CAT 2026 Exam Date, Admit Card, Syllabus & Complete MBA Admission Journey
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CAT 2026 Exam Date, Admit Card, Syllabus & Complete MBA Admission Journey
CAT 2026 is the gateway to MBA/PGP programmes at the IIMs and is also accepted by many leading B-schools in India. CAT 2026 is scheduled for November 29, 2026, while the admit card is scheduled to be released on November 4, 2026. The CAT 2026 result is officially expected in the first week of January 2027.
For an aspirant, however, the CAT journey does not end with the exam. After the test comes the response sheet, answer key, result, percentile, college shortlisting, WAT/PI or other selection rounds, admission offer, fee payment and finally joining the MBA programme.
This guide explains the complete CAT 2026 journey step by step.
CAT 2026 Important Dates
| CAT 2026 Event | Date / Expected Timeline |
| CAT 2026 Notification | July 25, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Registration Starts | August 3, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Registration Closes | September 22, 2026 |
| Application Fee Payment Deadline | September 24, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Correction Window | October 5–6, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Admit Card | November 4, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key | December 2026 |
| Answer Key Objection Window | December 2026 |
| Final Answer Key | December 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Result / Scorecard | First week of January 2027 |
| IIM Shortlisting | January–February 2027 |
| WAT / PI / Selection Rounds | February–April 2027 |
| Final Admission Offers | April–May 2027 |
| MBA Programme Begins | 2027 |
The correction window announced for CAT 2026 allows registered candidates to make selected changes, including photograph, signature and test-city preferences.
Important: Dates after the CAT result can vary from one IIM or B-school to another. Candidates should check the admission policy and deadlines of every college they are shortlisted for.
CAT 2026 Exam Date
The CAT 2026 exam is scheduled for Sunday, November 29, 2026.
The examination is scheduled to be conducted in three sessions:
| Session | Timing |
| Slot 1 | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM |
| Slot 2 | 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM |
| Slot 3 | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
CAT 2026 will be conducted as a computer-based test across test cities in India.
Candidates should download their admit card well before the examination date and carefully check the exam centre, reporting time, photograph, signature and candidate details.
CAT 2026 Admit Card
The CAT 2026 admit card is scheduled to be released on November 4, 2026 through the official CAT website.
Candidates can download it by logging into their CAT account.
How to Download CAT 2026 Admit Card
- Visit the official CAT website.
- Click on Registered Candidate Login.
- Enter your CAT user ID and password.
- Open the admit card/download section.
- Download the PDF.
- Check your exam centre and reporting instructions.
- Take a printout and keep it safely for exam day.
Candidates should not wait until the last day to download or print their admit card.
CAT 2026 Syllabus
The CAT syllabus is broadly divided into three sections:
| CAT Section | Major Topics |
| VARC | Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd Sentence Out, Verbal Ability |
| DILR | Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Tables, Charts, Arrangements, Games & Tournaments, Selection, Distribution, Networks |
| QA | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Modern Mathematics, Mensuration |
VARC
The VARC section primarily tests reading comprehension and verbal reasoning. Important areas include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Para Summary
- Para Jumbles
- Odd Sentence
- Sentence Completion
- Verbal Reasoning
DILR
DILR requires candidates to interpret information and solve multi-condition logical sets.
Important areas include:
- Tables
- Bar Graphs
- Pie Charts
- Caselets
- Arrangements
- Games & Tournaments
- Ranking
- Scheduling
- Selection
- Distribution
- Networks
- Venn Diagrams
Quantitative Aptitude
QA generally includes:
- Arithmetic
- Percentages
- Profit & Loss
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Time & Work
- Ratio & Proportion
- Averages
- Mixtures & Allegations
- Algebra
- Equations
- Number System
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Modern Mathematics
For detailed preparation:
CAT 2026 Exam Day: What Happens?
Your CAT journey on the actual exam day follows a fairly simple sequence.
Reach the centre → verification → biometric/photo verification → enter examination lab → login → VARC → DILR → QA → submit → exit after instructions.
Carry the documents and items specifically permitted by the CAT authorities. The instructions printed on the admit card should always be treated as the final reference.
What Happens After CAT 2026?
The CAT exam is only the beginning of the MBA admission journey. Once the exam is over, candidates move through several stages — from checking their answers and CAT percentile to receiving college calls, appearing for interviews and finally completing admission formalities.
| Stage | What Happens? | What Should You Do? |
| CAT Exam | You appear for VARC, DILR and QA and complete the examination. | Note down your performance and start tracking important post-exam updates. |
| Response Sheet & Answer Key | Your recorded responses and the provisional answer key are released. | Check your responses and raise objections if required. |
| CAT Result & Percentile | Your scorecard shows your overall and sectional percentile. | Use your percentile to identify suitable IIMs and other MBA colleges. |
| College Shortlisting | IIMs and other B-schools begin releasing their shortlists based on their individual admission criteria. | Track college portals, emails and application deadlines carefully. |
| WAT / PI / Other Rounds | Shortlisted candidates may be invited for Personal Interviews, Written Ability Tests or other selection rounds. | Prepare for academics, current affairs, work experience and common MBA interview questions. |
