The wait is finally over for CAT aspirants!
CAT 2026 notification is out, marking the beginning of the journey toward India’s top management institutes, including the IIMs. For aspirants targeting CAT 2026, this is the right time to shift from planning to consistent preparation, practice and mock-test analysis.
CAT 2026: Important Dates :
| Event | Date |
| Registration Begins | 3 August 2026 |
| Registration Ends | 15 September 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Examination | 29 November 2026 |
Candidates should always verify the latest dates and instructions on the official CAT website before completing the application process.
What is CAT?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based entrance examination conducted for admission to postgraduate, fellow and doctoral programme offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). CAT scores may also be accepted by various non-IIM institutions. However, each institution independently decides its own admission and selection process.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Reading comprehension, para-jumbles, para-summary, odd sentence out and verbal ability.
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Data tables, charts and graphs, caselets, arrangements, games and tournaments, and logical reasoning sets.
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number system and modern mathematics.
■ The exact number of questions, duration and marking scheme should be checked in the official CAT 2026 information bulletin when released.
CAT 2026 Eligibility
Candidates should carefully check the official eligibility requirements before applying. Generally, CAT applicants need a recognised bachelor’s degree with the required minimum percentage or equivalent CGPA. Candidates in the final year of their bachelor’s degree may also be eligible, subject to the official rules.
Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee shortlisting or admission to any IIM. Each IIM follows its own admission policy, which may consider CAT performance, academics, work experience, diversity factors, and other parameters.
CAT Registration Fee
The registration fee is paid during . Candidates should refer to the official CAT 2026 notification and information bulletin for the final applicable fee structure and category-wise details.
Documents to Keep Ready
• Valid email ID and active mobile number
• Class 10 and 12 academic details
• Graduation details
• Category certificate, wherever applicable
• PwD certificate, wherever applicable
• Academic documents
• Photograph and signature as per official specifications
• Payment method for the application fee
CAT 2026 Preparation: What Should You Do Now?
■ Step 1: Build Your Concepts
Strengthen your fundamentals in QA, VARC and DILR.
■ Step 2: Start Practising CAT PYQs
Previous-year questions help you understand the actual difficulty level and question patterns.
■ Step 3: Take Regular Mock Tests
Mocks help you build exam temperament, time-management skills, accuracy and question-selection ability.
■ Step 4: Analyse Every Mock
The real improvement comes from analysing wrong questions, unattempted questions, time-consuming questions, conceptual gaps and silly mistakes.
■ Step 5: Prepare a Personal Strategy
Your strategy should be based on your strengths, weaknesses and mock-test performance.
Why Mock Tests Matter for CAT 2026
■ Experience the exam environment
■ Improve time management
■ Identify weak areas
■ Analyse your performance
■ Improve accuracy
■ Build confidence
■ Develop a smarter exam strategy
Practice more. Analyse better. Improve consistently.
Start Your CAT 2026 Journey with CAT Unfiltered
At CAT Unfiltered, the focus is on practical, experience-driven preparation.
■ Practice mocks
■ CAT PYQs
■ AI-Predicted Mocks
■ Performance analysis
■ Raw insights
■ Smart preparation
No filters. No shortcuts. Just smart preparation.
The CAT 2026 notification is out. Now the real preparation begins.
Start practising. Start taking mocks. Start preparing smarter.
CAT 2026 aspirants—are you ready to crack your dream B-school? ■
■ Experience-driven CAT preparation | Raw insights
Note: Candidates should verify the final official information bulletin, dates, eligibility criteria, fees and application instructions on the official CAT website before applying.