CAT 2026 Exam : Result Out, Answer Key, Registration, Exam Date, Admit Card, Syllabus, Question Papers Analysis,
One of the most competitive MBA entrance exams in India, the CAT 2026 is anticipated to take place on November 29, 2026, according to the customary last-Sunday-of-November schedule.
Registrations are anticipated to start on August 1st, 2026, and the official notification is anticipated by mid-July. Those who want to get into the top IIMs should start early with a structured study plan and professional guidance.
IIM Indore is expected to take charge of conducting the CAT 2026 exam this year. The number of students taking the CAT exam rises every year. Approximately 4.5 lakh students are anticipated to sit this exam in 2026.
There were 2.58 lakh candidates present for the November 30, 2025, exam. Last Year, the CAT 2025 exam was administered under the guidance of IIM Kozhikode.
One of the IIMs administers the CAT exam each year, and this year, the responsibility is likely to fall on the shoulders of IIM Indore.
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The CAT exam 2026 syllabus includes 3 sections - VARC, DILR, and QA with 68 questions in total (MCQs + TITA).
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We have highlighted the key events for the CAT 2026 exam in the table below.
By reading on, you get comprehensive information about the CAT exam date 2026, CAT exam 2026 eligibility, CAT exam 2026 fees, CAT 2026 registration last date, and more!
CAT Exam Date 2026 and Schedule
It is anticipated that the CAT 2026 exam will take place on Sunday, November 29, 2026. It is anticipated that the official announcement will be made public in July 2026, and registration will begin in August of the same year.
Important tentative CAT exam dates 2026 are shown in a table.
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CAT 2026 Events
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CAT 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
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CAT 2026 Notification Release
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July 15, 2026
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CAT Exam 2026 Registration Start Date
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1st Week of August 2026
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CAT 2026 Registration Last Date
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Last Week of September 2026
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Application Form Correction Window
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4th Week of September 2026
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CAT 2026 Admit Card Release
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4th Week of October 2026
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CAT Exam 2026 Fees
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INR 1300 (SC, ST, PwD)
INR 2600 (General and OBC)
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CAT Exam Date 2026
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November 29, 2026 (Last Sunday)
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CAT Answer Key 2026 release date
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1st Week of December 2026
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CAT Result 2026
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4th Week of December 2026
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Exam Highlights for CAT 2026 Exam
The CAT exam is administered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) only once a year. It consists of three sections: VARC (Verbal Ability Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation Logical Reasoning), and QA (Quantitative Ability).
Candidates will receive all the necessary information about the CAT exam in the notification, where they can check the date of registration, the exam date, the release of admit cards, etc.
All the crucial information needed by the candidates will be covered in this post.
IIM Indore is expected to be conducting CAT 2026. Here is a tabular summary of all the information regarding the CAT exam 2026:
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Particulars
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Details
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CAT 2026 Conducting Body
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Indian Institute of Management
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CAT 2026 Exam Level
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National
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CAT 2026 Exam Frequency
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Once a year
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CAT Exam Date 2026
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November 29, 2025
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CAT 2026 Exam Slots
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3 Slots
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CAT Exam 2026 Fees
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SC/ST/PwD - INR-1300/-
GEN - INR- 2600/-
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CAT Exam 2026 Eligibility
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Graduation with 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST students)
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Number of Applications in the CAT Entrance Exam
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2.95 Lakh (in 2025)
3.29 lakh (in 2024)
3.33 lakh (in 2023)
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CAT 2026 Exam Purpose
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Registration in IIMs, IIFT, SPJIMR, FMS, MDI, IMT, and over 1,200 B-Schools in India
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Degree Offered Through CAT Exam 2026
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MBA/ PGDM
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CAT Entrance Exam Sections
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Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Quantitative Ability (QA)
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CAT Exam Mode
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Online Computer-Based Test (CBT) with MCQs and TITA
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Number of test cities for the CAT Exam 2026
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170 cities
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CAT 2026 registration link
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https://iimcat.ac.in/
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CAT Exam 2026 Eligibility Criteria
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A bachelor's degree from any accredited university or educational institution with at least 50% of the aggregate marks or an equivalent CGPA (45% for candidates from the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), or Persons with Disabilities (PwD) categories) from a recognized college is required to satisfy the CAT exam 2026 eligibility criteria.
