted for Tier-2/3 colleges |
| MAT 2026 | 600+ institutes | Feb/May/Jun/Sep/Dec 2026 | Language, QA, DI/Logical Reasoning, GK, Marketing (5 sections) | 150 minutes | 200 | +1 correct; -0.25 wrong | Easy-Moderate | Multiple frequencies; paper-based option available |
Strategic Insights: Prioritize CAT for IIMs/top-tier colleges due to its prestige and competition. Use XAT for XLRI aspirants, NMAT/SNAP for flexible retakes, and CMAT/MAT as backups for broader Tier-2 opportunities. Preparation overlap exists (especially QA/VARC), making multi-exam strategies viable.
CAT 2026 FAQs
Q: What does the CAT syllabus cover?
The CAT exam comprises three main sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Ability (QA), and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR). It assesses candidates’ reasoning capabilities, decision-making aptitude, and fundamental conceptual understanding across these areas.
Q: Is there negative marking in CAT?
Yes, the exam applies negative marking to incorrect multiple-choice questions (MCQs), but non-MCQ questions carry no penalty for wrong answers.
Q: How challenging is the CAT exam?
CAT’s difficulty varies with preparation level; those who haven’t dedicated sufficient time may find it demanding, but a well-planned strategy enables most aspirants to succeed.
Q: Is CAT more difficult than JEE?
Both exams present similar levels of challenge, requiring comprehensive preparation and strong conceptual clarity for top performance.
Q: Is CAT mandatory for MBA admissions?
CAT is not required for all MBA programs, but it serves as the primary gateway for admission to India’s leading management institutes and elite B-schools.
Q: Does the CAT syllabus change annually?
With no officially prescribed syllabus, core topics remain consistent year to year; however, the emphasis on specific subtopics may evolve periodically based on exam patterns.
Q: How many IIMs accept CAT scores?
All 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) accept CAT scores as the primary criterion for shortlisting candidates for their MBA/PGP programs, along with over 100 other top B-schools.
Q: Can final-year students apply for CAT?
Yes, students in their final year of graduation are eligible, provided they complete their degree requirements by the IIM-specified deadline and submit the necessary certificates.
Q: What is the exam duration for CAT 2026?
The CAT exam lasts 120 minutes (2 hours), divided into three 40-minute sections that candidates cannot switch between.
Q: Are CAT scores valid for multiple years?
CAT scores are valid for one year only, specifically for admissions in the 2026-27 academic cycle.
Q: Can I retake the CAT in the same year?
No, CAT is conducted once annually, typically on the last Sunday of November, with no additional attempts permitted within the same cycle.
Q: What documents are needed on CAT exam day?
Candidates must carry a printed admit card and a valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, passport, voter ID, or driver’s license) to enter the exam center.