The CAT 2026 official notification is expected to be released in the last week of July, around 26 July 2026.
This year, CAT will be conducted by the IIM Indore. As per the trend, the CAT 2026 is tentatively scheduled for November 29, 2026.
- The registration for CAT 2026 is to begin in 1st week of August 2026 and conclude by 3rd week of September 2026.
- The Admit Card will be available for download 20 days before the exam date, i.e, 1st week of November 2026.
- The result for CAT 2026 is typically announced in the second week of January 2027, followed by counseling and the interview calls from various IIMs.
Related Articles:
- CAT Notification 2026, PDF Download @iimcat.ac.in 2026, Exam Dates, Application Form
- CAT 2026 Admit Card- Download Admit Card @iimcat.ac.in, Direct Download Link
- CAT Syllabus 2026- Download Syllabus PDF, Section-wise Weightage and Preparation Tips
CAT 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule: Overview
The schedule for CAT is highly consistent year over year. Below are the tentative dates for the 2026 cycle based on previous trends.
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | July 20 – 26, 2026 |
| Registration Start Date | August 1 – 5, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | September 17 – 23, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | November 1 – 5, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 25 – 29, 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key | December 1 – 5, 2026 |
| Result Declaration | January 5 – 10, 2027 |
CAT 2026 Exam Day: Previous Year Trends
Based on previous year trends’ analysis, CAT is always conducted on the last Sunday of November.
This makes it most probable that the CAT 2026 exam will be held on Sunday, November 29, 2026.
The given table shows the previous year trends of the CAT exam dates:
| CAT Exam Year | CAT Exam Date | CAT Exam Day |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 2025 | November 30, 2025 | Sunday |
| CAT 2024 | November 24, 2024 | Sunday |
| CAT 2023 | November 26, 2023 | Sunday |
| CAT 2022 | November 27, 2022 | Sunday |
| CAT 2021 | November 28, 2021 | Sunday |
| CAT 2020 | November 29, 2020 | Sunday |
CAT 2026 Notification Release
CAT 2026 notification is expected to be released by the 26th of July 2026. The notification will be made available to download in PDF format on the official website - iimcat.ac.in.
- Official Exam Date: Confirmation of the test date (expected to be November 29, 2026).
- Registration Timeline: The exact start and end dates for the online application process.
- Eligibility Criteria: Specific academic requirements and reservation policies.
- Test Cities: The updated list of 170+ cities where the exam will be conducted.
- Application Fees: The final fee structure for different categories.
Also Read:
CAT 2026 Registration Date
The registration for CAT 2026 is an entirely online process. It will be hosted exclusively on the official portal, iimcat.ac.in.
- Expected to commence on August 1, 2026.
- The application window typically remains open for about 50 days.
- It closes by the third week of September.
Candidates are advised to register early to avoid the last-minute technical rush and to secure their preferred test city.
CAT 2026 Registration Highlights
| Event | Details / Expected Dates |
|---|---|
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
| Registration Start Date | August 1, 2026 |
| Registration End Date | September 20, 2026 |
| Form Correction Window | Late September 2026 (3-day window) |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
CAT 2026 Application Fees
The registration fee must be paid online via credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI. Please note that the fee is non-refundable.
| Category | Expected Fee |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | ₹2,600 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹1,300 |
Ques. Can I use a mobile phone to fill out the CAT application?
Ans. It is highly recommended to use a desktop or laptop for the registration process to ensure all fields and document upload features function correctly.
Ques. What should I do if I make a mistake in my name or date of birth?
Ans. Critical fields like Name, DOB, Email, and Phone Number cannot be edited once the form is submitted. You would need to register again with a new email and pay the fee again.
Ques. Is it mandatory to have work experience to apply for CAT?
Ans. No, work experience is not mandatory. Freshers and final-year students are equally eligible to apply.
CAT 2026 Admit Card Date
Admit card for CAT is usually released before 20 days of the actual exam. Therefore it is expected to be released around 1st and 5th of November, 2026.
- It is mandatory for entry into the examination hall.
- You can download hall tickets by logging into the portal. Your unique User ID and Password will be required.
