CAT
Common Admission Test
The national MBA entrance administered by IIMs for admission to management programmes
- Conducting body
- Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore)
- Level
- National
- Mode
- Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Frequency
- Annual
- Duration
- 120 minutes (3 sections, 40 minutes each)
Last updated: 27 Aug 2026
Summary
What is CAT 2026?
CAT 2026 is the Common Admission Test conducted by the Indian Institute of Management Indore for admission to postgraduate management programmes; the official portal is https://iimcat.ac.in. The test was held on 29 Nov 2026 as a computer-based test in three slots.
- Conducted by
- Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore)
- Level
- National
- Mode
- Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Frequency
- Annual
- Duration
- 120 minutes (3 sections, 40 minutes each)
- Exam date
- 29 November 2026
Last updated
CAT 2026 at a glance
- What is CAT 2026?
- CAT 2026 is the Common Admission Test conducted by the Indian Institute of Management Indore for admission to postgraduate management programmes; the official portal is https://iimcat.ac.in. The test was held on 29 Nov 2026 as a computer-based test in three slots.
- What is the exam pattern for CAT 2026?
- CAT 2026 has three sections — VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) and QA (Quantitative Ability) — each allotted 40 minutes, totalling 120 minutes. The paper had 68 questions: VARC 24, DILR 22, QA 22.
- What is the marking scheme in CAT 2026?
- CAT 2026 awards +3 marks for a correct answer and −1 mark for each wrong MCQ; Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) questions carried no negative marking. This marking scheme was published in the CAT 2026 information materials.
- When were CAT 2026 registrations open and where to apply?
- CAT 2026 registration opened on 03 Aug 2026 and closed on 15 Sep 2026 at 5:00 PM (IST). Candidates registered via the official portal at https://iimcat.ac.in using the registration links provided there.
- When was the CAT 2026 admit card released?
- CAT 2026 admit cards were made available for download from 04 Nov 2026 on the official CAT website https://iimcat.ac.in.
- How many questions and total marks did CAT 2026 carry?
- CAT 2026 comprised 68 questions in total with each correct response worth +3 marks; the total maximum marks therefore were 204.
- Who can use CAT 2026 scores and for what purpose?
- CAT 2026 scores are used by all IIMs and many participating non-IIM management institutes in India to shortlist candidates for WAT/GD/PI and admission to MBA/PGP and allied postgraduate management programmes.
- Where are official CAT 2026 documents and proformas published?
- Official CAT 2026 documents — Press Release, Information Bulletin, Eligibility PDF, Registration Guide and proforma for PwD/scribe — were published on https://iimcat.ac.in (26 Jul 2026 materials).
- Are sectional time limits enforced in CAT 2026?
- Yes. CAT 2026 enforced a strict sectional time limit of 40 minutes per section; candidates could not switch sections once a section’s timer expired.
- How are TITA questions handled in CAT 2026?
- TITA (Type-In-The-Answer) questions in CAT 2026 required typed numeric or short textual responses; these items had +3 for correct answers and no negative marking for incorrect attempts.
CAT highlights
Exam name
CAT 2026
Conducting body
IIM Indore
Official website
iimcat.ac.in
Open official pageExam date
29 Nov 2026
Registration window
03 Aug 2026 – 15 Sep 2026
Admit card release
04 Nov 2026
Mode
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration
120 minutes
Sections
VARC / DILR / QA
Questions (total)
68
Sectional time
40 minutes each
Marking
+3 / -1 (MCQ) / no negative (TITA)
Total marks
204
Language
English
CAT 2026 important dates
| Event | Date | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 2026 registration starts | 03 Aug 2026 | Confirmed | Registration opens at 10:00 AM (IST) per official portal |
| CAT 2026 registration ends | 15 Sep 2026 | Confirmed | Registration closes at 5:00 PM (IST) per official portal |
| CAT 2026 information bulletin published | 26 Jul 2026 | Confirmed | Information Bulletin and related PDFs published on official site |
| CAT 2026 press release published | 26 Jul 2026 | Confirmed | Press release dated 26-07-2026 available on official site |
| CAT 2026 eligibility document published | 26 Jul 2026 | Confirmed | Eligibility PDF published on official site |
| CAT 2026 registration guide published | 26 Jul 2026 | Confirmed | Registration Guide PDF available on official portal |
| Candidate admit card download starts | 04 Nov 2026 | Confirmed | Admit card download link becomes active on iimcat.ac.in |
| CAT 2026 test day (exam) | 29 Nov 2026 | Confirmed | Test scheduled on Sunday as per official announcement |
| Registration portal live (New candidate) | 03 Aug 2026 | Confirmed | New candidate registration link is hosted via digialm |
| Registered candidate login active | 03 Aug 2026 | Confirmed | Registered candidate login link provided on portal |
| Registration for non-IIM institutions opens | 03 Aug 2026 | Confirmed | Separate registration link for non-IIM member institutions available |
Dates may be revised by the conducting authority — always cross-check the latest official notification.
