CAT Exam Notification 2026 Out in July (Expected): All Details Here

CAT Exam Notification 2026: The CAT 2026 notification is expected to be released in the last week of July 2026. Along with the notification, candidates will be able to check important details such as registration dates, exam schedule, eligibility, exam pattern, and other key information. Based on previous years’ trends, CAT 2026 is likely to be conducted on November 29, 2026.

With only a few months left before the exam, aspirants should start their preparation seriously. CAT remains one of the most competitive MBA entrance exams in India, and understanding the expected timeline can help candidates stay ahead.

Read ahead to know complete details about CAT notification 2026 on this page.

CAT 2026 Exam Date: When Will the Exam Be Conducted?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the gateway to admission in IIMs and several top MBA colleges across India. Every year, lakhs of candidates register for the exam, but only a small percentage eventually secure admission to the IIMs.

As of now, there is no official announcement regarding CAT 2026. However, based on historical trends, the notification is expected in July 2026, registrations may begin in August, and the exam is likely to be held in November.

Candidates aiming for the CAT exam date 2026 should use this period to strengthen their fundamentals and improve their test-taking skills rather than waiting for the official CAT exam notification.

CAT Exam Notification 2026 Important Dates (Expected)

The official information bulletin for CAT 2026 will contain the complete schedule. Based on previous years’ trends, the expected CAT 2026 timeline is as follows:

Candidates should keep track of these CAT exam notification dates to avoid missing important deadlines related to registration and admit card download.

CAT Exam Dates: Last 10 Years’ Trend

Looking at previous CAT exam dates can help candidates understand the usual examination cycle. Over the last decade, CAT has mostly been conducted in the last week of November.

The trend clearly shows that CAT is generally conducted on the last Sunday of November. Therefore, the expected CAT 2026 exam date of November 29 appears consistent with past years.

CAT Competition Level: Registration vs Actual Test-Takers

Understanding the number of applicants is equally important because it gives a realistic picture of the competition. The CAT 2025 exam recorded 2.95 lakh registrations, out of which 2.58 lakh candidates appeared for the test. The attendance rate stood at 86%.

Here is a comparison of registrations and actual participation over the years:

These numbers show how competitive CAT has become over the years. While lakhs of candidates appear for the exam, only a small percentage ultimately secure admission calls from the IIMs. This makes consistent preparation and regular mock practice extremely important.

CAT Exam Pattern 2026 (Expected)

Candidates should be familiar with the exam pattern before starting their preparation. Based on the current format, CAT 2026 is expected to have 68 questions divided into three sections.

The total duration of the exam will likely remain 120 minutes, with a sectional time limit of 40 minutes each. The total maximum score is expected to remain 204 marks. Check the expected CAT exam pattern shared below for reference:

Marking Scheme

• +3 marks for every correct answer
• -1 mark for every incorrect MCQ answer
• No negative marking for non-MCQ questions

Details Included in CAT Exam Notification 2026

The CAT exam notification 2026 will be the first official document released for MBA aspirants planning to take the exam. It will contain confirmed information about the examination process, important deadlines, and admission-related updates.

Since CAT attracts nearly 3 lakh registrations every year, candidates should review the CAT notification 2026 carefully before applying.

Registration Window and Key Deadlines

The CAT notification 2026 will specify when applications begin and when the registration portal closes. It will also mention important events such as admit card release and result declaration. Missing these dates can lead to the loss of an entire admission cycle.

Number of Seats Offered Through CAT

Apart from exam details, CAT aspirants closely track seat availability at IIMs. The CAT 2026 notification is expected to provide information about the participating IIMs, which collectively offer more than 6,000 MBA seats across various management programmes.

Exam Schedule and Session Allocation

CAT is generally conducted in multiple sessions on the same day to accommodate a large applicant pool. The notification will confirm the exam date and explain how candidates will be assigned to different test slots.

Exam Pattern and Sectional Distribution

The notification will outline the structure of the test, including the sections from which questions will be asked. It will also mention sectional time limits and the marking methodology used to calculate scores and percentiles.

Category-Wise Application Fee

Candidates belonging to different categories are required to pay different registration fees. The CAT 2026 notification will officially announce the fee structure along with the accepted online payment methods.

Test City Availability

With examination centres spread across more than 170 cities, CAT is one of India’s largest MBA entrance tests. The notification will include the list of cities available for selection and the rules governing centre allotment.

Conducting IIM and Admission Cycle Details

Every year, one IIM is responsible for conducting CAT. The 2026 notification will identify the organising institute and provide information regarding the admission cycle that follows the declaration of CAT results.

CAT Exam Notification 2026 at a Glance

Here is a quick overview of the expected CAT Notification 2026 exam details:

Final Thoughts

The CAT notification 2026 is expected in July, and the exam is likely to be conducted in November; candidates have a valuable preparation window available. Looking at the increasing number of registrations every year, competition is expected to remain intense.

This is the right time to build strong concepts, improve speed and accuracy, and practice regularly through mock tests. A structured preparation approach can make a significant difference in your final percentile.

At MBA Karo, students get access to CAT-level mock tests, weekly assessments, recorded lectures, live doubt resolution sessions, practice sheets, and interactive classes designed to help aspirants prepare for CAT 2026.