The CAT 2026 Exam is set to take place on 29th November 2026, which falls on the last Sunday of November. The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore, as the organizing body, will oversee the exam conducted in multiple slots across approximately 170 cities in India.
IIM-Indore will publish the official CAT 2026 brochure on its website, CAT IIM. The official announcement is anticipated to be released around 14–15 July 2026.
| Direct link to register for CAT 2026 (Coming Soon) |
- Following the notification, the registration window is expected to open from 3–4 August 2026 and will likely stay open for about 45 days.
- Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) from any accredited university.
- The admit card is projected to be released in the last week of October 2026.
For the latest updates, it is advisable to frequently check the official website iimcat.ac.in for accurate information regarding registration, exam schedules, and admit cards.
In 2025, 2.95 lakh candidates registered for the exam, with approximately 2.58 lakh candidates actually taking it, marking a significant decrease compared to previous years.
Related Links:
- CAT Notification 2026 (Coming Soon), PDF Download @iimcat.ac.in 2026, Exam Dates
- CAT Registration 2026: Link, How to Apply, and Document Guidelines @iimcat.ac.in
- CAT Preparation 2026: Discover How to Prepare for CAT in 5 months, Mock Tests, Books, Topper Tips
Key Summary
This article covers the following points:
- The CAT 2026 examination will be organized by IIM Indore. It is anticipated to take place on 29 November 2026 in a computer-based format.
- Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for candidates from reserved categories).
- The CAT 2026 admit card is likely to be available in the last week of October 2026.
- IIM Indore previously conducted the CAT in 2020, 2014, and 2013. The 2020 exam consisted of 76 questions with a total duration of 120 minutes.
- The CAT exam format may change. It is probable that IIM Indore will maintain the previous year's format with slight modifications.
- For effective preparation, candidates should emphasize understanding concepts, consistent practice, and taking mock tests. Analyzing mock tests is crucial for enhancing performance.
CAT 2026 Highlights
Discover all the essential information about the CAT 2026 examination, including its purpose, exam date, session timings, organizing body, syllabus, and more.
| Parameters | Features |
|---|---|
| Name of the Exam | Common Admission Test |
| Objective | Qualifying assessment for entry into IIMs and business schools |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | 29 November 2026 |
| Exam Sessions/Slots | 3 Sessions/Slots (Morning, Afternoon, and Evening) |
| Slot Timing | Morning - 8:30 to 10:30; Afternoon - 12:30 to 2:30; Evening - 4:30 to 6:30 |
| Type of Exam | National Level Exam |
| Conducting Body | IIM Indore (for 2026) |
| Convener | TBA in July 2026 |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Result Validity | For a Year |
| Pattern | MCQs and TITA (Type In The Answer) |
| Number of Questions | 66 to 68 |
| Test Duration | 2 Hours |
| Mode of Conduct | CBT |
| Syllabus | Questions from Verbal Aptitude and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude |
| Level | Moderate to High Difficulty |
CAT 2026: Conducting Body
The CAT 2026 examination will be overseen by IIM-Indore, which will handle the entire examination process.
- CAT is organized on a rotational basis by the older IIMs, with a different institute managing the exam each year.
- IIM Indore previously conducted CAT in 2020, 2014, and 2013. In 2020, the exam duration was shortened to 120 minutes with a total of 76 questions.
- CAT 2020 was generally of moderate difficulty; VARC and DILR sections were more challenging, while Quantitative Ability was of moderate difficulty. The exam was well-balanced but time-constrained.
- For CAT 2026, IIM Indore is likely to maintain the post-2020 exam structure with the traditional three-section format comprising 66-68 questions.
CAT 2026 Exam Dates
Here are the tentative dates for the CAT 2026 examination.
| Timeline | CAT 2026 Important Dates |
|---|---|
| Last week of July (Tentative) | CAT 2026 Notification Release |
| First week of August (Tentative) | CAT 2026 Application Starts |
| Third Week of September (Tentative) | CAT 2026 Application Ends |
| Second week of October (Tentative) | CAT 2026 Application Correction Window |
| Last Sunday of November (Tentative) | CAT 2026 Exam Date |
| Last Week of December 2026 | CAT 2026 Result Date |
| January to February 2027 (Tentative) | CAT 2026 Counselling |
| February to April 2027 (Tentative) | CAT 2026 WAT and PI |
| April to May 2027 (Tentative) | CAT 2026 Final Admission Offer |
Also Check: CAT 2026 Exam Dates- Registration, Exam on November 29
What is CAT 2026?
