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[ CAT 2026 Snapshot ]

Expected exam: Sunday, 29 November 2026 (provisional — verify on iimcat.ac.in).

Notification: Likely last week of July 2026.

Sections: VARC (24 Q), DILR (22 Q), QA (22 Q) — 66 total, 120 min, +3/−1 MCQ, 0 penalty TITA.

Provisional: Question counts and weightages above reflect recent CAT cycles and may shift slightly year to year.

CAT 2026 Exam Date, Notification & Syllabus Snapshot

The CAT 2026 exam is expected on Sunday, 29 November 2026 (provisional — always confirm on iimcat.ac.in). This page gives you the expected timeline, eligibility, marking scheme, and a high-level syllabus so you can start planning now.

Key dates at a glance (provisional)

MilestoneExpected windowAction
Official notificationLast week of July 2026Bookmark iimcat.ac.in
Registration opensEarly August 2026Register within 3 days
Admit card releaseLate October 2026Download + verify centre
CAT 2026 examSunday, 29 Nov 2026Exam day protocol ready
Result declarationEarly January 2027Check percentile + apply

Eligibility (based on recent cycles — verify on notification)

  • Bachelor's degree with ≥50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) or equivalent.
  • Final-year students eligible (provisional).
  • No age limit, no attempt cap.
  • Work experience not required.

CAT 2026 exam pattern & marking

  • Sections: VARC (24 Q, 40 min), DILR (22 Q, 40 min), QA (22 Q, 40 min).
  • Total: 66 questions, 198 marks, 120 minutes (40 min/section, no switching).
  • Marking: +3 correct, −1 MCQ wrong, 0 penalty TITA.
  • TITA share: Increasing trend; ~25–30% of questions are non-MCQ.

High-level syllabus map

Full breakdown with weightage on the CAT syllabus page. Quick reference:

  • VARC (24 Q): RC (~16 Q), Para Jumbles, Summary, Odd-one-out, Para Completion.
  • DILR (22 Q): Hybrid DI+LR sets, Games & Tournaments, Venn/Set Theory, Seating, Team Selection.
  • QA (22 Q): Arithmetic ~35–50%, Algebra, Geometry/Mensuration, Number System, Modern Math (PnC/Prob).

How to start today

  1. Bookmark iimcat.ac.in for the official notification.
  2. Take a diagnostic mock to set your baseline (free on AdaptHub).
  3. Pick a study plan: 6-month standard or compressed self-study.
  4. Start free adaptive calibration on AdaptHub — it builds your daily focus from day 1.
Start Free Adaptive Prep

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the CAT 2026 exam date?+−
The CAT 2026 exam is expected to be held on Sunday, November 29, 2026. Historically, the exam is conducted on the last Sunday of November. Confirm on iimcat.ac.in when the official notification is out.
When will the CAT 2026 notification be released?+−
The official CAT 2026 notification will likely be released in the last week of July 2026, followed by the start of the registration process in early August.
How many months are required to prepare for CAT 2026?+−
A dedicated preparation window of 3 to 8 months is ideal for CAT 2026. This allows sufficient time for concept building, adaptive practice, and intensive mock test analysis.
What is the CAT 2026 eligibility criteria?+−
Historically, candidates need a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) or equivalent; final-year students can apply. There is typically no age limit and no attempt cap. Always verify the official notification for the year you register.
Where do I register for CAT 2026?+−
Registration is online on the official CAT website (iimcat.ac.in) when the window opens—usually after the July notification. Keep photo, signature, and category certificates ready before applying.