| Final Selection | Colleges evaluate candidates according to their respective admission policies and release final selection lists. | Compare the offers, programme, fees, placements and career opportunities. |
| Admission Offer | Selected candidates receive an offer with an acceptance deadline and payment instructions. | Read the offer carefully and complete the required formalities before the deadline. |
| Fee Payment & Document Verification | Candidates submit documents and pay the required admission/acceptance fee. | Keep academic certificates, ID proof and other required documents ready. |
| MBA Admission & Joining | After completing all formalities, students complete registration and join the MBA programme. | Follow the institute's joining, orientation and registration instructions. |
CAT Exam → Answer Key → Result & Percentile → College Shortlist → WAT/PI → Final Selection → Admission Offer → Fee Payment → Joining
Not sure which colleges you can target with your CAT percentile?
Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT: Fees, Placements & Reviews
| CollegeCity | City | CAT Accepted | Approx. MBA Fee | Average Placement | Google Rating |
| IIM Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | Yes | ₹27.50 Lakh | ₹35.22 LPA | 4.7/5 |
| IIM Bangalore | Bengaluru | Yes | ₹26.00 Lakh | ₹35.35 LPA | 4.6/5 |
| IIM Calcutta | Kolkata | Yes | ₹27.00 Lakh | ₹35.00–36.00 LPA | 4.6/5 |
| IIM Lucknow | Lucknow | Yes | ₹20.75 Lakh | ₹32.30 LPA | 4.5/5 |
| IIM Kozhikode | Kozhikode | Yes | ₹23–26 Lakh | ₹28.18 LPA | 4.5/5 |
| IIM Indore | Indore | Yes | ₹20.00 Lakh | ₹29.57 LPA | 4.5/5 |
| IIM Mumbai | Mumbai | Yes | ₹25.00 Lakh | ₹29–31 LPA | 4.6/5 |
| IIM Shillong | Shillong | Yes | ₹26.00 Lakh | ₹26.44 LPA | 4.5/5 |
| FMS Delhi | New Delhi | Yes | ₹2.43 Lakh | ₹32.27 LPA | 4.4/5 |
| SPJIMR | Mumbai | Yes | ₹26.50 Lakh | ₹32–34 LPA | 4.5/5 |
| MDI Gurgaon | Gurugram | Yes | ₹30.60 Lakh | ₹31.08 LPA | 4.4/5 |
| IIFT Delhi | New Delhi | Yes | ₹21–22 Lakh | ₹27.30 LPA | 4.4/5 |
| IIT Delhi – DMS | New Delhi | Yes | ₹12–13 Lakh | ₹24–25 LPA | 4.5/5 |
| IIT Bombay – SJMSOM | Mumbai | Yes | ₹15–16 Lakh | ₹25+ LPA | 4.5/5 |
| IIT Kharagpur – VGSoM | Kharagpur | Yes | ₹10–11 Lakh | ₹22–23 LPA | 4.5/5 |
| JBIMS | Mumbai | CAT/Other routes vary | ₹6–8 Lakh | ₹26–28 LPA | 4.6/5 |
| IMT Ghaziabad | Ghaziabad | Yes | ₹23.00 Lakh | ₹17.65 LPA | 4.2/5 |
| IMI New Delhi | New Delhi | Yes | ₹23–24 Lakh | ₹16–18 LPA | 4.2/5 |
| XIM University | Bhubaneswar | Yes | ₹24–25 Lakh | ₹19.53 LPA | 4.4/5 |
| FORE School of Management | New Delhi | Yes | ₹23–24 Lakh | ₹16–17 LPA | 4.2/5 |
MBA College Fees vs Placement: Why Compare Both?
The fee of an MBA programme is only one part of the decision.
For example, FMS Delhi has historically had a much lower programme fee than many IIMs, while its reported average placement has remained strong. Similarly, IIM programmes generally involve a significantly higher fee but offer a different academic environment, alumni network and career ecosystem.
Instead of looking only at the highest package, compare:
Fees + Average Placement + Career Outcomes + Location + Programme + Admission Criteria + ROI
CAT 2026 Admission Journey: Quick Summary
| Stage | What You Need To Do |
| 1. CAT Registration | Complete application and payment |
| 2. Correction Window | Correct permitted details if required |
| 3. Admit Card | Download and verify exam details |
| 4. CAT Exam | Attempt VARC, DILR and QA |
| 5. Response Sheet | Check recorded responses |
| 6. Answer Key | Compare your answers |
| 7. Objection | Raise valid objections if required |
| 8. Final Answer Key | Wait for final evaluation |
| 9. CAT Result | Download scorecard and percentile |
| 10. College Shortlist | Check IIM and B-school calls |
| 11. WAT/PI | Attend institute-specific selection rounds |
| 12. Final Merit List | Check admission decision |
| 13. Offer Acceptance | Accept the offer before the deadline |
| 14. Fee Payment | Pay the required amount |
| 15. Document Verification | Submit and verify documents |
| 16. Joining | Complete registration and join the MBA programme |
What Should You Do After CAT 2026 Result?
Once your CAT percentile is available, don't wait for every IIM to announce a shortlist before researching your options.
A practical approach is to divide colleges into three groups:
Target Colleges
Colleges where your CAT percentile and profile may make you competitive.
Realistic Colleges
Institutes where your percentile is around the recent selection range and your profile fits the admission criteria.
Backup Colleges
CAT-accepting B-schools and alternative entrance-based colleges that keep your MBA options open.
Compare colleges based on:
CAT Cutoff | Fees | Average Placement | Location | Programme | Admission Process | ROI | Career Goals
Check Your College Options
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FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q: When is CAT 2026?
CAT 2026 is scheduled for November 29, 2026.
Q: When will the CAT 2026 admit card be released?
The CAT 2026 admit card is scheduled to be released on November 4, 2026.
Q: When will CAT 2026 results be declared?
The CAT 2026 result is expected in the first week of January 2027.
Q: What is the CAT 2026 syllabus?
CAT primarily covers VARC, DILR and QA, including topics such as reading comprehension, verbal ability, data interpretation, logical reasoning, arithmetic, algebra, geometry and number system.
Q: What happens after CAT results?
After the CAT result, candidates check their percentile, track IIM and B-school shortlists, attend applicable WAT/PI or other selection rounds and then wait for final admission decisions.
Q: Is there a common CAT counselling or choice-filling process?
No. CAT does not have one universal counselling and choice-filling process for all IIMs and CAT-accepting colleges. Individual IIMs and B-schools have their own shortlisting and admission procedures.
Q: Do I need to apply separately to MBA colleges after CAT?
It depends on the institute. Some colleges collect information through the CAT application, while others may require a separate application or additional admission formalities.
Top Colleges Covered in this Blog


