CAT 2026 cutoff expected to rise for IIMs; exam on 29 November

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 cutoff, crucial for MBA admissions to IIMs and other participating institutes across India, is expected to see an increase this year. The cutoff, which determines eligibility for the subsequent stages of admission such as Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI), is influenced by factors including exam difficulty, candidate numbers, and seat capacity.

IIM Indore will conduct the CAT 2026 exam, which is scheduled for Sunday, November 29, 2026. The total number of test-takers is estimated to be around 2.5 lakh for CAT 2026, a slight dip from 2.9 lakh in CAT 2023 and 2024, but competition for top MBA colleges is anticipated to drive cutoffs higher.

CAT 2026 Exam Schedule and Structure

The CAT 2026 notification is expected to be released in the last week of July 2026, followed by the registration window from early August to mid-September 2026. The Computer-Based Test (CBT) will be held in three slots across more than 170 cities nationwide. Candidates will face 68 questions distributed across three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

Results for the CAT 2026 examination are projected to be declared around December 21-24, 2026. These dates are critical for aspirants planning their application strategy for MBA programs.

Understanding CAT Cutoffs: Qualifying vs. Final Call

There are two primary types of cutoffs that candidates must navigate: the sectional cutoff and the overall cutoff. The CAT qualifying cutoff represents the minimum percentile required to remain eligible for consideration, published as part of the official admission criteria. However, the CAT final call cutoff, which is the practical percentile needed to receive an interview opportunity, can be significantly higher than the qualifying threshold.

IIMs employ a full-picture approach to student merit, considering not just CAT scores but also academic records, work experience, and extra-curricular activities. Cutoffs are also influenced by the reservation category of the students and previous year’s CAT cutoffs.

Expected Cutoffs for IIMs and Other Top Institutes

For the General category, the final cutoffs for top IIMs frequently reach around the 99+ percentile. The expected CAT 2026 cutoff percentile for these premier institutes is generally projected to be between 98-100 percentile. Newer IIMs, such as those in Nagpur, Udaipur, Jammu, and Bodh Gaya, typically have lower qualifying and final calling cutoffs compared to the older, more established IIMs.

FMS Delhi and IIT Bombay (SJMSOM) also maintain competitive cutoffs, with FMS Delhi’s expected cutoff for the General category at 98-99 percentile and IIT Bombay (SJMSOM) at 90-95 percentile. These figures highlight the intense competition for admission to leading MBA programs in India.

Further reading

• CAT 2026: Experts share strategies to manage exam stress with sleep, mock tests
• CAT 2026 Quant strategy: score 25+ marks and 95+ percentile with 50-day plan
• XAT 2027 official mock test 3 schedule released: take it on October 31 or November 1
• MAT registration for December 2026 session opens: apply on AIMA website
• NMIMS MBA 2027 registration extended: apply by 31 October Applications open
• CAT: complete exam guide

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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