CAT Exam Date 2026: Complete Schedule, Slots, Admit Card and Result

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is the most popular national-level management entrance exam conducted across India. It is the main entrance to the hallowed gates of the prestigious 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and more than 100 other renowned business schools in the country, including places like FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon and also some IIT programs.

IIM Indore has been the official conducting body for the exam during the academic session 2026. If you are a budding management student, it is important to know the timeline, format, and evolution of the competition to plan your route to success in preparation.

CAT 2026 Complete Examination Schedule

The official CAT 2026 notification came out on July 26, 2026, and it laid out the operating calendar for the whole admission test. The timeline below outlines the important dates for the current exam cycle:

 CAT 2026 Slot Timings and Exam Day Logistics

The computer-based test will be conducted in about 170 identified cities in India. Considering the large number of candidates, the test is conducted in three different sessions or slots on 29th November 2026. The format of the exam sessions is consistent throughout the country:

• Slot 1 (Morning Session): 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM IST

• Slot 2 (Afternoon Session): 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM IST

• Slot 3 (Evening Session): 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM IST

Candidates are expected to arrive at the venue about 90 minutes before the time of their slot. Entry to the exam will be denied after the 15-minute period before the exam starts, and will not be allowed at any other time. CAT 2026 Test Centre Details, Reporting time, and address will be clearly mentioned in the CAT 2026 Admit card of the candidate.

CAT 2026 Registration Trends and Analysis

One of the most important points to consider for the ‘26 season is the final registration number. The number of successful candidate registrations increased to 2.84 lakh following the extension of the candidate registration window. This marks a significant drop of 3.73% from the number of successful applications in CAT 2025, which were 2.95 lakh.

A decline in applications does not necessarily mean that the number of total test takers decreases, but it does mean the competitive threshold to achieve a 99+ percentile is quite high. This change should be viewed as a chance to get a seat by being consistent with simulated mock exams.

Understanding the CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

The test is highly structured and objective. Total examination time is 120 minutes (2 hours). Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD) are given an additional 53 minutes and 20 seconds per section.

The exam is clearly segmented into three parts which are to be answered in a specific and irreversible sequence. Candidates may not alternate between sections and will not be allowed to see another section of the exam until the end of the 40-minute time limit for the individual section.

Read More : MBA Colleges Without CAT

Marking Scheme Details

There are two types of questions in the evaluation: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) or non-MCQ questions.

• Correct Answer: +3 marks for MCQs and TITA questions.

• Incorrect MCQ Answer: -1 mark deducted (Negative marking).

• Incorrect Answer (TITA): 0 marks deducted (No negative marking for non-MCQs). 

Section-wise Strategy and Key Prep Areas

For a competitive percentile on November 29, candidates need to perfect their preparation strategies in the three separate components of the exam:

1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

This section will measure critical thinking, reading rate and contextual word recognition. About 70% of the section consists of Reading Comprehension passages.

• Focus Areas: Multiple editorial reading from mainstream texts, paragraph jumbles, summary questions, and odd sentences out.

• Practice: Read 2-3 high-level passages each day, with strong time limits to develop speed reading and structural tracking skills.

2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

DILR is usually the most unpredictable and volatile area of the paper which tests structural problem-solving skills.

• Focus Areas: Matrix arrangements, games and tournaments, set theory, complex data tables, and missing data networks.

• Practice: Avoid relying purely on formulas. Rather, choose the right sets to solve, but do not choose cracked sets as they will award highly concentrated marks.

3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

The final part requires a perfect blend of conceptual knowledge and speed of operation.

• The focus areas are: Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratios, Time-Speed-Distance), Algebra, Geometry, and Number Systems.

• Practice: Practice a lot of calculation paths and remove options to shorten times in the last 40 minutes of the exam.

Read More : CAT Syllabus 2026

Crucial Post-Exam Admission Sequence

Getting a good percentile in the computer-based test is just the first step in the selection process. Candidates must go through a long and detailed selection process for final selection which involves them at different stages in an IIM or any prestigious non-IIM institute.

1. Results and Percentile Declaration: The raw scores across the slots are adjusted for minor variations in difficulty and scaled sectional and overall percentiles are published in late December/early January.

2. Shortlisting Criteria: Each of the institutions publish particular cutoffs according to the combination of various scores, which includes your CAT result and your previous academic record (Class 10th, 12th, and Graduation).

3. Selection Rounds: The shortlisted candidates sit for the written ability test (WAT) and personal interview (PI) which are mandatory rounds of the Selection Rounds.

4. Final Composite Score Computation: Final Admission offer is given based on a combined weightage of exam score (40-60%), interview performance (25-35%) and diversity factors & working experience (rest of the weightage).

Read More : Download CAT PYQs

Exam-Day Checklist

• Admission card (printed) and valid photo ID card

• Arrive to the center early and check the route the day before.

• Bring only items that are allowed and follow the directions given by the center.

• Start with the section order provided by the system and apply a clear time plan within each section.

• Stay calm if one question or set goes wrong, and move on quickly

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1. What is the CAT 2026 exam date?

The CAT 2026 exam will be conducted in three sessions on Sunday, 29 November 2026 all over India.

2. Which institute is conducting CAT 2026?

The host of CAT 2026 is the IIM Indore and it is returning to host it for the first time since 2020.

3. Am I still eligible to appear for CAT 2026?

No. Registration opened 3 August 2026 and closed 15 September 2026. Those who missed out can start preparing for the next cycle and can opt for the other MBA entrance exams in the interim.

5. What is the expected date for the CAT 2026 Admit Card?

It will be available around 4 November 2026 on the official website and will be available to download up until exam day. Please refer to the official notice for the proper date.

5. When are the timings for CAT 2026 slots?

The usual timings are 8:30–10:30 AM, 12:30–2:30 PM and 4:30–6:30 PM. The reporting time and slot in which you are allotted for the exam is printed on your admit card.

6. When will the CAT 2026 result be declared?

The result is tentatively expected in the third to fourth week of December 2026. Institutes will then start the shortlisting and selection process.