The Common Admission Test, known as CAT, is a national-level entrance exam that allows candidates to access various graduate management programs in India. This test is utilized for admissions to MBA or PGDM courses at the 22 IIMs across the country, along with several other prestigious business schools.
Students intending to take the CAT 2026 examination should be familiar with the following aspects:
- The exam will be conducted in Computer-Based Testing (CBT) mode during morning, afternoon, and evening sessions.
- The test will include questions from these sections: Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Aptitude.
Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2026
To participate in the CAT 2026 Exam, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in any field (B.A, B.Com, B.Sc) with at least 50% or 45% marks (for SC, ST, PwD categories).
Eligibility Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates)
- Final-year students or those awaiting results may also apply (must provide degree certificate later)
- Individuals with CA, CS, ICWA, or FIAI qualifications are eligible if they meet the required marks.
- There is NO AGE LIMIT!
- Unlimited Attempts.
Check: CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026, Age Limit, Educational Qualification, Reservation Policy
Marks Calculation for CAT 2026
The CAT 2026 employs a normalization process for marks since the exam is conducted in three sessions across various cities in India. After the exam, the raw scores are standardized across different slots. The standardized score is then utilized to determine percentile, which indicates a candidate’s performance relative to others.
Reservation in CAT 2026
The CAT examination adheres to the Government of India’s reservation policy for admissions to IIMs. A certain percentage of seats are reserved for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, and PwD candidates, in accordance with the specified norms.
| Category | Reservation |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| Non-Creamy Other Backwards Classes (NC OBC) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Section | Up to 10% |
| Person with Disability | 5% |
Also Check: Reservation Requirements for CAT
Ques. Is there any age limit for the CAT exam?
Ans. No, there is no age limit for taking the CAT exam. The IIMs do not impose any age restrictions, making it accessible to freshers, working professionals, and seasoned candidates.
Ques. Is Work Experience mandatory for admission in MBA?
Ans. No, work experience is not a requirement for MBA admission. Both fresh graduates and working professionals are eligible to apply.
Ques. Is there a limit on the number of attempts for the CAT Exam?
Ans. No, there’s no limit on the number of attempts for the CAT exam. Candidates can take this exam multiple times.
Registration Process for CAT 2026
The registration process for CAT is carried out online through the official site. Candidates need to create an account with accurate personal and academic details.
Registered Candidates for CAT 2025 Exam
For CAT 2025, approximately 2.95 lakh candidates registered, reflecting a notable 10% decrease from the previous year's figures.
Of these, around 2.58 lakh students actually attended the exam, leading to an attendance rate of about 87%.
Despite a slight decline in numbers, the competition remained fierce, with candidates competing for seats in IIMs and other B-schools.
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Category-wise Distribution of CAT 2025
| Category | % of Candidates Registered | % of Candidates Appeared |
|---|---|---|
| GEN | 65.76% | 65.32% |
| EWS | 5.26% | 5.59% |
| NC-OBC | 17.82% | 18.52% |
| SC | 8.75% | 8.34% |
| ST | 2.38% | 2.22% |
| PwD | 0.49% | 0.49% |
Gender-wise Distribution
| Gender | Registered | Appeared |
|---|---|---|
| Female | 1.10 lakh | 1.61 lakh |
| Male | 1.85 lakh | 0.97 lakh |
| Transgender | 9 | 9 |
Documents Needed for CAT 2026
Last year, 2.95 lakh students registered for the exam, with 2.58 lakh appearing. Similarly, in 2024, 3.29 lakh students registered, while in 2023, 3.25 lakh students registered.
