COMPLETE GUIDE · UPDATED 2026
Master the CAT 2026 Exam
Your complete guide from preparation to placement. CAT is the national-level entrance for IIM MBA admissions — this page covers process, schedule, rankings, cutoffs, NRI pathway and the latest news.
PROCESS
CAT Exam Process Explained
1
Registration
Register at iimcat.ac.in with personal & academic details.
2
Application
Select 5 test cities. Fee: ₹1,200 (Gen) / ₹600 (SC/ST).
3
Admit Card
Download from portal with centre & slot details.
4
CBT Exam
120 minutes · 3 sections · 66 questions · 198 marks.
5
Results
Declared in December. Sectional + overall percentile.
6
WAT / PI / GD
IIMs shortlist for written analysis, personal interview, group discussion.
7
Selection
Composite = CAT + academics + work experience + diversity.
8
Admission
Accept offer and begin your MBA journey.
EXAM PATTERN
CAT 2026 Structure
| Section | Qs | MCQ | TITA | Time | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VARC (Verbal Ability & RC) | 24 | 21 | 3 | 40 min | 72 |
| DILR (Data Interpretation / LR) | 20 | 14 | 6 | 40 min | 60 |
| QA (Quantitative Aptitude) | 22 | 14 | 8 | 40 min | 66 |
| Total | 66 | 49 | 17 | 120 min | 198 |
+3 for correct MCQ · −1 for wrong MCQ · No negative marking for TITA. PwD candidates get extra time.
KEY DATES
CAT 2026 Schedule
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jul 15 – 26, 2026 | Official notification by IIM Indore |
| Aug 1, 2026 | Registration opens on iimcat.ac.in |
| Sep 20, 2026 | Registration closes |
| Nov 12, 2026 | Admit card available |
| Nov 29, 2026 | CAT 2026 Exam (Sun) · Slots: 8:30 / 12:30 / 16:30 |
| Dec 5 – 7, 2026 | Answer key & objection window |
| Dec 20, 2026 | Results declared |
| Jan – Mar 2027 | WAT / PI rounds · final selection |
NIRF 2025
Top MBA Colleges · NIRF Ranking
| Rank | Institute | Avg CTC | Highest CTC | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IIM Ahmedabad | ₹35.22 LPA | ₹1.10 Cr | ₹25 L |
| 2 | IIM Bangalore | ₹34.88 LPA | ₹1.00 Cr | ₹26.3 L |
| 3 | IIM Kozhikode | ₹30+ LPA | ₹67 LPA | ₹22 L |
| 4 | IIT Delhi (DMS) | ₹28+ LPA | ₹50+ LPA | ₹10 L |
| 5 | IIM Lucknow | ₹32+ LPA | ₹72 LPA | ₹21 L |
| 6 | IIM Mumbai (formerly NITIE) | ₹29 LPA | ₹54 LPA | ₹22 L |
| 7 | IIM Calcutta | ₹35 LPA | ₹1.15 Cr | ₹31 L |
| 8 | IIM Indore | ₹26+ LPA | ₹50+ LPA | ₹21 L |
| 9 | MDI Gurgaon | ₹26+ LPA | ₹42 LPA | ₹25 L |
| 10 | SIBM Pune | ₹22+ LPA | ₹35 LPA | ₹22 L |
3-YEAR TREND
CAT Cutoffs (General Category)
| Institute | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | 99+ | 99+ | 99+ | Stable |
| IIM Bangalore | 99+ | 99+ | 99+ | Stable |
| IIM Lucknow | 97+ | 98+ | 98+ | Rising |
| IIM Indore | 95+ | 96+ | 97+ | Rising |
| FMS Delhi | 98+ | 98+ | 98+ | Stable |
NRI / OVERSEAS
International Applicant Guide
1
Eligibility
50% in graduation. Foreign degrees need AIU equivalence.
2
CAT or GMAT
CAT conducted only in India. GMAT (650–720+) worldwide.
3
Apply
Submit with passport, visa, NRI certificate.
4
Interview
Virtual WAT/PI. Overseas centres in Dubai / Singapore.
5
Enroll
NRI fees higher. Wire transfer accepted. 5–15% seats reserved.
- IIMs accepting GMAT: IIM-A PGPX, IIM-B EPGP, IIM-C PGPEX, ISB Hyderabad PGP
- Typical NRI fees: ₹25–35 LPA (higher than domestic)
- Student visa required before enrolment
Weighing your CAT options? Get a mentor's view.
Same percentile, very different calls — IIM vs new-IIM vs private, profile-building and interview prep. A mentor turns this info into the right decision for the student.