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.
| 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) |
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 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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.