Entrance Exam Guide 2026
Conquer CAT: Your Ticket to IIMs
Master the Common Admission Test. Get detailed insights on exam structure, syllabus, and profile building for top B-Schools.
Exam Overview
Conducted By
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on rotation
Frequency
Once a year
Exam Mode
Online (Computer Based Test)
Duration
2 Hours (120 Minutes)
Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC/ST/PwD).
- Final year graduation students are also eligible to apply.
- No age limit or restriction on the number of attempts.
Syllabus Highlights
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): Reading passages, para jumbles, summary.
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): Puzzles, seating arrangements, charts, graphs, tables.
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA): Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Modern Math.
Paper Pattern
- Total Questions: 66 Questions (VARC: 24, DILR: 20, QA: 22).
- Format: MCQs and TITA (Type in the Answer) questions.
- Marking Scheme: +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect (No negative marking for TITA).
- Sectional Time Limit: 40 minutes per section.
Important Dates
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | July |
| Registration Window | August - September |
| Admit Card Download | Late October |
| CAT Exam Date | Last Sunday of November |
| Results Declaration | Early January |
Participating Colleges
- All 20 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
- FMS Delhi
- SPJIMR Mumbai
- IITs (Department of Management Studies)
- MDI Gurgaon & Hundreds of other top B-Schools
Frequently Asked Questions
Is work experience mandatory for CAT?
No, freshers can take CAT and get into IIMs. However, having work experience gives you extra weightage during the interview phase.
What is a good CAT percentile?
To get interview calls from top old IIMs (BLACKI), a percentile above 99 is usually required for general category. New IIMs and other top colleges accept 95+.
Are calculators allowed in CAT?
Physical calculators are strictly prohibited, but an on-screen basic calculator is provided during the exam.
Courses Connected to This Exam
Connected Admission Courses
Related College Categories
Need help understanding this exam?
Our counsellors can help you map your CAT score to suitable colleges and courses without misleading admission promises.
Ethical Advisory Note: XPERT ADVICE provides admission guidance, course and college shortlisting support, and process clarity. We do not promise guaranteed admission or confirmed seats.
Crack CAT
Register for expert counselling and preparation guidance.