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CAT (Common Admission Test)

Computer-based test run by the Indian Institutes of Management for admission to their MBA/PGP programmes. Many other management institutes also use CAT scores.

PG Computer Based Test (CBT) Window closed
Apply / Official site
Next exam 29 Nov 2026
Registration 3 Aug – 22 Sep 2026 (closed)
Mode Computer Based Test (CBT)
Difficulty High
Quick overview
Conducting body: Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
Attempts: Once a year
Used for: MBA/PGP programmes at the IIMs; many non-IIM institutions also use CAT scores
Score validity: CAT 2026 scores are valid until 31 Dec 2027
Application fee: ₹2,700; ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwBD candidates
  • CAT 2026 is on Sunday, 29 November 2026, in three sessions (forenoon, afternoon and evening).
  • It is held at centres in about 170 test cities; you choose five preferred cities when you register.
  • Each IIM sets its own shortlisting rules — CAT is one component alongside academics and work experience.
  • There is no defined syllabus; the IIMs publish a mock test on the CAT website.
Eligibility criteria
Degree
  • Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST and PwBD).
  • CA, CS, ICWA (CMA) or FIAI with the required percentage also qualifies.
Final-year students
  • Final-year students and those awaiting results can apply; admission is provisional until a completion certificate is submitted.
Age
  • No age limit.
Exam pattern
Duration: 2 hours
Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
Sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension; Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning; Quantitative Ability — answered in a fixed order
Question Type: MCQs and typed-answer (non-MCQ) questions; an on-screen calculator is provided
Marking Scheme: MCQs: +3 for a correct answer, −1 for a wrong answer. Typed-answer questions: +3 for a correct answer, no negative marking.
Application process
  1. Register on iimcat.ac.in with a valid email address and mobile number.
  2. Fill in the application, choose programmes and five preferred test cities.
  3. Upload your photograph, signature and any category or PwBD certificate.
  4. Pay the fee online.
  5. Download the admit card (from 4 Nov 2026) and take the test in your allotted session.
Keep soft copies of documents (Photo, Signature, Category certificate, PwD certificate) ready before the form opens.
Important dates
Registration 3 Aug – 22 Sep 2026 (closed)
Admit card From 4 Nov 2026
Test day Sunday, 29 Nov 2026 (three sessions)
Results Likely by the first week of January 2027
Preparation insights
  • Sections must be answered in a fixed order with their own time, so practise each section under its time limit.
  • Wrong MCQ answers cost a mark, typed answers do not — attempt typed-answer questions you can solve.
  • Use the official CAT mock test to get used to the interface and the on-screen calculator.
CAT (Common Admission Test)

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Latest updates
22 Sep 2026

Registration closed on 22 Sep 2026. The fee payment window was extended to 24 Sep 2026, 5 pm, for candidates who had registered.

26 Jul 2026

CAT 2026 notified: test on 29 Nov 2026 in three sessions.

Official links
Official website CAT 2026 Information Bulletin (PDF) CAT 2026 eligibility (PDF)