CAT 2026: Exam Date, Preparation, Registration (All Details)

The CAT 2026 will be one of the most competitive MBA entrance exams in India, opening doors to IIMs and top B-schools. The CAT 2026 exam date is expected to be 29th November 2026, following the usual last-Sunday-of-November schedule.

Registrations are likely to begin from 1st August 2026, and the official notification is expected by mid-July. Aspirants aiming for top IIMs should start early with a structured study plan and expert guidance.

Join LPT’s online CAT coaching for strategic preparation, concept clarity, and mock test practice to secure a strong percentile in CAT exam 2026.

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What is CAT Exam 2026?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually for admission to MBA and PGDM programs offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools in India.

It evaluates candidates’ aptitude in Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning.

CAT is a computer-based test, conducted in three slots on the same day. The exam opens doors to 21 IIMs and 1000+ other B-schools, making it one of the most important management entrance exams in India.

CAT 2026: Key Highlights

Find the most important information about CAT exam 2026:

Particular	Details
Exam Name	Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026
Conducting Body	To be announced (one of the IIMs)
Exam Level	National-level entrance test for MBA/PGDM
Exam Mode	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Frequency	Once a year
Medium	English
CAT 2026 Exam Date	29th November 2026 (Sunday)
Duration	2 hours (120 minutes)
Total Questions	Around 66
Sections	VARC, DILR, QA
Application Mode	Online
Expected Registration Dates	1st August 2026 to 20th September 2026
Admit Card Release	25th October 2026 (tentative)
Result Declaration	December 2026 (last week)
Official Website	www.iimcat.ac.in

CAT 2026 Dates

The CAT 2026 exam date is expected to be 29th November 2026 (Sunday). The official notification will likely be released in July 2026, followed by the start of registration in August 2026.

Event	Dates (Tentative)
CAT 2026 Notification Release	15th July 2026
CAT 2026 Registration Start Date	1st August 2026
CAT 2026 Registration Last Date	20th September 2026
Application Form Correction Window	25th – 27th September 2026
CAT 2026 Admit Card Release Date	25th October 2026
CAT 2026 Exam Date	29th November 2026 (Sunday)
CAT 2026 Answer Key Release	5th December 2026
CAT 2026 Result Date	24 December 2026 (tentative)

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

To appear for the CAT exam 2026, candidates must meet the academic and category-based eligibility conditions set by the IIMs.

Criteria	Details
Education Required	Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution
Minimum Marks (General/EWS/NC-OBC)	At least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA
Minimum Marks (SC/ST/PwD)	At least 45% marks or equivalent CGPA
Final Year Students	Eligible to apply but must provide a certificate from college confirming completion of degree requirements when asked
Professional Degrees	Candidates with CA, CS, ICWA (CMA), or FIAI are also eligible
CAT 2026 Age Limit	No age limit to appear for CAT
Score Conversion (CGPA to %)	If your university doesn’t specify, CGPA will be converted by dividing it by the maximum CGPA and multiplying by 100
Reservation – SC	15% of seats
Reservation – ST	7.5% of seats
Reservation – NC-OBC	27% of seats (Non-Creamy Layer only)
Reservation – EWS	Up to 10% of seats
Reservation – PwD	5% of seats (as per RPwD Act, 2016)
PwD Categories	Blindness/low vision, deaf/hard of hearing, locomotor disability, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disability, learning disability, mental illness, multiple disabilities, acid attack victims, etc.
Certificate Requirement	SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS/PwD candidates must upload valid certificates during registration and show originals at interview/admission

Final-year candidates will get provisional admission until submission of final mark sheets and certificates.
Meeting the minimum marks does not guarantee a call; IIMs verify eligibility at every stage.
Candidates must use a valid email ID and mobile number throughout the selection process.

Check the full CAT eligibility criteria.

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

The CAT examination 2026 will follow the same format as recent years, conducted as a computer-based test across three sessions in a single day.

