The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most competitive MBA entrance exams in India, conducted annually for admission into top management institutes including the prestigious IIMs. If you’re planning to pursue an MBA in 2026, knowing the CAT exam date for MBA 2026 is the first step in building a solid preparation strategy.
CAT Exam Date 2026 (Expected)
The CAT exam is usually conducted on the last Sunday of November every year. Based on previous trends, the CAT 2026 exam is expected to be held on Sunday, 29 November 2026. However, the official date will be announced by the conducting IIM around July or August 2026.
Important CAT 2026 Dates (Tentative)
- Notification Release: July 2026
- Registration Start Date: August 2026 (First week)
- Last Date to Apply: September 2026 (Mid)
- Admit Card Release: October 2026
- CAT Exam Date: 29 November 2026 (Expected)
- Result Declaration: January 2027
CAT Exam Pattern 2026
The CAT exam is conducted in three sessions on a single day. It is a computer-based test (CBT) consisting of three main sections:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
The total duration is 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allotted to each section.
Why CAT Exam Date Matters
Knowing the exam date helps you:
- Plan a structured study timetable
- Allocate time for mock tests and revision
- Stay ahead in the competitive MBA admission process