CAT is one of the most popular MBA entrance exams in India and serves as the gateway to the IIMs and several other leading B-schools. Every year, nearly 2.5-3 lakh candidates register for the exam.
In CAT 2025 alone, around 2.95 lakh candidates registered, while 2.58 lakh actually appeared, reflecting an attendance rate of 86%.
Despite such massive participation, only 1-2% of candidates ultimately convert IIM admissions. This makes CAT one of the most competitive management entrance examinations in the country.
Aspirants should use the remaining days to strengthen concepts, improve speed and accuracy, and practice full-length mock tests consistently.
There is no official announcement regarding the CAT 2026 exam yet. Based on historical trends, the notification is expected in the last week of July 2026, registration is likely to begin in August 2026, and the exam is most likely to be conducted on November 29, 2026. It is also expected that IIM Indore will conduct CAT 2026.
CAT Exam Date 2026 (Expected)
The official CAT 2026 notification has not been released yet. However, based on previous years’ timelines, candidates can expect the notification by the last week of July 2026. The registration process is likely to begin in August and continue till September 2026.
Candidates should carefully track all important events because missing the registration or admit card deadline can prevent them from appearing in the examination.
| 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 |
CAT 2026 Countdown: Why Every Day Matters
With approximately 140 days remaining, candidates have enough time to build a strong preparation strategy.
Looking at previous CAT toppers, most successful candidates dedicate their final four to five months towards improving mock scores, analysing mistakes, and strengthening weak areas.
A focused CAT preparation plan during this period can help candidates:
- Complete the entire syllabus comfortably.
- Improve sectional accuracy.
- Increase solving speed.
- Build exam temperament through mock tests.
- Reduce silly mistakes before the actual examination.
CAT Exam Timeline Based on Previous Years
CAT has followed a highly predictable schedule over the last decade. Except for 2016 and the pandemic year, the CAT Exam has consistently been conducted on the last Sunday of November.
The trend below strongly indicates that CAT 2026 is likely to be conducted on November 29, 2026. However, candidates should wait for the official confirmation.
| 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 Registration Trends Show Rising Competition
The CAT exam has witnessed consistent growth in registrations over the past few years. From 2.27 lakh registrations in 2020, the number increased to 3.29 lakh in 2024. This highlights the growing popularity of MBA education in India.
The increasing registrations clearly indicate that competition is becoming tougher every year. Hence, candidates should begin serious preparation well before the notification is released.
| 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% |
Expected CAT Exam Pattern 2026
Understanding the exam pattern is equally important while planning preparation. CAT is expected to continue with the same format introduced in recent years. The exam duration will be 40 minutes for each section. The expected marking scheme is:
- +3 marks for every correct answer.
- -1 mark for every incorrect MCQ.
- No negative marking for non-MCQ questions.
| 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 2026
| 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) |
How Should You Use the Remaining 140 Days?
The remaining months before CAT should be utilised smartly. They should not focus only on completing the syllabus repeatedly.
Candidates should first focus on strengthening concepts in Quantitative Ability, Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, and Data Interpretation.
Once the basics are clear, they should gradually shift towards sectional tests and full-length mock exams.
Regular mock analysis is equally important because it helps identify recurring mistakes, weak topics, and time-management issues. Candidates should also revise important formulas, improve their reading speed, and solve previous years’ CAT-level questions to become comfortable with the actual exam pattern.
Conclusion
With 140 days left for the expected CAT 2026 exam, this is the ideal time to begin focused preparation. Although the official notification is yet to be released, past trends suggest that CAT 2026 is likely to be conducted on November 29, 2026, with the notification expected in the last week of July 2026.
Nearly 3 lakh candidates compete every year, while only a small percentage secure admission to the IIMs. But consistent preparation can make a significant difference. Aspirants should dedicate the coming months to concept building, sectional practice, mock tests, and performance analysis.
Candidates can join the MBA KARO CAT Online Coaching for structured preparation. It offers expert guidance, expert mentorship, recorded classes, comprehensive study material, and high-quality mocks.
The program is designed to help CAT aspirants improve their scores through concept-focused learning, regular practice, and personalised mentoring.
