CAT 2026: Exam Date, Syllabus, Pattern, Registration, Eligibility, Preparation Tips

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Aspirants aiming for the the CAT 2026 exam must familiarize themselves with the CAT 2026 Exam Pattern to better understand the topics and type of questions that will be asked in the exam. Below is the tentative CAT 2026 exam pattern based on previous CAT exams.

CAT 2026 Syllabus

IIMs don't provide any official syllabus. But according to the previous year patterns we have provided comprehensive syllabus the There is no official CAT 2026 Syllabus prescribed by the test conducting authorities of CAT 2026. An aspirant is suggested to follow the class X syllabus for English & Math. However, based on the trends of the CAT exam in previous years, the tentative topics asked in CAT 2026 syllabus is mentioned below. The aspirants must take note of the topics mentioned below and continue their preparation accordingly.

CAT 2026 Application Form

There are some important points for candidates to consider before filling out the CAT 2026 application form.

Steps to Fill the CAT 2026 Application Form

1. Accessing the Application Form

• Visit the official CAT website.
• Click on the ‘Go to Application Form’ link.

2. Filling in Personal and Academic Details

• The candidate’s name and date of birth (DOB) will be auto-filled based on registration details.
• Enter father’s/husband’s/guardian’s name and gender.
• Select category and nationality.
• Provide a valid postal address and an alternate email ID (if applicable).
• Fill in academic qualifications, including:
• Total marks obtained in 10th, 12th/Diploma, Bachelor’s degree (pursuing or completed), Master’s degree, or any professional degree.
• Enter work experience details (if applicable).
• Choose preferred programs and select four preferred exam cities.
• Candidates must select six exam cities in order of preference, as test centers will be allotted based on availability.

3. Uploading Documents

• Upload scanned images of:
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Signature
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• Ensure the documents meet the prescribed format and size requirements.

4. Final Submission

• Click on Save & Continue to review the entered details.
• Once verified, submit the application form.
• No hard copy of the registration form needs to be sent via post or offline mode.
• Keep a printout of the submitted application form for future reference.

Application Fee Details

Candidates must pay the registration fee online only using credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI. The fee is non-refundable.

Candidates must ensure that all details entered are accurate, as incorrect details may lead to rejection of the application form.

CAT 2026 Admit Card

Students can download this admit card through the official website. Students should put right credentials during the login process to get the admit card. Along with the CAT Admit card 2026, candidates will need to bring one photo identity proof.

Students should keep in mind that they are not allowed in the examination hall if they dont have CAT admit card. Candidates must check details carefully printed on the admit card. In case of any discrepancy in details, contact to the authority immediately

CAT 2026 Answer Key

The CAT 2026 answer key will be released a few days after the exam on the official website. Candidates can download it using their CAT ID and password. Initially, a provisional answer key will be provided, allowing candidates to raise objections within a specified period by paying ₹1200 per question. After reviewing objections, the final answer key will be published along with the CAT 2026 results, helping candidates estimate their scores accurately.

CAT 2026 Result

The CAT Result 2026 is expected to be published on the official website around December 2026. Following the release of results and cut-offs the IIMs and other B-schools will commence their interview and discussion rounds for admissions to the 2026-28 cohort.

CAT Eligibility Criteria

• Minimum eligibility criteria for CAT 2026 is graduation with 50 percent marks from a recognized university.
• For SC/ST/PwD candidates, the minimum score requirement is 45 percent.
• Candidates in final year of graduation or awaiting result can also apply.
• Candidates having professional degree such as ICAI CA/ICSI CS/CMA/ICWAI can also appear for CAT.

CAT Exam Eligibility 2026 - Graduation Marks

Check below, minimum marks required by General and Reserved category students, for appearing in CAT 2026 exam.

Post graduation is a desirable requirement for CAT exam but not mandatory. Candidates who have post graduation degree can mention the scores in the CAT application form. Mentioning PG qualification will be beneficial for students at the time of PI and admission shortlisting, as it will give weightage to candidate’s overall profile. The option of mentioning professional degrees or additional degrees is also there in the CAT 2026 application form. So, mention all you relevant qualification as the CAT 2026 application form will be used for IIM PI shortlisting.

CAT Eligibility Criteria: General and NC-OBC Candidates

• Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a university or educational institution recognized by the Government of India
• Candidates must have scored minimum 50 per cent aggregate in graduation (or equivalent) in any stream
• Candidates must be in their final year of graduation or awaiting result
• Candidates must have professional degrees like CA/CS/ICWA with minimum 50 per cent aggregate

CAT Eligibility Criteria for SC, ST and PwD Candidates

• Candidates belonging to SC/ST/PwD categories must have scored minimum 45 per cent aggregate in graduation (or equivalent) in any stream
• Candidates must be in their final year of graduation or awaiting result
• Candidates must have professional degrees like CA/CS/ICWA with minimum 45 per cent aggregate are also eligible to apply

CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025: Equivalent Degrees

• In case the marking scheme of any candidate’s degree is in grades or CGPA, percentage of marks would be calculated on the basis of practice as followed by the respective University/Institution.
• If any University/Institution confirms that they do not follow any scheme for converting CGPA into marks, calculation will be done by dividing candidate’s CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA, and multiplying the result with 100.

CAT Age Limit

There is no age limit to appear for CAT exam. Candidates can be as young as 20 years old or 40 years old. The PG level entrance exam and accepted for several Executive MBA, PhD and FPM programmes too, thus is open for both fresh graduates and working professionals (at any stage of their career).

Who is Not Eligible to Apply for the CAT Exam 2026?

While it is clear that who can apply of CAT exam, it is also important to know that who cannot apply for it. Check below six situations under which a candidate cannot apply for the CAT exam 2026.

• If the candidate has not scored 50 per cent in graduation (45 per cent for SC/ST/PwD candidates)
• Candidates who don’t have either a bachelor’s degree or any equivalent degree like CA/CS/ICWA
• Candidates whose two years average in bachelor's degree does not make up 50 per cent (45 per cent or SC/ST/PwD candidates)
• Candidates who are not in the final year of their bachelor’s degree programme
• Candidates who are pursuing (not completed) professional degree like CA/CS/ICWA
• If the candidates' bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) is not recognized by UGC/AICTE/MHRD-Govt