MBA
Jun 29, 2026
CAT 2026: Expectations Rise as IIM Ahmedabad Prepares Official Notification
V
Vikram Singh
Jun 29, 2026
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Aspiring management students across India are gearing up as IIM Ahmedabad is expected to release the official notification for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 in the coming weeks. Traditionally, the notification is released in the last week of July or the first week of August, providing details on the exam date, registration window, and eligibility criteria. Based on historical trends, CAT 2026 is anticipated to be held on the last Sunday of November, which falls on November 29 this year.
The CAT exam is the primary gateway for admission into the 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and hundreds of other top-tier B-schools, including FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, and MDI Gurgaon. Last year, the exam saw a record-breaking 3.3 lakh registrations, and the numbers are expected to remain high this year as well, reflecting the sustained demand for quality management education in India despite global economic shifts. IIM Ahmedabad, as the potential conducting body, is expected to maintain the high standards of the examination process.
While the basic structure of the exam—consisting of Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA)—is expected to remain the same, there are always speculations about minor changes in the number of questions or the time duration for each section. "The key to CAT has always been consistency and adaptability. Whether there are 66 questions or 76, the fundamental concepts tested remain the same," says Rohan Mehra, a CAT topper from the 2025 batch. He suggests that aspirants should focus on mock tests to build stamina for the two-hour format.
Eligibility for CAT 2026 requires a candidate to hold a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD candidates). Students in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply, provided they complete their requirements by the time of admission in mid-2027. The registration fee is expected to see a marginal increase, continuing the trend from previous years to cover the rising costs of technology and center management across 150+ cities.
Preparation strategies are already in full swing, with many aspirants enrolling in intensive mock test series. Experts suggest that the next five months are crucial for building conceptual clarity and improving speed. IIM Ahmedabad, known for its rigorous academic standards, is expected to maintain a challenging level for the DILR section, which has historically been the "make or break" section for many candidates. Students are advised to start reading diverse topics to improve their comprehension skills for the VARC section, which often features passages from philosophy, science, and sociology.
The CAT exam is the primary gateway for admission into the 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and hundreds of other top-tier B-schools, including FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, and MDI Gurgaon. Last year, the exam saw a record-breaking 3.3 lakh registrations, and the numbers are expected to remain high this year as well, reflecting the sustained demand for quality management education in India despite global economic shifts. IIM Ahmedabad, as the potential conducting body, is expected to maintain the high standards of the examination process.
While the basic structure of the exam—consisting of Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA)—is expected to remain the same, there are always speculations about minor changes in the number of questions or the time duration for each section. "The key to CAT has always been consistency and adaptability. Whether there are 66 questions or 76, the fundamental concepts tested remain the same," says Rohan Mehra, a CAT topper from the 2025 batch. He suggests that aspirants should focus on mock tests to build stamina for the two-hour format.
Eligibility for CAT 2026 requires a candidate to hold a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD candidates). Students in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply, provided they complete their requirements by the time of admission in mid-2027. The registration fee is expected to see a marginal increase, continuing the trend from previous years to cover the rising costs of technology and center management across 150+ cities.
Preparation strategies are already in full swing, with many aspirants enrolling in intensive mock test series. Experts suggest that the next five months are crucial for building conceptual clarity and improving speed. IIM Ahmedabad, known for its rigorous academic standards, is expected to maintain a challenging level for the DILR section, which has historically been the "make or break" section for many candidates. Students are advised to start reading diverse topics to improve their comprehension skills for the VARC section, which often features passages from philosophy, science, and sociology.