CAT Exam FAQs 2026: Registration, Eligibility, Admit Card, Exam Pattern, Result & More

CAT Exam FAQs 2026: Registration

IIM Indore has released the CAT 2026 application form on August 03, 2026. Below are the answers to questions that relate to the CAT 2026 registration.

Question: What is the last date for CAT registration 2026?

Answer: As per the CAT 2026 exam schedule, the last date to register for CAT 2026 is September 15, 2026.

Question: Will CAT 2026 be postponed?

Answer: This national-level entrance exam will be held on November 29, 2026, and there is no indication that it will be postponed as of now.

Question: Who will set CAT 2026?

Answer: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore will conduct the CAT exam 2026 as a computer-based test on November 29, 2026, in three shifts.

Question: Can I edit or make changes to the CAT 2026 application form once I have made payment?

Answer: After paying the amount of the CAT 2026 application fee, no changes are allowed to be made to the CAT application form 2026. However, in the correction window, candidates can edit their photograph and signature only.

Question: I have done my graduation. Do I need to enter the overall percentage of total marks as per my university standards?

Answer: As per last year's CAT eligibility criteria, candidates need to submit the percentage as per their university norms.

Quick Links:

• CAT Important Dates 2026

• CAT Syllabus 2026

Question: How many CAT attempts?

Answer: As long as the candidates match the eligibility criteria, they can attempt the CAT exam as many times as they can. There is no limit for CAT exam attempts.

Question: I am pursuing the final year of graduation. Am I eligible to appear for CAT 2026?

Answer: Candidates need to provide the aggregate percentage of the last marks statements received by their university.

Question: Is there any age criteria for CAT 2026?

Answer: No, there is no age bar to appear for the CAT exam 2026.

Question: What is the fee for the CAT exam?

Answer: Candidates belonging to the General and NC-OBC category need to pay Rs 2700. Those belonging to the reserved category (SC/ ST/ PWD) need to pay Rs 1350.

Question: I am not pursuing a Bachelor's degree or any other professional qualification degree. Am I eligible to appear for CAT 2026?

Answer: If you are not pursuing any bachelor’s degree or have not completed any professional degree, then you are not eligible to appear for the CAT 2026 exam.

Question: When and how do I register for CAT 2026?

Answer: CAT 2026 online registration started on August 03, 2026. Candidates can apply at iimcat.ac.in.

Question: Where can I pay the CAT registration fee?

Answer: Candidates can pay the registration fee while doing CAT registration. Payment of the application fee can be done via a payment gateway. Candidates have to use a valid credit or debit card; UPI, and a net banking facility is also available.

Question: Can I use my coaching institute or friend’s email ID while registering for CAT?

Answer: No, candidates need to provide a valid email address. All further communication from IIMs will be sent to the registered email address.

Question: I have done a 5-year integrated course of B.Tech and MBA. As per my university norms, the first 3.5 years are considered to be B.Tech and the remaining years are considered to be MBA. How do I enter my marks?

Answer: As per your university norms, candidates need to enter the aggregate percentage of the first 3.5 years under Bachelor's degree, and the remaining 1.5 years they will have to enter under a Master’s degree.

Question: I have done dual Bachelor’s degree courses (B.Com+LLB, B.Pharma+B.Tech, etc). How do I enter my marks for two bachelor's degrees?

Answer: Candidates need to select the option indicating that they have a dual bachelor’s degree. After that, candidates can enter all the details of both qualifications.

Question: I have completed a five-year dual degree course (BS+MS, B.Tech+M.Tech, B.Tech+MSc, etc). How can I enter my marks for a bachelor's degree?

Answer: As per your university norms, candidates need to enter the aggregate of marks that are equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree and enter under the Bachelor’s section, and equivalent marks for a Master’s degree under the Master’s section.

Question: When will CAT 2026 be held, and can I choose an exam date?

Answer: CAT 2026 will be held on November 29, 2026. Based on your preferred test city selection, the session slot and test city are allotted.

Question: I have made some mistakes while entering/registering the details in my CAT 2026 application. What should I do now?

Answer: One cannot edit certain personal details like Name, DOB, email ID, mobile number, etc. If anyone has made such a mistake, then they have to register again with a new email ID. Your CAT 2026 application form will be considered for the latest registration, and the admit card will be issued for the same. Candidates will not receive any refund or admit card for their earlier registration.

Question: Can I appear for more than one slot for CAT 2026?

