CAT Exam Date 2026: Preparing for the CAT 2026 exam? Knowing the CAT 2026 exam date and related milestones like notification release, registration window, admit card issue, and result declaration is critical to your success. Here’s your complete guide.
Table of Contents
When Will the CAT 2026 Notification Be Released?
The official CAT 2026 notification will probably be released in the last week of July 2026. This year, it is most likely that IIM Indore will set the CAT paper and will be responsible for the conduct and execution of the same.
Expected CAT 2026 Exam Date & Schedule
| CAT 2026 Important Events | CAT Exam Schedule |
| CAT 2026 Notification Release | Last week of July 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date (Last Sunday of November) | November 29, 2026 (Tentative) |
| CAT Results Announcement | Third/Fourth week of December 2026 |
Also Read – CAT Marking Scheme 2026, Paper Pattern
CAT 2026 Notification Release Date
The official CAT 2026 announcement is likely to be released during the latter week of July 2026. Based on prior trends, IIM Indore is expected to announce the CAT notification on July 26, 2026. The CAT 2025 Notification is released by the conducting authority of CAT that contains all the important information related to the exam, including CAT 2025 exam dates, CAT 2025 registration window dates, CAT eligibility criteria, CAT exam dates, CAT syllabus, CAT exam fee, and more.
Also Read – CAT 2026 exam pattern
CAT Exam Registration Dates 2026
The registration process for CAT 2026 will commence in the first week of August 2026 and run until the second week of September 2026.
| CAT 2026 Important Events | CAT Registration Timeline |
| CAT 2026 Registration Start Date | First week of August 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Registration Last Date | Third/Fourth week of September 2026 |
| CAT Form Correction Window Opening | Third/Fourth week of September 2026 |
| CAT Admit Card 2026 Release | First week of November 2026 |
Also Read- CAT Syllabus 2026 Section-wise Download PDF | CAT Important Topics
Candidates should make sure they register well before the deadline so that there aren’t any technical problems at the last minute. Timely registration also makes it easier to pick your preferred exam city and time.
CAT Application Form Filling Dates 2026
The CAT 2026 application form will be available from August to September 2026. Applicants must include accurate personal, academic, and professional information, as inaccuracies after submission may not be remedied. During the correction window, candidates can usually only make a few changes, so double-check all of your details before submitting.
CAT 2026 Admit Card Release Date
The CAT 2026 admit card will be available in the first week of November 2026. Candidates must download and print their CAT hall tickets from the official IIM CAT website to access the exam centre. The CAT admit card will include information such as the exam date, shift times, test city, and testing centre address.
CAT 2026 Exam Schedule
The CAT 2026 examination is expected to take place on November 29, 2026 (Sunday), in three sessions. Candidates are required to arrive at their examination centres early to finalise the verification procedure. The anticipated schedule for the slots is as follows:
- Slot 1: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
- Slot 2: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
- Slot 3: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
CAT 2026 Result Date
The CAT 2026 results are expected to be declared in the third week of December 2026. Usually, the unofficial answer key is released 3-4 days after the CAT exam; post that, the CAT result is released. Once the conducting authorities release the CAT result, candidates will be able to download their CAT scorecard by logging into their official IIM CAT portal. Therefore, it is recommended that aspirants regularly check the official website for updates.
How To Stay Updated & Never Miss A Deadline
- Bookmark the official CAT website (iimcat.ac.in) and check back frequently for modifications.
- Join any MBA preparation Telegram Groups to obtain timely updates.
- Set reminders for important dates in your calendar or planner.
Conclusion
The CAT 2026 exam date is likely to be November 29, 2026, with the notice arriving in July 2026. While these dates are uncertain, the overall timeframe follows a predictable pattern year after year. Aspirants should keep an eye on the official website and base their study plan on these important dates. By staying up to date, you won’t miss any important dates for registration, admit card download, or any important deadline, and can solely focus on preparing for the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will the CAT exam date 2026 be announced?
The CAT exam date 2026 will be officially announced by the IIM conducting CAT 2026, typically by mid-July 2026 through the CAT notification. Candidates should regularly check the official website iimcat.ac.in for updates.
2. What is the expected CAT exam date for 2026?
Based on historical trends, the expected CAT exam date 2026 is the last Sunday of November 2026. While this is the standard pattern followed for many years, the final date will be confirmed only in the CAT 2026 notification.
3. When will CAT 2026 registration begin?
CAT 2026 registration is expected to begin in the first week of August 2026, shortly after the official notification is released. The registration window usually remains open for five to six weeks.
4. What is the timeline for CAT 2026 admit card release?
The CAT 2026 admit card will be available for download approximately 3–4 weeks before the exam, typically in October 2026. Candidates must log in to their CAT account on iimcat.ac.in to download it.
