CAT 2026 is about to open its doors. The Common Admission Test — the gateway to the IIMs and hundreds of top B-schools — is expected to release its official notification on 26 July 2026, with registration opening around 1 August 2026 and the exam scheduled for 29 November 2026, to be conducted by IIM Indore. That leaves roughly four months between registration and exam day: enough time to build a strong score if you start with a clear plan, and not enough to waste. This guide covers the CAT 2026 timeline, exam pattern, and a month-by-month preparation strategy.
CAT 2026 key dates
| Event | Expected date |
|---|---|
| Official notification | 26 July 2026 |
| Registration window | 1 August – 20 September 2026 |
| CAT 2026 exam date | 29 November 2026 |
| Conducting institute | IIM Indore |
All dates above are tentative and based on the pattern of recent years — the confirmed schedule is announced in the official notification. Always verify on the official portal, iimcat.ac.in, before you register.
CAT 2026 exam pattern
CAT is a two-hour computer-based test of around 68 questions across three sections, with 40 minutes allotted per section and no switching between them:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) — reading passages, para-jumbles, and summary questions.
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) — set-based reasoning and interpretation.
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA) — arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems.
The mix of MCQs and non-MCQ (type-in-the-answer) questions, plus negative marking on MCQs, makes selection of which questions to attempt a core skill — CAT rewards smart question choice as much as raw ability.
Your 4-month CAT 2026 preparation plan
Month 1 (August): fundamentals and diagnosis
Take a full-length diagnostic mock first to see where you stand. Then rebuild fundamentals — arithmetic and algebra for QA, and a daily reading habit for VARC. Structured teaching keeps this phase efficient; our Live Classes cover the full CAT syllabus from the ground up.
Month 2 (September): sectional depth
Go deep, section by section. DILR is where most aspirants gain or lose their percentile — practise a wide variety of sets daily and build the judgement to identify solvable sets fast. Track your weak areas with the My Progress tracker so revision stays targeted. Complete your registration this month so admin work never disrupts study.
Month 3 (October): mock-test grind
Shift to two to three full-length mocks a week under exam conditions, followed by detailed analysis. The learning is in the review — every mock should teach you something about your question-selection and timing. Use the Mastery Challenge to keep accuracy sharp under pressure.
Month 4 (November): peak and taper
Maintain mock frequency but focus on refining strategy — your section-wise time budget, your attempt order, and your accuracy threshold. Taper the intensity in the final week and go into 29 November rested. An All-Access Pass gives you the full mock series and class library for this decisive phase.
Common CAT 2026 mistakes to avoid
- Chasing every question. CAT rewards selection — attempting the right questions beats attempting the most.
- Neglecting DILR. It is the most volatile and most improvable section; practise sets daily.
- Skipping mock analysis. A mock you do not analyse is a mock wasted.
- Ignoring accuracy. With negative marking, a lower attempt at high accuracy often out-scores a reckless high attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is CAT 2026 expected to be held?
CAT 2026 is expected on 29 November 2026, conducted by IIM Indore, with the notification around 26 July 2026 and registration opening in early August. Confirm the final dates on iimcat.ac.in.
When does CAT 2026 registration open?
CAT 2026 registration is expected to open around 1 August 2026 and remain open until about 20 September 2026, as per recent-year trends. The exact window is confirmed in the official notification.
What is the CAT 2026 exam pattern?
CAT 2026 is a two-hour computer-based test of about 68 questions across three sections — VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude — with 40 minutes per section and negative marking on MCQs.
Is four months enough to prepare for CAT 2026?
Yes, four focused months from registration to exam day are enough to build a strong percentile if you follow a disciplined plan — fundamentals, sectional depth, and a heavy mock-test phase with rigorous analysis.
Start your CAT 2026 preparation now
With the notification days away and the exam roughly four months out, CAT 2026 rewards the aspirant who starts with a plan and treats every mock as a lesson. Build your fundamentals, master DILR, and make smart question selection your signature skill. Begin today, and give your IIM dream the four months it deserves.