Feature	Details
Mode of Exam	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Number of Sessions	3 sessions in a single day
Total Duration	120 minutes (2 hours)
Sectional Duration	40 minutes per section (fixed, no switching allowed)
Language of Exam	English only
Type of Questions	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) + Non-MCQs (TITA – Type in the Answer)
Marking Scheme	+3 marks for each correct answer
Negative Marking	-1 mark for each wrong answer (only for MCQs)
No Negative Marking	For non-MCQ (TITA) questions
Answering Rule	Must attempt questions in a fixed order; cannot go back to a previous section once time ends
Calculator Allowed?	Yes, an on-screen calculator will be provided

Learn more about CAT exam pattern here!

CAT 2026 Registration Process (Application Form)

Check the CAT registration process:

Create your CAT account

Go to the official portal and click “New Candidate Registration.” Enter your name, date of birth, mobile number, and email. Set a strong password and note it safely.

Verify email and mobile

You’ll receive an OTP/verification link. Complete verification to activate your account. Without this, you can’t access the application form.

Fill basic details

Log in and enter personal info: name (as per degree/ID), category, nationality, address, and parent/guardian details. Double-check spellings to avoid mismatch issues later.

Enter academic qualifications

Add Class 10, Class 12, and graduation (or ongoing) details-board/university, year, subjects, and marks/CGPA. Use the university’s official conversion method if available.

Add work experience (if any)

Enter full-time experience in months, employer name, and dates. Part-time or internships are usually not counted-include only eligible roles.

Choose programs and IIMs

Select the IIM programs you want to be considered for. Read each program’s eligibility carefully so your choices match your profile.

Select test cities (preferences)

Pick your preferred exam cities in order (multiple choices allowed). Allocation depends on availability, so keep realistic nearby options too.

Upload required documents

Upload a recent passport photo, signature, and applicable category/PwD certificates in the prescribed formats. Use clear, legible scans to avoid rejection.

Review your application

Use the preview to check every field-name, marks, categories, cities, and uploads. Correct errors now; some fields may be locked after payment.

Pay the application fee

Pay securely via card/net banking/UPI. Wait for the success confirmation; don’t refresh the page mid-transaction. A fee receipt is generated after payment.

Submit and save the form

After successful payment and final submit, download the application PDF and fee receipt. Keep them for future reference.

Documents Required for CAT 2026

Document	What to Upload / Use
Passport-size Photograph	Recent color photo on plain background, as per CAT format (JPEG/PNG).
Signature	Clear signature on white paper, scanned and cropped as per CAT format.
Photo ID (for details)	Aadhaar/Passport/PAN/Voter ID/Driving License (keep details handy to match personal info).
Category Certificate (SC/ST)	Latest certificate in the prescribed format, duly signed and stamped.
NC-OBC Certificate	Non-Creamy Layer OBC certificate in the prescribed format and validity period.
EWS Certificate	Valid EWS certificate in the prescribed format for the current financial year.
PwD Certificate	Certificate as per RPwD Act, 2016 in the prescribed format.
Final-Year Candidate Certificate (if applicable)	Certificate from college/university confirming you’re completing degree requirements.
Name Change Proof (if applicable)	Gazette/affidavit/marriage certificate supporting any name change.

More important resources for CAT exam:

CAT Exam Analysis	CAT VARC Syllabus
CAT DILR Syllabus	CAT Exam Syllabus
CAT Practice Questions	CAT Percentile vs Score
Best Books for CAT Exam	CAT Verbal Ability Questions
CAT Quant Questions	CAT Quant Syllabus
CAT VARC Questions	CAT Reading Comprehension Questions

CAT 2026 Registration Fees

The registration fee for CAT 2026 must be paid online during the final step of the application process. The fee amount varies by category as shown below:

Category	CAT 2026 Registration Fee
General / EWS / NC-OBC	₹2,600
SC / ST / PwD	₹1,300

The fee is non-refundable and must be paid only through online modes such as credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI.
Transaction charges (if any) are borne by the candidate.
Your application will be considered incomplete until the payment is successfully processed.
Once the fee is paid, candidates can download the application summary PDF and payment receipt for reference.

CAT 2026 Syllabus

The CAT exam syllabus is divided into three main sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

Each section tests your reasoning, comprehension, and problem-solving skills.

