The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the gateway to IIMs and hundreds of other MBA/PGP programmes in India. If you’re planning MBA admission for 2026, here’s a compact, action-first guide to CAT 2026 — the exact dates you need, who can apply, the exam pattern, quick preparation tips, and how to apply without last-minute hassles.
Key dates — what to remember (2025)
- CAT 2025 date : November 30, 2025
- CAT application process : Online (iimcat.ac.in)
- CAT fees : INR 2,600 (General category) and INR 1,300 (Reserved category)
- Registration window: August 1, 2025 (10:00 AM) → registration open till September 20, 2025.
- Admit card availability: Will available from second week of November, 2025.
- CAT exam date (2025): November 30, 2025 (computer-based, multiple slots).
- Answer key / result: Answer key and result windows are typically in December; watch the official site for exact release dates.
Who can apply (eligibility snapshot)
Any candidate with a bachelor’s degree (in any discipline) from a recognized university with the minimum marks specified by the IIMs (typically 50% aggregate for general category; relaxations apply for reserved categories).
Final-year students are eligible to apply provisionally, subject to meeting graduation requirements later. Always check the official notification during application for category-wise percentage rules.
Application fee (as per official notification)
Fees are typically charged category-wise; the official 2025 notification lists the standard registration fee structure — INR 2,600 General category and INR 1,300 for Reserved category, please refer to the official PDF or the application portal for the exact fee to be paid at time of registration.
Exam pattern the essentials you must know
CAT usually tests three broad areas in a time-bound, sectional format:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) — RCs, para-jumbles, para-summary, short verbal reasoning questions. Total Questions will be 24 and weightage of 72 marks.
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) — sets, graphs, caselets, puzzles and logic-based questions. Total Questions will be 22 and weightage of 66 marks.
- Quantitative Ability (QA) — arithmetic, algebra, geometry and modern math topics, with emphasis on speed and accuracy. Total Questions will be 22 and weightage of 66 marks.
The test is computer-based and administered in multiple slots on the exam day. Sectional timing and sectional cutoffs are important practice with sectional mocks to build both speed and balance.
Syllabus highlights where to focus
You don’t need to cover an endless list; focus on high-yield topics:
- VARC: intensive RC practice, vocabulary in context, summary & inference questions.
- DILR: practise pattern recognition across sets — table interpretation, graphs, logical puzzles.
- QA: strong basics in number systems, algebra, percentages, ratios, geometry, probability and permutations/ combinations.
How to apply — step-by-step (practical)
- Visit the official CAT registration portal listed in the notification.
- Create an account and fill in personal and academic details carefully.
- Upload required documents (photo, signature, category certificates if applicable).
- Pay the registration fee and note the transaction details.
- Save the confirmation and keep the registered email/phone handy for admit-card alerts. (Admit cards will be available from Nov 5, 2025.)
Cutoffs & top-college targets
Top IIMs typically shortlist candidates with percentiles in the 99+ range; many good B-schools consider candidates in the 95–99 percentile bracket depending on profile and category. Use past-year cutoffs as a guide but aim higher than the previous year’s safe percentile for your target institutes.
8-week practical study blueprint (compact)
- Weeks 1–2: Diagnostic mock + fundamentals (fill core gaps in QA and RC).
- Weeks 3–5: Topic-wise practice + sectional tests. Prioritise DILR patterns.
- Weeks 6–7: Full-length mocks (2–3 per week) + detailed error analysis.
- Week 8: Revision, light practice, formula/strategy sheet and rest.
Daily: 60–120 minutes of high-quality practice + one timed sectional test every 3–4 days.
Conversion & counselling — your next step
CAT is not just a percentile — converting that percentile into calls depends on your profile (academics, work experience, diversity). If you want help mapping target colleges to your expected percentile or building a personalised study plan, get in touch for a free 15-minute counselling session. We’ll review your profile and suggest the most realistic target shortlist and practice roadmap.
