CAT
Common Admission Test
CAT is the admission test for the management programmes of the 22 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Non-IIM institutions registered for CAT may also use its scores. It has three sections, 40 minutes each: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. It is computer-based and taken at test centres in about 170 cities. Each IIM sets its own cut-offs and selection process, which can also weigh academic record and work experience.
Frequency
Once a year (CAT 2026: 29 November, in three sessions)
Duration
2 hours (40 minutes per section)
Format
Computer-based
Score range
Not published in advance — each question carries 3 marks, and a wrong multiple-choice answer costs 1
Eligibility
Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST and PwBD candidates), or a CA, CS, CMA or FIAI qualification with the required percentage; final-year students can apply
Conducting body
IIMs (CAT 2026 conducted by IIM Indore)
Registration fee
₹2,700 (₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwBD candidates) — CAT 2026; paid once, whatever the number of institutes
Source: IIMs (CAT 2026 conducted by IIM Indore). Details here are for guidance only — fees, dates and eligibility change each cycle, so confirm on the official site before applying.
Verified against: IIM CAT — official site (CAT 2026 dates; FAQs: fee, computer-based test, sections, marking); IIMs — CAT 2026 Information Bulletin (participating IIMs, eligibility, fee, test cities) (PDF); IIMs — CAT 2026 press release (IIM Indore conducting; 120 minutes, 40 per section) (PDF).
Last verified: 30 September 2026.
Universities that accept CAT
Acceptance can differ by level and programme — confirm on the programme’s own page.
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