CAT 2026: Expected Exam Date, Conducting IIM & Key Details
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 notification is expected to be released soon. Here is everything aspirants need to know about the expected exam date, conducting IIM, and what to prepare for.
Key points
- CAT 2026 official notification expected in July–August 2026
- Exam likely to be held in the last week of November 2026
- Conducting IIM for CAT 2026 to be confirmed in official notification
- CAT scores accepted by all 21 IIMs and 1,000+ other B-schools
- Minimum 50% graduation marks required; final-year students also eligible
Important details
| Organisation | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
|---|---|
| Exam date | Expected November 2026 |
| Qualification | Bachelor's degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD); final-year students eligible |
| Official website | https://iimcat.ac.in |
CAT 2026 Notification Expected Soon
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are set to release the official notification for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 in the coming months. CAT is the premier national-level management entrance examination conducted annually by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis, and it serves as the gateway for admission to MBA and other postgraduate management programmes at IIMs and hundreds of other top business schools across India.
Which IIM Will Conduct CAT 2026?
The responsibility of conducting CAT rotates among the IIMs each year. As per available information and historical rotation patterns, the conducting IIM for CAT 2026 is expected to be announced alongside the official notification. Aspirants are advised to keep an eye on the official CAT website for a confirmed announcement.
Expected CAT 2026 Exam Date
Based on the pattern followed in previous years, the CAT examination is typically held in the last week of November. Following this trend, CAT 2026 is expected to be conducted in November 2026. The official notification, which generally releases in late July or early August, will confirm the exact date.
CAT 2026 Important Expected Timeline
- Official Notification Release: Expected July–August 2026
- Registration Window Opens: Expected August 2026
- Registration Window Closes: Expected September 2026
- Admit Card Release: Expected November 2026
- CAT 2026 Exam Date: Expected last week of November 2026
- Result Declaration: Expected January 2027
About CAT Exam
CAT is a computer-based test that evaluates candidates on three core sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The exam is typically of two-hour duration and is conducted in multiple sessions across test cities nationwide.
Scores from CAT are accepted by all 21 IIMs, as well as several other premier institutions including the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) Delhi, SP Jain Institute of Management, MDI Gurgaon, and many more.
Eligibility Criteria (Expected, Based on Previous Years)
- Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree with at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognised university.
- Candidates appearing in the final year of their graduation are also eligible to apply.
- There is no upper age limit to appear for CAT.
How to Stay Updated
Aspirants preparing for CAT 2026 should regularly visit the official CAT portal at iimcat.ac.in for the latest updates, official notification, and registration links. For more MBA entrance exam news and preparation resources, you can also explore CollegeUnify.
Official Website: iimcat.ac.in
Important links
Links open the official website. Always verify details there before applying.
