MBA
Jun 24, 2026
IIM Calcutta to Convene CAT 2026; Major Notification Expected by July End
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Vikram Sethi
Jun 24, 2026
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The rotation of the CAT convening responsibility has moved to IIM Calcutta for the academic year 2026. This prestigious management entrance exam, which serves as the gateway to the 21 IIMs and over 100 other top-tier B-schools in India, is tentatively scheduled to be held on November 29, 2026. While the official notification is still a few weeks away, sources within the CAT 2026 coordination committee suggest that the exam pattern is likely to remain consistent with previous years, featuring three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
Professor Amitabh Bandyopadhyay, who has been named the Convener for CAT 2026, stated that the primary goal this year is to enhance the diversity of the candidate pool. 'We are seeing a steady rise in non-engineering applicants, and we want to ensure the exam remains a fair testing ground for students from all academic backgrounds—be it arts, commerce, or sciences,' he noted. Last year, CAT saw a record 3.3 lakh registrations, and that number is expected to grow further as the corporate sector's demand for skilled managers continues to rise in a post-digital economy.
Preparation for CAT 2026 usually hits its peak during the monsoon months. Coaching institutes across India have already started their intensive 'crash courses' and mock test series. Experts advise that by June 24, serious aspirants should have completed at least 40% of their syllabus and started taking sectional mocks. The DILR section, often cited as the most unpredictable, requires consistent practice of varied sets. Candidates are also keeping an eye on the eligibility criteria, which typically requires a minimum of 50% marks in graduation (45% for SC/ST/PwD).
In addition to the IIMs, other prominent institutions like FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, and MDI Gurgaon will also use the CAT 2026 scores for their admission cycles. The registration window is expected to open in the first week of August and remain open until mid-September. Aspirants are encouraged to keep their category certificates and academic transcripts ready for the application process. With IIM Calcutta at the helm, there is also speculation about a potential increase in the number of test cities to accommodate students from Tier-3 towns, furthering the mission of inclusive education.
Professor Amitabh Bandyopadhyay, who has been named the Convener for CAT 2026, stated that the primary goal this year is to enhance the diversity of the candidate pool. 'We are seeing a steady rise in non-engineering applicants, and we want to ensure the exam remains a fair testing ground for students from all academic backgrounds—be it arts, commerce, or sciences,' he noted. Last year, CAT saw a record 3.3 lakh registrations, and that number is expected to grow further as the corporate sector's demand for skilled managers continues to rise in a post-digital economy.
Preparation for CAT 2026 usually hits its peak during the monsoon months. Coaching institutes across India have already started their intensive 'crash courses' and mock test series. Experts advise that by June 24, serious aspirants should have completed at least 40% of their syllabus and started taking sectional mocks. The DILR section, often cited as the most unpredictable, requires consistent practice of varied sets. Candidates are also keeping an eye on the eligibility criteria, which typically requires a minimum of 50% marks in graduation (45% for SC/ST/PwD).
In addition to the IIMs, other prominent institutions like FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, and MDI Gurgaon will also use the CAT 2026 scores for their admission cycles. The registration window is expected to open in the first week of August and remain open until mid-September. Aspirants are encouraged to keep their category certificates and academic transcripts ready for the application process. With IIM Calcutta at the helm, there is also speculation about a potential increase in the number of test cities to accommodate students from Tier-3 towns, furthering the mission of inclusive education.