CAT 2026: Unlock Your MBA Journey

The Common Admission Test—popularly known as CAT 2026—is the gateway to India’s top business schools, especially the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). For MBA aspirants, the stakes have never been higher. CAT 2026 will be conducted by IIM Kozhikode, with the official notification released on July 27, 2026. This exhaustive resource covers everything—registration, exam pattern, eligibility, syllabus, preparation hacks, and essential tips for cracking CAT 2026

What is CAT 2026? All You Need to Know

The CAT 2026 exam is more than just an aptitude test. It is the launchpad for a remarkable career in management, leadership, consulting, entrepreneurship, and more. Every year, over 2 lakh aspirants appear for CAT 2026, competing for a few thousand seats at IIMs and 1200+ top business schools. A high CAT 2026 percentile can transform your future, providing access not only to world-class education but also to lucrative jobs and unparalleled alumni networks

CAT 2026 promises a level playing field for working professionals and fresh graduates alike. Its online format, section-wise timing, and constantly evolving pattern ensure that only the most diligent, strategic, and resilient candidates make it to the top B-schools in the country.

Important Dates and Timeline for CAT 2026

Getting the calendar right is crucial for students for a smooth and stress-free CAT experience. Here are the key dates you must remember.

Event	Date
Official Notification Release	July 27, 2026
Registration Opens	August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM)
Registration Ends	September 22, 2026 (5:00 PM)
Admit Card Download	November 04, 2026
CAT 2026 Exam Date	November 29, 2026 (Sunday)
Answer Key Release	To be announced
Result Announcement	To be announced

Exam Pattern and Structure: CAT 2026

• Mode: Computer-based test (CBT)
• Sessions: Three sessions on exam day
• Test Cities: Approx. 170 across India
• Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours); 40 minutes per section
• Sections:
  • Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
  • Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
  • Quantitative Ability (QA)
• Total Questions: 68 (may vary slightly)
• Question Types: MCQs and Non-MCQs (TITA)
• Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect MCQ, 0 for non-MCQ
• Medium: English

Syllabus: What to Expect in CAT 2026

The CAT syllabus is divided into 3 sections: Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (RC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI&LR). Below is the syllabus for CAT 2026.

QA	VA &RC	DI & LR
Number System Sequence Averages Series and Progression Simplification Ratio and Proportion Percentage Speed Time and Distance Profit and Loss Quadratic and Linear Equations Functions Geometry Inequalities Logarithms Permutations and CombinationsMensurationCoordinate GeometryMaxima MinimaProbabilitySet TheoryTrigonometry	Unseen Passages Analogies       Antonyms      Sentence Correction Para Jumbles Contextual usage Fill in the blanksMeaning/Usage MatchPara CompletionFact Inference Judgement	Tables                            Data Sufficiency        Pie Charts                      Venn Diagrams            Logical Deduction     Blood Relations          Seating Arrangement   Clocks and Cubes      Cause and Effect

CAT 2026 Registration Process: Step-by-Step

1. Online-only Registration: Visit iimcat.ac.in and click on “Register” to begin the process.
2. Filling Details: Enter personal and academic information such as name, DOB, contact details, marksheets, and work experience (if any).
3. Document Upload: Upload digital copies of passport photograph, signature, and any applicable certificates (category, disability, etc.).
4. Centre Preferences: Choose up to 5 preferred test cities for the exam.
5. Payment of Fees: Pay the application fee (₹2,600 for Gen/EWS/OBC, ₹1,300 for SC/ST/PwD) via credit/debit card, UPI, or net banking.
6. Final Submission: Double-check all details before submitting the CAT 2026 registration form.
7. Admit Card Download: After scrutiny, admit cards will be available online from November 5 till the exam date.

All steps must be completed within the registration window; late or incomplete forms are not accepted

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

• Education: Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
• Final Year Students: Eligible, provided the degree is completed as per schedule
• No Age Limit: CAT 2026 has no upper age boundary
• Work Experience: Not mandatory, but can aid in the B-school selection process.

Selection Process After CAT 2026

1. Exam Score: The CAT score/percentile is the primary shortlisting criterion.
2. Shortlisting for WAT-GD-PI: IIMs and institutes independently release their cutoffs and invite shortlisted candidates for Written Ability Test, Group Discussion, or Personal Interview rounds.
3. Final Merit List: Selection is based on a mix of CAT score, academic record, work experience, and WAT/GD/PI performance.