According to the 2025 report, there has been a significant decline in the number of students registering for the CAT exam compared to 2024.
| Documents | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Photograph |
|
| Signature |
|
| Category Certificate |
|
| Academic Details | Details from 10th, 12th, Graduation, Master’s/Professional Degree. Convert CGPA/Grades to percentage. |
| Disability Certificate | Required if applicable. Accepted formats: PwD Form V / VI / VII. |
Read Also: CAT Documents Required 2026: Check Documents Required for CAT Registration and Exam Day
Application Fees for CAT 2026
The application fees for CAT 2026 must be paid during the final stages of registration to complete the process. The fees vary based on category.
| Category | Registration Fees |
|---|---|
| GEN/EWS/OBC | 2,600 INR |
| SC/ST/PwD | 1,300 INR |
Once paid, the application fees are non-refundable.
The fees must be paid exclusively through online payment methods such as credit cards, debit cards, net banking, or UPI.
The application will be deemed successful only when the payment is confirmed to the beneficiary.
After the payment is processed, candidates can download the application form and payment receipt for future reference.
Also Check: Additional Transaction Fee for CAT 2025
CAT 2025 DILR Question Paper PDF
| CAT DILR Slot | Question Paper | Solution PDF |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 2025 DILR Slot 1 Question Paper | Download Pdf | Download Pdf |
| CAT 2025 DILR Slot 2 Question Paper | Download Pdf | Download Pdf |
| CAT 2025 DILR Slot 3 Question Paper | Download Pdf | Download Pdf |
CAT 2025 VARC Question Paper PDF
| CAT VARC Slot | Question Paper | Solution PDF |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 2025 VARC Slot 1 Question Paper | Download Pdf | Download Pdf |
| CAT 2025 VARC Slot 2 Question Paper | Download Pdf | Download Pdf |
| CAT 2025 VARC Slot 3 Question Paper | Download Pdf | Download Pdf |
CAT 2025 QA Question Paper PDF
| CAT QA Slot | Question Paper | Solution PDF |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 2025 QA Slot 1 Question Paper | Download Pdf | Download Pdf |
| CAT 2025 QA Slot 2 Question Paper | Download Pdf | Download Pdf |
| CAT 2025 QA Slot 3 Question Paper | Download Pdf | Download Pdf |
Also Check: CAT Previous Year Question Papers
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The CAT examination consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
Each section has a designated time limit, and candidates are required to complete the sections in the specified order within that timeframe.
Also Check:
- CAT Exam Pattern 2026 - Topic Wise, Marking Scheme, Duration, Type of Questions, and Syllabus
- CAT 2025 Exam Analysis: Check Slot-Wise Difficulty
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Sectional Breakdown
The number of questions in VARC, DILR, and QA for the CAT exam is variable and may change. However, this is the typical format that candidates should anticipate.
| Section | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Sec 1: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 24 Questions |
| Sec 2: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | 22 Questions |
| Sec 3: Quantitative Aptitude | 22 Questions |
| Total | 68 Questions |
CAT 2026 Marking Scheme
The CAT exam employs a +3 and -1 marking system, with no negative marking for TITA questions, enabling candidates to answer questions without the concern of losing points.
| Parameters | Marks |
|---|---|
| Marks for Correct Answer | +3 |
| Negative Marking for MCQ | -1 |
| Negative Marking for TITA | No Negative Marking |
| Unattempted Question | 0 |
CAT 2026 Syllabus
Each segment of the CAT Exam is crafted to evaluate the essential skills necessary for management studies.
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension - This includes Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Paragraph Summary, Paragraph Completion, Vocabulary and One-Word Substitution, Idioms and Phrases, Spotting Errors, Critical Reasoning, as well as Analogies and Antonyms.
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning-
Topics in Data Interpretation encompass: Bar Graphs, Line Charts, Pie Charts, Tables and Data Sets, Venn Diagrams, Data Sufficiency, Caselets, and Analytical Data Sets.
Topics in Logical Reasoning cover: Seating Arrangements (Linear and Circular), Puzzles and Scheduling, Blood Relations and Family Trees, Direction Sense, Clocks and Calendars, Games and Tournaments, Logical Matching, and Binary Logic.
- Quantitative Aptitude- This includes Percentages, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Averages, Time, Speed, and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Mixtures and Allegations, Linear and Quadratic Equations, Logarithms, Geometry and Mensuration, Permutations and Combinations, Probability and Progressions.
