CAT Exam Dates

The CAT Exam Dates, a crucial part of the CAT Exam Timeline, are eagerly anticipated by MBA aspirants across India. The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level management entrance exam conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission into MBA/PGDM programs. This year CAT 2026 exam is scheduled Tentavily for Last week of  November 2026. Registration for CAT 2026 will begin on August 1, 2026. IIM Indore has been designated as the convenor for CAT 2026. As the CAT 2026 Exam Dates draw near, candidates must stay informed about the entire CAT Exam Timeline—from notification and release to result in declaration.

CAT Notification 2026 & Exam Overview

The CAT Notification 2026, a significant milestone in the CAT Exam Calendar, is expected to be released in the last week of July 2026. This official announcement provides key details such as eligibility, registration process, syllabus, exam pattern, and important dates. Candidates must review the notification carefully to ensure they meet all criteria and understand the timeline.

CAT Registration Dates & Application Deadline

The CAT Registration Dates usually begin in the first week of August and remain open for 30 to 45 days. Aspirants must register online via the official IIM CAT website by providing academic details, uploading documents, and paying the registration fee. Missing the CAT Application Deadline can have serious consequences, potentially disqualifying candidates from taking the exam. Therefore, it's crucial to register well in advance.

Key dates for CAT exam registration, admit card release, and other important events are listed below:

• CAT Notification Date: Most likely between July 26 – July 31, 2026

• Registration Start Date: 1 August 2026

• Registration Last Date: 20 September 2026 (Tentative)

• Admit Card Release: 5 November 2026

• CAT Exam Dates: 29 November 2026 (Sunday)

• CAT Answer Key Release Date: 3–5 December 2026

• CAT Result Date: 20–22 December 2026

CAT Admit Card Date

The CAT Admit Card Date typically falls in the last week of October. Once released, candidates can download their hall tickets using their login credentials. The admit card contains vital information such as the CAT Test Date 2026, time slot, exam center, and candidate ID. On exam day, it is mandatory to bring a printed copy of the admit card and proof of valid ID.

CAT 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule

The CAT 2026 Exam Dates are expected to fall on the last Sunday of November 2025, aligning with the traditional CAT MBA Exam Dates from previous years. The exam is conducted in three sessions—morning, afternoon, and evening—across hundreds of test centers in India. The CAT 2026 Schedule will confirm session timings and other exam-day instructions.

CAT Entrance Exam Dates & Timelines

The CAT Entrance Exam Dates include the test day and cover all related timelines, such as the mock test release, admit card download, and exam city selection window. Staying updated with the CAT Exam Timeline helps candidates plan their preparation, travel, and revision strategies effectively.

CAT Result Date & Scorecard

The CAT Result Date is usually in the last week of December or first week of January following the exam. Candidates can access their scorecard online using their login credentials. The scorecard includes overall and sectional percentiles, which IIMs and other top B-schools use to shortlist candidates for further admission rounds. Awareness of the CAT Exam Calendar ensures that candidates don't miss the result declaration and subsequent admission steps.

Importance of Knowing CAT Important Dates

Tracking the CAT Important Dates is essential for timely registration, preparation planning, and exam strategy. A delay in any step—application, document upload, or admit card download—can impact a candidate’s chances. For instance, missing the CAT Application Deadline can disqualify a candidate from taking the exam. Whether self-studying or attending coaching, aligning your prep schedule with the official CAT 2026 Exam Dates enhances focus and goal orientation.

Conclusion

With the CAT 2026 Schedule expected to follow the conventional timeline, aspirants must begin preparing early and stay updated on every milestone in the CAT Exam Calendar. Each phase is critical from the CAT Notification 2026 to the CAT Result Date. Setting reminders for CAT Registration Dates, noting the CAT Application Deadline, and downloading the admit card promptly will help avoid last-minute stress. Being fully aware of the CAT MBA Exam Dates and other key events enables candidates to perform at their best and move closer to securing admission to a top-tier B-school. Remember, staying updated with the CAT Exam Timeline is the key to success in the CAT exam.