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:

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.