Are you thinking about giving CAT 2026? If yes, this article is for you. You will know what CAT is, who can give it, what is the exam pattern, important dates, and how to prepare. Let’s start.
What is CAT?
CAT means Common Admission Test. This is a big exam for those who want to do MBA or PGDM from top colleges in India. These colleges are called IIMs and many other good B-schools. Since the CAT is the entrance exam for the top MBA schools, over 2.5 lakh students take it each year.
Who takes this exam?
IIMs take this exam every year. There are many IIMs in India like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow. Every year, one IIM conducts the CAT exam. For CAT 2026, the name will come later, but the exam will most likely be in last week of November 2026.
CAT 2026 Important Dates (Expected)
| Event | Date |
| Notification | Jul-26 |
| Registration Start | Aug-26 |
| Admit Card Download | Oct-26 |
| Exam Date | Last week of November |
| Result | Jan-27 |
Who Can Give CAT? (Eligibility)
- You must have completed graduation in any subject.
- To graduate, you must receive 50% of the possible points (45% for SC, ST, and PwD).
- Final year students can also apply.
- No age limit. Anyone can give CAT.
How is the CAT Exam? (Pattern)
- It is an online exam on computer.
- There are 3 sections:
- VARC –Reading comprehension and verbal skills (English portion)
- DILR – Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (logic puzzles)
- QA – Quantitative Ability (Maths part)
- Total questions: Around 66
- Total time: 120 minutes (2 hours)
- Time per section: 40 minutes
Marks in Each Section
- VARC – 24 questions (72 marks)
- DILR – 20 questions (60 marks)
- QA – 22 questions (66 marks)
What is in the Syllabus?
CAT does not have a fixed syllabus, but questions usually come from these topics:
- VARC: Reading passages, jumbled sentences, fill in the blanks
- DILR: Tables, charts, puzzles, arrangements
- QA: Arithmetic (percentages, ratio), algebra, geometry, numbers
Which Colleges Accept CAT?
CAT score is accepted by all IIMs and many other good colleges like:
- FMS Delhi
- SP Jain (Mumbai)
- MDI Gurgaon
- IMT Ghaziabad
- XIMB Bhubaneswar
- Great Lakes Chennai
So, one exam gives you many options.
How to Prepare for CAT 2026?
Some simple tips:
- Start early – Avoid waiting until the last minute.
- Clear basics – First, understand basic maths and English.
- Give mock tests – Practice online tests to know your strong and weak points.
- Improve speed – Because time is less in CAT.
- Use online help – You can learn from online classes like iQuanta.
Why is CAT Important?
If you clear CAT, you can study in top MBA colleges. After MBA from these colleges, you can get good jobs with high salary and better career growth.
Final Words
CAT is not easy, but it is possible if you prepare smartly. Many students clear it every year, so you can also do it. Start early, plan well, and practice daily.