Every IIM uses its own weightages and parameters—you must check each IIM’s admission policy for specifics

Preparation Strategy for CAT 2026: How to Crack It

Start Early, Stay Consistent

Success in CAT 2026 requires 4–6 months of systematic, disciplined study. Most toppers begin preparation in April–May, ramping up intensity with each passing month.

Study Plan

• Concept Mastery: Start with building foundations in mathematics, reading comprehension, and reasoning.
• Sectional Practice: Daily practice sets in all three sections, rotating focus based on individual strengths/weaknesses.
• Mock Tests & Analysis: Attempt 20+ full-length mocks, simulating the actual test environment. Analyze errors and develop a strategy for each section.
• Timed Practice: Use timers, restrict distractions, and attempt sets under strict exam conditions.
• Revision: Dedicate the final month for revising core concepts and formulas.

Recommended Books & Resources

• For VARC: Arun Sharma, Norman Lewis, RC99 app
• For DILR: Arun Sharma, Nishit Sinha, CAT previous paper sets
• For Quant: Arun Sharma, R.S. Aggarwal, Sarvesh Verma

Join Online Forums or Peer Groups

Engage with online CAT communities for free mock tests, doubt-solving, tips, and peer motivation.

Important Tips for CAT Exam Day

• Reach your centre early with a printed admit card and valid photo ID
• Read all instructions on the admit card thoroughly
• Practice stress management and mindfulness; keep calm during the 2-hour test window
• Attempt the easiest questions first to maximize accuracy; skip difficult ones and return later if time allows

CAT 2026 Application Fees & Financial Assistance

• General, EWS, NC-OBC: ₹2,600
• SC, ST, PwD: ₹1,300

IIMs and many B-schools offer need-based scholarships, so don’t hesitate to apply even if the financial cost seems daunting.

CAT Score vs Percentile 2026 (Expected)

Scores are normalized and percentiles are computed based on performance across the entire pool of test takers and within each session. Key pointers:

• Above 99.5 percentile: Possible IIM A/B/C call
• 97–99 percentile: Other old IIMs, FMS, top private B-schools
• 90–96 percentile: Newer IIMs, top state institutes
• Below 90 percentiles: Opportunities at regional and sectoral institutes

Cutoffs change every year, so always target the highest possible score.

Score	Expected Percentile
127	99.9+
110 – 120	99.7 – 99.9
94 – 103	99 – 99.5
85 – 93	97 – 98
72 – 84	90 – 95
60 – 71	85 – 89
50 – 59	80 – 84

CAT Score vs Percentile Previous Year Analysis

Year	99.9 %ile	99 %ile	95 %ile	90 %ile
2024	127	95.13	70	58
2023	101.43	76.15	54.86	44.36
2026	109	84	62	49

CAT Score vs Percentile for Top IIMs

Based on past admission patterns:

IIM Name	Typical Percentile Requirement	Additional Notes
IIM Ahmedabad	99+ (often 99.6 or higher)	Highest cutoffs; requires balanced high scores in all sections
IIM Bangalore	99+	Slightly lower for candidates with exceptional academic or professional profiles
IIM Calcutta	99+	Strong QA performance often given extra weight
IIM Lucknow	97–99	Competitive for candidates with solid sectional balance
IIM Kozhikode & Indore	96–98	Slightly lower thresholds compared to top three IIMs

Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score in India

Institute Name	Fee (Rs. in lakhs)	Average salary (Rs. in lakhs)
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad	Rs. 25.00 lakhs	Rs.34.45 LPA
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore	Rs. 24.70 lakhs	Rs.35.92 LPA
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta	Rs. 25.00 lakhs	Rs.35.07 LPA
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode	Rs. 20.50 lakhs	Rs.28.05 LPA
Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow	Rs. 21.75 lakhs	Rs.30.00 LPA
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore	Rs. 21.17 lakhs	Rs.25.68 LPA
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai	Rs. 21.00 lakhs	Rs.31.00 LPA
FMS New Delhi	Rs. 2.32 lakhs	Rs.34.10 LPA
SPJIMR, Mumbai	Rs. 22.50 lakhs	Rs.33.00 LPA
MDI Gurgaon	Rs. 24.99 lakhs	Rs.27.67 LPA
IIFT Delhi	Rs. 21.77 lakhs	Rs.29.10 LPA
DMS IIT Delhi	Rs.12.00 lakhs	Rs.25.82 LPA
SJMSOM IIT Bombay	Rs.14.08 lakhs	Rs.28.01 LPA

