The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most prestigious MBA entrance examinations in India. Every year, lakhs of management aspirants appear for the CAT exam to secure admission into the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other top business schools across the country. Because of the importance of the exam, students are always curious about one major question – Who will conduct CAT 2026?
As of now, the official notification regarding the CAT 2026 conducting body has not been announced. Usually, the conducting IIM is officially revealed when the CAT notification is released around July of the examination year. However, based on the rotation system followed by the IIMs over the years, there is a strong possibility that IIM Indore may conduct CAT 2026.
Understanding which IIM conducts CAT is important because every conducting institute may introduce slight modifications in the exam structure, question pattern, difficulty level, and overall exam experience.
Which IIM Will Conduct CAT 2026?
The CAT exam is organized every year by one of the older IIMs. The responsibility rotates among the six senior IIMs:
- IIM Ahmedabad
- IIM Bangalore
- IIM Calcutta
- IIM Lucknow
- IIM Kozhikode
- IIM Indore
Looking at the recent conducting pattern, experts predict that IIM Indore is the most likely institute to conduct CAT 2026.
Although there is no official confirmation yet, the prediction is based on the established rotation cycle followed by the IIMs.
Recent CAT Conducting IIMs
To understand the expected CAT 2026 organizing institute, it is important to examine the previous CAT conducting authorities.
| Year | CAT Conducting IIM |
| 2025 | IIM Kozhikode |
| 2024 | IIM Calcutta |
| 2023 | IIM Lucknow |
| 2022 | IIM Bangalore |
| 2021 | IIM Ahmedabad |
| 2020 | IIM Indore |
| 2019 | IIM Kozhikode |
| 2018 | IIM Calcutta |
| 2017 | IIM Lucknow |
| 2016 | IIM Bangalore |
| 2015 | IIM Ahmedabad |
| 2014 | IIM Indore |
| 2013 | IIM Indore |
| 2012 | IIM Kozhikode |
| 2011 | IIM Calcutta |
| 2010 | IIM Lucknow |
| 2009 | IIM Ahmedabad |
| 2007 | IIM Bangalore |
From this sequence, it is evident that the CAT conducting authority follows a rotational pattern among the older IIMs.
Since IIM Indore last conducted CAT in 2020, many experts believe it could return as the organizing institute for CAT 2026.
How is the CAT Conducting IIM Selected?
The duty of organizing the CAT examination rotates among the six older IIMs. This system ensures:
- Fairness in exam management
- Transparency in the admission process
- Equal participation among IIMs
- Smooth execution of the exam nationwide
The conducting IIM becomes responsible for:
- Releasing official notification
- Managing registrations
- Designing the exam structure
- Coordinating with testing partners
- Conducting the examination
- Releasing answer keys and results
Since 2014, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has served as the technology partner for conducting the computer-based CAT examination.
Why is the CAT Conducting Body Important?
Many students may wonder why the conducting IIM matters when the syllabus remains largely the same. However, the organizing IIM often influences certain aspects of the examination.
1. Changes in Exam Pattern
Different IIMs occasionally introduce small modifications in:
- Number of questions
- Sectional structure
- Question distribution
- Difficulty level
These changes can affect the overall exam experience.
2. Difficulty Level Variations
Each IIM has its own academic style and testing preference. Some years, CAT has been more calculation-intensive, while in other years, logical reasoning and verbal ability sections became more challenging.
3. Sectional Emphasis
The conducting body may slightly alter the emphasis on:
- Quantitative Aptitude
- VARC
- DILR
- TITA Questions
Understanding the likely approach of the conducting IIM helps students prepare strategically.
Major Changes Introduced by IIM Indore Earlier
When IIM Indore conducted CAT in 2020, some major changes were introduced that significantly impacted the exam structure.
Reduced Exam Duration
The exam duration was reduced from:
180 minutes→120 minutes180\ \text{minutes} \rightarrow 120\ \text{minutes}180 minutes→120 minutes
This was one of the biggest changes in CAT history.
Introduction of Three Exam Slots
To accommodate a larger number of students and ensure safety during the pandemic period, CAT shifted from two slots to three slots.
Changes in Question Distribution
IIM Indore also adjusted the number of questions in different sections, introducing greater flexibility in the exam pattern.
These changes showcased IIM Indore’s adaptive approach toward modern examination systems.
