CAT (Common Admission Test) 2026
India's most prestigious management entrance examination opening doors to Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Post Graduate Programme (PGP) in top-tier Indian Institutes of Management.
Eligibility Criteria & Age Relaxations
Category-Wise Age Limit & Attempts
| Reservation Category | Relaxation / Permitted Attempts |
|---|---|
| All Categories | No upper age limit for CAT; academic diversity and gender diversity points awarded during IIM interview shortlisting |
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Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
Official Syllabus Breakdown
Previous Years' Cut-off Trends
Category-wise qualifying scores from previous editions:
2024 Percentile
Recommended Books & Resources
Standard references recommended by previous rankers:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age limit and attempt limit for CAT (Common Admission Test)?
The general age limit is between 20 and 35 years. Category relaxations apply: OBC candidates receive +3 years relaxation, SC/ST candidates receive +5 years, and PwD candidates receive +10 years.
What is the marking scheme and negative marking in CAT (Common Admission Test)?
The total marks are 198 Marks (66 Questions). Negative marking penalty: +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect MCQ; No negative marking for Non-MCQ (TITA) questions.
How often is CAT (Common Admission Test) conducted, and where can I verify the official schedule?
CAT (Common Admission Test) is conducted Once a Year (Last Sunday of November) by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Candidates should always check the official authority portal (https://iimcat.ac.in) for verified registration opening and examination calendar notifications.
What are the recommended books and study material for CAT?
Aspirants must focus on standard NCERT textbooks, followed by authoritative reference books such as Laxmikanth, HC Verma, or standard previous year solved papers (PYQs).
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