CAT 2026 Exam Date, CAT Paper Timing and Slot-wise Schedule
For most MBA aspirants in India, the CAT exam is the most important step toward getting into the IIMs and other top B-schools. Naturally, many students search for information about the CAT 2026 exam date, CAT paper timing, reporting time, and CAT slot timings.
Understanding the CAT exam schedule is just as important as learning concepts or solving mocks. When you know the exam date, slot timing, and reporting process, you can plan your preparation, sleep cycle, and travel accordingly.
The CAT 2026 exam will be conducted as a computer-based test in three slots on a single exam day. Each candidate will be assigned a specific slot and reporting time mentioned on the CAT admit card. Knowing these details in advance helps avoid last-minute stress and allows you to focus entirely on performing well in the exam.
What is CAT and Why Slot Timings Matter
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on behalf of leading management institutes across India.
Every year, lakhs of CAT aspirants compete for limited seats in prestigious B-schools. Because of this large number of test-takers, the CAT exam is conducted in multiple time slots across different cities.
Although the question pattern and difficulty level are designed to remain similar across all slots, your CAT slot timing still matters because it affects:
-
your energy levels
-
your concentration
-
your body clock
-
your exam strategy
This is why many experts recommend practicing mock tests at the same time as your expected CAT slot.
CAT 2026 Exam Date and Important Dates
The CAT 2026 exam is expected to be conducted in the last week of November 2026, following the usual pattern of previous years. The official exam date will be confirmed when the CAT notification is released by the conducting IIM.
Here is an expected timeline based on previous CAT exam cycles.
CAT 2026 Important Dates (Expected)
|
Event |
Expected Date |
Details |
|---|---|---|
|
CAT 2026 official notification |
July 2026 |
Released on the official CAT website |
|
Start of CAT registration |
Early August 2026 |
Online application form opens |
|
Last date for registration |
Mid September 2026 |
No edits allowed afterward |
|
CAT admit card release |
November 2026 |
Download from official portal |
|
CAT 2026 exam date |
Late November 2026 |
Three slots in one day |
|
Provisional answer key |
Early December 2026 |
Candidates can raise objections |
|
CAT result |
December 2026 / January 2027 |
Percentile released |
Planning your preparation according to these important dates helps you stay organised and avoid last-minute pressure.
CAT Paper Timing and Slot Timings for CAT 2026
The CAT exam duration is 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allocated for each section. However, the exact exam timing varies depending on the slot assigned to you.
CAT Slot Timings (Expected Pattern)
|
Slot |
Session |
Exam Timing |
Reporting Time |
Gate Closing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Slot 1 |
Morning |
8:30 AM – 10:30 AM |
7:00 AM |
8:15 AM |
|
Slot 2 |
Afternoon |
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM |
11:00 AM |
12:15 PM |
|
Slot 3 |
Evening |
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
3:00 PM |
4:15 PM |
Important facts about CAT timing:
-
The total number of questions in the CAT exam is 68
-
The total duration of the CAT exam is 120 minutes
-
Each section has a strict 40-minute limit
-
There is negative marking for incorrect answers with a penalty of -1 mark
Detailed CAT Slot Timing Strategy
Some students prefer the morning slot, while others perform better in the afternoon or evening slots.
However, historically the difficulty level across slots remains similar, and CAT scores are normalized across slots to ensure fairness.
Your focus should not be on which slot is easier but on training your mind to perform well in any slot.
One of the best ways to prepare is by attempting full-length CAT mock tests in real exam timing.
You can practice slot-based mocks here:
Mockat CAT Mock Tests
https://mockat.com/compete/mock-cats
Mockat CAT Sectional Tests
https://mockat.com/compete/sectional-tests
Mockat Topic-wise Practice Tests
https://mockat.com/compete/topic-tests
These help simulate the actual CAT interface and exam timing.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Sectional Time Limit
The CAT exam pattern remains consistent across slots. The exam has three sections, each with a fixed time limit.
CAT 2026 Section-wise Pattern
|
Section |
Area |
Questions |
Time |
Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
VARC |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension |
~24 |
40 min |
72 |
|
DILR |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning |
~22 |
40 min |
66 |
|
QA |
Quantitative Ability |
~22 |
40 min |
66 |
CAT Marking Scheme
-
+3 marks for correct answer
-
-1 mark for incorrect MCQ
-
No negative marking for TITA questions
Because of this marking scheme, accuracy matters more than attempting every question.
