The clock has started for every MBA aspirant: the CAT 2026 Notification is expected in late July 2026, with registration opening shortly after and the exam scheduled for the last Sunday of November. If your goal is an IIM or a top B-school, the window between the CAT 2026 notification and exam day is exactly when preparation intensity decides outcomes. This CAT Gurukul guide covers every expected date, the exam pattern, eligibility, and a clear preparation roadmap so you register on time and study with purpose.
All dates below are marked “expected” until IIM releases the official notification on iimcat.ac.in. Always verify there before acting.
CAT 2026 Notification & Important Dates (Expected)
- Notification: Expected around 26 July 2026
- Registration window: Expected 1 August to 20 September 2026
- Admit card: Expected late October 2026
- Exam date: Expected 29 November 2026 (Sunday)
- Result: Expected January 2027
CAT is conducted by the IIMs on a rotational basis; the specific conducting IIM for 2026 will be confirmed in the official notification. Whatever the conducting institute, the portal remains iimcat.ac.in.
CAT 2026 Eligibility
To be eligible for CAT 2026, you must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (or equivalent CGPA), with a relaxation to 45% for SC, ST, and PwD candidates. Final-year graduation students and those awaiting results are also eligible to apply, subject to meeting the criteria at the time of admission. There is no age limit for appearing in CAT.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
CAT is a computer-based test of two hours, divided into three sections with individual sectional time limits:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
You get a fixed time per section and cannot move between sections. The paper mixes multiple-choice questions (with negative marking for wrong answers) and non-MCQ “type in the answer” (TITA) questions that carry no negative marking. Confirm the exact number of questions and marking scheme in the official notification, as the pattern can be fine-tuned each year.
How to Prepare for CAT 2026
With roughly four months from notification to exam, a structured plan beats scattered effort:
- Build QA fundamentals first. Quant rewards concept clarity and speed — strengthen it through a structured Quantitative Techniques course.
- Read daily for VARC. Reading comprehension improves only with consistent, wide reading — start now, not in November.
- Drill DILR sets under time. Selecting the right sets to attempt is a skill built through timed practice.
- Take full-length mocks weekly. Mocks train sectional time management and reveal your real percentile trajectory.
Keep the momentum structured with mentor-led live classes, get unlimited practice through the All-Access Pass, and if you are just starting out, try a free demo class to see the approach before you commit.
Beyond CAT: XAT, SNAP & Other Exams
A strong CAT score opens the IIMs, but a complete B-school strategy also targets XAT, SNAP, NMAT, and IIFT. Much of the preparation overlaps, so building a solid CAT foundation now positions you well across all of them. Keep your study materials organised and revision consistent using our study materials hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the CAT 2026 notification be released?
The CAT 2026 notification is expected around 26 July 2026 on the official website iimcat.ac.in, with registration expected to open on 1 August 2026. Treat all dates as tentative until the official notification is published.
What is the expected CAT 2026 exam date?
CAT 2026 is expected to be held on 29 November 2026, a Sunday, as a computer-based test. The admit card is expected in late October 2026 and results in January 2027. Confirm on iimcat.ac.in.
What is the eligibility for CAT 2026?
You need a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD). Final-year students may also apply. There is no age limit for appearing in CAT.
What is the CAT 2026 exam pattern?
CAT is a two-hour computer-based test with three sectionally-timed sections — VARC, DILR, and QA. It combines MCQs with negative marking and non-MCQ TITA questions without negative marking.
How long does it take to prepare for CAT 2026?
Most serious aspirants prepare for four to eight months. From the July notification to the November exam, a disciplined plan of concept-building, daily reading, timed DILR practice, and weekly full-length mocks is sufficient to target a strong percentile.
