CAT 2026 Exam: Complete Guide on Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, IIMs, Dates & FAQs

CAT Exam 2026 Overview – What is CAT and why is it important for MBA aspirants? 

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most important MBA entrance test in India, conducted for admission to management programs offered by various Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The CAT exam is conducted once a year, usually in the month of November or December. It is known for its high difficulty level and intense competition.

If you are preparing for the CAT Exam 2026, you need to have a comprehensive study plan, consistent practice, and a strong understanding of core concepts. You also need to keep yourself updated about CAT 2026 syllabus. You must regularly solve previous years’ CAT question papers, and attempt mock tests to improve accuracy, speed, and time management. With determination, expert guidance, and a focused preparation strategy, you can improve your chances of cracking the CAT exam and securing admission to top IIMs.

CAT Exam Pattern 2026 – Section-Wise Structure, Duration & Marking Scheme 

Although the CAT exam is known for its unpredictability, if you carefully analyse its exam pattern from 2014 to 2025 – it will help you identify a probable structure and recurring trends. Take a look below.

CAT Exam pattern history (2014 – 25)

CAT Exam Question Types & Marking Scheme

CAT 2026 Exam Marking Scheme –

The CAT 2026 Exam Marking Scheme is expected to follow the same structure as recent CAT exams conducted since 2021. 

• Total Questions: 66 (Expected)

• Total Marks: 198

• Marks per Correct Answer: +3

• Negative Marking: –1 (for MCQs only)

• No Negative Marking: TITA (Non-MCQ)

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Section-Wise Number of Questions & Maximum Marks

Once the CAT results are declared, every IIM release their respective shortlists. Shortlisted candidates are then invited to the next stages of the selection process, which may include 

• Written Ability Test (WAT)
• Group Discussion (GD)
• Personal Interview (PI). 

The final selection criteria vary across different IIMs.

CAT Exam 2026 Eligibility Criteria - Age Limit, Qualification & Attempts

A candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years after 10+2) from a recognized Indian university or institution, or an equivalent qualification approved by the Ministry of HRD, Government of India.

Minimum Marks Required in Graduation for CAT Exam 2026 

• For General and OBC – at least 50% marks
• For SC, ST and Persons with Disability – at least 45% Marks

Minimum Marks Required for CAT Exam 2026 if the candidate is in the final year / is awaiting the final year’s result: 

A certificate from the college/university authority is required. It must confirm that the candidate is in the final year or awaiting results. The candidate should have at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) based on available marks.

CAT 2026 Reservation Scheme: Category-Wise Seat Reservation as per Government Norms

Which IIM Will Conduct CAT Exam 2026?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) in India is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The responsibility of organizing and administering CAT is rotated among the IIMs on a yearly basis. The conducting body for CAT 2026 is yet to be finalized. The conducting body is responsible for setting the exam pattern, syllabus, and registration process, conducting the test, evaluating results, and publishing the scorecards.  The list of conducting bodies from 2016 to 2025 is is as follows:

What are the important dates for CAT Exam 2026? 

The CAT 2026 official notification is yet to be released. The following dates are tentative and based on the previous year’s exam cycle. We will update this page immediately once the official notification is announced

The official site to apply for CAT Exam 2026 and the application fee are as follows

CAT EXAM 2026 Syllabus: Complete Subject-Wise Breakdown of All Three Sections –

You must be able to understand the entire syllabus well to be able to crack CAT exam 2026 in the first attempt. Let us have a look at the most important topics you should be focusing upon

Now that you are familiar with the broad syllabus, it is time to focus on the most important topics from each section. 

CAT EXAM 2026 Quantitative Ability Syllabus: Complete Topic-Wise Breakdown for QA Section

List of IIMs Accepting CAT Score and Courses Offered by Each IIM

Please find bellow the list of IIMs, courses offered by them and their official website

Other Major MBA Entrance Exams in India Apart from CAT 

In addition to the Common Admission Test (CAT), there are several other major entrance exams that are accepted by various business schools across the country. These exams cater to different universities, institutes, and management programs. Here are some of the other major MBA entrance exams in India:

1. Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT)
2. Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)
3. Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
4. Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP)
5. NMAT by GMAC
6. Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test (TISSNET)
7. RMA Social Awareness Test
8. MICAT
9. ATMA (AIMS Test for Management Admissions)
10. MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
11. ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test (IBSAT)