POSTGRADUATE MANAGEMENT

CAT

Updated from the official CAT 2026 bulletin, IIM Indore press release and FAQ. CAT is a computer-based test held in three sessions on the stated date. Our foundation samples and mock drafts are independent practice, not official CAT papers.

Cycle

CAT 2026 · exam 29 November 2026

Pattern

Three sections in fixed order: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Ability (QA). The inspected official documents do not confirm an exact 2026 question count or section-wise allocation. CAT has no defined official preparation syllabus in the FAQ.

Timing

Standard: 120 minutes, exactly 40 minutes per section; no switching between sections while a section is running. The FAQ gives PwBD candidates an additional 40 minutes divided equally: 160 minutes total, 53 minutes 20 seconds per section. Official eligibility for extra time is separate from selecting extended practice here.

Marking

MCQs: +3 correct, −1 incorrect, 0 unanswered. Non-MCQs: +3 correct, 0 incorrect or unanswered; answers are typed. An on-screen calculator is available in the official exam. The number of non-MCQs is not disclosed in the FAQ.

Eligibility

Recognised bachelor’s degree with at least 50% or equivalent CGPA; 45% for SC, ST and PwBD candidates. Final-year candidates and those awaiting results may apply, with provisional joining subject to the institution’s completion certificate and deadline. The bulletin also lists CA/CS/ICWA (CMA)/FIAI professional-degree routes with the applicable marks requirement. University-certified conversion and each programme’s additional criteria must be checked.

Acceptance

The bulletin lists programmes at 22 IIMs and permits registered non-IIM member institutions to use CAT scores. Each IIM independently sets programme eligibility, academic cut-offs, weightings and selection stages; CAT eligibility or a bulletin listing does not guarantee a shortlist, seat or a shared admission process. Check the individual programme’s current advertisement. IIMs do not run non-IIM institutions’ selection processes.

Our 68-question practice blueprint is an editorial reference, not a verified CAT 2026 question count. Samples await independent review.