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Candidates may apply if they have completed the requirements for their degree, are awaiting their results, or are enrolled in the last year of the Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualifying exam.
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If a candidate has received the required percentage in a professional degree (CA, CS, ICWA, or FCAI), they may also take the CAT.
Note: According to the official CAT notification 2026, candidates will not be considered for shortlisting by IIMs and other B-schools if they do not meet the minimal CAT exam 2026 eligibility requirements.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
You can get started on your CAT 2026 exam preparation by reviewing the CAT 2026 exam pattern. Make sure you carefully review the most recent version of the CAT 2026 Exam Pattern.
The CAT exam in 2026 will be administered as a computer-based test over three sessions in a single day, following the structure of previous years.
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CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
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CAT Exam Mode 2026
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CBT Online or Computer-Based Test
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CAT 2026 Duration
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2 Hours or 120 Min. (Each Section will have 40-minute limit)
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Total Count of Questions for CAT 2026
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68
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CAT total marks
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204
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CAT 2026 Language
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English
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Number of Choices for Each Question
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4
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CAT 2026 Exam Mode
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CBT Online (Computer-based Test)
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CAT 2026 Types of Questions
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MCQs and Non-MCQs (TITA)
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CAT 2026 Sections
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1. Quantitative Aptitude
2. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
3. Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation
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By section, MCQ and non-MCQ question counts (based on the 2025 CAT exam)
The number of MCQ and non-MCQ questions in each CAT subject or section is approximated in the following table, according to last year’s pattern
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Section Names
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Number of MCQs
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Number of Non-MCQs
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Total Questions
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VARC - Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
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21
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3
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24
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DILR - Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
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16
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6
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22
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QA - Quantitative Ability
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14
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8
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22
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Total Questions
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51
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17
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68
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CAT 2026 Marking Scheme
The CAT exam date 2026 is expected to take place on November 29, 2026, according to the customary last-Sunday-of-November schedule. The grading scheme for that day will be as follows, according to last year’s exam pattern:
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Every correct answer will earn three points.
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Any wrong answer to the objective questions will result in a negative score of -1.
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Negative marks will not be applied to non-MCQ questions.
CAT Exam 2026 Slot Timing Expected
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CAT exam slot 2026
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Exam timing
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Reporting time
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Last entry allowed
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Slot 1
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8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
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7:00 AM
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8:15 AM
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Slot 2
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12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
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11:00 AM
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12:15 PM
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Slot 3
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4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
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3:00 PM
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4:15 PM
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Section-Specific CAT Exam 2026 Syllabus
Below is the table depicting the section-specific subjects of the CAT exam 2026 syllabus, according to the last year’s syllabus. In the year 2026, the CAT syllabus is expected to receive no changes in overall subjects and topics compared to last year:
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CAT 2026 Section Name
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CAT Exam 2026 Syllabus
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QA
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Geometry, Number System, Algebra, Work, Mensuration, and Time
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DILR
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Blood Relation, Data Caselets, Tables, Seating Arrangements, Graphs, Syllogism
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VARC
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Para-Summary, Para-Jumbles, RC Passages-Based Questions, Inferences, Sentence Completion
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When can you register for CAT 2026?
Registrations are anticipated to start on August 1st, 2026, and the official notification is anticipated by mid-July. The correction window is expected to fall in the last week of September 2026.
To allow applicants to submit their application form this year for the CAT 2026 exam, the IIMs will provide a direct registration link on its official website.
Steps to register for the CAT Exam 2026
To register for the CAT exam in 2026, take the actions listed below:
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Step 1: Creating an account with a username and password
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Step 2: Visit the official CAT 2026 registration link.
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Step 3: Complete the application.
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Step 4: Select the PG syllabus of your choice.
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Step 5: Choose a Test City
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Step 6: Pay your application fees
What are the CAT Exam 2026 Fees?
The CAT Exam 2026 Fee was raised last year by Rs 50 for SC/ST and Rs 100 for General category students. Applicants from the SC/ST and general categories had to pay Rs 1300 and Rs 2600, respectively, instead of Rs 1250 and Rs 2500 in 2024.
This year, the fee is expected to increase in the same way it did last year. Below is the CAT exam fee, according to the last year:
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Candidates who are SC, ST, or PwD are required to pay a Rs.1300 application fee.