Section	Syllabus & Topics
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)	Reading Comprehension (RC) passages Para jumbles (Jumbled Paragraphs) Sentence completion & correction Para Summary Odd sentence out Vocabulary in context Inference-based questions
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)	Data tables and charts (bar graph, line graph, pie chart) Caselets (data-driven problem sets) Data sufficiency Venn diagrams Seating arrangement Blood relations Puzzles and games-based reasoning Syllogisms & logical connectives
Quantitative Ability (QA)	Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Averages, Time & Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Simple & Compound Interest, Profit & Loss, Mixtures & Alligations) Algebra (Equations, Inequalities, Progressions, Functions, Logarithms) Geometry & Mensuration (Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry, Solid Geometry) Number System (Divisibility, Factors, LCM & HCF, Remainders, Base System) Modern Math (Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Set Theory)

CAT 2026 Exam: Difficulty Level (Expected)

Based on recent exam trends, the CAT 2026 exam is expected to maintain a moderate to high difficulty level. While the pattern will likely remain the same, the challenge usually lies in the logical complexity of questions and the time pressure of just 40 minutes per section.

Section	Expected Difficulty Level	Key Insights
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)	Moderate to Difficult	RC passages may be lengthy and inference-based. Grammar and para-summary questions test logical flow and comprehension.
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)	Difficult	Sets are often tricky with interlinked data. Logical puzzles may require multi-layer reasoning and careful data analysis.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	Moderate	Arithmetic and Algebra dominate, but time management remains crucial. Questions test conceptual clarity more than formula memorization.

CAT 2026 is expected to be slightly tougher than the previous year if trends continue.
Most candidates find DILR to be the hardest section due to complex caselets.
Accuracy and smart question selection will be the key to scoring high.
Regular mock analysis and revision of weak areas will help you adapt to the expected difficulty.

CAT 2026 Preparation: Top Tips to Follow

If you are wondering how to prepare for CAT 2026, must follow these expert tips:

Start CAT 2026 Preparation Early

Begin at least 10–12 months before the exam. Early preparation gives you time to build strong concepts, analyze progress, and adjust strategies before attempting CAT mock tests.

Follow a Structured Study Plan

Create a weekly timetable covering all three sections. Break complex topics into smaller goals and track improvement regularly through practice sessions and CAT online coaching classes.

Focus on Concept Clarity, Not Rote Learning

CAT rewards understanding over memorization. Strengthen fundamentals in Quant, DILR, and VARC through consistent practice and guidance from mentors during your CAT 2026 preparation journey.

Take Regular CAT Mock Tests

Attempt one full-length CAT mock test every week initially, then increase frequency. Analyze each mock test deeply to find weak areas and develop smart time management techniques.

Learn from Experts and Mentors

Join the best online CAT coaching by LPT to get expert mentorship, personalized feedback, and proven strategies that help you score high in CAT 2026.

Best Books and Study Material for CAT Exam 2026

These are the most recommended CAT preparation books and study material:

Section	Books / Study Material	Author / Publisher	Why It’s Recommended
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT NCERT Maths (Class 8–10)	Arun Sharma (McGraw Hill) Sarvesh K. Verma (Arihant) NCERT	Covers all difficulty levels with CAT-level examples. Great for concept-building and high-level problem-solving. Best for clearing basics before advanced chapters.
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)	How to Prepare for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning for CAT Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT	Arun Sharma (McGraw Hill) Nishit K. Sinha (Pearson)	Great graded difficulty + multiple caselet types. Focus on reasoning patterns and shortcuts.
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)	How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and RC for CAT Word Power Made Easy The Hindu / The Economist / Aeon Essays	Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay Norman Lewis —	Perfect mix of RC, grammar & vocabulary practice. Boosts vocab & comprehension naturally. Improves reading speed & understanding.
Full-Length Practice & Mocks	CAT Mock Tests Previous Year CAT Papers	LPT Edtech Official	AI-powered mock analysis + topic tests. Best for understanding real exam trends.

CAT 2026 Practice Papers

Use the previous year papers of CAT for real practice:

Year	Link
CAT 2025 Question Paper	Download Free
CAT 2024 Question Paper
CAT 2023 Question Paper
CAT 2022 Question Paper
CAT 2021 Question Paper
CAT 2020 Question Paper
CAT 2019 Question Paper

CAT 2026 Admit Card

The CAT admit card 2026 will tentatively be released in the first week of November 2026, most likely around 5th November 2026.