MBA Colleges Accepting CAT 2026 Exam (80-90 Percentile)

B-School	Program Fee (in Lakhs)	Avg. Placement (in lakhs)
MICA Ahmedabad	Rs. 23.00 lakhs	Rs.19.21 LPA
IMI New Delhi	Rs. 22.00 lakhs	Rs.16.71 LPA
Xavier University Bhubaneswar	Rs. 22.00 lakhs	Rs.19.53 LPA
TAPMI Manipal	Rs. 17.34 lakhs	Rs.13.84 LPA
GIM Goa	Rs. 20.15 lakhs	Rs.14.81 LPA
Great Lakes Chennai	Rs. 20.80 lakhs	Rs.15.10 LPA
FORE School of Management New Delhi	Rs.18.50 lakhs	Rs.16.01 LPA
K J Somaiya Institute of Management Mumbai	Rs. 22.32 lakhs	Rs.12.79 LPA
Welingkar Mumbai	Rs.14.0 lakhs	Rs.12.53 LPA
SDA Bocconi Asia Center	Rs.18.60 lakhs	Rs.15.01 LPA
MDI Murshidabad	Rs. 11.69 lakhs	Rs. 11.76 LPA
BIMTECH Greater Noida	Rs.14.00 lakhs	Rs. 11.10 LPA
IFMR GSB, KREA University	Rs. 15.00 lakhs	Rs. 13.06 LPA
Great Lakes Institute of Management Gurgaon	Rs.15.75 lakhs	Rs. 11.70 LPA
Woxsen University Hyderabad	Rs. 14.40 lakhs	Rs. 9.09 LPA
MDI Murshidabad	Rs. 11.69 lakhs	Rs. 11.76 LPA
JAGSOM Bangalore	Rs.14.90 lakhs	Rs.10.58 LPA
Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida	Rs. 15.75 Lakhs	Rs. 11.29 LPA
XIME Bangalore	Rs. 12.50 lakhs	Rs. 10.75 LPA
CIMP Patna	Rs. 7.65 lakhs	Rs. 7.00 LPA
Rajagiri Business School Kochi	Rs. 7.50 lakhs	Rs. 8.00 LPA
IMI Kolkata	Rs. 9.90 lakhs	Rs. 12.48 LPA
Indus Business Academy – IBA Bangalore	Rs. 10.32 lakhs	Rs. 7.96 LPA
SIES School of Business Studies, Navi Mumbai	Rs. 10.00 lakhs	Rs.  9.10 LPA
Jaipuria Institute of Management Lucknow	Rs.14.75 lakhs	Rs.11.29 LPA
IMI Bhubaneswar	Rs.12.99 lakhs	Rs.12.02 LPA
VIT Business School (VIT) Vellore	Rs.  7.02 lakhs	Rs.  9.68 LPA
Amrita School of Business Coimbatore	Rs. 11.10 lakhs	Rs. 8.98 LPA
B-School	Program Fee (in Lakhs)	Avg. Placement (in lakhs)
ICFAI Business School (IBS) Hyderabad	Rs. 17.01 lakhs	Rs. 9.71 LPA
SDMIMD Mysuru	Rs. 12.70 lakhs	Rs. 10.00 LPA
FLAME University Pune	Rs. 14.40 lakhs	Rs. 11.00 LPA
Welingkar Bangalore	Rs. 14.00 lakhs	Rs. 10.36 LPA
NIA Pune	Rs. 11.00 lakhs	Rs. 12.30 LPA
Jaipuria Institute of Management Lucknow	Rs.14.75 lakhs	Rs.11.29 LPA
PSGIM Coimbatore	Rs. 7.60 lakhs	Rs. 8.89 LPA
NDIM New Delhi	Rs. 12.75 lakhs	Rs. 9.50 LPA
FIIB New Delhi	Rs. 11.55 lakhs	Rs. 8.50 LPA
B-School	Program Fee (in Lakhs)	Avg. Placement (in lakhs)
NSB Bangalore	Rs. 9.10 Lakhs	Rs. 7.10 LPA
SCMS Cochin School of Business	Rs. 7.95 Lakhs	Rs. 7.80 LPA
Globsyn Business School, Kolkata	Rs. 7.80 Lakhs	Rs. 7.39 LPA
RV Institute of Management	Rs. 11.50 Lakhs	Rs. 6.80 LPA

FAQs: All Your CAT 2026 Questions Answered