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The CAT exam 2026 fees for the general and OBC categories are Rs.2,600.
Note: Regardless of how many institutes a candidate applies to, they only need to pay the CAT exam 2026 fees once.
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The cost is non-refundable and can only be paid online using UPI, credit cards, debit cards, or net banking.
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The candidate is responsible for paying any transaction fees.
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Until the payment is successfully processed, your application will be deemed incomplete.
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Candidates can download the application summary PDF and payment receipt for their records after paying the cost.
CAT 2026 Application Correction Window
The edit window is expected to be activated by the exam authorities in the last week of September 2026, similar to the last year. Students will have three days to revise their application. Students can access it by using their password and user ID. The items that candidates may alter during this time are listed below:
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Photo
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Signature
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Test City preferences
How can the CAT exam 2026 application form be edited?
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To make changes to your application form, log in with your user ID and password.
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Click "Go to application" to begin editing after logging in.
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When modifying the form, please carefully read all of the instructions.
The CAT 2026 Exam Pattern Trend Over Previous Years
You can see how the CAT exam has changed throughout the years in the following table.
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Year
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Time (mins)
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Sections (Abbreviation)
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Questions per Section
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Total Questions
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2025
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120
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VARC, DILR, QA
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24, 22, 22
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68
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2024
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120
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VARC, DILR, QA
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24,22,22
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68
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2023
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120
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VARC, DILR, QA
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24, 20, 22
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66
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2022
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120
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VARC, DILR, QA
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24, 20, 22
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66
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2021
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120
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VARC, DILR, QA
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24, 20, 22
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66
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2020
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120
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VARC, DILR, QA
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26, 24, 26
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76
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2019
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180
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VARC, DILR, QA
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34, 32, 34
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100
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2018
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180
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VARC, DILR, QA
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34, 32, 34
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100
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2017
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180
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VARC, DILR, QA
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34, 32, 34
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100
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2016
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180
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VARC, DILR, QA
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34, 32, 34
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100
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2015
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180
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VARC, DILR, QA
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34, 32, 34
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100
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2014
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170
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QA & DI, VA & LR
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50, 50
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100
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2013
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140
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VALR, QADI
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30, 30
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60
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2012
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140
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QA, DI, VARC
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21, 9, 30
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60
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2011
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140
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VALR, QADI
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30, 30
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60
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Selection Procedure for CAT 2026
Please be advised that IIMs utilize their own, possibly distinct, criteria to shortlist candidates for the interview phase once the CAT results are formally announced. In general, there are three steps involved in the IIM selection process:
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Phase 1: It entails administering the CAT 2026 exam and selecting applicants depending on their performance.
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Phase 2: The chosen applicants will then be invited to participate in a group discussion (GD), a personal interview (PI), and a writing ability test (WAT).