- Candidates must download the PDF and take at least two color printouts on A4-sized paper
CAT 2026 Admit Card Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | Between 1st-5th Nov. 2026 |
| Availability Mode | Online only |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
| Credentials Required | User ID and Password |
Note: IIMs do not send hard copies of the admit card via post or email. Candidates must download the PDF and take at least two color printouts on A4-sized paper.
Also Read:
- CAT 2026 Documents Upload Guidelines: Check Photo Size, Dimension and Format
- Check Documents Required for CAT Registration and Exam Day
Ques. What should I do if my photograph is not visible on the CAT admit card?
Ans. If the photograph or signature is blurry or missing, you must contact the IIM helpdesk immediately. You may also be required to carry extra physical photographs to the center as per the instructions.
Ques. Can I change my CAT 2026 exam center after the admit card is released?
Ans. No, requests for changes in the test city or the specific exam center are not entertained by the IIMs once the allocation is finalized.
CAT 2026 Exam Date
Observing the previous years’ trends, CAT is always conducted on the last Sunday of November.
- Therefore, it is expected that CAT 2026 exam date will be held on November 29, 2026.
- It will be held in a single day across 3 separate sessions (slots).
CAT 2026 Exam Day Schedule
The schedule for the exam day is given below:
| Particulars | Slot 1 (Morning) | Slot 2 (Afternoon) | Slot 3 (Evening) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reporting Time | 7:00 am | 11:00 am | 3:00 pm |
| Test Screen Login | 8:15 am | 12:15 pm | 4:15 pm |
| Exam Begins | 8:30 am | 12:30 pm | 4:30 pm |
| Exam Concludes | 10:30 am | 2:30 pm | 6:30 pm |
| Total Duration | 120 Minutes | 120 Minutes | 120 Minutes |
Also Read:
Ques. Can I request a change in my CAT 2026 exam slot?
Ans. No, the slot allotted by the IIMs is final. Requests for changes due to personal reasons or travel constraints are not entertained.
Ques. Will the difficulty level be the same for all three slots?
Ans. While the IIMs aim to keep the difficulty consistent, a normalization process is used during result calculation to ensure fairness across different slots and question sets.
Ques. Is there a break between the three sections of the exam?
Ans. No, the timer for the next section starts automatically as soon as the 40 minutes for the previous section end. There are no breaks provided during the 120-minute duration.
CAT 2026 Answer Key & Response Sheet
The CAT 2026 provisional answer key and individual candidate response sheets are are available within 3 to 5 days of the exam. Hence, it should be released around 1st to 5th of December 2026.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | Between 1st -5th of December 2026 |
| Objection Window | 2–3 days post-release |
Also Read:
- CAT 2026 Percentile Predictor: Calculate Your Expected Score
- CAT Response Sheet 2026: Release Date, Score Calculation, Score vs Percentile, and College Predictor
Ques. Is the response sheet different from the answer key?
Ans Yes. The response sheet shows your specific answers, while the answer key provides the correct solutions for all questions in your slot.
Ques. What happens if my objection is accepted?
Ans. If an objection is valid, the marks for that question are adjusted for all candidates in that slot, and your objection fee is refunded to the original payment source.
Ques. Can I challenge the Final Answer Key?
Ans. No. Once the experts review the provisional challenges, the Final Answer Key is released, and no further grievances are entertained regarding the questions or solutions.
CAT 2026 Result & Scorecard
The CAT 2026 result is expected to be declared around the 21 - 24 of December 2026. The official schedule usually points toward a January release.
- Candidates can download their official scorecards from iimcat.ac.in using their login credentials.
- It is required for the second stage of the selection process, which includes the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI).
CAT 2026 Result & Scorecard Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected Result Date | December 21 – 24, 2026 |
| Mode of Declaration | Online (Login required) |
| Scorecard Validity | One year (until December 31, 2027) |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
FAQ’s on CAT 2026 Result
Ques. Will I receive my CAT result via SMS or Email?
Ans. While you may receive a notification via SMS regarding the result declaration, the detailed scorecard must be downloaded manually from the official website.
Ques. What is a "Scaled Score" in CAT?
Ans.Since the exam is held in multiple slots, some might be slightly tougher than others. Scaling is a statistical process that levels the playing field so that no candidate is at a disadvantage due to their slot timing.