Also Check:
CAT Exam Syllabus PDF
CAT 2026 Subject-wise Syllabus
| CAT QA Syllabus PDF - Check Topics and Weightage |
| CAT DILR Syllabus PDF- Check Topics and Weightage |
| CAT VARC Syllabus PDF - Check Topics and Weightage |
CAT 2026 Admit Card
The admit card for the CAT exam will be made available on the official website prior to the examination. Candidates are required to download it using their login details and must bring a printed version to the examination center on the day of the test.
- The CAT 2026 admit card is expected to be released on the official CAT website approximately 18 to 20 days before the exam, following the trends of previous years.
- Candidates can anticipate receiving their admit cards around the 10th or 11th of November 2026.
- The CAT 2026 admit card will be accessible on the official website until the day of the exam, allowing candidates to download it right up to the exam date.
Also Check: CAT 2026 Admit Card: Download Admit Card @iimcat.ac.in, Direct Download Link
Ques. Should I take a colour printout or is black & white acceptable for the CAT admit card?
Ans. You can bring any color of the admit card to the exam center, but ensure you have a physical copy. Otherwise, entry to the center will be denied.
Ques. How many copies of the admit card should I bring to the exam center?
Ans. Only one copy of the admit card is permitted inside the exam center, so make sure to carry just one.
Ques. Is it possible for someone else to download my admit card using my credentials?
Ans. Yes, anyone can download it as long as they have the correct credentials. If you suspect that someone else has accessed your admit card, it is advisable to change your username and password.
CAT 206 Exam Preparation Strategy
Beginning in March, you have a total of 8 months to dedicate yourself to your studies. During this period, you can easily refine your strengths and bolster your weaknesses.
- If you skip a day, make up for those hours on the weekends. Consistency is key; it distinguishes the top performers from the average ones.
- Understand Your Syllabus - Familiarizing yourself with the syllabus is crucial. On DAY 1 of your preparation, review the CAT syllabus thoroughly. Examine every section of the syllabus.
- Although the CAT syllabus is not tied to a specific curriculum, over the years, a dedicated syllabus has emerged for the exam.
- The syllabus assesses candidates’ aptitude across three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
- Most Important: Establish a timetable! Whether you are fully committed to your preparation, a working professional, or a student, a structured timetable is essential.
- Algebra and Arithmetic account for approximately 45–50% of QA questions, while Reading Comprehension comprises about 70% of the VARC section.
Check: CAT Mock Test 2026: Free Mock Test Series, Topic, Sectional, Full CAT Mock Tests
CAT 2026 Subject wise Mock Tests
| CAT 2026 Subjects | Take Test |
|---|---|
| CAT QA Mock Test | Take Test |
| CAT DILR Mock Test | Take Test |
| CAT VARC Mock Test | Take Test |
Also Check:
- CAT Preparation of DILR: Check Topic Wise Preparation Plan, Books, & Online Materials
- CAT Preparation of QA: Check Topic Wise Tips, Online Resources, Books, and Study Plan
- CAT VARC Preparation Tips, Best Books, and Important Topics
CAT 2026 Preparation: Daily Plan for Self Study
Regardless of whether you are a student or a working professional, you can allocate your time accordingly for CAT preparation. On average, dedicating 5-6 hours daily is essential for optimal preparation for CAT 2026.
- Spend 1.5 hours on each of VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude.
- Engage with 1-2 topics to enhance your reading habits alongside practice questions.
- Reserve 1 hour specifically for revising previously covered material.
- In the final month, November, allocate 2 hours daily for mock tests.
If you require a structured approach, we have a roadmap for you.
Here’s a straightforward 8-month roadmap for CAT 2026: build fundamentals → practice → mocks → comprehensive revision. Maintain consistency in your study sessions rather than going to extremes.
