Common Admission Test Exam Dates
Common Admission Test Exam Dates
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is an annual national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to MBA and other postgraduate management programs. It is accepted by all 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and more than 1,200 top business schools across India.
Students searching for CAT exam dates generally want to know about registration schedule, exam date, admit card release, and result declaration. This section presents a clear and structured overview of CAT exam dates and related timelines.
Table of Contents
CAT Exam Dates Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a Year |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Month | November (Usually Last Sunday) |
| Result Declaration | January (Following Year) |
CAT 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
The official notification for CAT 2026 is expected to be released in the last week of July 2026. Based on previous trends, the following dates are tentative and may change after official announcement.
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | July 2026 |
| Registration Window | August 1 to September 20, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | First Week of November 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 29, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Result Declaration | Early January 2027 |
CAT 2025 Recent Schedule (Completed)
CAT 2025 was conducted by IIM Kozhikode. The following table shows the important dates for the previous examination cycle.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Period | August 1 to September 20, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | November 12, 2025 |
| Exam Date | November 30, 2025 |
| Result Declaration | December 24, 2025 |
Exam Pattern & Eligibility
CAT is conducted in three sessions on a single day and follows a fixed exam pattern. Candidates must also meet the eligibility criteria to apply.
Exam Pattern
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Sessions: Morning, Afternoon, and Evening
- Duration: 120 Minutes (40 Minutes per Section)
- Sections:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
- Minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
- Final year students are eligible to apply
Frequently Asked Questions on CAT Exam Dates
When will CAT 2026 notification be released? In which month does registration usually start?
CAT 2026 notification is expected in July 2026. Registration generally starts in August every year. The application window remains open for about 6 to 7 weeks. Candidates should apply early to avoid last-minute issues. All updates are released on the official website.
What is the expected exam date for CAT 2026? On which day is CAT usually conducted?
CAT 2026 is tentatively scheduled for November 29, 2026. The exam is usually held on the last Sunday of November. It is conducted in three sessions on the same day. The final date is announced through official notification. Candidates must check updates regularly.
When will CAT admit card be released? How can candidates download it?
Admit cards are usually released in the first week of November. Candidates can download them from the official website. Login credentials are required for access. Admit card contains exam center and session details. It must be carried on exam day.
When are CAT results generally declared? How can candidates check their score?
CAT results are usually declared in early January. Candidates can check results online. Scorecards are available on the official website. Percentile and sectional scores are mentioned. These scores are used for admissions.
Can CAT exam dates change after announcement? What should candidates do in such cases?
Yes, CAT dates may change in special situations. IIMs announce changes through official notifications. Candidates should follow official updates. Email and website alerts are provided. Regular checking helps avoid confusion.