The CAT Exam Date 2026 is one of the most awaited announcements for MBA aspirants in India. The Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted every year by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to top B-schools like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, and other prestigious management institutes across the country.

If you are planning to appear for the CAT 2026 exam, this blog will guide you through the expected exam date, registration schedule, eligibility criteria, and important updates.

🗓️ CAT Exam Date 2026 (Expected Schedule)

While the official notification for the CAT Exam 2026 is yet to be released, based on previous years’ patterns, the exam is expected to be conducted on Sunday, November 29, 2026.
Below is the tentative schedule for your quick reference:

🎯 About the CAT Exam 2026

The CAT (Common Admission Test) is a computer-based entrance exam for admission into MBA and PGDM programs across India. It evaluates candidates on three main sections:

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

The total exam duration is 2 hours, with 40 minutes for each section.

🧾 CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, candidates should check the eligibility criteria carefully:

• Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD).
• Age Limit: No upper age limit.
• Final Year Students: Candidates appearing in the final year of graduation are also eligible.

💻 CAT 2026 Registration Process

The CAT 2026 registration will be conducted online through the official IIM CAT website
Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website and click on “New Candidate Registration.”
2. Fill in personal, academic, and professional details.
3. Upload a recent photograph and signature.
4. Pay the application fee online using a debit/credit card or UPI.

Expected Application Fee (2026):

• ₹2400 for General / OBC
• ₹1200 for SC / ST / PwD

🎟️ CAT 2026 Admit Card

The CAT 2026 admit card will be released in October 2026. It will include:

• Candidate’s name and roll number
• Exam date, time, and venue details
• Instructions for exam day

Candidates must carry a valid photo ID proof along with the admit card to the exam center.

📊 CAT 2026 Result & Scorecard

The CAT result 2026 is expected in January 2027. It will include:

• Section-wise scaled scores
• Overall percentile
• Qualifying status for IIM shortlisting

🏫 Top Colleges Accepting CAT 2026 Scores

Apart from the 21 IIMs, several top B-schools accept CAT scores, including:

• FMS Delhi
• SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai
• MDI Gurgaon
• IMT Ghaziabad
• IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay (Management Departments)

📚 CAT 2026 Preparation Tips

1. Start your preparation at least 6–8 months before the exam.
2. Focus on mock tests and time management.
3. Analyze previous year CAT question papers.
4. Join online coaching or study groups for strategy improvement.

🧩 Conclusion

The CAT Exam Date 2026 marks the start of a new journey for thousands of MBA aspirants. Stay updated with official notifications from IIMCAT and plan your preparation smartly. With consistent effort and the right guidance, cracking CAT 2026 and securing admission to your dream B-school is entirely possible!