The Common Admission Test (CAT) is scheduled for November 29, 2026, and will be conducted across approximately 170 cities. The registration process has started on August 3, 2026, and closes on September 15, 2026. The two-hour exam will consist of around 68 questions, including both Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type-in-the-Answer (TITA) questions.
The application fee for CAT 2026 has been revised to INR 1,350 for SC, ST, and PwBD candidates and INR 2,700 for unreserved candidates. During registration, candidates can select 5 preferred exam cities. The official notification was released on July 26, 2026, and the results are expected to be declared in the first week of January 2027.
Every year, around 2–3 lakh aspirants appear for the exam, competing for approximately 5,300 seats offered by 21 IIMs, making the competition highly intense. This article is about the CAT notification first; just understand the dates and the exam pattern.
CAT Notification 2026: Important Dates
Mentioned below are the expected CAT 2026 Important Dates. Through this, the aspirants will be able to get familiar with CAT 2026 registration date, last date to register, exam date etc.
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CAT 2026 Important Dates & Timeline
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Important Dates
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CAT 2026 Notification Date
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July 26, 2026
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CAT 2026 Registration Starts
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August 3, 2026
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CAT 2026 Registration Last Date
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September 15, 2026
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CAT 2026 Exam Date
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November 29, 2026
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CAT 2026 Result Date
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First week of January 2027
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CAT 2026
CAT exam 2026 will be conducted by one of the IIMs. After the exam, the results will be provided within one month through SMS. Candidates can also visit the official website to check their scores. Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for the CAT exam. So it is important to create a strategy that will help you get into your dream B-school. Here is what you can expect:
Did you Know: Until the year 2008, CAT was a paper-based test.
CAT 2026: Important Facts
Here is a quick overview of important facts about CAT:
| Name of test |
Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Purpose of test |
Qualifying test for admission to 21 IIMs and 100+ reputed B-schools across India |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date |
November 29, 2026 |
| CAT Entrance exam sessions |
3 Sessions/Slots |
| Slot Timing |
Slot 1 (8.30 am to 10.30 am)
Slot 2 (12.30 pm to 2.30 pm)
Slot 3 (4.30 pm to 6.30 pm) |
| Conducted by |
One of the IIMs (To be announced) |
| Exam type |
National level |
| Periodicity |
Once in a year |
| Score/Percentile Validity |
One Year |
| Annual Number of Test Takers |
2-2.5 lakh |
| Pattern of Test |
MCQs and Non-MCQs |
| Number of Questions |
Approximately 66–68 |
| Test Duration |
2 hours |
| Marking Scheme |
+3 for every correct answer
-1 for each wrong answer (MCQs only) |
| Syllabus |
Questions from VARC, QA and DILR |
| Mode of Conduct |
Computer-based test |
| Application Fee (tentative) |
Rs. 2700/- for General & NC-OBC candidates
Rs. 1350/- for SC/ST/PWD candidates |
| Reservation of seats in IIMs and B-schools |
As per the Government of India regulations |
In the last few years, there have been significant changes in the format of the Common Admission Test (CAT). The number of questions changed from 100 in 2019 to 76 in 2020 and then to 66 in 2021, which was a significant change. In 2024–2025, the number was around 66–68 questions. The same pattern is expected to continue for CAT 2026. Registration will be done online on the official website.
FAQs about CAT 2026 Notification
1. Is the CAT 2026 notification out?
Yes, it was released on July 26, 2026.
2. What is the CAT 2026 exam date?
The CAT 2026 Entrance Exam will take place on November 29, 2026, with three 2-hour sessions: morning, afternoon, and evening.
3. What new changes have been introduced in CAT 2026?
The major change introduced in CAT 2026 is the increase in the application fee from INR 1300 to INR 1350 for SC, ST and PwBD candidates and from INR 2600 to INR 2700 for unreserved candidates.
4. Is there a way to register for CAT 2026 offline?
No, registration for CAT 2026 will be only online.
5. Is 72 a good score in CAT?
No, it is considered a low score.
6. What is the last date for CAT 2026 registration?
The deadline is September 15, 2026.
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