CAT 2026 Scheduled for November 29: Key Changes Explained
The Indian Institutes of Management have announced CAT 2026 will be held on November 29, 2026. Here is everything aspirants need to know about what is new this cycle.
Key points
- CAT 2026 will be held on November 29, 2026
- The exam will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) format across India
- Three sections: VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude expected to continue
- Registration dates to be announced; typically opens in August
- CAT scores accepted by IIMs, IITs, NITs, FMS, and 1,000+ B-schools
Important details
| Organisation | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
|---|---|
| Exam date | 29 Nov 2026 |
| Qualification | Bachelor's degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) |
| Official website | https://iimcat.ac.in |
CAT 2026 Date Confirmed: November 29
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026, the gateway to admissions at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and hundreds of other top B-schools across India, is officially scheduled for November 29, 2026. The announcement brings much-needed clarity for MBA aspirants who plan their preparation months in advance.
Which IIM Will Conduct CAT 2026?
Each year, the convening responsibility rotates among the IIMs. The conducting IIM for CAT 2026 has been designated as per the official notification released on the CAT website. Aspirants are advised to bookmark the official CAT portal — iimcat.ac.in for all updates including the registration window, admit card schedule, and result declaration.
What Has Changed for CAT 2026?
- Exam Date Fixed Early: Announcing the date well in advance gives aspirants a longer and more structured preparation window compared to previous years when dates were revealed closer to the registration period.
- Pattern Under Watch: While the official detailed notification is awaited, the exam is expected to retain its three-section structure — Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
- Computer-Based Test Format Continues: CAT 2026 will continue to be conducted as a computer-based test (CBT) across multiple cities in India.
- Registration Window: The application process is typically open for around four to six weeks, generally starting in August. Exact dates will be notified on the official portal.
CAT 2026 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
| Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Sections | VARC, DILR, Quantitative Aptitude |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
Institutes Accepting CAT Scores
Beyond the 20+ IIMs, CAT scores are accepted by several Institutes of National Importance and premier B-schools including FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IITs (Dept. of Management Studies), and NITs with MBA programmes. This makes CAT one of the most high-stakes entrance examinations in Indian higher education.
How to Prepare for CAT 2026
- Start with a diagnostic mock test to identify weak areas across all three sections.
- Dedicate focused time to Reading Comprehension as VARC carries significant weight.
- Practice Data Interpretation sets daily to improve speed and accuracy.
- Solve at least two full-length mock tests per week in the final three months.
- Refer to previous years' official CAT question papers available on the official portal.
Official Notification and Apply Link
Aspirants should regularly check the official CAT 2026 website for the detailed notification, eligibility criteria, registration link, and admit card download schedule. For more updates on MBA entrance exams and IIM admissions, visit CollegeUnify.
Important links
Links open the official website. Always verify details there before applying.