Located in the educational landscape of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad was established in 1961 to deliver transformative education. Conforming to regulatory norms of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) / UGC through its affiliation with Gujarat State University, the institution offers students an integrated foundation across business strategy, financial analytics, corporate governance, and entrepreneurial leadership. The campus is equipped with management simulation suites, modern boardroom presentation centers, and incubation hubs, creating an immersive environment for scholarly development and collaborative innovation. Dedicated to holistic student empowerment, the institution prepares ethical and career-ready professionals who contribute meaningfully to societal and industrial growth.
Total Fees
₹20L - ₹34.1L
Total Courses
6


Established in 1973, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore is a distinguished institution situated in Bengaluru Urban, Karnataka. Conforming to regulatory norms of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) / UGC through its affiliation with Karnataka State University, the institution offers students an integrated foundation across business strategy, financial analytics, corporate governance, and entrepreneurial leadership. The campus is equipped with management simulation suites, modern boardroom presentation centers, and incubation hubs, creating an immersive environment for scholarly development and collaborative innovation. By combining academic discipline with practical exposure, it equips emerging scholars to meet evolving demands in industry, academia, and public service.
Total Fees
₹4.5L - ₹34L
Total Courses
15


The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC) was established as the first national institute for postgraduate studies and research in management by the Government of India in November 1961 in collaboration with the Alfred P. Sloan School of Management (MIT), the Government of West Bengal, the Ford Foundation, and Indian industry. During its initial years, several prominent faculty formed part of its nucleus, including Jagdish Sheth, J. K. Sengupta, and others. Over the years, IIMC has grown into a mature institution with a global reputation, imparting high-quality management education. It has been playing a pioneering role in professionalizing Indian management through its postgraduate and doctoral-level programs, executive training programs, and research and consulting activities. Today, the institute serves as an autonomous body, continually evolving to meet its goals in an ever-changing business environment.
Total Fees
₹40K - ₹33.5L
Total Courses
11


