CAT Exam 2026

Common Admission Test (IIM)

Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)NationalOnline (Computer-Based Test)Exam: November 2026

National MBA entrance exam for the IIMs and 1,200+ top B-schools.

CAT — Exam Highlights

Exam Name

CAT

Conducting Body

Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)

Level

National

CAT Important Dates & Schedule

RegistrationAugust–September 2026

CAT 2026 ExamNovember 2026

ResultJanuary 2027

Dates are indicative — verify on the official website.

CAT — Overview

CAT (Common Admission Test) is the most important MBA entrance exam in India, conducted by the IIMs on a rotational basis for admission to their flagship MBA/PGP programmes and accepted by 1,200+ leading business schools. The computer-based test evaluates Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Ability. A high CAT percentile, followed by WAT/GD and Personal Interview, opens the door to India's top management institutes.

CAT Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor's degree with minimum 50% (45% for reserved categories), or final-year students.

CAT Exam Pattern & Format

Marks, duration, number of questions and marking scheme.

Computer-based test (~2 hours, sectional time limits): VARC, DILR and Quantitative Ability, with MCQs and TITA (non-MCQ) questions. Negative marking on MCQs only.

CAT Syllabus & Topics

Subject-wise topics covered in the exam.

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Ability (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number system).

CAT Selection Process

Stage-by-stage selection.

CAT → shortlist by percentile → WAT/GD + Personal Interview → Final admission offer.

How to Prepare for CAT — Strategy & Tips

A focused, time-tested approach to crack CAT.

Read the official CAT notification carefully to confirm eligibility, age limit and the latest exam pattern. Build strong fundamentals in reasoning, quantitative aptitude and general awareness, and revise current affairs daily. Cover the full syllabus from standard books and make short revision notes for each topic. Solve previous-year CAT papers and take timed mock tests to improve speed, accuracy and time management.

CAT — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CAT exam?

CAT is a national-level government recruitment exam conducted by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) in the MBA Entrance Exam category. National MBA entrance exam for the IIMs and 1,200+ top B-schools.

Who is eligible for CAT?

Bachelor's degree with minimum 50% (45% for reserved categories), or final-year students.

What is the CAT exam pattern?

Computer-based test (~2 hours, sectional time limits): VARC, DILR and Quantitative Ability, with MCQs and TITA (non-MCQ) questions. Negative marking on MCQs only.

What is the selection process for CAT?

CAT → shortlist by percentile → WAT/GD + Personal Interview → Final admission offer.

When is the CAT exam conducted?

The CAT exam is held November 2026. Exact dates are announced in the official notification — always verify on https://iimcat.ac.in.

Is CAT information on MyInternships.in free?

Yes. All exam information is completely free and compiled from official government sources, with a reminder to verify details on the official website.