The CAT 2026 test is scheduled for 29 November 2026 (expected), organized by IIM Kozhikode. To participate, ensure you meet the CAT eligibility criteria and register on the official website. Complete the registration form, upload required documents, and pay the application fee online.
CAT 2026
The Common Admission Test (CAT), conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), is a computer-based exam for MBA/PGDM admissions. It’s one of India’s toughest entrance exams, accepted by 21 IIMs and many B-schools. Over two lakh candidates compete annually for limited seats with high cut-offs.
CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
Eligibility Criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) from a recognized university or equivalent.
- Final-year students or those awaiting results may apply, submitting a completion certificate by the specified deadline.
- Professional degree holders (CA/CS/ICWA/FIAI) with the required percentage are eligible.
Marks Calculation
- Percentage follows university criteria. CGPA is converted to percentage per university guidelines.
Selection Verification
- Eligibility may be verified at any stage. Candidates must maintain a valid email and mobile number.
Reservation
Seats are reserved as per government norms, based on current central government lists:
- Category: Scheduled Caste (SC) - Reservation: 15%
- Category: Scheduled Tribe (ST) - Reservation: 7.5%
- Category: Non-Creamy Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC) - Reservation: 27%
- Category: Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) - Reservation: Up to 10%
- Category: Persons with Disabilities (PwD) - Reservation: 5%
Age Limits
No age restrictions for CAT eligibility.
Work Experience
No work experience required for CAT. Freshers and experienced candidates can apply, though some B-schools may consider experience during admission.
Number of Attempts
No limit on CAT attempts.
CAT 2026 Exam Dates and Exam Pattern
Check the CAT exam important dates and exam pattern before joining online coaching. The table below helps understand the exam pattern and plan your preparation strategy.
| Event
| Details
|
| CAT 2026 Notification |
July 2026 (expected) |
| Registration |
August - September 2026 (expected) |
| Admit Card |
November 2026 (expected) |
| Exam Date |
November 2026 (expected) |
| Result |
January 2027 (expected) |
| Exam Pattern |
3 Sections: VARC (24 questions), DILR (20-22 questions), QA (22 questions) |
| Duration |
120 minutes (40 minutes/section) |
| Question Types |
MCQs and TITA |
| Marking |
+3 for correct, -1 for wrong MCQ, no negative for TITA |
What is the CAT eligibility criteria for getting into IIMs?
Eligibility for IIM admission through CAT remains consistent over the years. Work experience, extracurricular activities, academic background, and admission scores influence selection. Work experience is not mandatory for IIM admission.
Who is not eligible for CAT 2026?
As defined by IIMs, the following conditions make you ineligible for CAT 2026:
- If you have neither completed any bachelor’s degree nor pursued one.
- If you have completed any professional degree but not bachelor's degree.
- If you score below 50% as General Category and below 45% as SC/ST/PwD candidates.
- If your Bachelor’s degree is not recognized by AICTE/UGC/MHRD-Govt. of India.
What are the Reservation Criteria in IIMs?
IIMs follow the given reservation format:
| Category |
Reserved Seats (In Percentage) |
| Schedule Cast (SC) |
15% |
| Schedule Tribe (ST) |
7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC) |
27% |
| Economically Weaker Section |
10% |
| PWD(Persons with Disability) |
3% |
Over the years the CAT eligibility criteria has more or less remained the same since 2014. For more information check the official CAT website.
FAQs Regarding CAT Eligibility 2026
1. What is the validity of CAT score?
CAT scorecard is valid for 1 year only.
2. Can I appear for CAT in my third year?
If it is the final year of your graduation you can take the CAT exam.
3. Is CAT only for MBA/PGDM programs?
Yes, the institutes need CAT scores only for MBA/PGDM admissions.
4. Who determines the CAT Exam Eligibility?
IIMs decide and declare the eligibility criteria for CAT.
5. Is class 12th marks considered for CAT?
No, class 12th marks have no role in CAT eligibility.
6. Can I give CAT after my master degree?
Yes, you can give CAT after any master degree.
7. Can I get admission in IIM after class 12th?
You can get admission in only the five-year integrated programs offered by some of the IIMs. However, you cannot seek admission in two-year MBA/PGDM or appear in CAT without a bachelor degree.
8. Can I get into an IIM without taking CAT?
In case of MBA/PGDM admissions, IIMs require CAT scores. However, they also accept GMAT scores. So if you plan not to give CAT, you need to have gained a good score in GMAT.
9. Are CAT scores accepted in any foreign B-schools?
Yes, there are a few foreign institutes that accept CAT scores for MBA/MIM/other masters in management. These include HEC Paris, SP Jain School Of Global Management, Singapore Management University, etc.
10. Can I appear for CAT if I have a backlog in graduation?
Yes, you can take CAT in spite of a backlog. However, you need to clear it before taking admission in any of the B-schools.
11. Can 12th pass apply for CAT?
No, you need to be a graduate student or be in the final year of graduation in order to sit for CAT.
12. Does 12th marks matter in CAT?
Class 12th marks do not matter in CAT but do have an impact on your B-school admissions.
13. Can I give CAT after BSC?
Yes, you can take CAT after any sort of bachelor degree provided it is approved by UGC or an equivalent authority.
14. What is the passing marks in CAT?
There are no passing marks mentioned by the CAT committee. However, different B-schools do have different CAT cut-offs. So if you are targeting a specific set of B-schools, you need to be aware of their cut-off figures and study accordingly. Most top B-schools have a cut-off of 90+ percentiles.
15. Can I clear CAT in 1st attempt?
Yes, you surely can. Several freshers and working professionals have cracked CAT in their first attempt with focused and dedicated preparation. It is not a surprise that some of the 99 percentilers did it in their first attempt. So, you can too!
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