CAT, the Common Admission Test, is one of the most prominent and competitive entrance exams and or national level of the test. It is primarily for admission to management or postgraduate programs at the IIM (Indian Institutes of Management) or in the top-tier business schools. This is the rigid entrance exam, which is basically a form for checking or demonstrating the verbal, quantitative, and reasoning skills. 170 + cities or states can hold the CAT exam. Previously, this exam could be held offline or on paper, but now, in the evolving situation, it can be changed to an Online or computer-based test in 2009.
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Moreover, the CAT Exam can be held on November 30, 2026, and the admit card was released on November 4, 2026; however, more than 2.95 lakhs candidates fill out this form and are applicants at the national level in a year. However, scoring higher in this exam will open the opportunity to be admitted to the top business schools or colleges.
Highlights of the CAT 2026 Exam
Take a tour of the highlights of the CAT Entrance Exam, which is given the below table view it promptly to get through it in detail:
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Highlights of the CAT Exam 2026 | |
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Exam Particulars |
CAT Exam 2026 Information |
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CAT Exam Full Form |
Common Admission Test |
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Institute Conducting |
Indian Institute of Management - Calcutta |
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Exam Conducted Time |
Once a year (1 time in a year) |
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Exam Conduction Cities |
More than 170 cities |
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Number of CAT Exam Applicants |
More than 3.30 Lakh |
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Official Website of the CAT Exam |
https://iimcat.ac.in/ |
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CAT Exam Mode |
(CBT) Computer-Based Test with MCQs and Non-MCQs |
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CAT Exam Date |
November 29, 2026 |
| CAT Registration Date Begins | August 3, 2026 |
| CAT Registration Date Closed | September 15, 2026 |
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Admit Card Release Date |
November 4, 2026 |
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CAT Exam Timings |
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CAT Exam Fees |
INR 2700 (for General candidates) & INR 1350 (for Reserved/ SC/ ST/ PwD) |
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CAT Syllabus |
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CAT Total Marks |
198 Marks |
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Number of Questions in the CAT Exam |
Three sections of the CAT Exam:
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Marking Scheme of the CAT Exam |
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CAT Exam 2026 Important Dates
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CAT Exam Details |
Exam Dates |
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Admit Card Available |
November 4, 2026 |
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CAT Exam 2026 |
November 29, 2026 |
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CAT 202:6 Answer Key |
December 2026 (Tentative) |
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CAT 2026 Result Declaration |
December 2026 (Tentative) |
CAT 2026 Exam Structure & Format
Usually, the CAT (Common Admission Test) is held in a year, frequently in November at numerous national centers. This test is a fully digital or computer-based online Test that can be bifurcated into the 3 parts sections:
- Verbal Ability & Readin comprehension
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Ability
In addition, this exam time given or duration to complete is 2 hours, and each section has a different given time, so candidates must ensure that they have completed within the time. Therefore, there is such kind of detail of the CAT Exam format and structure; read it:
Section 1: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Over this section, the candidate’s english proficiency can be checked with the reading comprehension passages, para jumbles, sentence correction, and vocabulary usage. Also, with this, the candidate’s comprehension and written information interpretation.
- No. of Questions: 24
- Time: 40 minutes
Section 2: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
In this section, there is a testing of the candidate’s analysement and interpretation of the data and skills of logical reasoning through the graphs, puzzles, tables, and other data assortments whereabouts the test taker should solve their issues, which rely on logic and patterns.
- No. of Questions: 20
- Time: 40 minutes
Section 3: Quantitative Ability (QA)
In the Quantitative Ability Section, the applicant’s problem-solving, arithmetic, and mathematical skills must be tested, covering geometry, data sufficiency, algebra, arithmetic, number systems, or other topics to check accuracy and speed.
- No. of Questions: 22
- Time: 40 minutes
However, the CAT exam has three sections, each taken separately. Applicants can’t switch their exam sections. This test contains multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and the other sections are non-MCQs, which state that applicants should answer frequently.
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CAT Exam 2026 Score & Percentile Calculation
The Common Admission Test can be conducted through digital or Computer-based exams; total marks are 198. However, each section has different question assortments, and students who answered correctly will score higher marks; for wrong answers, negative marking applies. Section-wise scores are calculated separately, and after that, the scores should be combined to cite the performance gained in the CAT Exam.
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Each Question/ Answers Marking Scheme:
For each correct answer, candidates will get + 3 marks. On the other hand, if there is any incorrect answer, the penalty should be taken by providing a - 1 negative mark. Each correct answer typically earns three marks, while incorrect answers lead to a penalty of -1 mark for multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Non-MCQs do not carry any negative markings.
Calculation of the Percentile:
The result of the CAT exam, in which declaration mode is in the percentiles, demonstrates whether the applicant’s or test taker's scores are equal to or less than any specific aspirant's. The test taker’s percentile relies on the total or overall performance of others. In addition, there is a prompt way to calculate the CAT Exam percentile in detail considered from the below-mentioned formula:
Percentile = (Number of candidates scored below you / Total number of candidates) * 100
For instance, if a candidate’s score exceeds 95% of the applicants', the actual percentile is around 95.