It will be available for download on the official CAT website – www.iimcat.ac.in. Candidates must log in using their User ID and Password created during registration to access it.

Particular	Details
Admit Card Release Date	5th November 2026 (Tentative)
Mode of Availability	Online only (No physical copy sent)
Official Website	www.iimcat.ac.in
Credentials Required	User ID and Password
Details Mentioned	Candidate’s Name, Application Number, Roll Number, Exam Date & Time, Exam Center Address, Reporting Time, Exam Instructions
Documents to Carry on Exam Day	CAT Admit Card (Printed), Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License)

CAT 2026 Result

The CAT 2026 result is expected to be released in the fourth week of December 2026, only a few weeks after the exam. Candidates can check their results and download the scorecard from the official website – www.iimcat.ac.in using their registered login credentials.

Particular	Details
Expected Result Date	4th Week of December 2026
Mode of Release	Online only
Credentials Required	User ID and Password
Details Mentioned on Scorecard	Candidate’s Name, Roll Number, Registration Number, Sectional Percentile, Overall Percentile, Normalized Score
Validity of Scorecard	1 Year (for 2026–27 admission cycle)
Re-evaluation / Re-checking	Not Allowed
Result Format	Downloadable PDF scorecard

CAT 2026 Selection Process

The CAT 2026 selection process for IIMs and other top B-schools in India involves multiple stages. While the CAT score is the primary shortlisting factor, the final admission depends on overall performance across different parameters.

Here’s a complete step-by-step overview:

1. Appear for CAT 2026 Exam

All candidates must appear for the CAT 2026 exam, expected on 29th November 2026. The test evaluates performance across three sections – VARC, DILR, and QA – each contributing to the overall percentile.

2. Check CAT 2026 Result and Percentile

The result will be declared in December 2026. Each candidate receives a sectional and overall percentile. Based on these scores, IIMs and other institutes release their shortlisting criteria.

3. Shortlisting for WAT, PI, and GD Rounds

After the result, individual IIMs publish shortlisted candidate lists for the next stage — Written Ability Test (WAT), Personal Interview (PI), and sometimes Group Discussion (GD).
Shortlisting depends on CAT percentile, academic record, category, and work experience.
Candidates receive interview calls through their registered email IDs.

4. Appear for WAT / PI / GD Rounds

Shortlisted candidates must appear for these rounds at their allotted centers or online:

WAT (Written Ability Test): A short essay or written response on a current or abstract topic.
PI (Personal Interview): Assesses communication skills, personality, and academic clarity.
GD (Group Discussion): Conducted by some non-IIM institutes to test teamwork and leadership.

5. Calculation of Final Composite Score

Each IIM prepares a composite score based on multiple components:

Component	Weightage (Approx.)
CAT 2026 Score	40–60%
Personal Interview (PI)	25–35%
Written Ability Test (WAT)	10–15%
Academic Record	10–20%
Work Experience	5–10%
Gender / Academic Diversity	5–10%

Weightage may differ for each IIM; exact criteria are released separately on their official websites.

6. Final Admission Offer

Candidates with the highest composite scores receive final admission offers from IIMs or participating B-schools. They must confirm acceptance by paying the admission fee within the given deadline.

India’s Top CAT/MBA Prep Programs:

List of IIMs Accepting CAT 2026 Scores

All Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) accept CAT 2026 scores for admission to their MBA, PGDM, and other
management programs. There are 21 IIMs in India, divided into three generations: old, new, and baby IIMs.

S.No	IIM Name	Location	Established
1	IIM Ahmedabad	Gujarat	1961
2	IIM Bangalore	Karnataka	1973
3	IIM Calcutta	West Bengal	1961
4	IIM Lucknow	Uttar Pradesh	1984
5	IIM Kozhikode	Kerala	1996
6	IIM Indore	Madhya Pradesh	1996
7	IIM Shillong	Meghalaya	2007
8	IIM Rohtak	Haryana	2010
9	IIM Ranchi	Jharkhand	2010
10	IIM Raipur	Chhattisgarh	2010
11	IIM Tiruchirappalli (Trichy)	Tamil Nadu	2011
12	IIM Kashipur	Uttarakhand	2011
13	IIM Udaipur	Rajasthan	2011
14	IIM Mumbai	Mumbai	1963
15	IIM Nagpur	Maharashtra	2015
16	IIM Visakhapatnam	Andhra Pradesh	2015
17	IIM Amritsar	Punjab	2015
18	IIM Bodh Gaya	Bihar	2015
19	IIM Sambalpur	Odisha	2015
20	IIM Jammu	Jammu & Kashmir	2016
21	IIM Sirmaur	Himachal Pradesh	2015