Section-wise Focus for CAT Preparation
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
VARC tests your ability to:
-
read complex passages quickly
-
identify arguments and tone
-
summarise ideas
Reading comprehension passages contribute the majority of marks in this section.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
DILR combines analytical reasoning with numerical interpretation.
You may see:
-
tables
-
graphs
-
tournament problems
-
puzzles
-
logical sets
The key strategy here is selecting the right sets quickly.
Quantitative Ability
The QA section tests your quantitative aptitude fundamentals including:
-
arithmetic
-
algebra
-
geometry
-
number systems
-
modern maths
Strong concept clarity and practice help maximise accuracy in this section.
CAT Admit Card and Exam Centre Rules
The CAT admit card contains critical details including:
-
exam centre address
-
reporting time
-
slot number
-
candidate information
Candidates must carry:
-
printed admit card
-
valid photo ID
Electronic gadgets, calculators, notes, or metal accessories are not allowed inside the exam hall.
CAT Exam Day Flow
On exam day, candidates go through the following steps:
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Entry verification
-
Document verification
-
Biometric verification
-
System allocation
-
On-screen instructions
-
Start of exam
The CAT interface includes a question palette and timer showing the remaining sectional time.
CAT Preparation Tips Based on Slot Timing
Your CAT preparation strategy should align with your slot timing.
Useful preparation tips include:
-
take one full mock test every week
-
simulate exam conditions while practicing
-
align your sleep cycle with expected slot timing
-
build mental stamina for a 2-hour exam
Simulating exam environments during practice can reduce exam-day anxiety.
Practicing deep breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques before mocks can help calm nerves.
Breaking big preparation goals into smaller manageable tasks also helps maintain motivation.
Best Resources for CAT Preparation
Books remain one of the most reliable sources for preparing for any exam.
Many coaching institutes and authors publish preparatory materials specifically for CAT aspirants.
Using previous year CAT papers is extremely important because it helps you understand:
-
question trends
-
recurring patterns
-
difficulty level
Online platforms such as Unacademy, BYJU'S and other CAT apps also provide conceptual videos and practice material.
Practice with Mockat CAT Test Series
A structured mock test series is essential for CAT preparation.
Mockat offers:
CAT Mock Tests
https://mockat.com/compete/full-length
CAT Sectional Tests
https://mockat.com/compete/sectional-tests
CAT Topic Tests
https://mockat.com/compete/topic-tests
These tests replicate the actual CAT exam environment, helping students improve time management and accuracy.
Impact of CAT Slot Timing on Percentile
Many students worry that one slot may be harder than another.
However, CAT uses a normalization process to ensure fairness. Scores from different slots are adjusted so that candidates are evaluated equally.
Therefore, what matters most is:
-
accuracy
-
smart question selection
-
time management
Common Mistakes Around CAT Slot Timing
Many aspirants lose marks due to simple logistical mistakes such as:
-
reaching the exam centre late
-
misreading reporting time
-
forgetting admit card
-
not checking exam centre location in advance
Always verify your slot timing, reporting time and exam centre details on the admit card before the exam day.
Summary: CAT 2026 Exam Date, Slot Timings and Strategy
The CAT 2026 exam is expected to take place in late November 2026, with three slots conducted on the same day.
Key facts to remember:
-
68 total questions
-
120-minute exam duration
-
40 minutes per section
-
-1 negative marking for incorrect answers
Understanding CAT slot timings and exam pattern helps you align your preparation with the exam schedule.
By practicing regularly with mock tests, sectional tests and previous year papers, you can build the confidence needed to perform well in CAT.
FAQs on CAT 2026 Exam Timing
What is the CAT 2026 exam date?
CAT 2026 is expected to be conducted in late November 2026, although the official date will be confirmed in the CAT notification.
What is the total duration of the CAT exam?
The CAT exam duration is 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allocated for each section.
How many questions are there in CAT?
The latest CAT pattern includes 68 questions across three sections.
Is there negative marking in CAT?
Yes. There is negative marking of -1 mark for incorrect answers in MCQs.
How should I prepare according to CAT slot timings?
You should attempt mock tests in the same time window as your expected CAT slot to train your body clock and reduce exam stress.
