Common Admission Test 2026
India’s most coveted management entrance test for admission to the 21 IIMs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, and top B-schools.
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
CAT 2026
29 Nov 2026 · 08:30 IST
Official Circular Citation & Provenance
This examination schedule is published pursuant to: "IIM CAT 2026 Official Information Bulletin & Notification" issued by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
About Common Admission Test 2026
Held across three sessions on the last Sunday of November. 66 questions in 120 minutes with 40-minute sectional limits for VARC, DILR, and QA.
Administered annually by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), this examination serves as a critical national gateway for students seeking admission and career appointment across premier Indian institutions. Maintaining an accurate, drift-free second-by-second countdown is essential for candidates to budget revision phases, track registration windows, and build circadian rhythm synchronization for their scheduled test shift.
CAT 2026 Examination Pattern & Marking Scheme
Understanding the examination architecture and scoring blueprint enables candidates to avoid negative marking penalties, calibrate section-by-section time budgets, and maximize composite percentile ranks.
Scoring & Negative Marking Rules
+3 marks for each correct response, -1 mark penalty for incorrect MCQs. Non-MCQ / TITA (Type in the Answer) questions have zero negative marking penalty.
• Medium of Examination: English Only
• Shift Timing Breakdown: 08:30 to 18:30 IST
Curriculum Breakdown & High-Yield Section Weightage
Analyze historical question distribution and topic weightage to prioritize syllabus coverage effectively:
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
36.4% of Paper (24 Questions / 72 Marks — Strict 40 Min Sectional Lock)Read eclectic non-fiction from Aeon, The Economist, and Smithsonian. In RC, spend 6 minutes reading and 3 minutes answering per passage. Ensure high strike rate on TITA questions where wrong answers carry zero penalty.
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
30.3% of Paper (20 Questions / 60 Marks — Strict 40 Min Sectional Lock)The primary skill in DILR is caselet selection. Spend the first 4 minutes scanning all 4 sets to pick the 2 most deterministic sets. Solving 2 complete sets with 100% accuracy yields a 95+ percentile in DILR.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
33.3% of Paper (22 Questions / 66 Marks — Strict 40 Min Sectional Lock)Arithmetic and Algebra comprise over 70% of Quantitative Aptitude. Execute the ABC approach: Attempt easy arithmetic questions first (Round 1), Bookmark moderate algebra questions (Round 2), and avoid complex time-traps.
Phase-by-Phase Countdown Strategy & Revision Timetable
Structure your daily study routine into progressive milestones mapped against the countdown deadline:
Phase 1: Concept Mastery & Mental Math Calibration
Completing foundational arithmetic, algebra, and mastering core DILR matrix frameworks.
- Memorize fraction-to-percentage conversions up to 1/20, squares to 30, and cubes to 20.
- Solve 30 QA questions and 2 DILR sets daily.
- Read 2 long-form essays daily from philosophical and scientific journals.
Phase 2: Sectional Testing & Strict 40-Minute Time Discipline
Mastering sectional transitions and question selection under strict time constraints.
- Attempt 3 sectional tests for each subject weekly under strict 40-minute lock.
- Analyze accuracy vs speed trade-offs in dedicated test review sessions.
- Master mental calculation to minimize on-screen virtual calculator latency.
Phase 3: Full Computer-Based Simulator Mocks & Percentile Calibration
Endurance across full 2-hour exam shifts and managing energy levels across sectional locks.
- Take 12 to 15 full-length computer-based mocks at your exact allotted shift time.
- Refine personal question selection criteria to avoid getting stuck in negative-marking traps.
- Revise formula notebooks, geometric theorems, and common DILR puzzle templates.
Official Examination Day Code of Conduct & Guidelines
Adhere strictly to official conducting authority instructions to prevent disqualification or reporting delays:
Mandatory Documents to Carry
- Printed CAT/MBA admit card on A4 paper (laser print recommended) with passport photo affixed.
- Original valid government photo ID (College ID, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, Aadhaar Card, Driving License).
- Authorisation form or medical certificate if applicable.
- Transparent simple pen.
Strictly Prohibited Items
- All electronic devices, mobile phones, watches (digital or analog), health bands, or earphones.
- Wallets, purses, goggles, caps, metallic ornaments, jackets with heavy zippers.
- Rough paper, calculators, or blank sheets (scribble pads are provided at your terminal).
Prescribed Dress Code Advisory
- Simple clothing without pockets, large buttons, brooches, or metallic elements.
- Socks and shoes are strictly discouraged; sandals or slippers with thin soles are recommended.
Candidates must report to the test venue at least 90 minutes before their scheduled shift. Lab doors close strictly 15 minutes before the session starts.
Eligibility Standards & Admit Card Verification
Eligibility & Qualifying Criteria
- Candidate must hold a Bachelor Degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC/ST/PwD).
- Candidates appearing for the final year of bachelor degree/equivalent qualification examination are also eligible.
- No age limitation applies for appearing in national management entrance examinations.
Admit Card Protocol
- Admit cards are released on the official portal approximately 3 to 4 weeks before exam day.
- Verify your candidate registration number, shift slot, reporting time, and test center Google Maps link.
Critical Schedule Milestones
Practice & Timing Tools
Prepare under simulated examination conditions.
Related Examinations
CAT 2026 Frequently Asked Questions
When is CAT 2026 taking place?
CAT 2026 is officially scheduled on Sunday, November 29, 2026.
What are the section timings in CAT?
40 minutes each for VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Ability (120 minutes total).
Can I switch between sections during CAT 2026?
In CAT examinations, sectional switching is strictly prohibited. Each section (VARC, DILR, QA) has a mandatory 40-minute time lock. Once 40 minutes expire, the system automatically submits the section and advances to the next.
Is an on-screen calculator provided in CAT 2026?
Yes. An on-screen basic virtual calculator is provided in the computer-based testing interface. However, using mouse clicks for basic arithmetic is slow; mental math calculation is recommended for speed.