CAT 2026: 8 Months Preparation Strategy
Month 1–2: Build Your Basics
| Section | Preparation Strategy | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Begin with Arithmetic topics such as Percentage, Ratio, Profit & Loss, Averages, Time and Work. Solve basic practice questions daily. | Establish conceptual clarity in fundamental topics. |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Read editorials, essays, fiction, and non-fiction for about 1 hour daily. Practice 2–3 pages of RC passages weekly. Start with basic grammar and para-jumbles. | Enhance reading speed and comprehension abilities. |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Practice 2 sets every day. Concentrate on tables, bar graphs, arrangements, and puzzles. | Develop logical thinking and data interpretation skills. |
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Month 3–4: Strengthen Core Topics
| Section | Preparation Strategy | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Cover basics of Algebra, Number System, and Geometry. Practice 20–25 questions daily with a timer. | Enhance speed and accuracy in core topics. |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Increase RC practice to 2–3 passages daily. Begin practicing para-summary and odd-sentence questions. | Fortify comprehension and verbal reasoning skills. |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Practice 3–4 sets daily, focusing on speed and logical structure. | Improve analytical and reasoning capabilities. |
Month 5–6: Start Mock Tests
| Focus Area | Preparation Strategy | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Mock Tests | Take 1 mock test per week (or more based on your preparation level). | Familiarize yourself with the exam format and time constraints. |
| Mock Analysis | Thoroughly analyze each mock test to identify errors and weak points. | Refine strategy and enhance accuracy. |
Month 7: Intensive Practice
| Focus Area | Preparation Strategy | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Length Mocks | Increase the number of mocks to 3–4 per week. | Build endurance for the exam and improve performance. |
| Sectional Tests | Regularly attempt sectional tests and concentrate on weak areas. | Enhance section-wise preparation. |
Month 8: Final Revision Month
| Focus Area | Preparation Strategy | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Mock Tests | Take mocks from reputable online educators that adhere to the latest exam pattern. | Adjust to new question types and exam trends. |
| Previous Year Questions | Solve questions from Previous Year Question Papers. | Grasp the pattern and difficulty level. |
| Revision | Review formulas, tables, squares, cubes, and key concepts. Practice HOTS questions daily. | Enhance retention and performance in the final exam. |
Formulate plans that align with your schedule and adhere to them.
Recommended Resources for CAT 2026
To prevent being overwhelmed by an excessive number of books, here’s a carefully selected list of the most trusted resources utilized by students to succeed in CAT 2026.
| Section | Primary Book/Resources | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma | Categorizes questions by Levels of Difficulty. |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation by Nishit K. Sinha | Offers a wide variety of modern CAT-style sets that are more logic-based than calculation-based. |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Newspaper or Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis | Excellent sources for building vocabulary and root words for improved reading speed. |
| Reading Practice | The Hindu editorials | Critical for high-level reading comprehension. CAT often selects passages from philosophy, science, and history. |
| Practice Material | Previous Year Questions (20 years) | Essential. Actual CAT questions from the last decade are the best predictor of what to expect in 2026. |
Related Links:
- CAT Books pdf: Arun Sharma, Oswal and Best Books pdf Free Download
- CAT 2026 Preparation Online: Coaching, Free Courses, Study Material, Online Youtube and Reddit
- CAT Question Paper (Available): Download CAT Previous Year Question Paper with Solutions PDF (2025-1988)
Source: Reddit
- Users on the platform, Reddit, have been discussing strategies for CAT exam preparation.
- Students shared their perspectives on effective preparation strategies.
- One student provided a list of resources they utilized during their preparation.
CAT 2026 Result and Scorecard
Following the conclusion of the exam, students eagerly anticipate their results.
- The results for the CAT 2026 Exam are expected to be announced around the fourth week of December 2026 or the first week of January 2027.
- While the precise date and time will be confirmed by IIM Indore, this timeframe gives students a dependable period to await their results.
- It is important for candidates to understand that CAT results are published in a single announcement on the official website, through SMS, and via email.
- Candidates are advised to frequently visit the official CAT website for the most recent updates concerning the CAT 2026 results and other significant announcements.
Also Check: College Predictor
CAT 2026 Expected Cutoff
The official cutoff for the CAT 2026 Exam is anticipated to be released in the last week of December 2026 or during the first week of January 2027.
The specific date for the cutoff announcement will be provided by IIM Indore.
- General category applicants seeking admission to prestigious IIMs such as Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Kozhikode should aim for a percentile in the 98-99 range or higher.