With an educational trajectory spanning 42 years since its inception in 1984, Indian Institute of Management Lucknow serves as a prominent seat of learning in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The institution is affiliated with Uttar Pradesh State University and recognized by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) / UGC, imparting rigorous programs anchored in business strategy, financial analytics, corporate governance, and entrepreneurial leadership. The institution maintains robust academic resources including management simulation suites, modern boardroom presentation centers, and incubation hubs, fostering an active student life and practical competencies. Graduates of Indian Institute of Management Lucknow emerge as competent, socially conscious professionals poised to assume impactful roles in diverse professional domains.
Total Fees
₹10L - ₹26.3L
Total Courses
13


Established in 1996, Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode is a distinguished institution situated in Kozhikode, Kerala. Operating under the academic aegis of Kerala State University and recognized by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) / UGC, it provides structured degree programs emphasizing business strategy, financial analytics, corporate governance, and entrepreneurial leadership. The institution maintains robust academic resources including management simulation suites, modern boardroom presentation centers, and incubation hubs, fostering an active student life and practical competencies. Dedicated to holistic student empowerment, the institution prepares ethical and career-ready professionals who contribute meaningfully to societal and industrial growth.
Total Fees
₹83K - ₹29.9L
Total Courses
12


An Institution of Excellence With the objectives of imparting high-quality management education and training, the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, established the Indian Institute of Management Indore as an institution of excellence. These institutions are recognized as premier management institutions, comparable to the best in the world for teaching, research, and interaction with industries. Established in 1996, the Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore) has been a leader in the field of management education, interfacing with the industry, government, and PSUs. It is promoted and nurtured by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and is an institute of national importance under the Indian Institutes of Management Act 2017. Situated atop a scenic hillock, the 193-acre campus of IIM Indore provides an ideal backdrop for contemplative learning. IIM Indore has the latest in teaching aids, rich learning resources, a strong IT backbone, state-of-the-art sports complex and hostels, and contemporary infrastructure.
Total Fees
₹54K - ₹44.8L
Total Courses
17


Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai), formerly known as NITIE Mumbai, is one of India’s premier management institutes. Established in 1963 and granted IIM status in 2023, the institute is known for excellence in Operations, Supply Chain, Analytics, and General Management education. It offers MBA, Executive MBA, and Ph.D. programs with strong industry integration and placement records.
Total Fees
₹1.9L - ₹25.5L
Total Courses
8


At the heart of IIM Shillong is a global, inclusive, innovative spirit that accelerates action and impact. Our dynamic community of knowledge seekers are experimenting with new ideas, innovating solutions, pioneering sustainable practices, nurturing personal growth, impacting the local community, and transforming management to reinvent tomorrow.
Total Fees
₹1L - ₹37.9L
Total Courses
6


Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) is a premier public technical and research institution established in 1961. Recognised as an Institute of National Importance.
Total Fees
₹40K - ₹18L
Total Courses
9


The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay or IITB) is a public research university and technical institute located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Established in 1958, it is one of the 23 Indian Institutes of Technology, designated as an Institution of Eminence in 2018. IIT Bombay serves as a Centre of Excellence for India's training, research, and development in science, engineering, and technology. The institute comprises 17 academic departments, 35 additional academic centers, and three schools.
Total Fees
₹81K - ₹15.2L
Total Courses
9


Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT KGP), established in 1951, is the first IIT in India and one of the most prestigious engineering institutions globally. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in engineering, sciences, management, law, and humanities. Known for its world-class faculty, research output, and innovation ecosystem, IIT Kharagpur consistently ranks among the top institutes in India.
Total Fees
₹33K - ₹11.2L
Total Courses
9


MDI Gurgaon is home to the leading management education programmes in India. Located in the heart of corporate hub Gurugram, MDI Gurgaon will transform you into a thought leader. Our programmes are about leadership, fresh thinking, and positive impact. Studying at MDI Gurgaon means being in the midst of a talented and collaborative community. It leads to building a lifelong network. We welcome diversity and encourage developing a global mindset.
Total Fees
₹11.5L - ₹26.6L
Total Courses
2


The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) was established in 1963 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to contribute in the skill building for the external trade sector of India. It has come a long way to successfully develop into a unique institution involved in imparting knowledge through research and training in international business and trade. The Institute was granted “Deemed to be University” status in 2002. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has recognized IIFT as Grade ‘A’ Institution in 2005 as well as in 2015. Over the years, IIFT has emerged as a national university with focus on International Business Management and Strategy, and such focus is reflected in all three major activities of the Institute: Research, Training and Education.
Total Fees
₹89K - ₹21.9L
Total Courses
5