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Phase 3: Verification of the candidates' documents.
Reservation Guidelines for CAT 2026
The following reservations are granted to applicants for the CAT exam 2026 based on various categories in accordance with regulatory laws.
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Category
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Percentage
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Scheduled Caste (SC)
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15%
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Scheduled Tribe (ST)
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7.5%
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Other Backward Classes (OBC)
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27%
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Economically Weaker Classes (EWS)
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10%
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Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
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5%
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CAT 2026 Exam Cut-Offs (Anticipated)
The minimum cut-offs published by several IIMs in 2025 are as follows:
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IIMs
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Overall CAT Cut-Offs Category-Wise
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|
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Gen
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EWS
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OBC
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SC
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ST
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PWD |
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IIM Ahmedabad
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95+
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95+
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90+
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85+
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75+
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85+
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IIM Bangalore
|
85+
|
75+
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75+
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70+
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65+
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60+
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IIM Calcutta
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75+
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65+
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65+
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60+
|
55+
|
45+
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IIM Lucknow
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90+
|
82+
|
82+
|
65+
|
60+
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60+
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IIM Mumbai
|
85+
|
75+
|
75+
|
70+
|
65+
|
55+
|
|
IIM Indore
|
90+
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90+
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80+
|
60+
|
45+
|
45+
|
|
IIM Kozhikode
|
85+
|
75+
|
75+
|
65+
|
55+
|
55+
|
|
IIM Shillong*
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
IIM Udaipur
|
95
|
81
|
81
|
66
|
42
|
42
|
|
IIM Trichy
|
90
|
75
|
75
|
50
|
30
|
30
|
|
IIM Ranchi
|
90
|
75
|
75
|
50
|
30
|
30
|
|
IIM Rohtak
|
97+
|
93+
|
83+
|
60+
|
50+
|
***
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|
IIM Raipur
|
90
|
75
|
75
|
50
|
30
|
30
|
|
IIM Kashipur
|
90
|
75
|
75
|
50
|
30
|
30
|
|
IIM Nagpur
|
95
|
81
|
81
|
66
|
42
|
42
|
|
IIM Bodhgaya
|
95
|
81
|
81
|
66
|
42
|
42
|
|
IIM Sirmaur
|
95
|
81
|
81
|
66
|
42
|
42
|
|
IIM Amritsar
|
90+
|
90+
|
80+
|
55+
|
40+
|
40+
|
|
IIM Sambalpur
|
90+
|
80+
|
75+
|
55+
|
40+
|
40+
|
|
IIM Vishakhapatnam
|
80+
|
72+
|
72+
|
45+
|
30+
|
30+
|
|
IIM Jammu
|
95
|
81
|
81
|
66
|
42
|
42
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Campus-Wise IIM Seats 2026 (Anticipated)
For more on the CAT exam, including entrance exam costs, see the official website. This is each IIM's seat matrix for the management program.
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IIM campus
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PGP/MBA seats
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|
IIM Ahmedabad
|
385
|
|
IIM Bangalore
|
412
|
|
IIM Calcutta
|
462
|
|
IIM Lucknow
|
436
|
|
IIM Kozhikode
|
375
|
|
IIM Raipur
|
210
|
|
IIM Udaipur
|
260
|
|
IIM Rohtak
|
240
|
|
IIM Visakhapatnam
|
60
|
|
IIM Trichy
|
180
|
|
IIM Sambalpur`
|
320
|
|
IIM Ranchi
|
240
|
|
IIM Bodhgaya
|
120
|
|
IIM Sirmaur
|
60
|
|
IIM Jammu
|
120
|
|
IIM Amritsar
|
60
|
|
IIM Shillong
|
120
|
|
IIM Kashipur
|
210
|
|
IIM Nagpur
|
130
|
|
IIM Indore
|
451
|
In conclusion
Applying to a prestigious business school in India requires passing the CAT exam in 2026. Therefore, it is essential to study thoroughly for the CAT entrance exam in 2026 and to understand all its subjects and concepts.
A successful CAT exam score can help you reach your goal of being accepted into a prestigious business school if you prepare well.
Also read :
FAQs for CAT EXAM 2026
Q1. Can someone who already has a degree take the CAT exam?
Yes, you can take the CAT exam if you have a UG degree. All applicants who fulfil the requirements can take the CAT exam.
Q2. Is the CAT Exam Difficult?
Because of its competitive nature and the difficulty of its questions, the CAT exam is regarded as difficult. It puts your logical, linguistic, and analytical abilities to the test under time constraints.
Q3. How many CAT exam questions are there?
Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) comprise the three sections of the CAT exam, which normally has 68 questions.
Q4. How Can I Sign Up for the CAT Exam?
Go to the official CAT website to register during the registration period. By entering your personal information and creating a User ID and password, you may create an account. Provide your academic, personal, and professional background in the application form, and attach the necessary files. To finish the registration procedure, submit the form and pay the registration cost online.
Q5. When to apply for the CAT Exam 2026?
Registrations are anticipated to start on August 1st, 2026, and the official notification is anticipated by mid-July. The actual exam is set for November 29, 2026.
Q6. When should I start preparing for CAT 2026?
It is advised to start studying for CAT 2026 at least six to nine months before the test date, which is usually in November, to do it well. This gives you plenty of time to study, go over the material, and take practice exams. It's a good idea to start in March or April, but with a concentrated 6-month strategy, even June or July may be handled.
Q7. Who will conduct CAT 2026?
IIM Indore is expected to take charge of conducting the CAT 2026 exam this year. Last year, it was administered by the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode).
Q8. What is the age limit for CAT 2026?
The Common Admission Test, or CAT, has no upper age limit. Regardless of age, anyone who satisfies the educational requirements may apply for CAT. The CAT exam does not have a minimum or maximum age limit.