CAT 2026 Scheduled for November 29: Syllabus & Pattern Out
The Indian Institutes of Management have announced CAT 2026 will be held on November 29, with the official syllabus and exam pattern now available at iimcat.ac.in.
Key points
- CAT 2026 exam date confirmed as November 29, 2026
- Official syllabus and pattern available at iimcat.ac.in
- Exam covers VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude sections
- CAT scores accepted by all 21 IIMs and many IITs and NITs
- Registration dates and admit card schedule to be announced later
Important details
| Organisation | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
|---|---|
| Exam date | 29 Nov 2026 |
| Qualification | Bachelor's degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) |
| Official website | https://iimcat.ac.in |
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is officially scheduled for November 29, 2026, as confirmed by the conducting IIM. Candidates aspiring to secure seats in top management programmes at IIMs, IITs, NITs, and other premier institutes of national importance can now refer to the official website iimcat.ac.in for the latest syllabus and examination pattern details.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern Overview
CAT is a computer-based test conducted annually by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis. The exam evaluates candidates across three core sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Each section is separately timed, and candidates must manage their time carefully within each segment. The exam is typically of two-hour duration, with the format having been revised in recent years to reflect updated assessment priorities.
Syllabus Highlights for CAT 2026
While no official syllabus document is prescribed by IIM, the broadly accepted topics under each section include:
- VARC: Reading Comprehension passages, Para-jumbles, Para-summary, Odd Sentence Out
- DILR: Tables, Graphs, Venn Diagrams, Seating Arrangements, Logical Puzzles
- QA: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Modern Mathematics
Why CAT 2026 Matters
CAT scores are accepted by all 21 IIMs and hundreds of other top business schools across India, including several IITs offering MBA programmes and NITs. A strong CAT percentile remains the gateway to some of the most sought-after postgraduate management seats in the country.
Key Dates to Watch
While the exam date of November 29, 2026 has been indicated, the official notification with registration window dates, admit card schedule, and result timeline is expected to be released closer to the registration period. Candidates are advised to regularly check iimcat.ac.in for updates.
For broader coverage of CAT preparation resources, eligibility criteria, and IIM admission processes, visit CollegeUnify.com. You can also explore management entrance exam guides on our platform.
Official Website: iimcat.ac.in
Important links
Links open the official website. Always verify details there before applying.
