CAT EXAM 2026

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India's most important MBA entrance exam, conducted for admission to management programs at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools across the country. CAT 2026 will be held on Sunday, 29 November 2026, conducted by IIM Indore, and is known for its high difficulty level and intense competition — with scores accepted by 1,300+ MBA and PGDM colleges nationwide.

If you are preparing for CAT 2026, you need a clear study plan and a strong understanding of the CAT syllabus. Regular practice, solving previous years' question papers, and attempting full-length mock tests are essential to succeed. With consistent effort and the right guidance, you can improve your chances of securing admission to a top IIM.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Qualification, Minimum Marks & Age Limit

You must have a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years after 10+2) from a recognized Indian university or institution, or an equivalent qualification approved by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Candidates holding CA, CS, or CMA qualifications are also considered eligible, even without a formal Bachelor’s degree.

Minimum Marks Required in Graduation for CAT Exam 2026

• For General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates – at least 50% marks
• For SC, ST and Persons with Disability – at least 45% marks

Minimum Marks Required for CAT Exam 2026 if you are in the final year / awaiting the final year’s result

A certificate from the college/university authority is required. It must confirm that you are in the final year or awaiting your results. You must have secured at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) based on the latest available marks. This certificate is submitted at the time of admission counselling, not at the time of CAT registration — so final-year students can apply for CAT 2026 without waiting for their results.

Age Limit for CAT Exam 2026

There is no age limit to appear for the CAT exam; you can apply as long as you meet the other eligibility criteria. This makes CAT equally open to fresh graduates and working professionals looking to switch into management roles.

Not Sure If You Qualify?

Eligibility questions are common among final-year students, candidates with professional qualifications (CA/CS/CMA), and those with degrees from distance or open universities. If you’re unsure whether your qualification meets the CAT 2026 criteria, our counsellors at Aptitude360 can help you check your eligibility before you register.

CAT Exam Question Types & Negative Marking

The CAT exam consists of two types of questions—Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type in the Answer (TITA). Each correct answer, whether MCQ or TITA, is awarded +3 marks. The detailed explanation of both question types is given below.

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Section-Wise Number of Questions & Maximum Marks

Each section carries a fixed 40-minute time limit, and candidates cannot revisit a section once its time is over.

Note: The pattern below is based on the format followed since 2021 (unchanged for the last five years); IIM Indore is yet to release the official CAT 2026 exam pattern, and this will be updated as soon as it is confirmed.

CAT Exam 2026 Selection Process: Step-by-Step Admission Procedure

Round 1

IIMs use CAT scores along with other criteria given below to shortlist candidates for the further rounds of the admission process.

• CAT Score: Your overall and sectional percentile is a primary filter, but not the only factor for admission at IIMs. Most IIMs also apply a minimum sectional cutoff in each of the three sections, not just an overall percentile.
• Academic Profile: Your marks in 10th, 12th & graduation are given certain weightage.
• Work Experience: Points are also awarded for the duration, relevance, and quality of your work experience.
• Diversity Score: Non-engineers and female candidates earn bonus points at most IIMs.
• Composite Score: Each IIM calculates its own Composite Score and invites candidates for the next round based on this score.

Round 2: GD / WAT / PI Process at Older IIMs

Older IIMs such as IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Kozhikode, and IIM Indore conduct their Round 2 independently. Candidates are evaluated on:

• Personal Interview (PI) – mandatory
• Written Ability Test (WAT) / Essay Writing
• Group Discussion (GD) – retained by very few IIMs today; largely phased out in favour of WAT

Round 2: At Newer IIMs (CAP & JAP)

Newer IIMs follow one of two centralized Round 2 processes instead of conducting interviews independently:

• Common Admission Process (CAP): Currently followed by IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Jammu, and IIM Sirmaur.
• Joint Admission Process (JAP): Followed by IIM Kashipur, IIM Ranchi, IIM Raipur, and IIM Tiruchirappalli, coordinated by IIM Raipur.

In both processes, no Group Discussion is conducted — a centrally held Personal Interview (PI) is used instead, and the performance report is shared across all participating IIMs.