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

The Common Admission Test 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. The CAT Entrance Exam is accepted by IIMs and several other participating institutions across the country.

Candidates planning to pursue management education should understand the examination pattern, eligibility requirements, registration process, and important dates before applying.

Note: The information provided below is based on the official CAT 2025 notification. Since the CAT 2026 notification has not yet been released, all dates, fees, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, reservation policies, and other details should be treated as provisional references only.

CAT Exam Date 2026

Based on the CAT 2025 pattern, the CAT exam date 2026 is expected to fall in late November 2026. The exam is likely to be conducted in three sessions on a single day.

For reference, the CAT 2025 schedule was as follows:

Candidates should keep checking the official CAT website for confirmed CAT 2026 dates once the notification is released.

CAT Exam Eligibility

The CAT exam eligibility criteria are set by the IIMs. Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognised university. The minimum marks required may vary by category.

Key points to note:

• Fulfilling the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee shortlisting by IIMs.

• Candidates in their final year of graduation may also apply.

• Detailed eligibility conditions are published on the official CAT website.

Candidates should read the official notification carefully before applying. Eligibility rules may differ slightly from year to year.

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

Based on CAT 2025, the CAT exam fees are as follows:

Important points about fees:

• A candidate pays the fee only once, regardless of how many IIMs they apply to.

• Fees once paid are non-refundable under any circumstances.

• No change in category is allowed after registration is complete.

These figures are based on CAT 2025 and may be revised for CAT 2026.

CAT Exam Registration

The CAT registration process is conducted entirely online through the official CAT website. Candidates should keep all required documents ready before beginning the application.

Here is a simple step-by-step overview:

1. Visit https://iimcat.ac.in during the registration window.

2. Create a new account using a valid email ID and mobile number.

3. Fill in personal, academic, and work experience details.

4. Upload the required documents as specified.

5. Select up to five preferred test cities in order of preference.

6. Pay the registration fee online.

7. Submit the application and save the confirmation.

Candidates must maintain a valid and unique email account and mobile number throughout the selection process. No changes to the selected category are allowed after registration closes.

CAT Exam Test Centres

The CAT Entrance Exam is conducted in approximately 170 test cities across India. During registration, candidates can choose up to five preferred test cities in order of preference.

The final allotment depends on availability and administrative considerations. Candidates should select their preferred cities carefully while completing the application form.

Institutes Accepting CAT Scores

CAT scores are accepted by:

• All 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)

• Several leading public and private business schools

• Hundreds of participating management institutes listed on the official CAT website

Candidates should verify the admission criteria of individual institutes, as each may have its own shortlisting process, cut-offs, and selection stages.

Key Takeaways

• The CAT Entrance Exam is held once a year, usually in November.

• It is a computer-based test conducted in three sessions.

• The exam covers three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA.

• Registration is done online through the official CAT website.

• Scores are valid for admission to IIMs and many other top institutions.

The CAT Entrance Exam remains an important management entrance examination for MBA aspirants across India. Candidates should stay updated with official announcements regarding eligibility, registration, fees, and examination dates. 

Since the CAT 2026 notification has not yet been released, all details discussed above should be considered provisional and subject to change upon publication of the official notification. The CAT Entrance Exam requires consistent preparation and a structured study plan for effective performance.