by The countdown has begun. CAT 2026 is on Sunday, 29 November, which gives you just under six weeks to turn months of practice into a percentile that opens IIM doors. Panic will not help, but a clear plan will. This guide covers the exam date, admit card details, a day-by-day study framework and the B-schools your score can unlock.
CAT 2026 Exam Date and Key Dates
IIM Indore is conducting the exam in three sessions across about 170 test cities. Registration closed on 15 September 2026, so this guide is for students who have already applied.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration closed | 15 September 2026 (5 PM) |
| CAT 2026 admit card | Available from 4 November 2026 |
| CAT 2026 exam date | 29 November 2026 (Sunday) |
| Result | Expected between mid-December 2026 and January 2027 |
| IIM shortlisting | From January 2027 |
Result timing varies across sources, so follow iimcat.ac.in for the confirmed schedule. Eligibility is a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST and PwBD candidates), and final-year students can apply.
Your 40-Day CAT Preparation Strategy
Use the same four-phase approach that toppers repeat every year:
| Phase | Dates | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Diagnose | 21 Oct to 3 Nov | Take two full mocks, list weak topics in each section, fix basics |
| 2. Sharpen | 4 Nov to 15 Nov | Sectional tests daily, download the admit card, check your session and centre |
| 3. Simulate | 16 Nov to 25 Nov | One full mock every alternate day with deep analysis |
| 4. Calm down | 26 Nov to 28 Nov | Revise formulae and error log only, sleep well, no new topics |
Section-Wise Tips for CAT 2026
The paper has three sections, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability, each timed separately. Check the official bulletin for any change in pattern.
- VARC: read two long passages a day and practise identifying the author’s tone and main idea before looking at the options.
- DILR: solve sets by choosing the easiest one first; skipping a hard set early saves precious minutes.
- QA: focus on arithmetic, algebra and number systems, which usually give the most reliable marks.
Exam Day Checklist
Carry a printed admit card and one original government photo ID, because screenshots on phones are not accepted. Reach the centre early, avoid last-minute cramming and trust your preparation.
Top MBA Colleges to Target With Your CAT Score
In the NIRF 2025 management list, IIM Ahmedabad took the top spot with a score of 83.29, followed by IIM Bangalore and IIM Kozhikode, with MDI Gurugram and XLRI Jamshedpur also in the top ten. Each IIM runs its own selection process, so check admission policies for weightage on academics, work experience and interviews. For a deeper look at how rankings are built, read our NIRF Ranking 2026 guide.
CAT 2026 FAQs
Can I still register for CAT 2026? The registration window closed on 15 September, so check iimcat.ac.in for any extension notice; otherwise, start early for CAT 2027.
What is a good CAT percentile? It depends on the college and your profile, so compare each institute’s cut-off pattern before shortlisting.
What Comes Next
Still in school or early college? Explore the best courses after 12th in 2026, prepare for CUET UG 2027, and keep an eye on scholarships 2026-27 to fund your studies.
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