ACAT Exam Dates 2026: Phase 1 & 2 Schedule, Registration and Result Dates

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham conducts the Amrita Common Aptitude Test (ACAT) for admission to its MBA programs offered at the Amritapuri, Bengaluru, Kochi, Mysuru, Coimbatore, and Amaravati campuses. ACAT is a national-level management entrance examination designed to assess candidates' aptitude for business education and leadership roles.

To help MBA aspirants stay informed, here is a detailed overview of the ACAT 2026 Phase I and Phase II exam schedule, including registration dates, exam dates, result announcements, and selection rounds.

ACAT 2026 Phase I Exam Schedule

ACAT 2026 Phase II Exam Schedule

For candidates who miss Phase I or wish to apply in the later admission cycle, ACAT Phase II offers another opportunity to secure admission.

Kochi & Amritapuri Campuses

Bengaluru & Mysuru Campuses

ACAT Registration Dates

Phase I

The registration process is expected to commence in October 2025 and continue until 26 January 2026. Candidates must complete the online application form, upload the necessary documents, and pay the prescribed application fee.

Phase II

Candidates applying for Kochi and Amritapuri campuses must register by 19 June 2026, while applicants for Bengaluru and Mysuru campuses can register until 25 June 2026.

ACAT Admit Card Release

For Phase I, admit cards are expected to be available in January 2026. Candidates can download the admit card from the official admission portal using their login credentials.

For Phase II, admit cards will generally be released a few days before the respective examination dates.

ACAT 2026 Exam Pattern

The ACAT examination is conducted in a computer-based format and evaluates candidates across multiple aptitude areas:

• Verbal Ability
• Reading Comprehension
• Quantitative Aptitude
• Logical Reasoning
• General Knowledge

Exam Highlights

• Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Duration: 120 Minutes
• Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Result and Selection Process

Candidates shortlisted based on their ACAT performance and overall profile will be invited to participate in the subsequent selection rounds:

• Group Discussion (GD)
• Written Ability Test (WAT)
• Personal Interview (PI)

The final merit list is prepared considering:

• ACAT/CAT/XAT/MAT/CMAT/GMAT/GRE Score
• Academic Performance
• GD-WAT-PI Performance
• Work Experience (if applicable)

Selected candidates will receive admission offers, and the MBA academic session will commence in June/July 2026.

Why Knowing ACAT Exam Dates Matters

Being aware of the complete ACAT admission timeline helps candidates:

• Avoid missing application deadlines.
• Download admit cards on time.
• Create an effective preparation strategy.
• Plan interviews and admission activities.
• Coordinate ACAT with other MBA entrance examinations.

Candidates are advised to regularly visit the official Amrita School of Business admission portal for the latest announcements and updates regarding ACAT 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions About ACAT Exam Dates 2026

What is the ACAT exam date 2026?

The ACAT Phase 1 examination was conducted on February 7 and February 8, 2026 and Phase 2 examination is scheduled for 21st & 27th June 2026.

What was the last date to register for ACAT 2026?

The last date for ACAT Phase 1 registration was January 26, 2026.

When will ACAT Phase 2 be conducted?

The ACAT Phase 2 examination is scheduled for 21st & 27th June 2026. However candidates should check the official admission portal for updates.

Has the ACAT result date 2026 been announced?

A common ACAT result date was not specified in the published schedule. Candidates may receive result or shortlisting information through their applicant dashboard, email or SMS.

How can candidates check the ACAT exam schedule?

Candidates can check the latest schedule on the official Amrita MBA admission portal and through their registered email, SMS and applicant dashboard.

What is the full form of ACAT?

ACAT stands for Amrita Common Aptitude Test.

Why is ACAT conducted?

ACAT is conducted to evaluate candidates for admission to participating MBA programmes offered by Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.

What is the ACAT application fee?

The MBA application fee is Rs. 1,880, inclusive of GST, according to the official admission information.

How many questions are asked in ACAT?

The examination contains 100 questions across four sections.

What is the duration of ACAT?

The examination duration is 150 minutes, equivalent to two hours and 30 minutes.

Is there negative marking in ACAT?

Yes. One mark is deducted for every incorrect answer, while a correct answer carries three marks.

What subjects are included in ACAT?

ACAT includes Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Reasoning and Language Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Analysis, and General Knowledge of Indian and Global Scenarios.

Is ACAT compulsory for Amrita MBA admission?

Candidates with valid scores from other accepted management entrance examinations may not need to appear for ACAT. Acceptance depends on the programme and campus.

Can final-year students apply for ACAT?

Yes. Final-year graduation students may apply using their latest completed semester results, subject to completing the degree within the university’s prescribed timeline.

How will candidates receive the personal-interview date?

Shortlisted candidates are generally informed through their registered email address and mobile number.

Does clearing ACAT guarantee MBA admission?

No. ACAT performance is one part of the admission process. Candidates must also meet the eligibility conditions and perform satisfactorily in the remaining selection stages.

What should candidates do if they miss Phase 1?

Candidates should monitor the official admission portal for a possible Phase 2 announcement or contact the admission office to understand whether applications are still being accepted.

How can candidates avoid missing ACAT deadlines?

Candidates should create a personalised admission calendar, set mobile reminders and regularly check their email and application dashboard.

Final Words

The ACAT Exam Dates 2026 help MBA aspirants plan registration, examination preparation and the subsequent selection process. The Phase 1 examination was conducted on February 7 and 8, 2026, while the registration deadline was January 26, 2026.

Candidates looking for the ACAT Phase 2 schedule, result date or personal-interview timeline should depend only on official announcements. Since these dates may be released separately, applicants should regularly monitor the Amrita MBA admission portal, email notifications, SMS messages and candidate dashboard.

Timely registration, accurate document submission, focused preparation and early interview practice can make the ACAT admission journey more organised. Candidates should also compare the available Amrita MBA campuses and programmes before selecting their preferences.

For updated information about ACAT registration, examination dates, MBA entrance exams, application deadlines and management colleges, students can continue exploring My College Route.