With an educational trajectory spanning 11 years since its inception in 2015, FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES serves as a prominent seat of learning in Rajkot, Gujarat. Affiliated with Marwadi University and adhering to statutory benchmarks established by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) / UGC, the institution delivers specialized academic curricula centered on business strategy, financial analytics, corporate governance, and entrepreneurial leadership. Students benefit from contemporary infrastructure featuring management simulation suites, modern boardroom presentation centers, and incubation hubs, designed to support hands-on learning and comprehensive intellectual growth. By combining academic discipline with practical exposure, it equips emerging scholars to meet evolving demands in industry, academia, and public service.
Total Fees
₹75K - ₹2.3L
Total Courses
3


Fostiima Business School is a private institute established in 2007 by alumni of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A) in New Delhi. It is AICTE-approved by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and is affiliated to Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi (GGSIPU). The institute has been ranked 149 by Outlook under the Management Category in 2026. The institute offers PGDM as its flagship programme in 5 different specializations. To be eligible for admission to the MBA program, the candidate must pass graduation or equivalent from a recognised university with 50% marks in aggregate. Fostiima Business School Admission to the PGDM program is based on CAT/ XAT/ CMAT/ GMAT or FEAT (Fostiima Eligibility and Aptitude Test) Test score followed by a Group Discussion (GD) & Personal Interview (PI). In 2024, CAT overall cutoff percentile is 75 for the general category. The Total Tuition fee for the PGDM program is INR 11.5 Lakhs.
Total Fees
₹11.5L
Total Courses
1


International Management Institute (IMI) is India’s first corporate sponsored Business School founded in 1981 with the original campus in New Delhi. The corporate sponsors included RPG Enterprises (lead sponsor), ITC, Nestle, Tata Chemicals, British Oxygen, SAIL, and Williamson Magor. It was set up in collaboration with the then IMI Geneva, now IMD Lausanne. Subsequently two other campuses were set up in Kolkata (2010) and Bhubaneswar (2011). In the last several years, IMI New Delhi has been consistently ranked in the top 10-15 Business Schools in the country and among the top 5 private Business Schools. It is accredited by the UK based Association of MBAs (AMBA), one of the top three international accreditation bodies for Business Schools globally.
Total Fees
₹6.6L - ₹23.5L
Total Courses
3


DIMT LAW College located in Muradnagar, one of the leading institutions for legal education in Ghaziabad. Our college has been committed to providing a comprehensive legal education to students from all backgrounds. At DIMT LLB College, we believe that legal education is not only about theoretical knowledge but also about practical exposure. Our experienced faculty members are dedicated to imparting legal education in a dynamic and interactive manner.
Total Fees
₹1.1L
Total Courses
2


AR Institute of Management & Technology (ARIMT) is a non-profit making philanthropic institution established under the aegis of Shri Bankey Bihari Educational and Charitable Trust, Meerut. Located strategically in National Capital Region (NCR) along with National Highway 119 at Meerut, just 70 kilometers far from Delhi. The institute aims to develop a centre of excellence for value based teacher education and research for young graduates. The institute conducts full-time courses in B.Ed, B.A, B.Com, BCA, and BBA as per the New Education Policy (NEP) and in accordance with the statutory requirements of Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut.
Total Fees
₹20K - ₹2.4L
Total Courses
6


The Foundation For Organisational Research and Education (FORE), was established in 1981 as a Society registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860. With its Registered Office in the Union Territory (now, National Capital Territory) of Delhi, the Society set its objectives in organizational research, management development, executive education, management education, and consultancy. Promoters of the Society were eminent personalities from the bureaucracy, public sector, industry, and academia. This Society has existed for over 42 years and has established itself as a center of excellence in management education, development, research, and consultancy.
Total Fees
₹1L - ₹23.5L
Total Courses
3


The SP Jain School of Global Management (Singapore campus) is a leading international business school known for its innovative multi-city learning model and strong global focus. Established in 2006, the school offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive programs in business and management, allowing students to study across major global cities like Singapore, Dubai, Sydney, and Mumbai. It emphasizes practical learning, industry exposure, and leadership development, preparing students for global careers in diverse business environments. With modern facilities, experienced faculty, and strong industry connections, the Singapore campus provides a dynamic and multicultural academic experience.
Total Fees
$8K - $1.2L (₹2.3L - ₹33.3L)
Total Courses
5