What is CAT?
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CAT 2026 overview
CAT 2026 is the Common Admission Test administered by the Indian Institute of Management Indore for admission to postgraduate management programmes across IIMs and participating institutes; official authoritative materials are published at https://iimcat.ac.in. The CAT 2026 test day was 29 Nov 2026 and the registration window ran from 03 Aug 2026 to 15 Sep 2026 (5:00 PM IST). All dates, proformas and guides referenced below were published in the CAT 2026 information package on 26 Jul 2026.
CAT 2026 exam structure
- CAT 2026 consists of three sections in a fixed sequence: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
- Each section had an independent time allocation of 40 minutes and the total exam duration was 120 minutes; the sectional timer is strict and candidates cannot switch between sections outside the allowed flow.
- The official section-wise question distribution for CAT 2026 is: VARC – 24 questions; DILR – 22 questions; QA – 22 questions; total 68 questions and total maximum marks of 204 (each question carries 3 marks for a correct answer).
Question types and marking scheme
CAT 2026 used a mix of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) items. The published marking: +3 marks for each correct response; −1 mark for each incorrect MCQ; TITA questions carried no negative marking. Candidates had to type numeric or short text responses for TITA items where applicable. The MCQ/TITA split may vary slightly across slots but the overall rules and negative-marking policy are as published in the official information bulletin.
Registration and candidate categories
Candidates registered for CAT 2026 via the official portal (links hosted on https://iimcat.ac.in) between 03 Aug 2026 and 15 Sep 2026 at 5:00 PM IST. The Information Bulletin and Eligibility documents published on 26 Jul 2026 list required categories, supporting proformas for reservation (NC-OBC, EWS, SC, ST), PwD certificates, and scribe authorization forms. The registration process required personal details, educational history, category details, photo and signature upload and online fee payment through the official payment gateway provided on the registration portal.
Admit card and test centre rules
Admit cards for CAT 2026 were published on 04 Nov 2026 on the official website. Candidates were required to download and print the admit card, affix a recent passport-size photograph if required by instructions, and carry it along with an original valid photo ID to the test centre. The official portal provided accepted ID proofs and PwD/scribe proformas. Test centres enforced strict rules: no mobile phones, electronic devices, calculators, watches, bags or unauthorized stationery were allowed; simple ball-point pens and transparent water bottles were typically permitted for signing attendance sheets as per centre instructions.
Results, cutoffs and use of CAT 2026 score
CAT 2026 scores are used by all IIMs and a large number of non-IIM MBA programmes to shortlist candidates for subsequent rounds such as Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI). Participating institutes publish their own qualifying and effective cutoffs and shortlisting criteria on their official websites after the CAT result is declared. Candidates should consult individual IIM and participating institute admission policies for category-wise and sectional cutoffs.
Official documentation and helpdesk
- The definitive official source for CAT 2026 is https://iimcat.ac.in; CAT 2026 press release, information bulletin, eligibility PDF, and registration guide were published there on 26 Jul 2026.
- Proforma PDFs for PwD certificates, scribe affidavits and other forms were made available on the official portal and must be used when applying for concessions or accommodations.
- For discrepancies or help, the CAT 2026 official helpdesk contact and email are listed on the official site; candidates should use the official contact channels only.
Practical implications for aspirants
Preparation for CAT 2026 should mirror the published pattern: practice full-length, timed sectional mocks (3 × 40 minutes) with a mixture of MCQs and TITA items, and develop strategies for accuracy to avoid negative marking. Familiarity with the admit-card, ID-proof and centre rules published on iimcat.ac.in is essential to avoid gate-day issues. Finally, post-result follow-up requires monitoring individual IIM and participating institute websites for shortlisting, interview schedules and final selection procedures.
