CAT 2026 Exam Date Out and Three-Session Schedule Announced

CAT 2026 Exam Date: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore has officially announced the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 examination schedule. According to the official notification, CAT 2026 will be conducted on Sunday, November 29, 2026, in three separate sessions at examination centres across the country.

The Common Admission Test is one of India's most competitive MBA entrance examinations. Every year, lakhs of candidates appear for the exam to seek admission to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other leading management institutes that accept CAT scores. Candidates planning to appear for CAT 2026 should now begin their preparation according to the official exam timeline.

CAT 2026 Exam Date Highlights

CAT 2026 Exam Date Officially Announced

IIM Indore has confirmed that the CAT 2026 examination will take place on November 29, 2026. Similar to previous years, the examination will be conducted in multiple shifts to accommodate candidates at test centres across India.

Candidates can submit their application forms from August 3, 2026, while the registration window will remain open until September 15, 2026. Only successfully registered candidates will be able to download their admit cards before the examination.

CAT 2026 Three-Session Exam Schedule

CAT 2026 will be conducted in three sessions on the same day. Candidates will be assigned one session based on the examination authority's allotment.

Candidates should report to their allotted examination centre well before the reporting time mentioned on their admit card. Entry after the gate closing time is generally not permitted.

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

The CAT 2026 examination will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT). The paper is expected to include questions from the following sections:

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

• Quantitative Ability (QA)

The detailed exam pattern, including the number of questions and marking scheme, will be available in the official information bulletin.

CAT 2026 Registration Timeline

Candidates should note the important dates related to the examination.

CAT 2026 Admit Card

The CAT 2026 admit card will be available for download from November 4, 2026, through the official website. Candidates must log in using their registered credentials to access their hall ticket.

The admit card will contain important information such as:

• Candidate's name

• Roll number

• Exam centre details

• Reporting time

• Exam session

• Important examination day guidelines

Candidates must carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo identity proof to the examination centre.

CAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

Candidates appearing for CAT 2026 should keep the following points in mind:

• Reach the examination centre before the reporting time.

• Carry the printed admit card and an original photo ID.

• Do not carry electronic devices, calculators, smartwatches, or any prohibited items.

• Follow all instructions provided by the invigilators and examination authorities.

• Verify the allotted exam session mentioned on the admit card before the exam day.