CAT Overview
CAT (Common Admission Test) is the most popular MBA entrance exam in India. It is conducted by the IIMs on rotation and the score is used by the IIMs and many other leading business schools for MBA / PGDM admission. After the result, each IIM shortlists candidates on CAT percentile and then calls them for Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI).
CAT 2026 is being conducted by IIM Indore on Sunday, 29 November 2026 (registration ran from 3 August to 15 September 2026). Check iimcat.ac.in for the admit card, result and shortlisting notices.
| Full form | Common Admission Test |
| Conducting body | IIMs (IIM Indore for CAT 2026) |
| Exam level | National |
| Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Duration | 120 minutes (40 minutes per section) |
| Programmes | MBA / PGDM / PGP |
| Official website | iimcat.ac.in |
CAT Important Dates
| Event | Date / timing |
|---|---|
| Notification (CAT 2026) | 26 July 2026 |
| Registration (CAT 2026) | 3 August to 15 September 2026 |
| Admit card (CAT 2026) | From 4 November 2026 |
| Exam date (CAT 2026) | 29 November 2026 (Sunday) |
| Result | Expected around December 2026 / January 2027 |
| WAT / PI and final selection | January to April, as per each IIM |
Dates above are as announced for CAT 2026 and can be revised - always confirm on iimcat.ac.in.
CAT Eligibility
- Bachelor degree in any stream with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC / ST / PwD candidates).
- Final-year students and candidates awaiting results can apply.
- No age limit and no limit on the number of attempts.
CAT Exam Pattern
| Total questions | 66 |
| Total marks | 198 |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Sectional time limit | 40 minutes per section |
| Question types | MCQ and TITA (type in the answer) |
| Marking | +3 for a correct answer, -1 for a wrong MCQ, no negative marking for TITA |
Section-wise structure
| Section | Questions | What it tests |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | Reading comprehension, para jumbles, para summary, odd sentence out |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | Tables, charts, caselets, puzzles, arrangements, games and tournaments |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry and mensuration, number system, modern maths |
CAT Syllabus
VARC
Reading comprehension passages (different genres), verbal ability: para jumbles, para summary, odd sentence out, sentence completion.
DILR
Tables, bar and line charts, caselets, venn diagrams, seating and linear arrangements, puzzles, sets, games and tournaments, network and routes.
QA
Arithmetic (percentage, profit and loss, ratio, time-speed-work, interest), algebra, geometry and mensuration, number system, permutation-combination, probability and other modern maths.
How to Apply for CAT
- Visit iimcat.ac.in and register with your email and mobile number.
- Fill in personal, academic and work-experience details and upload photo and signature.
- Choose up to 6 exam cities in order of preference.
- Pay the application fee online (paid once even if you apply to many IIMs).
- Download the admit card, attempt the exam, then watch for result and IIM-wise shortlist.
CAT Preparation Tips
- Start with the official CAT mock to understand the interface.
- Take at least 20 full mocks and analyse each one.
- Balance sections - the 40 minute sectional limit means you cannot move time between sections.
- Read daily (editorials, books) for VARC and practise sets for DILR.
Colleges Accepting CAT
CAT FAQs
Who conducts CAT?
One of the IIMs conducts CAT on a rotation basis. For CAT 2026 it is IIM Indore.
How many times can I attempt CAT?
There is no limit on the number of attempts.
Is there negative marking in CAT?
Yes - 1 mark is deducted for a wrong MCQ answer. There is no negative marking for TITA (non-MCQ) questions.
How long is the CAT score valid?
The CAT score is valid for one admission cycle.
How can I get CAT counselling?
Use the Call, WhatsApp or Email buttons on this page to talk to the StudyGalaxy counselling team.
Exam dates, pattern and eligibility can change every year. Please confirm on the official website before applying.