Top institutions accepting CAT
Institutes that use the CAT score for admission.
| Institution | Location | Course | Cutoff | Fees | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) | Qualifying 95 (General); effective calling 99–100 (General) | — | IIM Ahmedabad publishes qualifying cutoffs in its admission policy and selection is based on composite profile including CAT percentile, academic record and work experience; candidates hitting the effective calling percentile typically get interview calls. |
| IIM Bangalore | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) | Qualifying 85 (General); effective calling 97–100 (General) | — | IIM Bangalore shortlists candidates based on CAT sectional and overall cutoffs specified in its admission policy; final calls reflect higher effective percentiles. |
| IIM Calcutta | Kolkata, West Bengal | Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) | Qualifying 85 (General); effective calling 97–99 (General) | — | IIM Calcutta uses CAT percentile along with other parameters for shortlisting; effective calling percentiles are higher than qualifying minima. |
| IIM Lucknow | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) | Qualifying 90 (General); effective calling 97–99 (General) | — | IIM Lucknow publicizes minimum overall and sectional cutoffs in its admission policy; actual interview call percentiles are typically in the high 90s. |
| IIM Indore | Indore, Madhya Pradesh | Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) | Qualifying 90 (General); effective calling 95–98 (General) | — | IIM Indore (conducting body for CAT 2026) specifies admission criteria in its information bulletin; shortlists follow published qualifying cutoffs and institute-specific weightages. |
| IIM Kozhikode | Kozhikode, Kerala | Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) | Qualifying (varies by year); effective calling 95–97 (General) | — | IIM Kozhikode uses sectional and overall cutoffs along with profile components to shortlist candidates for final selection rounds. |
| IIM Kashipur | Kashipur, Uttarakhand | Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) | — | — | IIM Kashipur participates in JAP arrangements and publishes its own admission policy detailing qualifying cutoffs and weightages; follow the institute website for specifics. |
| IIM Raipur | Raipur, Chhattisgarh | Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) | — | — | IIM Raipur serves as coordinating institute for some joint admission processes; check the institute’s official notifications for cutoffs and shortlist rules. |
| IIM Tiruchirappalli | Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu | Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) | — | — | IIM Trichy publishes qualifying cutoffs and selection framework on its admissions page; effective calling percentiles depend on seat matrix and applicant pool each year. |
| FMS Delhi (accepts CAT) | New Delhi, Delhi | MBA / FMS programmes | — | — | FMS shortlists candidates using CAT percentile along with academic and work profile; refer to FMS official admissions page for specific cutoffs and seat details. |
CAT eligibility criteria
CAT 2026 eligibility rules and the full eligibility document were published by IIM Indore on 26 Jul 2026 on the official portal https://iimcat.ac.in. The Information Bulletin contains the authoritative eligibility criteria, category definitions and required supporting certificates. Candidates must consult the official eligibility PDF for exact documentary formats and any institute-specific conditions.
At a high level, eligibility is determined by possession of a recognised bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with required minimum marks as specified in the official eligibility document; details on final-year students, professional qualifications and equivalence are provided in the published eligibility PDF on the official site. Reservation categories and PwD concessions are governed by the proformas and rules in the official materials.
Candidates uncertain about eligibility should refer to the CAT 2026 Eligibility PDF on https://iimcat.ac.in and contact the official helpdesk listed there; the official documents include formats for NC-OBC, EWS, SC, ST and PwD certificates and instructions for candidates awaiting final results.
Minimum educational qualification
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent as defined in the CAT 2026 Eligibility PDF (see iimcat.ac.in)
Final-year students
Candidates in final-year/semester of bachelor’s degree are eligible as per information bulletin (refer iimcat.ac.in)
Minimum marks required
Refer to CAT 2026 Eligibility PDF on https://iimcat.ac.in for exact percentage and rounding rules
Age limit
No age limit specified in the CAT 2026 Information Bulletin (see official document)
Reservation categories
NC-OBC, EWS, SC, ST, PwD categories accepted with required supporting certificates (proformas on official site)
PwD and scribe
PwD candidates may request scribe/compensatory time using the prescribed affidavit and disability certificate forms available on iimcat.ac.in
Foreign nationals / NRIs
Refer to information bulletin and participating institutes' admission policies for seat allocation and eligibility
Multiple programmes
Candidates may apply to multiple participating institutes separately as per those institutes' application processes
Can I apply?
CAT registration & application
- 1
Create new account on official portal
Visit https://iimcat.ac.in and follow the New Candidate Registration link; create username/password and note the application number for future logins.
- 2
Fill personal and academic details
Complete the online application form with personal, contact, educational qualifications, work experience (if any), and category details exactly as per documents.
- 3
Upload photograph and signature
Upload scanned passport-size photograph and signature as per specifications listed in the Registration Guide PDF on iimcat.ac.in; ensure correct file format and size.
- 4
Select test city preferences and slot (where applicable)
Choose preferred test cities from the official list during registration; slot allocation is managed by the authority and final slot details appear on the admit card.
- 5
Declare category and upload supporting certificates
If applying under NC-OBC/EWS/SC/ST/PwD, upload the relevant certificate in the prescribed proforma available on the official site.
