CAT 2026 Calendar: Key Dates and Schedule for MBA Aspirants

Aparna Das

Senior Content Manager | Updated on - Aug 2, 2026

The CAT 2026 registration process is scheduled to begin on August 3, 2026, with the official examination set for November 29, 2026. For MBA aspirants targeting India's premier business schools, these dates are the most critical milestones in the admissions cycle.

Securing a high percentile in the Common Admission Test requires strategic planning and strict adherence to the official timeline. To help you stay on track for the 2027-29 academic session, we have outlined the comprehensive CAT 2026 schedule below.

We are just few hours away from the official start of the CAT 2026 registration window. With the portal going live on August 3, use this time to finalize your application strategy and ensure all your documents are in order to avoid any last-minute rush.

Official CAT 2026 Schedule

Staying updated with the official timeline is crucial to avoid any last-minute hurdles. Below is the comprehensive calendar for the CAT 2026 examination cycle.

What’s the CAT 2026 Timeline?

1. The Registration Window (Aug - Sep)

Starting August 3, 2026, the official IIM CAT portal will open for applications. Aspirants are advised to register early to secure their preferred test city. Ensure you have your academic transcripts, category certificates (if applicable), and scanned photographs ready. The window closes on September 15, 2026; historically, there is rarely an extension, so punctuality is key.

2. The Admit Card Phase (November)

The release of the admit card on November 4, 2026, marks the final countdown. This document contains your specific exam slot (Morning, Afternoon, or Evening) and the exact venue address. It is mandatory to carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID to the test center.

3. The Test Day (Nov 29)

The CAT 2026 exam will be conducted on November 29, 2026. The test follows a computer-based format, typically testing candidates across three core sections:

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
• Quantitative Ability (QA)

The "Reverse" Roadmap for CAT 2026 Exam by Study Riserr

Stop waiting for motivation—it’s unreliable. Successful CAT toppers don't just "study"; they reverse-engineer the days left before November 29.

1. The "Pre-Mortem" Audit: Imagine it's December 1st, and you missed your dream percentile. What happened? Was it the DILR sets or QA pacing? Identify that one weakness today, not in November.
2. The "Circadian Sync": Starting this Sunday, take every mock test at the same time you suspect you'll be assigned on the real exam. Your brain needs to be at peak performance during your test window, not just "during study hours."
3. The 80/20 Topic Filter: 80% of your score comes from 20% of the syllabus. Audit your mock scores: stop spending hours on low-yield topics that rarely appear. Ruthlessly cut what doesn't yield points.

Success isn't about covering the entire syllabus — it's about mastering the mechanics of the test before the clock starts on Nov 29. The most prepared candidate isn't the one who knows everything; it's the one who knows exactly how to skip the questions that don't matter. Stay tuned with Study Riserr for any updates or changes to the CAT 2026 schedule.

UP NEET PG 2025 counselling will be conducted in four rounds, allocating 85% state quota seats based on choices, NEET scores, and reservations. The remaining 15% All India Quota seats will be managed by MCC.

UP NEET PG 2025 counselling dates have been officially released on the state’s exam portal, upneet.gov.in. You can begin round 1 registration process from November 06, 2025. To participate in the seat allocation, you must register online and submit your preferred choices of colleges and courses. The deadline for application submission is October 10, 2025. If you have qualified NEET PG 2025 exam and meet the minimum cutoff criteria, you are eligible to take part in Uttar Pradesh NEET PG counselling process.

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