How can I be eligible for the CAT Exam 2026?
Therefore, to be eligible for the CAT Exam 2026, aspirants should be familiar with the eligibility for the conducting management institute, so there are some of them; preview it:
- Having an undergraduate degree from an official or considered university with any discipline is essential.
- There are percentage limitations, which means candidates must score a minimum percentage in graduation. More than 50% is required for the general category, and for reserved (PwD, SC, ST, OBC) and other categories, more than 45% is needed for the bachelor's degree.
- There is no particular age limit for taking the management program's CAT (Common Admission Test).
- Good B-Schools, Institutes, or colleges require work experience, but if there is no work experience, you don’t have to worry because it's not mandatory as much, but having good.
- The Indian Institute of Management allows one to take the CAT Exam test multiple times, and there is no such limitation.
Candidates must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria for taking the test and, after clearing it, must meet the eligibility criteria of the desired university for enrolling in the management or business administration program.
CAT Exam 2026 Syllabus
For preparing for the CAT Exam, you must have the complete information and an up-to-date understanding of the CAT Syllabus 2026, which is established below with a broad range of topics over the different sections; preview it.
Section I: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
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Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | |
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Reading Comprehension |
Passages are followed by questions that test understanding and analysis. |
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Para Jumbles |
Re-arrange sentences to form a coherent paragraph. |
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Sentence Correction |
Identify and correct grammatical errors in sentences. |
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Vocabulary |
Synonyms, antonyms, and context-based vocabulary questions. |
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Summary |
Identifying the most accurate summary of a given paragraph or passage. |
Section II: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
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Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | |
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Data Interpretation |
Tables, bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, etc. |
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Logical Reasoning |
Puzzles, seating arrangements, blood relations, coding-decoding, and directions. |
Section III: Quantitative Ability (QA):
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Quantitative Ability (QA) | |
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Arithmetic |
Percentages, profit, loss, time and work, time-speed-distance, simple and compound interest, etc. |
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Algebra |
Quadratic equations, inequalities, functions, etc. |
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Geometry |
Lines, angles, circles, triangles, measurement, and coordinate geometry. |
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Number Systems |
Divisibility rules, prime numbers, factors, and remainders. |
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Modern Math |
Permutations and combinations, probability, set theory, etc. |
Tips to prepare for the CAT Exam 2026
Usually, from several entrance exams, the CAT Exam is well-known for its difficulty level and competitive properties; therefore, the best preparation for this exam is mandatory, which helps in getting good scores in the exam; for that, one must follow the strategies that are mentioned below:
- Tip I: Familiarize yourself with the syllabus and exam format. This will help candidates focus their preparation on the most relevant topics.
- Tip II: Each section has limited time, so governing time efficiently is essential. CAT Applicants should practice and understandin the solving problems within the time limits of each section is around 40 minutes for enhancing the speed and accuracy.
- Tip III: It is must to have the good practice by giving the mock tests on the daily basis. The CAT Exam Mock tests simulate the exam environment and help the aspirants to assess their strengths and weaknesses.
- Tip IV: While practicing, candidates should build a strong understanding of basic concepts, especially in quantitative ability and logical reasoning. Numerous candidates require help with sophisticated concepts, but mastering the basics is necessitate to get rid from the difficulties.
- Tip V: After every mock test, candidates should carefully review their performance and identify areas where they made mistakes. Also, this tip will help in enhancing and avoiding the same errors in the actual exam and save from any negative marking.
- Tip VI: Most CAT applicants can prefer the coachings and learning through online platforms while preparation due to it can provides the structured study materials, practice papers, and expert guidance.
- Tip VII: Sometimes, discussing problems and strategies with peers or joining online forums can provide new perspectives and help resolve doubts.
What are the significance of the CAT Exam for Business School Admissions?
The CAT exam is vital in securing admission to the IIMs and several other top management institutes in India. Here’s why the CAT is so significant:
- Gateway to IIMs and Top Business Schools: IIMs are among the most prestigious business schools in the world. The CAT is the primary criterion for admission to these institutes. A high CAT percentile opens doors to many management programs at top institutions like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, and others.
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Many IIMs offer scholarships and financial assistance to commendable scholars based on their CAT performance. It is an essential exam for securing financial aid for further studies after the graduation.
- Career Opportunities: Graduating from top-tier management institutes like the IIMs opens up many moneymaking job opportunities in different different enterprises which have the consultation, marketing, technology and finance,
- International Recognition: The CAT exam and the institutes it leads to are globally recognized, giving students a competitive edge in the global job market.
Hence, The CAT exam is a defying but beneficial pathway for CAT test takers due to it aspires to pursue a career in management. It assesses various skills, including analytical thinking, problem-solving, language proficiency, and logical reasoning. While the preparation for the CAT requires hard work, dedication, and a strategic approach, it offers the abilities of scoring higher which opens the diverse options of studying.
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