The CAT 2026 Exam Date is the most awaited announcement for MBA aspirants aiming for the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). As per the latest trends, the Common Admission Test (CAT) is expected to be conducted on November 29, 2026. This national-level entrance exam is the gateway to top-tier B-schools in India. Students must stay updated with the official timeline to ensure they don’t miss the registration window. In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide on the CAT 2026 Exam Date, registration process, and key highlights.
Candidates can access the official portal for all updates regarding the CAT 2026 Exam Date and registration. Once the application portal is active, the direct link will be updated below.
- Official Website: iimcat.ac.in
- Direct Link to Apply: [Click Here to Register for CAT 2026 (Link Will Be Activated in August 2026)]
CAT 2026 Highlights
Understanding the exam structure is vital before the CAT 2026 Exam Date arrives. Here are the quick highlights:
- Exam Name: Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026
- Conducting Body: IIM Indore (Expected)
- Exam Level: National Level
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Status: Notification Expected in July 2026
- Login Details: User ID and Password (generated during registration)
Important Dates for CAT 2026
Mark your calendars with these tentative dates to stay ahead of the competition. While the CAT 2026 Exam Date is fixed for the last Sunday of November, other dates follow a strict pattern.
| Event | Expected Date |
| Official Notification Release | July 26, 2026 |
| Registration Start Date | August 1, 2026 |
| Last Date to Register | September 20, 2026 |
| Form Correction Window | September 24 – 27, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | November 5, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | December 3, 2026 |
| Result Declaration | Second week of January 2027 |
How to Check/Download CAT 2026 Schedule
Follow these simple steps to stay updated on the CAT 2026 Exam Date and download the official notification:
- Visit the official website: iimcat.ac.in.
- On the homepage, look for the “Information Bulletin” or “Media Release” section.
- Click on the “CAT 2026 Notification” link.
- The PDF containing the CAT 2026 Exam Date and full schedule will open.
- Download and save the file for future reference.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Since the CAT 2026 Exam Date is approaching, candidates should focus on the three core sections of the paper. The exam duration is 120 minutes (40 minutes per section).
- VARC: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (24 Questions)
- DILR: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (22 Questions)
- QA: Quantitative Aptitude (22 Questions)
Details Mentioned in CAT 2026 Notification
The official document released before the CAT 2026 Exam Date will contain the following essential details:
- Eligibility criteria (Minimum 50% in Graduation).
- Reservation policy for SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS/PwD.
- Registration fee (Expected ₹2600 for General, ₹1300 for Reserved).
- List of 150+ test cities across India.
- Instructions for the Computer-Based Test.
Important Links
Stay prepared for the CAT 2026 Exam Date by visiting these helpful internal resources:
- CAT 2026 Detailed Syllabus PDF
- Previous Year Question Papers
- Best Books for CAT 2026 Preparation
- IIM Cutoff and Selection Process
FAQs on CAT 2026 Exam Date
Q1. When will the official CAT 2026 Exam Date be announced? The official notification is usually released in the last week of July. However, the exam is traditionally held on the last Sunday of November.
Q2. Who will conduct CAT 2026? Based on the rotation policy, IIM Indore is expected to be the conducting body for the 2026 cycle.
Q3. Can final-year students apply for CAT 2026? Yes, final-year undergraduate students are eligible to apply, provided they complete their degree requirements by the specified deadline.
Q4. Is there an age limit for appearing in the CAT exam? No, there is no minimum or maximum age limit for the CAT exam.
Conclusion
The CAT 2026 Exam Date is expected to be November 29, 2026. Aspirants should begin their preparation early to tackle the high difficulty level of the IIM entrance. Ensure you have your documents ready before the registration begins in August. Stay tuned to this portal for the latest LIVE updates and the direct link to apply.