Other Top B-Schools in India Accepting CAT 2026 Scores

Apart from the 21 IIMs, several prestigious non-IIM B-schools in India accept CAT 2026 scores for admission to their MBA and PGDM programs. These institutes are known for their strong faculty, placements, and academic excellence.

S.No.	Institute Name	Location
1	Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), University of Delhi	Delhi
2	SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR)	Mumbai
3	Management Development Institute (MDI)	Gurgaon
4	Institute of Management Technology (IMT)	Ghaziabad
5	Xavier Institute of Management (XIM)	Bhubaneswar
6	International Management Institute (IMI)	New Delhi
7	FORE School of Management	New Delhi
8	Great Lakes Institute of Management	Chennai / Gurgaon
9	Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA)	Chennai
10	Department of Management Studies (DoMS), IIT Delhi	Delhi
11	Department of Management Studies (DoMS), IIT Madras	Chennai
12	Department of Management Studies (DoMS), IIT Roorkee	Roorkee
13	Vinod Gupta School of Management (VGSoM), IIT Kharagpur	Kharagpur
14	Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management (SJMSOM), IIT Bombay	Mumbai
15	Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)	Delhi / Kolkata / Kakinada
16	T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI)	Manipal
17	Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR GSB)	Sri City (Chennai)
18	K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management	Mumbai
19	NITIE (Now IIM Mumbai)	Mumbai
20	Goa Institute of Management (GIM)	Goa
21	Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH)	Greater Noida
22	Bharathidasan Institute of Management (BIM)	Tiruchirappalli
23	Institute of Rural Management (IRMA)	Anand
24	Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM)	New Delhi
25	MICA (Mudra Institute of Communications)	Ahmedabad

Explore additional free resources for CAT Exam:

CAT DILR Mock Test	CAT VARC Mock Test
CAT Quant Mock Test	CAT Study Material

CAT 2026 vs Other MBA Entrance Exams

While CAT 2026 is the most popular and widely accepted MBA entrance exam in India, there are several other competitive exams like XAT, NMAT, SNAP, CMAT, and MAT that offer admission to top B-schools. Below is a detailed comparison to help you understand how CAT stands out.

Exam Name	Accepting Institutes	Exam Date (Expected)
CAT 2026	21 IIMs + 1000+ B-schools	29th November 2026
XAT 2027	XLRI + 150+ Institutes	3 January 2027
NMAT 2026	NMIMS + 40+ B-schools	October–December 2026
SNAP 2026	15 Symbiosis Institutes	December 2026
CMAT 2026	1000+ AICTE-Approved B-schools	April 2026
MAT 2026	600+ Institutes	Held Multiple Times a Year

CAT 2026 remains the most prestigious and competitive exam, opening doors to all IIMs and elite B-schools.
XAT focuses more on decision-making and essay writing, making it ideal for students targeting XLRI.
NMAT and SNAP allow multiple attempts, offering flexibility to improve scores.
CMAT and MAT are better suited for candidates targeting Tier-2 and Tier-3 management institutes.
Aspirants aiming for IIMs or top private colleges should prioritize CAT 2026, and use other exams as backup options for wider opportunities.

Prep Tips from CAT Toppers

Learning from those who’ve already cracked the exam can make a big difference in your CAT 2026 preparation.

Keshav Grover – From a Small Town to an IIM Graduate

Coming from a small town in Punjab, CAT topper Keshav Grover had limited exposure to MBA entrance exams. In his first attempt, he scored 65 percentile without formal coaching. However, with disciplined self-study and a focused strategy, he improved significantly. In his second attempt, he scored 91 percentile, eventually securing admission to IIM Jammu.

