CAT Exam Dates 2026: The CAT 2026 exam dates, along with notification and registration timelines, will be announced in July tentatively.
Once the authorities release the information bulletin, you can check the CAT exam dates, the last date to apply, eligibility, and other crucial details. As per the past trends, the CAT exam is usually held in November, and the same is expected this year as well.
With only 6 months left for the exam, candidates should plan their preparation better in order to perform well. Read ahead to know about the CAT exam dates 2026 and other details.
When will the CAT 2026 Exam be conducted?
CAT is one of the popular MBA entrance exams that serves as a gateway to IIMs and other leading B-schools in India. Nearly 2.5 lakh candidates appear for the CAT exam every year.
However, only 1-2% of candidates convert IIM calls every year. This shows immense competition for the limited seats in the MBA program across the IIMs. So, students who are asking when the CAT 2026 exam will be conducted should focus on solidifying their concepts so that they can perform well.
CAT exam dates 2026 will be announced in the coming months. As of now, there is no official announcement of the CAT 2026 exam, but it is expected to be released in the last week of July 2026.
Learn more about the CAT exam date and time for 2026 in this article.
CAT Exam Date 2026 Release Time
Candidates should go through the CAT exam dates and the other events timeline carefully in the information bulletin. This helps them avoid missing the deadline of any event.
The CAT notification 2026 is expected to be released in the last week of July, and the registration may begin in August based on past trends.
Candidates must always check the official website for all the latest updates on the CAT 2026 exam date.
| Events | Date (Expected) |
| CAT Notification 2026 | Last week of July 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Registration Starts | August 2026 |
| CAT Registration 2026 Ends | September 2026 |
| CAT Admit Card 2026 | November 2026 |
| CAT Exam Date 2026 | November 2026 |
Historical CAT Exam Dates (2016-2026)
The CAT 2026 exam date will be announced shortly. Till then, candidates can check the CAT exam dates of the last 10 years and get a rough idea of when the CAT exam is usually conducted.
This helps them predict the expected dates and plan their CAT 2026 preparation accordingly.
| Year | CAT Exam Dates |
| CAT 2026 | November 29, 2026 (Expected) |
| CAT 2025 | November 30, 2025 |
| CAT 2024 | November 24, 2024 |
| CAT 2023 | November 26, 2023 |
| CAT 2022 | November 27, 2022 |
| CAT 2021 | November 28, 2021 |
| CAT 2020 | November 29, 2020 |
| CAT 2019 | November 24, 2019 |
| CAT 2018 | November 25, 2018 |
| CAT 2017 | November 26, 2017 |
| CAT 2016 | December 4, 2016 |
CAT Exam Registration Over the Past Years
Along with knowing the CAT exam dates, you must also understand the number of registrations and test-takers in the CAT exam every year.
It helps you know the exact competition level and lets you plan your strategy wisely. Let’s have a look at the CAT registration vs actual number of test-takers over the past years in the table below:
| CAT Year | Number of Registered Candidates | Number of Candidates Appeared | Attendance Rate |
| 2025 | 2.95 lakh | 2.58 lakh | 86% |
| 2024 | 3.29 Lakh | 2.93 Lakh | 89% |
| 2023 | 3.28 Lakh | 2.88 Lakh | 88% |
| 2022 | 2.55 Lakh | 2.22 Lakh | 87% |
| 2021 | 2.30 Lakh | 1.92 Lakh | 83% |
| 2020 | 2.27 Lakh | 1.90 Lakh | 83.5% |
CAT Exam Pattern 2026 (Expected)
Candidates should review the CAT exam pattern and marking scheme wisely. The CAT 2026 exam is a computer-based test that is likely to have 68 questions.
The exam duration is 120 minutes (2 hours). Each question carries 3 marks, and a negative marking of 1 mark is for a wrong answer in MCQs. Check the expected CAT exam pattern 2026 below:
| Section | Number of Questions | Exam Duration |
| Section I: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 minutes |
| Section II: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 | 40 minutes |
| Section III: Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 68 | 120 minutes |
Quick Overview of CAT Exam Dates 2026
Here is a quick glimpse of the CAT exam date 2026 shared below for candidates’ reference:
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test |
| Exam Conducting Body | IIM |
| Number of Applicants | 2.95 lakh (CAT 2025) |
| Eligibility | Graduation |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Sections | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Quantitative Ability (QA) |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Sections | 3 |
| Total Questions | 68 |
| Maximum Marks | 204 |
| Sectional Time Limit | 40 minutes each |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for correct answer-1 for incorrect answer (MCQs) |
Conclusion
As the CAT 2026 exam is near, candidates should strengthen their preparation. They must master all the concepts and practice sufficient questions daily.
This is where structured learning can help them. At MBA Karo, we offer interactive sessions, CAT-level mocks, weekly tests, live doubt resolution sessions, recorded lectures, etc. All these features are designed to enhance your preparation and improve your chances of success in the exam.