- Section-wise cutoffs for VARC, DILR, and QA are anticipated to be quite high. Several less competitive IIMs or B-schools may set lower sectional cutoffs, around 70–75 percentile, whereas top-ranking IIMs might establish higher cutoffs.
CAT 2025 Category-wise Cutoff List
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| IIMs | Gen | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | PwD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | 95+ | 95+ | 90+ | 85+ | 75+ | 85+ |
| Bangalore | 85+ | 75+ | 75+ | 70+ | 65+ | 60+ |
| Calcutta | 75+ | 65+ | 65+ | 60+ | 55+ | 45+ |
| Lucknow | 90+ | 82+ | 82+ | 65+ | 60+ | 60+ |
| Mumbai | 85+ | 75+ | 75+ | 70+ | 65+ | 65+ |
| Indore | 90+ | 90+ | 80+ | 60+ | 45+ | 45+ |
| Kozhikode | 85+ | 75+ | 75+ | 65+ | 65+ | 55+ |
| Shillong | 75 | 75 | 75 | 60 | 50 | – |
| Udaipur | 95 | 81 | 81 | 66 | 42 | 42 |
| Tiruchirapalli | 90 | 75 | 75 | 50 | 30 | 30 |
Also Check: CAT Previous Years Cut-Offs
Non-IIMs Accepting CAT 2026 Scores
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As per CAT 2025 Convener Prof. Ram Kumar P N, “93 non-IIM institutions will utilize CAT 2025 scores this year for their management program admissions.”
Some of these universities include:
| NIRF Ranking | Universities | Percentile | Test/s |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Department of Management Studies, IIT-Delhi | 97-99+ | CAT |
| 9 | MDI Gurgaon (Management Development Institute) | 94–97+ | CAT |
| 10 | XLRI Jamshedpur (Xavier School of Management) | 94–98+ (CAT for select programs) | Primarily XAT; CAT limited |
| ~10-12 | SJMSOM IIT Bombay (Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management) | 94-98+ | CAT |
| ~12-15 | VGSoM IIT Kharagpur (Vinod Gupta School of Management) | 90-95+ | CAT |
| ~15-20 | IIFT Delhi (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade) | 95-98+ | CAT |
| ~20 | SPJIMR Mumbai (S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research) | 85-97+ | CAT, GMAT, XAT |
| Not ranked sep. (high reputation) | FMS Delhi (Faculty of Management Studies) | 98-99+ | CAT |
| Not ranked sep. (high reputation) | JBIMS Mumbai (Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies) | 95-99+ (All India via CAT) | CAT, MAHCET, GMAT |
| ~30-40 | XIMB Bhubaneswar (Xavier Institute of Management) | 90–95+ | CAT, XAT |
See Also: Top MBA Colleges in India Accepting CAT 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I am currently in my final year of college. Am I allowed to take the exam?
A: Yes, you are permitted to take the exam. Just make sure you do not withdraw from your university. You need to complete your degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) by the time admissions commence.
Q: What is the actual date of the exam?
A: The CAT 2026 exam is anticipated to occur on November 29, 2026. The official announcement is yet to be made, but it will be available soon.
Q: Will the exam pattern be changing? Does it change each year?
A: The official exam pattern will be verified in the July notification, but current indications suggest a minor adjustment in the pattern. However, any changes will not be entirely unprecedented.
Q: I do not have a commerce background and have not completed a B.Com; can I still take the CAT 2026 exam?
A: Yes, definitely. You do not need to have a commerce background or a B.Com degree. You just need to have completed your bachelor's degree in any field with 50% marks and 45% for reserved category candidates to be eligible for the exam.
Q: Which IIM is overseeing the exam this year? Does this influence the exam's difficulty?
A: IIM Indore is responsible for conducting the CAT 2026 exam. Although each IIM has its unique approach to setting the paper, the overall difficulty level of the CAT is expected to remain consistent or slightly increase, irrespective of which institute is managing it.
Q: Is self-study more effective for the CAT exam, or should I enroll in a coaching center?
A: There is no definitive answer to this question. It largely depends on your personal learning style, current abilities, and self-discipline. Both self-study and coaching centers have produced students who achieved a 100 percentile in the CAT exam.