Updated 23 October 2026
Most CAT candidates think of 29 November as the finish line. In practice, the score is the start of a second stage, the admission process at each institute. Here is what the official CAT 2026 advertisement says about the result and what comes after it.
When is the CAT 2026 result?
The advertisement gives the result declaration date as the first week of January 2027 (tentative). “Tentative” means the date can move. Watch the CAT website, iimcat.ac.in, for the confirmed announcement.
A score is not a shortlist
The advertisement makes an important point in plain words: mere fulfilment of the minimum eligibility criteria will not ensure consideration for shortlisting by IIMs.
In other words, each IIM runs its own shortlisting after the result. A good CAT score is necessary, but IIMs decide whom to call for the next stage using their own published criteria. The detailed rules for each institute’s admission process are on the CAT website and on the IIMs’ own websites. Read the admission policy of every IIM you are interested in, because they are not identical.
Non-IIM institutions
CAT 2026 scores can also be used by listed non-IIM member institutions. The list is on the CAT website. The advertisement adds that the IIMs have no role in the selection process of non-IIM institutions. If you plan to apply to non-IIM institutes through CAT, you will usually need to apply to them separately, by their own deadlines. Check each institute’s website now so you don’t miss an application window while waiting for your result.
Reservations and category
The advertisement directs candidates to the CAT website for information on reservation of seats for various categories. It also states that no change in category will be entertained after CAT registration, so the category you registered under is the one that applies.
What to do between the exam and the result
The weeks between 29 November and early January are useful time:
- Shortlist institutes and note their application requirements and deadlines.
- Collect documents that admission processes commonly ask for, such as mark sheets, certificates and work-experience letters, as each institute specifies.
- Keep preparing for other tests if you are taking them. XAT 2027 is on 3 January 2027 and SNAP 2026 runs in December, according to their official websites.
- Keep your registered email and mobile active. The advertisement requires a valid and unique email and phone number throughout the selection process. That is how you will hear from the IIMs.
Before the result: the exam
None of this matters until the paper is done well. If you are using the final weeks to sharpen accuracy, CAT Gurukul’s free CAT practice questions are a no-cost way to keep VARC, DILR and QA in shape.
Source: Official CAT 2026 advertisement published by the IIMs and the CAT website, iimcat.ac.in. The advertisement states that the information on the CAT website is final.
