● MBA · IIM Calcutta / IIM Consortium

The IIM gateway. Three sections, zero room to guess.

The premier entrance exam for admission into 21 IIMs and over 1,200 top B-schools across India.

DURATION

120 min

TOTAL MARKS

204

SECTIONS

3 Sections

ATTEMPTS/YR

1 time / year (Nov)

EXAM MODE

Computer-Based (CBT)

Student studying CAT Quant at night

CAT AT A GLANCE

204 marks · 120 min · 3 sections

/// 01 · OVERVIEW

What is CAT?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s most prestigious management entrance exam. Conducted rotationally by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), CAT evaluates candidates on Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).

Scoring a 99+ percentile opens doors to top-tier business schools including IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, and MDI Gurgaon.

CAT demands speed, strategic set-selection, and high accuracy under strict 40-minute sectional time limits.

Who Should Take CAT?

Graduates and final-year undergraduate students aiming for IIM MBA/PGDM degrees
Working professionals looking to accelerate their management career
Aspirants seeking high-ROI B-schools with average packages exceeding ₹25 LPA

What CAT Score Unlocks

21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIM A/B/C/L/K/I & new IIMs)
FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IIT DoMS (Bombay, Delhi, Madras)
Over 1,200 premier AICTE-approved management institutes nationwide

CAT Quick Facts

OFFICIAL 2026
CONDUCTING BODYRotational IIMs (IIM Calcutta for CAT 2026)
ELIGIBILITYBachelor degree with min 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
MODE & LANGUAGESComputer Based Test (CBT) across 170+ cities (English)
APPLICATION FEE₹2,700 (General, EWS, NC-OBC) / ₹1,350 (SC, ST, PwD)
EXPECTED RESULT WINDOWAnnounced by IIM Indore after the exam (reported: December 2026 or January 2027)
Visit Official Website (iimcat.ac.in)
● EXAM JOURNEY TIMELINE

Official Admission Roadmap

2026 CYCLE
DONE01

Registration Window

Aug 03 – Sep 15, 2026

UPCOMING02

Admit Card Release

From Nov 04, 2026 (expected)

UPCOMING03

CAT Exam Day

Nov 29, 2026 (three sessions)

UPCOMING04

Answer Key & Response Sheet

After the exam (to be announced)

UPCOMING05

CAT Result Declaration

Dec 2026 / Jan 2027 (to be announced)

UPCOMING06

IIM GD-PI Shortlist & Calls

Jan 2027 onwards