Are you planning to give the CAT 2026 exam? Do you want to know the exam date, when the form will come, and how to prepare? Don’t worry. In this blog, We will explain everything.
What is CAT?
Common Admission Test is referred to as CAT. For students who wish to pursue an MBA in India, it is a significant exam. The term MBA refers to Master of Business Administration.
IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) conduct the CAT exam annually. These are top colleges in India for management. If you want to study in IIMs or other good colleges, you need to give the CAT exam.
When will CAT 2026 happen?
The exam happens every year on the last Sunday in November. So, for 2026, the exam date is 29 November 2026. Some people say it can also be 30 November 2026, but mostly it will be 29th because that is Sunday.
Important Dates for CAT 2026
| Event | Expected Date |
| Notification (official news) | Last week of July 2026 |
| Registration starts | First week of August 2026 |
| Registration ends | Third week of September 2026 |
| Admit card download | Last week of October 2026 |
| CAT Exam | 29-Nov-26 |
| Result | Last week of December 2026 |
(These dates are not final. Official dates will come in July 2026.)
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
Before you start studying, you should know the paper style.
Before you start studying, you should know the paper style.
- Total Time: 2 hours
- 3 Sections:
- English (Reading and Verbal)
- Data & Logic (DILR)
- Maths (Quant)
- Question Type: Mostly multiple-choice
- Marks:
- +3 marks for right answer
- -1 mark for wrong answer
Who can give CAT 2026?
- You need a Bachelor’s degree (any stream)
- Minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST)
- Final-year students can also apply
- No age limit
How to apply for CAT 2026?
The registration can be done only on the official site, iimcat.ac.in.
Steps are simple:
- Go to the official website
- Make an account with your email and phone number
- Fill your details in the form
- Upload your photo and signature
- You will need to pay ₹2,400 if you belong to the General category and ₹1,200 if you are SC/ST.
How to start preparing for CAT 2026?
Here are some easy tips for you:
- Start early – Start studying 8 to 10 months before the exam.
- Learn basics first – Make your Maths and English strong.
- Practice a lot – Give mock tests and check your mistakes.
- Time management – Practice to finish the paper in 2 hours.
- Stay updated – Keep checking the official website for news.
Final Words
Therefore, November 29, 2026, is anticipated to be the date of the CAT 2026 exam. Official dates will come in July 2026. If you want to get a seat in a top MBA college, start your preparation now. Study daily, give practice tests, and you will do great.
