CAT 2026 (Common Admission Test)

Overview

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based MBA entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). CAT 2026 is being conducted by IIM Indore and is scheduled for 29 November 2026.

What CAT is used for

• IIMs: CAT is the entrance test for the MBA/PGP and other management programmes at the IIMs, which each run their own shortlisting and selection.
• Other B-schools: many non-IIM business schools and universities also accept CAT scores.
• Score validity: CAT 2026 scores are valid until 31 December 2027.

Pattern and eligibility at a glance

CAT has three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Each correct answer earns 3 marks and each wrong MCQ answer costs 1 mark. Candidates need a bachelor’s degree with the minimum marks set in the official notification. Each IIM sets its own admission criteria beyond the CAT score.

Important dates

CAT 2026 is scheduled for Sunday 29 November 2026 in three sessions. Registration opened on 3 August 2026; IIM Indore extended the last date from 15 September to 22 September 2026 (5 pm), as reported by Careers360 News citing IIM Indore's notice. Admit cards: 4 to 29 November 2026. Results are expected in the first week of January 2027 (exact date not announced). Scores are valid until 31 December 2027. iimcat.ac.in blocks automated access, so the official brochure could not be read directly; confirm on iimcat.ac.in. The per-section question counts were not verifiable and are left blank.

Eligibility

A bachelor's degree from a recognised university with the minimum marks set in the CAT 2026 notification (reported as 50% for General and 45% for SC/ST/PwBD). There is no age limit. Each IIM has its own admission policy and may also weigh academics, work experience and other factors alongside the CAT score.

Exam pattern

Syllabus

Three sections: VARC, DILR and QA, with 40 minutes per section. Each correct answer earns +3 and each wrong MCQ answer costs 1 mark; non-MCQ questions carry no negative marking. Question counts per section are given in the official CAT 2026 information brochure on iimcat.ac.in.

Colleges accepting CAT 2026 (Common Admission Test)

Frequently asked questions