CAT 2026 Exam Details: Eligibility, Syllabus, Application & Dates

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Easetolearn is the largest online learning platform that gives you the latest and updated exam details for your CAT examination 2026. Candidates can get all the latest CAT Exam information like Indian Bank Apprentice key dates, CAT eligibility requirements, Indian Bank Apprentice Qualification,CAT Fee information, CAT application procedures, etc.

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CAT Exam Details Overview 2026

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a widely known national entrance test held in India. It acts as a gateway to famous universities like the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top-tier management colleges. This demanding exam, which is held annually by one of the IIMs, is extremely important in identifying students with remarkable potential for future leadership positions in the corporate world.

The Common Admission Test (CAT) exam 2026 is one of the most competitive exams for those who aspire to get into the management field. It is without a doubt the most well-liked exam among students and teachers due to its unique format and the fact that graduates or undergraduates from any background can take the CAT exam 2026.

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CAT Exam Important Dates 2026

According to the official notification, the CAT 2026 exam will take place on November 29, 2026. The exam's important dates are as follows:

· Starting Registration Date CAT 2026 – 03 August 2026 (10.00 AM)

· Last Registration Date for CAT 2026 – 15 September 2026( 05:00 PM )

· Release of CAT Admit card 2026- 04 November 2026

· CAT Examination Date 2026–29 November 2026

· CAT Declaration of result 2026– first week of January,2027(Tentatively)

CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

The candidate must fulfil to the CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 listed below in order to be considered for the admission test.

CAT Educational Qualification Criteria-

• The candidates must have completed their bachelor’s degree from a recognized University in any stream with minimum50% aggregateor equivalent CGPA (45 % aggregate for SC, ST and PWD/DA category)
• Candidates with professional degree (CA/CS/ICWA) with the required percentage are also eligible for the CAT 2026 exam.
• The final year graduation students can also apply for CAT 2026 Exam.

CAT Age Limit-

• There are no such age restrictions to appear for the CAT 2026 exam.

Number of Attempts:

• There is no restriction on the number of attempts of CAT exam.

Work Experience –

• No minimum work experience is required to take CAT 2026 exam.

CAT Reservation Criteria 2026

The IIMs have made a few changes for the various categories of candidates to the CAT 2026 programmes. Below is a detailed explanation of the IIMs' reservation details for CAT 2026.

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IIMs LIST With Post Graduate Programmes in India 2026

22 IIMs are located all throughout the whole of India. Find the complete list of IIMs along with their location and Programmes offered.

How to Apply for CAT 2026

Check the steps of filling CAT 2026 application process below –

Step 1

• Go to the official website of CAT (https://iimcat.ac.in/) and open the New Candidate Registration window to ‘create new login’.
• Enter your personal details (password, name, valid ID, and birthdate).

· The confirmation will be sent to your email address. Write down your password and user ID.

Step 2

• Login using your user ID and password.
• CAT 2026 application form is consisting of - Personal Details, Academic details, Work experience, Programs, Test cities, Payment.
• Enter your personal (Father’s name, Mother’s name, Date of birth, Gender, Nationality, Category) contact and address details.
• Enter your educational qualification and work experience details (if any).
• ‘Save’ the details and upload your scanned signature, photograph, NC-OBC/SC/ST certificate and PwD/DA certificate according to the specified guidelines.
• Select the centres (test cities) where you want to appear for the exam.
• After submission, download a copy of the properly completed application form.

Step 3

• CAT 2026 application fee has to be paid via online mode only (Debit / Credit Card/Net Banking).

CAT Test Centres 2026

Around 170 cities will host CAT 2026. Six optional cities will be provided to candidates.The CAT website will include the test cities, and the admit card will list the exam center's name.
The CAT Centre will make every effort to ensure that a candidate receives one of the preferred options. IIMs maintain the right to modify any exam centre, city, or time, as well as to add or remove any candidates date as they see fit.Once a candidate has been assigned a centre, changes cannot be made.

CAT Admission Procedures 2026

Please keep in mind that that IIMs use their own, possibly independent criteria to shortlist applicants for the interview stage. Written Ability Tests (WAT), Group Discussions (GD), and Personal Interviews (PI) may all be a part of the selection process. An important factor in the selection process will be how well candidates perform on the CAT 2026 exam. At different stages of the selection process, IIMs may also shortlist candidates based on the candidates' previous academic performance, relevant work experience, and other similar inputs.

CAT Registeration Fee 2026

The candidates can only pay their registration fees for CAT 2026 online. The CAT Form Fees 2026 are shown in the table below, divided down by candidate category.

CAT Exam Important Link 2026

Click Here for Official Website of CAT

Click here for CAT Iinformation Bulletin 2026

Click here for CAT Selection Process 2026

Click here for CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

CAT Exam 2026 : FAQs

1.What is the CAT Exam?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level management entrance examination conducted in India for admission into various postgraduate management programs, including the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools.

2.Who is eligible to take the CAT Exam?

Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PWD/DA categories). Final year students of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification can also apply.

3.How do I apply for the CAT Exam?

You can apply online through the official CAT website. The application process includes registering with a valid email address, filling in personal and academic details, selecting preferred exam cities, and paying the application fee.

4.What is the exam pattern for CAT?

The CAT exam consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The test duration is 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allocated for each section.

5.How is the CAT Exam scored?

The CAT exam uses a scaled scoring system. Each correct answer is awarded 3 points, while each incorrect answer in the multiple-choice questions (MCQs) results in a penalty of 1 point. There is no negative marking for non-MCQs.

6.What is the difficulty level of the CAT Exam?

The CAT exam is known for its high difficulty level, with questions designed to test the candidate's analytical, logical, and verbal abilities.

7.How can I prepare for the CAT Exam?

Preparation strategies vary, but common methods include self-study, joining coaching institutes, practicing previous years' question papers, taking mock tests, and focusing on improving time management and accuracy.

8.When is the CAT Exam conducted?

The CAT exam is usually conducted once a year, typically in November or December.

9.How can I get my CAT Exam results?

Results are announced online on the official CAT website. Candidates can log in using their registered credentials to view and download their scorecards.

10.What is the validity of the CAT score?

The CAT score is valid for one year from the date of the examination.

11.Can I choose my preferred test city for the CAT Exam?

Yes, candidates can select their preferred test cities during the application process. However, the final allocation is subject to availability and administrative considerations.

12.Is there any age limit for appearing in the CAT Exam?

There is no age limit for appearing in the CAT exam.