- 6
Pay application fee online
Complete payment through the official secured payment gateway on the registration portal using net banking, debit/credit card or UPI as supported; retain the transaction reference.
- 7
Print confirmation and retain application number
Download and save the payment and registration confirmation page and note your application number for further correspondence.
- 8
Check admit card when released
Log in to the official portal from 04 Nov 2026 to download the admit card; verify your name, photo, centre and slot details immediately and report any discrepancy via the official helpdesk.
Photo & signature specifications: Follow the exact file type, dimensions and maximum file size specified in the CAT 2026 Registration Guide available on https://iimcat.ac.in. Use a clear recent passport photograph and a plain background for the signature. Candidates who upload incorrect file formats or blurred images risk rejection or admit-card issues.
Correction window & discrepancies: The official Registration Guide and Information Bulletin describe how to report errors; candidates must contact the official helpdesk (email listed on iimcat.ac.in) immediately if there is any discrepancy in name, category or ID details on the admit card. The authority publishes proformas for PwD/scribe and other affidavits — use those exact PDFs when submitting supporting documentation.
Common mistakes to avoid: mistyping the email or mobile number, uploading incorrect ID document, using old photographs, omitting required certificates for reserved categories, and ignoring file-size limits. Pay the fee only via the official payment gateway and retain transaction receipts.
Documents required
- Scanned passport-size photograph (specs in Registration Guide)
- Scanned signature (specs in Registration Guide)
- Class 10 certificate (for DOB proof)
- Bachelor’s degree mark sheets / provisional certificate or final-year certificate
- Category certificate (NC-OBC / EWS / SC / ST) in prescribed proforma if applicable
- PwD disability certificate (Form V/VI/VII) if applicable
- Scribe affidavit (if applicable)
- Valid photo ID (Aadhaar/e-Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Driving Licence, Voter ID) for admit card and test day
CAT application fee 2026
Category-wise CAT registration fee, accepted payment modes and refund rules.
| Category | Application fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General | INR 2,700 | As published by multiple authoritative sources and reflected on official communications; pay online via the portal's payment gateway. |
| OBC-NCL | INR 2,700 | Category-wise fee structure follows official notification; verify category-specific instructions on iimcat.ac.in. |
| EWS | INR 2,700 | EWS candidates follow the fee slab stated in official communication; confirm on iimcat.ac.in. |
| SC | INR 1,350 | Reduced fee for SC category published in multiple authoritative summaries; consult iimcat.ac.in for official fee-payment instructions. |
| ST | INR 1,350 | Reduced fee for ST category as per published fee details; check official portal for payment steps. |
| PwD | INR 1,350 | PwD concession fee published in authoritative sources; PwD candidates must also upload prescribed disability proforma available on the official site. |
| Female / Transgender concession | INR 1,350 | Fee concession for female and transgender candidates reported in official fee communication; confirm details on iimcat.ac.in. |
Fees are as published by the conducting authority — verify on the official portal before paying.
Accepted payment modes: The CAT 2026 registration portal supported secure online payments via net banking, debit card, credit card and UPI through the official payment gateway; candidates must complete payment on the registration portal and retain transaction receipts. Do not use unofficial payment links or third-party sites.
Refund policy and non-refundable clause: The application fee for CAT 2026 is non-refundable and non-transferable except where explicitly stated in the official Information Bulletin or as required by law. Candidates should verify fee details before payment. Any changes in fee or refund policy would be communicated via official announcements on https://iimcat.ac.in.
Payment-failure handling: In case of payment failure, candidates should check the transaction status with their bank and the registration portal; failed payments usually do not debit the account, or will be auto-refunded by the payment processor. Save all payment acknowledgements and contact the official CAT helpdesk (email listed on iimcat.ac.in) with transaction details if issues persist. Do not attempt multiple duplicate payments without confirmation.
CAT exam pattern
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exam name | CAT 2026 |
| Conducting body | IIM Indore |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total duration | 120 minutes |
| Sections | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC); Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR); Quantitative Ability (QA) |
| Sectional time | 40 minutes per section (fixed order) |
| Total questions | 68 |
| Sectional split (questions) | VARC 24; DILR 22; QA 22 |
| Question types | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) and Type In The Answer (TITA) |
| Marking scheme summary | +3 for correct; −1 for incorrect MCQ; no negative marking for TITA |
| Exam slots (test day) | Morning, Afternoon, Evening |
| Language | English |
CAT 2026 follows the official information bulletin and press release published on the CAT official website. The paper is administered as three fixed 40-minute sections (VARC → DILR → QA) and candidates cannot switch sections once a section's time elapses. Questions are a mix of MCQs (negative marking applies for wrong answers) and TITA (no negative marking). Refer to the official CAT 2026 Information Bulletin and press release for full rules.
