CAT Exam Date November 2026
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level management entrance examination conducted every year for admission to MBA and PGDM programmes. The exam is organised by the Indian Institutes of Management on a rotational basis and is accepted by all IIMs and hundreds of top management institutes across India.
Lakhs of candidates appear for CAT every year, making it one of the most competitive entrance exams in the country. Because CAT is conducted only once in a year, information related to the exam date becomes extremely important for aspirants. As per previous year trends and the regular examination pattern, the CAT exam for the 2026 admission cycle is expected to be conducted in November 2026.
Once the exam month is known, candidates can plan their preparation strategy, mock tests, and revision schedule more effectively.
CAT Exam November 2026 Latest Update
According to past CAT schedules, the exam is usually held in November. For the 2026 cycle also, the Indian Institutes of Management are expected to conduct CAT in November 2026 at various test centres across India.
The official confirmation of the CAT exam date will be released through the CAT notification on the official website. The notification will include complete details related to exam schedule, registration, admit card release, and exam-day instructions.
Candidates are advised not to trust rumours or unofficial updates and should rely only on information published on the official CAT website.
CAT Exam Date 2026 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test 2026 |
| Exam Level | National |
| Conducting Authority | Indian Institute of Management(IIM) |
| Exam Month | November 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Exam Sessions | Multiple slots in one day |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
CAT is conducted in multiple sessions on a single day to manage the large number of candidates. Each candidate is assigned only one exam slot.
CAT Exam Date 2026 Expected Schedule Pattern
“CAT exam date 2026” or “CAT November 2026 exam”. Based on previous trends, CAT is generally conducted on a Sunday in November. The exam is held in different slots such as morning, afternoon, and evening sessions.
The exact exam slot, reporting time, and exam centre details are mentioned on the CAT admit card. Candidates must report to the centre strictly as per the timing mentioned on the admit card.
The CAT admit card is usually released a few weeks before the exam and is mandatory for entry into the exam hall.
How to Check CAT Exam Date 2026 Online
Once the official notification is released, candidates can check the CAT exam date online by following these steps:
- Visit the official website: iimcat.ac.in
- Go to the “Announcements” or “Important Dates” section
- Click on the CAT 2026 notification link
- Open the notification PDF
- Check the exam month mentioned in the notice
- Download and save the notification for future reference
Regularly checking the official website helps candidates stay updated with any changes or new announcements.
Importance of Knowing CAT Exam Date in Advance
Knowing that the CAT exam is expected in November 2026 allows candidates to prepare in a structured manner. CAT preparation requires long-term planning, regular practice, and continuous assessment through mock tests.
Once the exam month is clear, candidates can divide their time properly between Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. Early awareness of the exam timeline also helps reduce last-minute stress.
Conclusion
The CAT Exam 2026 is expected to be conducted in November 2026 as per the standard schedule followed by the Indian Institutes of Management. CAT is a key entrance exam for MBA aspirants aiming for admission to IIMs and other leading business schools in India. Candidates should start their preparation early and keep checking the official CAT website for the confirmed notification and exam date updates.