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[ Expected Timeline: CAT 2026 ]

Exam Date: Sunday, November 29, 2026 (Expected)

Official Notification: Last week of July 2026

Registration Opens: First week of August 2026

Admit Card Release: Last week of October 2026

CAT 2026 Exam Date, Notification & Strategy

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India's most competitive management entrance exam. If you are targeting the top IIMs for the 2027-29 academic batch, your preparation for CAT 2026 should begin with a clear understanding of the timelines and structural expectations.

Will the CAT 2026 Syllabus Change?

Historically, the IIMs do not drastically change the syllabus. The core sections remain:

  • VARC: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (24 Questions)
  • DILR: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (22 Questions)
  • QA: Quantitative Aptitude (22 Questions)

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the CAT 2026 exam date? +
The CAT 2026 exam is expected to be held on Sunday, November 29, 2026. Historically, the exam is conducted on the last Sunday of November.
When will the CAT 2026 notification be released? +
The official CAT 2026 notification will likely be released in the last week of July 2026, followed by the start of the registration process in early August.
How many months are required to prepare for CAT 2026? +
A dedicated preparation window of 3 to 8 months is ideal for CAT 2026. This allows sufficient time for concept building, adaptive practice, and intensive mock test analysis.