Keshav’s Tips for CAT 2026 Aspirants:

Consistency beats intensity: Study regularly, even if it’s just a few hours a day.
Mocks reveal your strengths and weaknesses: Analyze every CAT mock deeply instead of chasing scores.
Focus on fundamentals: Don’t skip basics, especially in QA and DILR.
Balance preparation with rest: Avoid burnout. Staying mentally fresh is key to performance.

Siddhant Sharma – CAT 2024 Topper with a Strategic Approach

CAT Topper Siddhant Sharma scored 99.94 percentile in CAT 2024 through smart planning and disciplined execution. His success came from understanding the exam pattern, mastering time management, and staying calm during the test.

Siddhant’s Tips for CAT 2026 Aspirants:

Start early: Begin your CAT 2026 preparation at least 10–12 months before the exam.
Practice under exam conditions: Simulate real test scenarios while attempting mocks.
Use data-driven preparation: Track performance section-wise and focus on improving weaker areas.
Stay confident and composed: A calm mindset on exam day matters more than last-minute revisions.

CAT 2026 Coaching

LPT brings you the same legacy of success that has produced 100+ IIM calls every year. Whether you prefer online learning or classroom sessions, our online CAT coaching programs are designed to help you prepare strategically with expert mentorship, AI-powered analytics, and structured study material.

Online Coaching for CAT 2026	CAT Coaching in Jaipur
CAT Coaching in Bhopal	CAT Coaching in Gwalior
CAT Coaching in Jodhpur	CAT Coaching in Mumbai
CAT Coaching in Nagpur

Why Choose LPT for CAT 2026 Preparation?

24+ years of excellence in test prep and mentoring toppers.
AI-powered learning system for accuracy and rank improvement.
Personal mentorship from IIM alumni and senior faculty.
Printed books, eBooks, and national test benchmarking.

CAT 2026 Scholarship Test

LPT offers India’s biggest CAT Scholarship Test for aspirants who aim to begin their MBA journey with expert mentorship at an affordable cost. Through this test, you can earn up to 100% scholarship on both our online and offline CAT coaching programs.

Particular	Details
Scholarship Offered	Up to 100% Fee Waiver
Applicable On	CAT 2026 Online & Offline Programs
Mode of Test	Both Online and at LPT Centers
Eligibility	Open to all CAT 2026 aspirants
Basis of Award	Performance in Scholarship Test
Registration Fee	Free (No Charges)

FAQs About CAT Exam 2026

Who conducts the CAT 2026 exam?

Every year, one of the IIMs conducts the CAT exam. The conducting IIM for CAT 2026 will be announced in July 2026 along with the official notification.

When will the CAT 2026 notification be released?

The official notification for CAT 2026 will likely be released in mid-July 2026 on the official website.

When will CAT 2026 registration start?

CAT 2026 registration is expected to start from 1st August 2026.

What is the last date to apply for CAT 2026?

The CAT 2026 registration last date will likely be 20th September 2026.

How many times is CAT conducted in a year?

CAT is conducted once every year, usually on the last Sunday of November.

Is there any age limit for CAT 2026?

No, there is no age limit to appear for the CAT exam.

Can final-year students apply for CAT 2026?

Yes, final-year undergraduate students are eligible to apply, but they must provide proof of completing their degree before admission.

Can I switch between sections during the CAT exam?

No, section switching is not allowed. You can only move to the next section after completing the allotted 40 minutes.

How is the CAT percentile calculated?

CAT uses a normalization process to adjust scores across sessions, followed by a percentile ranking to compare candidates’ performance.

What is a good score in CAT 2026?

A 99+ percentile is considered excellent for top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta. A 90+ percentile can secure calls from newer IIMs.

Will there be a normalization process in CAT 2026?

Yes, normalization is applied to ensure fairness across the three different sessions of the exam.

Can I prepare for CAT 2026 without coaching?

Yes, but joining a reputed institute like LPT gives you structured guidance, mock test analytics, and mentorship from IIM alumni – all of which improve success chances.

Is work experience mandatory for CAT?

No, work experience is not mandatory. Both freshers and working professionals can apply for CAT 2026.

Still have questions related to CAT exam 2026?

Talk to our mentors at LPT and get personalized guidance for your CAT 2026 preparation – from registration to final IIM selection.