CAT 2026 Explained: Exam Details, Eligibility and Preparation Tips

TL;DR

• CAT is an entrance examination for MBA aspirants. 
• The registration for this exam may begin in the first week of August 2026.
• The syllabus consists of VARC, DILR and QA.
• There is no age limit for applying to the CAT exam 2026.

When you are getting ready for the CAT 2026, you are entering the most fiercely contested educational arenas in the country. The CAT's purpose is to act as a gateway for MBA aspirants seeking admission to top-tier business schools, particularly the IIMs. Every year, countless learners compete for a small number of PG-management and MBA seats. Latest data show that roughly 2.58 Lakh candidates appeared for this examination in 2025.

In this blog, you will gain insights about the CAT 2026 exam date, syllabus, eligibility and how to prepare for the examination effectively.

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CAT Exam: Purpose and Important Dates

The CAT is an entrance examination conducted annually at the national level for securing admission to postgraduate, doctorate, or fellow programs at different IIMs (Indian Institute of Management). CAT scores are also accepted by non-IIM institutions, provided they are registered as official member institutions.

Important Dates: 

The official CAT 2026 dates have not yet been released. However, registration for the CAT exam 2026 is expected to begin in the first week of August.

Here is a tentative list of dates related to the exam: 

What are the Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2026? 

Apart from knowing the CAT 2026 exam details, you should also know the CAT exam eligibility and make sure to meet them:

Educational Qualifications 

A bachelor’s degree awarded by an accredited institution or university, with the following minimum requirements: 

When checking the CAT 2026 exam details or eligibility, know that you can also apply if you have a B.E. or B. Tech degree from an MHRD or AICTE-accredited institute with about 50% marks (45% is for the PwD, ST, or SC).

Final Year Students 

You can apply even in your final year of study, but admission remains provisional until proof of degree completion is submitted.

Age Limit for CAT 

None 

What is the CAT 2026 Syllabus? 

Apart from knowing what is a CAT exam​, you also need to keep in mind that there is no fixed CAT 2026 exam syllabus. You can take the mock test to understand the exam pattern and question types. Regularly check the CAT website for updates on mock tests. The section-wise syllabus of the CAT 2026 exam to help you plan your preparation strategy is as follows:

CAT 2026 Registration Process: Steps, Fee, and System Requirements 

Registering for the CAT 2026 exam requires you to follow a few quick, simple steps as follows: 

Note: No corrections are allowed once the registration process is complete. Thus, you should be careful throughout the entire process:

Application Fee 

Here is the category-wise application fee: 

Apart from the CAT exam eligibility and syllabus, ​there are certain system requirements for a smooth application process completion, including: 

CAT 2025 Preparation Tips 

Here are some preparation tips to help you effortlessly ace the exam:

Create a Balanced Study Plan 

A proper study plan, dedicating sufficient time to each section, getting enough sleep, and taking breaks are crucial.

Attempt Mock Tests 

Taking mock tests on reliable platforms and analysing your performance in them will help you understand your strong and weak areas.

Practice Time Management

To improve your response speed, practise regular time management using a timer or timed mock tests.

Avoid Monotony in Preparation

You should check the CAT exam syllabus and then prepare topics from each section daily to ensure a varied approach and reduce monotony.

Solve Past Papers 

Past papers help assess your knowledge level and understand the question paper pattern.

Revise Regularly 

Revisiting the topics studied is essential for strong conceptual clarity and better recall. 

Conclusion 

Clearing the CAT exam requires an in-depth knowledge of the CAT exam syllabus for MBA, its format, and other essential requirements. With the detailed, important information mentioned here, you have all the prerequisites in one place for a structured preparation strategy. Additionally, the tips listed will help boost your chances of clearing the CAT 2026 exam.

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