Answer: No, candidates can not appear for more than one slot. It is considered a fraudulent activity if one attempts to appear for both slots. To ensure that one has only one attempt, photo IDs, admit card, candidates' pictures, and biometric information will be verified.

Question: I have an SC/ ST certificate in the format uploaded on the CAT 2026 website. Can I use the same certificate or do I have to download the certificate template from the CAT website and fill it again?

Answer: If the category certificate fulfils the following conditions, then in such a case one can upload the same certificate.

• The name of the caste and number should appear in the certificate.

• The certificate should have been issued by a competent authority.

• The certificate should be in English or Hindi only.

• The ministry’s resolution/ order number should be available.

Must Read:

• Best Books for CAT Preparation

• CAT 2026: Important topics for preparation

Question: I have changed my name with the due procedure after completing my degree. Should I enter my name as per the degree or the changed name?

Answer: Candidates need to enter their changed name and provide the supporting documents for the change of name at the time of the exam, interview, and admission.

Question: In case the website does not work and I am unable to complete my application, what should I do?

Answer: If the registration window or website is not accessible for any reason, then close the internet browser (clear cache & cookies, browsing history of the web browser) and try again.

Question: I have received multiple passwords. Which password should I enter to log in?

Answer: Candidates need to use the password contained in the most recent SMS they have received. If a problem still persists, then simply use your user ID and click on the “forgot password” button. Now candidates will receive a new password on their registered email ID.

Question: I have done my graduation in May-June 2026 but have backlogs; am I eligible to apply for CAT 2026?

Answer: Yes, candidates who are completing their bachelor’s degree by May 2026 are eligible to apply for CAT. However, candidates should select Yes to the question “Are you in the final year of Bachelor’s degree”.

Question: My university name is not listed in the drop-down list while filling the application form?

Answer: If your university’s name does not appear in the drop-down, then one can select the option as “Others” from the drop-down list.

CAT Exam FAQs 2026: Admit Card

Question: Is the CAT admit card out?

Answer: IIM Indore will issue the CAT 2026 admit card in online mode on November 04, 2026.

Question: Is there a specific order for answering sections? Can I attempt sections the way I want?

Answer: You must answer the sections in a pre-specified order, and this order will remain the same for all the candidates.

Question: What details will be mentioned in the CAT 2026 admit card?

Answer: The following details will be mentioned on your CAT 2026 admit card.

• Candidates name

• Test Date

• PwD Status

• Exam time

• Test centre details

Question: If I do not get my CAT admit card, whom should I contact?

Answer: The CAT 2026 admit card needs to be directly printed from the official website. Candidates can use their credentials such as User ID and Password. The CAT admit card will not be mailed to the candidate's residence.

If one is unable to view their CAT admit card after logging in, candidates can use the CAT helpdesk

• Toll-free: 18002663549

• Email: cathelpdesk@iimcat.ac.in

Question: When should the CAT admit card be produced?

Answer: The CAT 2026 admit card is a mandatory document required for the CAT entrance test. The CAT admit card 2026 will be made available online on November 04, 2026.

Candidates should follow the instructions that are provided on the CAT admit card. Candidates should affix the same photograph to the physical admit card during the process of registration.

B-School Accepting CAT Scores: Location-wise

CAT Exam FAQs 2026: Exam Pattern

Question: Can I take the exam from any computer?

Answer: Candidates must take the exam at the allotted examination centre. The venue details will be printed on the CAT admit card.

Question: How is the Computer-based format different from the paper-based (PBT) format?

Answer: In Computer-based mode, candidates read a question on a computer and click on the correct answer from among the given options, or candidates have to type such answers where no options are available. Additionally, the timer on the computer screen will tell you the remaining time to complete the present question. In the paper-based (PBT) mode, candidates need to read a question on a paper booklet and use a pencil to darken the ovals in an Answer sheet.

Question: Where can I select my preference for test date and shift?

Answer: The exam shift (morning, forenoon or afternoon) will be allocated for each registered candidate based on the city preference made at the time of registration. Candidates cannot select the shift.

Question: How many sections are there in CAT 2026?

Answer: CAT 2026 will have three sections.

• Section I: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

• Section II: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

• Section III: Quantitative Ability (QA)

Question: What does a CAT exam look like?

Answer: A CAT practice test is available on the official website of CAT (www.iimcat.ac.in). Candidates can familiarize themselves with the navigation and functionality of the actual CAT entrance exam.

Question: How many non-MCQs are there in each section?