Ques. What is the next step after the CAT result is declared?
Ans. After the results, individual IIMs will release their own cutoff-based shortlists. If you meet the criteria, you will be invited for the WAT/GD and Personal Interview rounds.
Also Read: CAT 2026 Score Calculation, Marking Scheme, Percentile, and Raw vs Scaled Score Explained
CAT 2026 Cutoff Release Dates
The CAT 2026 cutoff dates are split into two phases. The release of Qualifying Cutoffs (minimum eligibility) and Final Calling Cutoffs (actual shortlist for interviews).
- The qualifying cutoffs are usually published in the official admission policies around July–August 2026,
- Final calling cutoffs are only known once the shortlists are released in early January 2027.
| Event | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| Qualifying Cutoff Release | July – August 2026 (via Admission Policies) |
| Final Shortlist/Interview Call Release | January 5 – 15, 2027 |
| IIM CAP Cutoff Release | Mid-January 2027 |
Note: Meeting the qualifying cutoff does not guarantee an interview call; it only makes you eligible for consideration. The actual call from an IIM typically requires a much higher percentile, known as the "Final Cutoff."
Also Read: CAT Score Vs Percentile
CAT 2026 Counselling: Shortlisting and Selection Process Dates
The second stage of the admission process begins with shortlisting, WAT, and PI rounds.
- IIMs will start releasing their interview shortlists (calls) tentatively from 8th to 15th of January. The selection process varies across different institutes.
- The process generally involves Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). These are scheduled around 15th February to 31st March.
| Event | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| IIM Call Release (Old IIMs) | January 8 – 15, 2027 |
| CAP 2027 Registration Starts | January 15, 2027 |
| CAP 2027 Interview Slot Booking | Late January 2027 |
| WAT & PI Rounds (All IIMs) | February 15 – March 31, 2027 |
| Declaration of Final Merit List | May 10 – May 25, 2027 |
| Commencement of MBA Session | July 2027 |
Also Read:
- IIM Admission Process 2026-28: Check Admission Process for IIM, MBA Eligibility Criteria for IIM, CAT Cut off
- WAT in IIMs: Weightage, Evaluation Criteria, Important Topics, Preparation Strategy & Study Material
Ques. Do I need to apply separately to each IIM after the CAT result?
Ans. For most IIMs, the application is included in the CAT form. However, for the CAP and JAP processes, you must register on their specific portals once the shortlist is out.
Ques. What is the weightage of the CAT score in final selection?
Ans. The weightage varies by institute but generally ranges from 35% to 60%. The remaining weightage is distributed among the Personal Interview, academic record (10th/12th/UG), work experience, and diversity points.
Ques. What happens if my interview dates for two different IIMs clash?
Ans. If you have clashing dates, you can reach out to the admission office of the respective IIMs. Most institutes have a "buffer day" and are accommodating if you provide proof of the clash.
CAT 2026 FAQ’s
Ques. Can I apply for CAT 2026 if I have a back paper/arrear in my final year?
Ans. Yes, you can apply. However, you must be able to produce a certificate from the Principal/Registrar of your college stating that you have completed all requirements for obtaining the bachelor’s degree by the time of admission (usually June/July 2027).
Ques. Is there an upper age limit for appearing in CAT 2026?
Ans. No, there is no upper age limit for the CAT exam. Whether you are a fresh graduate or a working professional with 10+ years of experience, you are eligible to appear as long as you meet the minimum academic criteria (50% aggregate in Graduation).
Ques. Is the CAT 2026 exam syllabus fixed?
Ans. While IIMs do not release an official syllabus, the exam consistently focuses on Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
Ques. Can I use a calculator during the exam?
Ans. You are provided with a basic on-screen calculator on the computer screen for the Quantitative Aptitude section. Physical calculators are not allowed.
Ques. How many times can I attempt the CAT exam?
Ans. There is no restriction on the number of attempts for CAT. You can appear for the exam every year as long as you fulfill the basic eligibility requirements.
Ques. Can I make changes to my category status after the registration deadline?
Ans. Generally, no. Category status (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS) is a critical field and cannot be edited during the "Correction Window." Ensure you have your valid category certificates ready before you start the registration process in August.
Comments