Expected CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
Although the official CAT 2026 pattern has not yet been announced, the exam is expected to follow a structure similar to recent years.
| Feature | Expected Details |
| Conducting IIM | IIM Indore |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Total Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Number of Sections | 3 |
| Sections | VARC, DILR, QA |
| Sectional Time Limit | 40 Minutes Each |
| Total Questions | 68 |
| Question Types | MCQ & TITA |
| Exam Slots | 3 |
| Marking Scheme | +3 / -1 |
Section-Wise Structure of CAT 2026
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
This section evaluates:
- Reading skills
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Critical reasoning
- Comprehension ability
Students should develop regular reading habits to improve performance in VARC.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
DILR tests analytical and logical thinking abilities.
Important topics include:
- Puzzles
- Seating arrangements
- Data tables
- Graphs and charts
- Logical reasoning sets
This section requires regular practice and smart question selection.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Quantitative Aptitude focuses on mathematical concepts such as:
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Number systems
- Modern mathematics
Strong conceptual clarity and consistent practice are essential for this section.
CAT 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
Here are the expected important dates for CAT 2026:
| Event | Tentative Date |
| Official Notification | 25 July 2026 |
| Registration Start Date | 1 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 25 September 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 14 November 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | 29 November 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | 5 December 2026 |
| Result Announcement | 20 December 2026 |
Students should regularly visit the official CAT website for updates and announcements.
Possible Changes Expected in CAT 2026
Although no major modifications are officially confirmed, students can expect some small changes in CAT 2026.
1. Variation in Number of Questions
The total number of questions may change slightly depending on the conducting IIM.
2. More TITA Questions
The balance between MCQs and TITA questions may be adjusted.
3. Changes in DILR Difficulty
DILR has become increasingly unpredictable in recent years, and slight modifications are possible again.
4. Test Cities and Slot Expansion
Additional test cities and exam slots may be introduced to accommodate more candidates.
How Should Students Prepare for CAT 2026?
A smart preparation strategy is important for achieving a high percentile in CAT.
Build Strong Basics
Students should first focus on conceptual clarity in all sections.
Practice Mock Tests Regularly
Mock tests help students:
- Improve speed
- Understand exam pressure
- Analyze weak areas
- Build confidence
Focus on Time Management
Time management is critical in CAT because of sectional limits.
Students should practice solving questions within fixed timeframes.
Improve Accuracy
Avoid unnecessary guessing because negative marking affects scores.
Revise Consistently
Regular revision helps retain formulas, shortcuts, and concepts effectively.
Why CAT Remains India’s Most Important MBA Entrance Exam?
CAT is accepted by:
- IIMs
- IIT MBA programs
- FMS Delhi
- SPJIMR Mumbai
- MDI Gurgaon
- IMT Ghaziabad
- Hundreds of leading MBA colleges
A good CAT percentile can open doors to some of the best management institutions in India.
Conclusion
With the CAT conducting body playing a major role in shaping the overall examination experience, from the exam pattern and difficulty level to ensuring fairness and transparency, students closely follow updates regarding the organizing IIM every year. If IIM Indore conducts CAT 2026, candidates can expect a well-structured and professionally managed examination process based on its previous approach toward innovation and adaptability. Understanding the importance of the conducting IIM can also help aspirants plan their preparation strategy more effectively and stay prepared for possible exam pattern variations.
Ready to crack CAT 2026 with confidence? Start your preparation journey today with Believe In U. Get access to structured study material, expert guidance, mock tests, and smart preparation strategies designed according to the latest CAT exam trends. Begin your focused MBA entrance preparation now and move one step closer to your dream IIM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who conducts the CAT exam every year?
The CAT exam is conducted every year by one of the older Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis. The responsibility rotates among IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Kozhikode, and IIM Indore.
Which IIM is expected to conduct CAT 2026?
Based on previous rotation trends, IIM Indore is expected to conduct CAT 2026. However, the official confirmation will be announced through the CAT notification.
When will the official CAT 2026 conducting body be announced?
The official conducting IIM for CAT 2026 is likely to be announced in July 2026 along with the official CAT notification and registration details.
Why is the CAT conducting IIM important for students?
The conducting IIM may introduce slight changes in exam pattern, question distribution, or difficulty level. Knowing the organizing institute helps students understand possible exam trends and prepare accordingly.
Has IIM Indore conducted the CAT exam before?
Yes, IIM Indore has conducted the CAT exam multiple times, including in 2014, 2013, and 2020. During its previous tenure, some important exam pattern changes were also introduced.
Does the conducting IIM change the CAT syllabus?
No, the core CAT syllabus generally remains similar every year. However, the conducting IIM may make small changes in question pattern, sectional weightage, or exam structure.
Who manages the technical conduct of the CAT exam?
The CAT exam is conducted online with the support of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which has been the technology partner for the examination since 2014.
