Common Admission Test Answer Key
Common Admission Test Answer Key
The Common Admission Test (CAT) answer key is released a few days after the examination by the conducting Indian Institutes of Management. It allows candidates to check their responses and estimate their expected scores before the official result announcement.
The answer key is released along with the response sheet and question paper. Candidates can review their answers, calculate marks, and raise objections within the specified challenge window if discrepancies are found.
Table of Contents
CAT Answer Key 2026 Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management |
| Answer Key Mode | Online |
| Release Timeline | Within 3–5 days after exam |
| Includes | Answer Key, Response Sheet, Question Paper |
| Objection Window | Limited period after release |
CAT Answer Key Release Date
The CAT provisional answer key is generally released within a few days after the exam is conducted. Candidates can download the answer key and response sheet from the official portal using login credentials.
After reviewing objections submitted by candidates, the final answer key is released. The CAT result is prepared based on the final answer key only.
How to Download CAT Answer Key
- Visit the official CAT portal.
- Click on the candidate login option.
- Enter User ID and Password.
- Open the answer key and response sheet section.
- Download the PDF for future reference.
How to Calculate CAT Score Using Answer Key
- Add 3 marks for each correct answer.
- Deduct 1 mark for each incorrect MCQ.
- No negative marking for TITA questions.
- Add total marks to estimate raw score.
- Compare with expected percentile range.
How to Raise Objection on CAT Answer Key
If candidates find any discrepancy in the provisional answer key, they can submit objections within the allowed period. Objections must be supported with valid proof and submitted through the official portal.
- Login to candidate dashboard.
- Select question to challenge.
- Upload supporting documents or explanation.
- Pay objection fee if applicable.
- Submit before deadline.
FAQs on CAT Answer Key
Q1: When will the Common Admission Test answer key be released after the completion of the CAT examination?
The CAT provisional answer key is usually released within a few days after the exam. Candidates can access it through their login dashboard. It is released along with the response sheet and question paper. The final answer key is published after reviewing objections. Results are prepared based on the final answer key.
Q2: How can candidates download the CAT answer key and response sheet from the official portal after release?
Candidates need to log in to the official CAT portal. Use the registered User ID and Password to access the dashboard. Click on the answer key or response sheet link. Download the document in PDF format. Save it for score calculation and future reference.
Q3: How can candidates calculate their expected CAT score using the official answer key and response sheet?
Add three marks for every correct answer. Deduct one mark for each incorrect MCQ answer. No negative marking applies to TITA questions. Calculate total marks to estimate raw score. Compare the score with expected percentile trends.
Q4: Can candidates challenge the CAT provisional answer key if they find any incorrect answers or discrepancies?
Yes, candidates can challenge the provisional answer key. Objections must be submitted within the specified time window. Valid proof or explanation must be provided. An objection fee may be required for each challenge. Final answer key is released after reviewing all objections.
Q5: What is the difference between the provisional answer key and final answer key of the CAT exam?
The provisional answer key is released first for review. Candidates can raise objections during this period. After reviewing challenges, authorities release the final answer key. No further changes are allowed after final release. CAT results are based on the final answer key.
Q6: Is it necessary to download the CAT answer key and response sheet even if candidates are waiting for the result?
Yes, downloading the answer key helps estimate scores early. Candidates can evaluate performance before results. It also helps identify any incorrect answers. Objections can be raised within the given period. It provides clarity about expected percentile.