Answer: The number of questions varies and cannot be disclosed.

Question: Can I bring a calculator to the testing centre?

Answer: Candidates are not allowed to bring calculators to the examination centre. Candidates can use on-screen calculators which will be available throughout the exam.

Question: Is there a specific order for answering sections? Can I attempt sections the way I want?

Answer: Candidates have to answer the sections in a specified order, and this order will remain the same for all test takers.

Question: Is there negative marking for non-MCQs?

Answer: No, there is no negative marking for non-MCQ type questions.

Question: Does CAT 2026 have a syllabus for preparation?

Answer: IIMs do not prescribe a topic-wise syllabus for the CAT exam. However, the CAT 2026 exam generally includes sections like VARC, QA, and DILR. During preparation days, candidates can take CAT 2026 mock tests to understand the exam structure and pattern as well as the type of questions. Candidates need to check the CAT website regularly for the announcement of the CAT mock test.

Question: What is the marking scheme for CAT 2026?

Answer: For MCQs, 3 marks will be assigned for “correct answer” and no marks for “Unattempted” and -1 mark for "incorrect answer".

Scoring scheme for Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) is as follows.

• For each correct answer, 3 marks will be awarded.

• -1 mark for each incorrect answer

• No marks will be deducted for unattempted questions.

CAT Exam FAQs 2026: Answer Key

Question: When will the exam conducting body release the CAT 2026 answer key?

Answer: The CAT conducting body, IIM Indore, will likely release the provisional CAT 2026 answer key in the first week of December 2026.

Question: What is the difference between the CAT answer key and response sheet 2026?

Answer: The CAT response sheet displays the answers provided by the test taker, and the CAT 2026 answer key displays the correct answer for each section as provided by the conducting authority.

Quick Links:

• CAT Preparation Strategy

• How to prepare for CAT 2026 in 2 months

CAT Exam FAQs 2026: Result

Question: How to check the CAT 2026 result?

Answer: Candidates can check the CAT 2026 result in online mode only.

• Visit the official website and log in through the registration credentials.

• Now click on “Scorecard”

• Download and take a printout of the CAT 2026 result

Question: When will authorities release the result of CAT 2026?

Answer: Authorities will release the CAT 2026 result tentatively in the third week of December 2026.

CAT Exam FAQs 2026: Category Selection

Question: Which documents must I submit if I belong to the SC/ ST category?

Answer: If one belongs to the SC or ST category, then your caste/ tribe must be listed in the Government of India schedule. For more details, visit the Ministry of Tribal Affairs website (tribal.nic.in) or refer to the Ministry of Social Justice. The caste certificate that one has uploaded in the CAT application form should be in the Government-approved format. The certificate is also available on the official website of CAT. Candidates need to download and print the certificate, which clearly states the following:

• Caste name/ tribe

• Whether one belongs to the Scheduled caste of scheduled tribe.

• State and district or Union Territory of the candidate's ordinary residence.

• The appropriate GOI schedule under which candidates caste/ tribe is approved, whether Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe.

• Signature of required authorities.

Question: Under which category can I apply for CAT 2026?

Answer: One can apply under the following categories:

• General

• Non-Creamy Other Backward Class (NC-OBC)

• Scheduled Caste (SC)

• Scheduled Tribe (ST)

Question: Do I belong to the NC-OBC category?

Answer: To know whether someone belongs to the NC-OBC category, visit https://www.ncbc.nic.in.

CAT Exam FAQs 2026: Persons with Disability

Question: Which are the acceptable testing devices that I can use/ bring to the test centre?

Answer: The approved means of testing assistance are:

Question: Who is eligible to take the test under the PWD category?

Answer: As per the “PwD Act, 1995”, a candidate qualifies to be a PwD if he/ she suffers from any of the following disabilities to the extent of not less than 40 percent, as certified by a competent medical authority in the prescribed format. The certificate format is available on the official website of CAT.

• Hearing Impairment

• Low Vision/ Blindness

• Cerebral Palsy/ Locomotive Disability

Question: I am a PwD candidate with low vision/ cerebral palsy or Blindness. What privileges will I receive on the day of examination?

Answer: Candidates suffering from blindness/ low vision/ cerebral palsy will be allowed to bring a scribe. Such candidates will also receive some time extension during the examination.

Question: What will be the time extension given to a PWD candidate?

Answer: PWD candidates with or without a scribe will be given a time extension of 20 minutes per section, which comes to a total time extension of one hour for the full exam.