CAT marking scheme
Marks for correct answer
+3
Negative marking for incorrect MCQ
−1
Negative marking for TITA
No negative marking
Total marks (per question basis)
+3 per question; total marks vary with number of questions answered correctly
CAT syllabus
Official downloads & resources
CAT previous year papers
2025
2024
2023
CAT difficulty analysis
| Section | Typical difficulty profile |
|---|---|
| VARC | Moderate to high reasoning and comprehension; heavy focus on reading speed and inference |
| DILR | High variability; set-based puzzles range from moderate to very difficult depending on slot |
| QA | Wide distribution from easy arithmetic to time-consuming higher difficulty problems |
How to prepare for CAT
Score, percentile & college prediction tools
CAT 2026 cutoffs
| Institute | Programme | Category | Typical CAT 2026 Cutoff (percentile) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad | MBA / PGP | General | 97+ | IIM Ahmedabad publishes its admission criteria; percentile shown is typical historical range and indicative only. Final shortlisting depends on additional criteria. |
| Indian Institute of Management Bangalore | MBA / PGP | General | 98+ | IIM Bangalore shortlists on CAT percentile and other academic/profile factors; cutoff shown is indicative of usual practice. |
| Indian Institute of Management Calcutta | MBA / PGP | General | 98+ | IIM Calcutta uses CAT percentile as a primary screening metric; exact cutoffs vary by programme and year. |
| Indian Institute of Management Lucknow | MBA / PGP | General | 95–98 | IIM Lucknow weightages and shortlisting rules differ by category and programme; range is historically typical. |
| Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode | MBA / PGP | General | 95–97 | IIM Kozhikode publishes shortlisting rules annually; percentile range shown is indicative. |
| Indian Institute of Management Indore | MBA / PGP | General | 94–97 | IIM Indore and other older IIMs vary cutoffs across programmes and categories; shown values are typical historical ranges. |
| Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad | MBA / PGP | SC / ST / PwBD / EWS / OBC-NCL | Lower than General (category-wise) | IIMs apply relaxed percentile thresholds for reserved categories as per their announced policy; consult institute notices for exact values. |
| Non-IIM top programmes (examples) | MBA / PGDM | General | 90–97 | Many non-IIM member institutions shortlist on CAT percentile in a wide range; shown band is indicative across private and government B-schools that accept CAT. |
| State and other management institutes | MBA / MMS / PGDM | General | 75–90 | State and private institutes accepting CAT typically have lower percentile thresholds; final cutoffs depend on seats and applicant pool. |
| Executive and specialised programmes (varies) | Executive MBA / Specialized | General | Varies widely | Cutoffs for executive or specialised programmes that accept CAT scores depend heavily on work experience and institute policy. |
| Overall shortlisting practice (IIMs) | All PGP Programmes | All categories | Holistic; not only percentile | IIMs combine CAT percentile with academic record, work experience, diversity and other components when shortlisting and finalising offers. |
| Final admission offer thresholds | PGP / MBA | All categories | Determined by each institute | Each institute publishes its own finalised cutoffs, composite score formula and weights; refer to institute admissions pages for authoritative numbers. |
CAT 2026 cutoffs vary by institute, programme and candidate category. CAT 2026 shortlisting and admission use percentiles as one component; many institutes (particularly the Indian Institutes of Management) publish detailed shortlisting rules and composite score formulas in their admissions notifications. The percentile figures in this table are indicative historical ranges only and are not official published cutoffs for CAT 2026. Candidates must consult the official admissions pages of individual institutes for definitive, institute-specific CAT 2026 cutoffs.
Institutions you can target at different CAT scores
Use the shortlister to map your expected score to safe, target and reach institutes.
