CAT Entrance Exam: Eligibility, Exam Date, Syllabus, Registration & Fees

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most recognised management entrance examinations in India. It is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to postgraduate management programmes. CAT 2026 will be held on November 29, 2026, in computer-based mode and serves as the gateway to MBA, PGP, and other management programmes offered by IIMs. CAT scores are also accepted by several non-IIM institutions across India for admission to their management courses.

Candidates planning to pursue management education should understand the CAT 2026 eligibility criteria, registration process, exam pattern, important dates, reservation policy, and selection process before submitting their application. Since each IIM follows its own admission policy after the CAT exam, candidates should also check the specific eligibility and selection requirements of the institutes they wish to apply to.

CAT Exam Date 2026

The CAT Exam 2026 will be conducted on Sunday, November 29, 2026, in three sessions as a Computer-Based Test (CBT). The registration process will begin on August 3, 2026, and candidates can submit their applications until September 15, 2026. Admit cards will be available for download from November 4 to November 29, 2026, while the CAT 2026 result is expected to be announced in the first week of January 2027.

CAT Exam Eligibility

The CAT 2026 eligibility criteria are prescribed by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Candidates must fulfil the minimum academic requirements before submitting their application.

Key eligibility criteria:

• Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwBD candidates) from a recognised university or institution.
• Candidates in the final year of their Bachelor's degree or those awaiting results are also eligible to apply. If selected, they must submit the required certificate from their university/institution within the prescribed timeline.
• Candidates who have completed CA, CS, CMA (ICWA), or FIAI with the required percentage are also eligible.
• Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee shortlisting for admission. Each IIM follows its own selection process and admission policy.

CAT Exam Syllabus

The CAT exam syllabus covers three main sections. These are tested in a computer-based format within a fixed time limit.

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) This section tests reading and language skills. It includes reading comprehension passages and grammar-based questions.

2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) This section tests analytical thinking. It includes data sets, charts, graphs, and logical puzzles.

3. Quantitative Ability (QA) This section tests mathematical skills. It covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems.

Each section is timed separately. The overall exam duration is approximately two hours and forty minutes. The exact pattern and number of questions may change each year.

CAT Exam Fees

The official CAT 2026 registration fee is:

Important points:

• The registration fee is paid only once, irrespective of the number of IIMs selected.
• SC, ST, and PwBD candidates must upload the relevant category certificate during registration.
• Registration fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.

CAT Exam Registration

The CAT 2026 registration process is conducted online through the official CAT website.

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the official CAT website during the registration period.
2. Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
3. Fill in personal, academic, and work experience details.
4. Upload the required documents and category certificates (if applicable).
5. Select up to five preferred test cities.
6. Pay the registration fee online.
7. Submit the application and save the confirmation page.

Candidates must maintain the same valid email ID and mobile number throughout the admission process. No change in category is allowed after registration.

CAT Exam Test Centres

CAT 2026 will be conducted in approximately 170 test cities across India. During registration, candidates can select five preferred test cities. One city will be allotted based on availability. If none of the selected cities are available, a nearby test city may be allotted. The final test centre details will be mentioned on the admit card.

Institutes Accepting CAT Scores

CAT 2026 scores are accepted by:

• All 22 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to MBA, PGP, Executive MBA, PhD, and other management programmes.
• Non-IIM member institutions that have officially registered to use CAT 2026 scores for admission.

Each institute follows its own eligibility criteria, cut-offs, shortlisting process, and final selection policy. IIMs are not responsible for the admission process of non-IIM institutions.

Key Takeaways