Which IIM Will Conduct CAT 2026? Past Trend Analysis

The Common Admission Test, better known as CAT, is one of the most competitive entrance exams in India. Every year, more than 2 lakhs of MBA aspirants sit for this exam with the dream of getting into one of the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).

If you are preparing for CAT 2026, one of the first questions on your mind is probably: Which IIM will conduct CAT 2026?

The answer is not officially out yet. As of now, no official notification has been released by any IIM regarding CAT 2026. However, based on the past trends and the rotational pattern followed by IIMs, it is widely expected that IIM Indore may conduct CAT 2026.

The official CAT 2026 notification is expected to be released in July 2026, so aspirants should keep an eye on the official CAT website.

Read ahead to know everything from past trends to expected changes and important dates of the CAT 2026 exam.

Which IIM Will Conduct CAT 2026?

Based on the rotation pattern followed over the years, IIM Indore is expected to conduct CAT 2026. This is because IIMs take turns conducting the exam, and the pattern strongly suggests IIM Indore is next in line.

The CAT conducting IIM is responsible for releasing the official notification, managing the registration process, setting the paper, and releasing the results.

It is a big responsibility, and the IIMs share this duty in a rotating fashion.

CAT Conducting IIM Past Trend Analysis (2018-2025)

If you look at the data closely, you will notice a clear repeating pattern. IIM Calcutta conducted CAT in 2018, and it came back again in 2024. IIM Kozhikode conducted it in 2019 and again in 2025.

This strongly suggests that the 2026 cycle will follow the same pattern, making IIM Indore the most likely convener, just as it was in 2020.

Of course, this is only based on historical trends. The final confirmation will come only after the official CAT 2026 notification, expected in July 2026.

Here is a look at which IIMs have conducted CAT over the past several years:

What Changes Are Expected in CAT 2026?

While the exam structure has remained mostly stable in recent years, here are some changes and expectations for CAT 2026:

Total Questions Expected to Remain at 68

CAT 2024 and 2025 both had 68 questions. It is expected that CAT 2026 will also have 68 questions across three sections. There is no indication of any major change in the total number of questions.

Difficulty Level May Vary

The difficulty level of CAT changes from year to year depending on which IIM is conducting it. Some years are tougher in Quant, while others have more challenging VARC.

This year, it is expected that the difficulty level may shift slightly, and aspirants should be prepared for all kinds of surprises.

Slot Timing and Number of Test Centres May Change

CAT is conducted in multiple slots across the country. The number of test slots and test centres are mentioned in the notification.

There may be minor changes in slot timing or additional centres added or removed based on requirements.

DILR May Become More Challenging

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) has been a section that has thrown surprises in the past.

For CAT 2026, experts believe that DILR may become more complex and unpredictable, with more puzzle-based and non-routine questions.

Registration Fee May Change

The CAT registration fee has remained the same for a while now, but it may be revised for CAT 2026. Keep checking the official notification once it is out in July for confirmed figures.

Responsibilities of CAT 2026 Conducting IIM

The CAT conducting IIM will take care of the entire CAT 2026 examination process. Some of its key responsibilities are:

• Publishing the CAT 2026 advertisement and notification
• Handling the entire CAT Registration and application process
• Organising the test all over India.
• Releasing the CAT exam answer keys and results.

CAT 2026 Important Dates (Expected)

CAT 2026 notification is expected to be released in the last week of July, and the exam is expected to be held in the last week of November 2026.

No official dates for the CAT 2026 exam have been announced yet. However, based on past years, here are the expected CAT 2026 important dates.

These dates are estimated based on the CAT 2025 schedule and previous years. Always verify with the official CAT website once the notification is out.

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme (Expected)

The CAT exam is a computer-based test that covers three sections. Based on the pattern followed in the last two years, here is what the CAT 2026 exam pattern is expected to look like:

The three sections are:

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
• Quantitative Ability (QA)

Each section has a separate time limit of 40 minutes, and you cannot switch between sections during the exam. This is an important point to remember while planning your preparation strategy.

CAT 2026 Syllabus Snapshot

Here is a brief look at the latest CAT 2026 syllabus across all three sections:

• VARC covers Reading Comprehension passages, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd Sentence Out, and Sentence Completion.
• DILR includes Sets based on Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Charts, Caselets, Venn Diagrams, and various Logical Puzzles.
• QA covers Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Modern Math, and Mensuration.

Conclusion

Now that you know which IIM is likely to conduct CAT 2026 and what changes to expect, the next step is to start your preparation seriously.

The competition for IIM seats is intense, and the earlier you start, the better your chances. If you are looking for structured, expert-led preparation, MBA Karo CAT Online Coaching is the right choice for you.

MBA Karo offers comprehensive CAT coaching with experienced mentors, topic-wise study material, mock tests, and personalised doubt-solving sessions.

Do not wait for the official notification to start preparing. Use this time wisely, build your concepts, and be ready when CAT 2026 opens its doors.