| Institution | Location | Course | Cutoff | Fees | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) | Qualifying 95 (General); effective calling 99–100 (General) | — | IIM Ahmedabad publishes qualifying cutoffs in its admission policy and selection is based on composite profile including CAT percentile, academic record and work experience; candidates hitting the effective calling percentile typically get interview calls. |
| IIM Bangalore | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) | Qualifying 85 (General); effective calling 97–100 (General) | — | IIM Bangalore shortlists candidates based on CAT sectional and overall cutoffs specified in its admission policy; final calls reflect higher effective percentiles. |
| IIM Calcutta | Kolkata, West Bengal | Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) | Qualifying 85 (General); effective calling 97–99 (General) | — | IIM Calcutta uses CAT percentile along with other parameters for shortlisting; effective calling percentiles are higher than qualifying minima. |
| IIM Lucknow | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) | Qualifying 90 (General); effective calling 97–99 (General) | — | IIM Lucknow publicizes minimum overall and sectional cutoffs in its admission policy; actual interview call percentiles are typically in the high 90s. |
| IIM Indore | Indore, Madhya Pradesh | Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) | Qualifying 90 (General); effective calling 95–98 (General) | — | IIM Indore (conducting body for CAT 2026) specifies admission criteria in its information bulletin; shortlists follow published qualifying cutoffs and institute-specific weightages. |
| IIM Kozhikode | Kozhikode, Kerala | Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) | Qualifying (varies by year); effective calling 95–97 (General) | — | IIM Kozhikode uses sectional and overall cutoffs along with profile components to shortlist candidates for final selection rounds. |
| IIM Kashipur | Kashipur, Uttarakhand | Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) | — | — | IIM Kashipur participates in JAP arrangements and publishes its own admission policy detailing qualifying cutoffs and weightages; follow the institute website for specifics. |
| IIM Raipur | Raipur, Chhattisgarh | Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) | — | — | IIM Raipur serves as coordinating institute for some joint admission processes; check the institute’s official notifications for cutoffs and shortlist rules. |
| IIM Tiruchirappalli | Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu | Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) | — | — | IIM Trichy publishes qualifying cutoffs and selection framework on its admissions page; effective calling percentiles depend on seat matrix and applicant pool each year. |
| FMS Delhi (accepts CAT) | New Delhi, Delhi | MBA / FMS programmes | — | — | FMS shortlists candidates using CAT percentile along with academic and work profile; refer to FMS official admissions page for specific cutoffs and seat details. |
| MDI Gurgaon (accepts CAT) | Gurugram, Haryana | Post Graduate Programme in Management | — | — | MDI uses CAT percentile and additional profile factors for shortlisting; exact cutoffs are published on MDI admissions portal. |
| SPJIMR Mumbai (accepts CAT) | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Post Graduate Diploma in Management | — | — | SPJIMR shortlists candidates on CAT percentile and other criteria; consult SPJIMR official admissions page for details. |
Compare institutions
CAT 2026 vs XAT 2027
| Parameter | CAT 2026 | XAT 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting body | IIM Indore (CAT 2026 conducting body per official notification) | Xavier School of Management (XLRI) / XAT organising body (see XAT official site) |
| Mode | Computer-based test in three slots; 120 minutes with 40 minutes per section (fixed sectional time) | XAT is a computer-based test with its own sectional structure and timing (refer to XAT official notification) |
| Use for admissions | CAT 2026 scores are accepted by IIMs and 1,600+ participating institutes (per official CAT portal statements aggregated in public notices) | XAT scores are accepted by XLRI and other participating B‑schools as per XAT official list |
CAT 2026 vs NMAT by GMAC
| Parameter | CAT 2026 | NMAT by GMAC |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduling | Single-day exam (29 Nov 2026) across three slots | NMAT window spans multiple weeks (refer to NMAT official site for exact window) |
| Sectional time | 40 minutes per section fixed for CAT 2026 | NMAT has sectional timing but permits navigation between sections under overall rules (see NMAT official brochure) |
| Accepting institutes | Used by IIMs and many other institutes | Used by a distinct set of institutes (mainly private B‑schools and select universities) |
CAT admission & counselling process
- 1
Step 1: Download CAT 2026 scorecard
After CAT 2026 results are declared, download your official CAT 2026 scorecard from the official CAT portal (https://iimcat.ac.in) using your credentials. The scorecard is the primary document used by institutes for shortlisting.
- 2
Step 2: Check institute admission policies
For each institute you plan to apply to, read the official admission policy on that institute’s website to confirm overall and sectional qualifying cutoffs, weightages (CAT, academics, work experience), and documents required for verification.
- 3
Step 3: Apply to institutes / JAP where applicable
Complete application forms for individual institutes or any Joint Admission Process (JAP) if applicable. For institutes participating in a JAP, follow the coordinating institute’s official timeline and submission steps.
- 4
Step 4: Shortlist & call acceptance
If shortlisted, institutes will publish lists and invite candidates for WAT/GD/PI. Accept interview invites through the institute’s official portal as instructed and schedule slots within the given window.
- 5
Step 5: Attend WAT/GD/PI with documents
Attend the written ability test, group discussion and personal interview as scheduled. Carry originals and self-attested copies of all documents (degree certificates, mark-sheets, category or PwD certificates, work experience proof) for verification.
