Common Admission Test 2026
IIM (Indian Institutes of Management) · Online (CBT) · Once a year
Key Dates
CBT Simulator
Recommended · FreePractice mock tests, PYQs, and topicwise questions in the official exam interface. Regular CBT simulation increases success rates by up to 40%!
AI Predictors
AI Powered · FreeExpected college selection and rank reports. Get immediate insights based on expected percentiles or mock scores to plan your admissions!
CAT 2026 — Quick Answer
Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is conducted by IIM (Indian Institutes of Management) in online (cbt) mode. The next CAT exam is scheduled for 29 Nov 2026, with registration 3 Aug - 15 Sep 2026. The paper has 68 questions for 204 marks in 120 minutes (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Aptitude (QA)), with +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect (mcq); +3/0 for tita. In 2024, the qualifying cutoff for the top category was 99+ %ile. HenceProve offers free CAT mock tests, previous year papers, syllabus and cutoff analysis on this page.
Facts on this page last reviewed September 2026 against the sources cited below.
CAT Next Exam Date & Registration
| Next Exam Date | 29 Nov 2026 |
| Registration Window | 3 Aug - 15 Sep 2026 |
| Conducting Body | IIM (Indian Institutes of Management) |
Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 23 | 68 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 23 | 68 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 23 | 68 |
| Total | 68 | 204 |
Syllabus Highlights
2024 Cutoff Snapshot
| Category | Marks | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| General | 99+ %ile | — |
| OBC | 95+ %ile | — |
| EWS | 95+ %ile | — |
| SC | 85+ %ile | — |
| ST | 75+ %ile | — |
Table of Contents
About Common Admission Test (CAT) 2027
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most competitive entrance exams, conducted by the IIM (Indian Institutes of Management). Preparing for the CAT requires systematic practice, conceptual clarity, and regular self-evaluation. Our platform offers dynamic mock tests, previous years' resolved papers, and AI-enabled analysis to help you secure a top rank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CAT 2026 exam pattern?
CAT 2026 (Nov 29, 2026, conducted by IIM Indore) follows the recent pattern of 68 questions across 3 sections — Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (24Q), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (22Q), and Quantitative Aptitude (22Q). Total marks: 204. Duration: 2 hours.
What CAT percentile is needed for IIM A/B/C?
IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta typically require 99+ percentile for general category. IIM L, K, I, S require 97–98 percentile. New IIMs may shortlist at 90–95 percentile.
Is CAT accepted at colleges other than IIMs?
Yes, over 1,200 B-schools accept CAT scores including SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, XIMB, and many others. This makes CAT the most versatile MBA entrance exam.
Can I improve my CAT score from 70th to 99th percentile?
Yes, with dedicated preparation of 6–8 months, many students have jumped from 70–80 percentile to 99+. Focus on DILR (most improvable), reduce VARC errors, and build speed in Quant.
How many times can I attempt CAT?
There is no limit on CAT attempts. You can appear every year. Many toppers have taken 2–3 attempts to crack the exam.
How to Prepare for CAT
Read editorials and RC passages daily — VARC (24Q) requires speed and comprehension that builds over months
Practise DILR sets in timed conditions — 20 questions in 40 minutes means selecting and solving the right sets is key
Master Quant fundamentals — Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry from Class 10–12 level form 80% of QA questions
Take weekly full-length mock tests and analyse each mock thoroughly to identify weak areas and fix them