The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most prestigious and widely recognized MBA entrance examination in India. It is conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission into their flagship MBA and postgraduate management programs.
The CAT score is accepted by all 21 IIMs and more than 1,600 other management institutes across India, making it one of the most important exams for MBA aspirants. Every year, more than two lakh candidates appear for the CAT exam, competing for admission to some of the top business schools in the country.
At Master Minds, we help students prepare strategically for CAT through expert guidance, structured learning programs, and rigorous practice tests.
CAT 2026 – Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Common Entrance Exam (CAT) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes |
| Exam Mode | Computer -Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions | Around 68 (may vary each year) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Expected Exam Date | 29 November 2026 |
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted annually for admission into MBA and postgraduate management programmes offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and many other leading business schools.
Apart from IIMs, more than 1,600 management institutes across India accept CAT scores for MBA admissions.
Due to the quality of institutions that accept CAT scores, the exam is considered the most competitive MBA entrance exam in India.
The CAT exam has evolved significantly over the years to make the evaluation
process more efficient and technology-driven.
1950: CAT was first introduced as a management entrance examination.
2009: The exam was converted into a computer-based test (online format).
2020: The exam duration was reduced from 3 hours to 2 hours, and the number of questions was reduced to 76.
2021: The number of questions was further reduced to 66.
2024: The question count was revised again to 68 questions.
Currently, the CAT exam is conducted in three slots on the same day, with each session lasting 120 minutes (2 hours).
The CAT exam evaluates candidates on three major skill areas that are essential for management studies.
The CAT exam is divided into the following three sections:
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Each section is timed separately, and candidates must complete one section before moving to the next.
| Event | Expected Dates |
| CAT 2026 Notification Release | July 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Registration Start | August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | September 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Admit Card Release | October 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | 29 November 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Result Announcement | December 2026 |
Note: Exact dates will be announced by the conducting IIM.
Candidates must fulfill the following eligibility requirements to appear for CAT:
| Educational Qualification | Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. A minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) is required. Students in the final year of graduation are also eligible to apply. |
| Age Limit | There is no age limit to appear for the CAT exam. |
The CAT exam is conducted in computer-based mode (CBT) and consists of three sections. The total duration of the exam is 120 minutes (2 hours).
| Section | No. Of Questions (Approx.) | Time Limit |
| VARC | 24 | 40 min |
| DILR | 22 | 40 min |
| QA | 22 | 40 min |
| Total 68 | 120 min |
The CAT exam includes both:
Each section has a fixed time limit, and candidates cannot switch between sections during the exam.
The exam is conducted in computer-based mode at over 400 exam centres across India.
The marking scheme for CAT is as follows:
• +3 marks for each correct answer
–1 mark for each incorrect MCQ answer
No negative marking for Non-MCQ questions
The final CAT score is calculated based on scaled scores and percentiles.
The CAT syllabus tests a candidate’s analytical ability, quantitative skills, reasoning ability, and language proficiency.
Major topics include:
Major topics include:
Major topics include:
CAT is the primary gateway to India’s top business schools, including:
A strong CAT score significantly improves the chances of admission into top-tier MBA programs.
The CAT application process is conducted online through the official CAT website. Step-by-Step Registration Process
Register on the official CAT portal to begin your application.
Enter personal details to generate a unique User ID and Password.
| Category | Application Fee |
| General /OBC | 2400 |
| SC/ST/ PwD | 1200 |
(Fees may change according to official notification)
Many prestigious management institutes accept CAT scores, including:
The CAT exam serves as the primary gateway to India’s top management institutes. A high CAT percentile significantly increases the chances of admission into top MBA colleges and prestigious management programs.
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At Master Minds, our CAT preparation focuses on conceptual clarity, practice, and exam strategy.
Our preparation program includes:
✔ Strong conceptual foundation in Quant, Verbal, and Reasoning
✔ Regular full-length CAT mock tests
✔ Detailed performance analysis
✔ Personal mentoring and doubt-solving sessions
✔ Strategic exam approach and time management training
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Experienced MBA entrance exam faculty
Comprehensive CAT study material
Small batch sizes for personal attention
Proven track record of successful results
Both online and classroom coaching options Master Minds – Shaping Future Managers
CAT is considered one of the most competitive MBA entrance exams due to the high number of applicants and the difficulty level of questions.
CAT is conducted once every year, usually in November.
Yes. An on-screen calculator is provided during the exam.
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