CAT 2026 vs CAT 2025: Check Key Differences and Changes in Dates, Fees, Pattern
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| Updated On - Aug 1, 2026
CAT 2026 is scheduled to be held on 29 November, 2026, with IIM Indore conducting it, while CAT 2025 was held on 30th November 2025 by IIM Kozhikode.
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The CAT 2026 fee is 2700 for Gen/OBC/EWS and 1350 for the SC/ST/PWD, while the CAT 2025 fee for General was 2600 and 1300 for reserved.
- The Registration window for CAT 2026 is August 3 to September 15, while it was August 1 to September 20 for CAT 2025.
- The validity of the CAT 2026 score is 31st December 2027, and the validity of the CAT 2025 score is 31st December 2026.
Read more:
Key Summary:
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CAT 2026 vs CAT 2025- Comparison Highlights
The registration window for CAT 2026 is August 3 to September 15, while it was August 1 to September 20 for CAT 2025.
| Parameter | CAT 2025 | CAT 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting IIM | IIM Kozhikode | IIM Indore |
| Exam date | November 30, 2025 | Sunday, November 29, 2026 |
| Number of slots | 3 slots | 3 slots |
| Total questions | 68 questions | 68 questions |
| Exam duration | 2 hours total | 2 hours total |
| Marking scheme | +3 for correct answer, -1 for wrong MCQ; no negative marking on TITA | +3 for correct answer, -1 for wrong MCQ; no negative marking on TITA |
| Registration fee | ₹2,600 (General/EWS/NC-OBC), ₹1,300 (SC/ST/PwD) | ₹2,700 (General/EWS/NC-OBC), ₹1,350 (SC/ST/PwD) |
| Registration window | August 1 to September 20, 2025 | August 3, 2026 to September 15, 2026 |
| Number of test cities | Around 170 test cities | 170 test cities |
| Admit card release | Late October / November | November 4, 2026 |
| Result declaration | 24 December 2025 | First week of January 2027 |
CAT 2026 vs CAT 2025- Key Difference
The difference between CAT 2026 and CAT 2025 lies in the conducting authority, the exam dates, fee structure, and registration dates.
- The CAT 2026 fee is 2700 for General and 1350 for the reserved category, while the CAT 2025 fee for General was 2600 and 1300 for reserved.
- CAT 2026 is supposed to be held on 29 November, 2026, while CAT 2025 was held on 30th November, 2025.
| Parameter / Feature | CAT 2025 | CAT 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | IIM Kozhikode | IIM Indore |
| Exam Date | November 30, 2025 | November 29, 2026 |
| General / EWS / OBC Fee | ₹2,600 | ₹2,700 |
| SC / ST / PwD Fee | ₹1,300 | ₹1,350 |
| Registration Start Date | August 1, 2025 | August 3, 2026 |
| Registration Deadline | September 20, 2025 | September 15, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | November 5, 2025 | November 4, 2026 |
CAT 2026 vs CAT 2025- Change in Dates
CAT 2026 will start its registration from August 3 till September 15, and CAT 2025 from August 1 till September 20.
| Event / Parameter | CAT 2025 | CAT 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Official Notification Out | July 27, 2025 | July 25, 2026 |
| Registration Start Date | August 1, 2025 | August 3, 2026 |
| Registration Last Date | September 20, 2025 | September 15, 2026 |
| Form Correction Window | Late September 2025 | Late September 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | November 5, 2025 | November 4, 2026 |
| CAT Exam Date | November 30, 2025 | November 29, 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key | First week of Dec 2025 | First week of Dec 2026 |
| Result Declaration | HLate Dec 2025 | 1st Week of Jan 2027 |
| Score Validity | Valid till Dec 31, 2026 | Valid till Dec 31, 2027 |
CAT 2026 vs CAT 2025- Fees Comparison
The payment for both is online, with an increase in the fee for CAT 2026. There is an increase of Rs 100 for General / EWS / NC-OBC and Rs 50 for SC / ST / PwD.
| Candidate Category | CAT 2025 Fee | CAT 2026 Fee | Difference (Increase) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | ₹2,600 | ₹2,700 | +100 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹1,300 | ₹1,350 | +50 |
CAT 2026 vs CAT 2025- Pattern Comparison
There is no such pattern change between CAT 2026 and CAT 2025.
| Parameter | CAT 2025 | CAT 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Sectional Time Limit | 40 minutes per section | 40 minutes per section |
| Total Questions | 68 questions | 68 questions |
| Total Marks | 204 marks | 204 marks |
| Section Order (Fixed) | VARC– DILR— QA | VARC– DILR— QA |
| Types of Questions | MCQs & Non-MCQs / TITA (Type-In-The-Answer) | MCQs & Non-MCQs / TITA (Type-In-The-Answer) |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for correct, -1 for wrong MCQ | +3 for correct, -1 for wrong MCQ |
FAQs
Ques. What are the expected marks vs percentile for CAT 2026?
Ans. The expected marks based on the early trends for CAT 2026 will be 85-100 marks corresponding to 99 percentile. The marks and percentile will depend on the exam level and number of candidates. The exam is supposed to be held on November 30, 2026.
Ques. Is 37 a good mark for CAT 2026?
Ans. A score of 37 in CAT 2026 will be considered average and will correspond to 83-85 percentile. This score will not be enough for top IIMs but will be borderline for private or tier-2 institutes. 37 marks can also be considered for the newer IIMs.
Ques. Can I get into IIM with 92 percentile CAT 2026?
Ans. Yes, you can get into IIM at 92 percentile. A score of 50 in CAT 2026 will be considered average and will correspond to 92 percentile. This score will be borderline for top IIMs but will be considered good for the newer IIMs like Udaipur, Jammu, Bodh Gaya. It can be a bit difficult for the general category, but it will widen the scope for all reserved category students.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.