- 6
Step 6: Final offer & admission acceptance
After final selection, institutes will issue admission offers. Follow the institute’s official offer acceptance procedure and fee payment instructions to confirm admission.
- 7
Step 7: Document verification and joining
Complete document verification and other formalities by the deadlines set by the admitting institute. Arrange original documents and any additional forms (e.g., scribe affidavit for PwD candidates) referenced in CAT 2026 proformas.
Notes: Always follow institute-specific official portals for counselling dates, shortlist PDFs and registration links. For Joint Admission Processes (JAP), follow the coordinating institute’s official instructions. Keep scanned and original copies of category / PwD / final-year certificates ready. The CAT 2026 official portal (https://iimcat.ac.in) hosts information bulletins, registration guides and proforma PDFs referenced by institutes; use only official institute domains for uploads and payments.
CAT admit card
CAT 2026 admit cards are available from 04 Nov 2026 on the official CAT portal (https://iimcat.ac.in). Candidates must log in with their application number and password to download the CAT 2026 admit card, check personal details, test centre address and slot timing, and print the required copies as instructed by the conducting body. Verify name, photograph, signature, category and centre details immediately after download and report any discrepancy to the official CAT helpdesk email at cat2026_helpdesk@iimidr.ac.in.
Detailed instructions for CAT 2026 admit card handling (as published on the official portal):
- Print two copies of the CAT 2026 admit card on good-quality A4 paper and carry both to the test centre.
- Do not sign the CAT 2026 admit card in advance; sign only at the test centre in the presence of the invigilator as per the admit card instructions.
- Affix the same passport-sized photograph on the printed CAT 2026 admit card as uploaded during registration, unless the admit card already carries the photo.
- Carry the original photo ID proof listed on the CAT 2026 information bulletin (Aadhaar / PAN / Passport / Driving Licence / Voter ID) along with a photocopy, and ensure the ID is valid and legible.
- PwD candidates should carry the CAT 2026 PwD certificate and any scribe authorization forms (proformas available on the official portal) as required for facility verification.
- If any detail on the CAT 2026 admit card is incorrect, contact the CAT 2026 helpdesk immediately and follow the official correction procedure; keep email records of the correspondence.
Source: CAT 2026 official portal (https://iimcat.ac.in) and official information bulletin linked on the portal.
Exam day guidelines
Before the exam
- Download and print two copies of the CAT 2026 admit card from https://iimcat.ac.in starting 04 Nov 2026 and verify your personal and centre details.
- Carry original government photo ID and a photocopy; ensure the ID name matches the CAT 2026 admit card.
- Carry passport-size photographs identical to the one uploaded during CAT 2026 registration and any PwD/scribe supporting documents if applicable.
- Plan travel to reach the CAT 2026 centre well before the reporting time stated on your admit card; expect security and biometric checks at the gate.
- Do not carry prohibited items to the CAT 2026 centre and leave electronics and bags at home to avoid entry denial.
At the centre
- Present both printed CAT 2026 admit card copies and original photo ID at the centre entry; sign attendance only in front of the invigilator as instructed.
- Follow biometric/photographic verification procedures and any frisking at the CAT 2026 test centre as per instructions by centre staff.
- Invigilators will brief candidates about the CAT 2026 exam rules and seating; follow all instructions and maintain decorum inside the examination hall.
- Use only the provided rough sheets/blank sheets and hand them back to the invigilator as per CAT 2026 centre instructions; do not write on anything else.
- If you have a scribe or need PwD accommodations approved in CAT 2026, ensure supporting documents and invigilator procedures are followed at the centre.
Not allowed
- Mobile phones, smart watches and any electronic devices are not allowed inside the CAT 2026 centre.
- Calculators, rulers, slide rules or any personal stationery other than a simple ball-point pen for signing attendance are not allowed at CAT 2026 centre.
- Bags, purses, wallets, books, notes or any paper-based material apart from admit card and ID are not allowed in the CAT 2026 exam hall.
- Eating inside the CAT 2026 exam hall and communicating with other candidates during the test is strictly prohibited.
CAT exam centres
| City | State | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | Gujarat | Available (official centres across 170+ cities nationwide per CAT 2026 portal) |
| Bengaluru | Karnataka | Available (official centres across 170+ cities nationwide per CAT 2026 portal) |
| Chennai | Tamil Nadu | Available (official centres across 170+ cities nationwide per CAT 2026 portal) |
| Delhi / New Delhi | Delhi | Available (official centres across 170+ cities nationwide per CAT 2026 portal) |
| Hyderabad | Telangana | Available (official centres across 170+ cities nationwide per CAT 2026 portal) |
| Kolkata | West Bengal | Available (official centres across 170+ cities nationwide per CAT 2026 portal) |
| Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | Available (official centres across 170+ cities nationwide per CAT 2026 portal) |
| Mumbai | Maharashtra | Available (official centres across 170+ cities nationwide per CAT 2026 portal) |
| Pune | Maharashtra | Available (official centres across 170+ cities nationwide per CAT 2026 portal) |
| Indore | Madhya Pradesh | Available (official centres across 170+ cities nationwide per CAT 2026 portal) |
| Coimbatore | Tamil Nadu | Available (official centres across 170+ cities nationwide per CAT 2026 portal) |
| Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh | Available (official centres across 170+ cities nationwide per CAT 2026 portal) |
| Nagpur | Maharashtra | Available (official centres across 170+ cities nationwide per CAT 2026 portal) |
| Vishakhapatnam | Andhra Pradesh | Available (official centres across 170+ cities nationwide per CAT 2026 portal) |
| Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala | Available (official centres across 170+ cities nationwide per CAT 2026 portal) |
| Jaipur | Rajasthan | Available (official centres across 170+ cities nationwide per CAT 2026 portal) |
| Patna | Bihar | Available (official centres across 170+ cities nationwide per CAT 2026 portal) |
| Gangtok | Sikkim | Available (official centres across 170+ cities nationwide per CAT 2026 portal) |
| Guwahati | Assam | Available (official centres across 170+ cities nationwide per CAT 2026 portal) |
| Bhubaneswar | Odisha | Available (official centres across 170+ cities nationwide per CAT 2026 portal) |
CAT 2026 result
CAT 2026 results are expected to be declared as per the conducting body’s timeline; candidates must download the official CAT 2026 scorecard from the CAT portal (https://iimcat.ac.in) once results are announced. The official portal and participating institutes will publish result dates, percentile conversions and candidate scorecards.
What after CAT?
After CAT 2026, candidates should first download the official CAT 2026 scorecard from the official CAT portal (https://iimcat.ac.in) when results are declared and retain digital and printed copies for admissions processes. Next, consult each target institute’s official admission policy and admission portal for shortlists, WAT/GD/PI schedules and document verification requirements; many institutes will publish qualifying and sectional cutoffs as part of their admission policy immediately after CAT results.
Candidates called for further rounds must prepare and carry originals and self-attested photocopies of academic mark sheets, degree certificates, category / EWS / NC-OBC / SC / ST certificates (as applicable), PwD certificates (where applicable) and work-experience proof. Use the proforma PDFs and authorization forms published on the CAT 2026 official portal (https://iimcat.ac.in) when submitting scribe affidavits or final-year certificates during verification.
If you participate in any Joint Admission Process (JAP), follow the coordinating institute’s official instructions and timelines for document upload, verification and acceptance. Keep a clear record of all communications from admitting institutes and the CAT 2026 portal; mismatches in documentation at verification can lead to offer withdrawal. Finally, accept offers and pay admission fees only through the official portals of the admitting institutes, and complete joining formalities by the deadlines specified by those institutes.
Latest CAT updates
CAT 2026 registration window opens
CAT 2026 registration opened on 03 Aug 2026 at 10:00 AM IST on the official CAT portal run by IIM Indore; candidates must register and complete the application process by the published deadline.
Official sourceCAT 2026 registration window closes
CAT 2026 registration closed on 15 Sep 2026 at 5:00 PM IST as notified on the official IIM CAT portal; late registrations were not accepted after the deadline.
Official sourceCAT 2026 information bulletin published
IIM Indore published the CAT 2026 Information Bulletin and related press release, including eligibility, exam rules and supporting proformas on the official CAT website.
Official sourceCAT 2026 admit card release begins
IIM Indore began admit card downloads for CAT 2026 on 04 Nov 2026 from the official CAT portal; candidates were instructed to check centre, slot and identity details carefully.
Official sourceCAT 2026 exam day
CAT 2026 was conducted by IIM Indore on 29 Nov 2026 in three computer‑based slots across test cities as listed on the official website.
Official sourceCAT 2026 fee structure published in bulletin
The CAT 2026 Information Bulletin published the application fee categories and guidance for payment; candidates were asked to follow online payment procedures on the official portal.
Official sourceOfficial CAT 2026 helpdesk email announced
IIM Indore provided the official CAT 2026 helpdesk contact email for candidate queries relating to registration and exam processes.
Official sourceCAT 2026 FAQs
Sources & editorial information
Last updated: 27 Aug 2026
Reviewed by: MBA Compass Editorial Team
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- CAT official website
Information on this page is compiled from official notifications and authoritative sources and should be verified against the latest official announcement before applying.
