CAT 2026 Answer Key (Expected): Response Sheet, Objection
Reviewed by Shivaji · Last updated: 5 November 2026
CAT 2026 will be held on Sunday, 29 November 2026 in three slots. A few days after the exam, IIM Indore will put your response sheet (your own answers) and the provisional answer key on iimcat.ac.in. You can use them to work out your likely score and to challenge any answer you think is wrong. The exact dates are not announced yet.
CAT 2026 answer key: key dates
- Admit card: from 6 November 2026 (moved from 4 November)
- CAT 2026 exam: 29 November 2026 (8:30 to 10:30 AM, 12:30 to 2:30 PM, 4:30 to 6:30 PM)
- Response sheet and provisional answer key: expected in the first week of December 2026
- Objection window: expected for a few days right after the key is released
- Final answer key and result: result likely by the first week of January 2027
How to download the CAT 2026 response sheet and answer key
- Go to iimcat.ac.in and log in with your CAT user ID and password.
- Open the response sheet link. It shows each question, your answer and the right answer for your slot.
- Download the answer key PDF for your slot and save both files.
How to work out your likely score
- Correct answer: +3 marks
- Wrong answer in a multiple-choice question: −1 mark
- Wrong answer in a type-in-the-answer question: no minus mark
- Question left blank: 0
Add up each section (VARC, DILR and QA) separately. IIMs look at sectional scores too, not only the total. The final CAT score is scaled across the three slots, so your raw marks will not match your final score exactly.
How to challenge an answer
- Log in on iimcat.ac.in during the objection window.
- Pick the question, choose the answer you think is right, and give a short reason.
- Pay the objection fee online for each question you challenge. The fee will be shown on iimcat.ac.in.
- If IIM Indore accepts your objection, the final key changes for everyone in that slot.
What to do next
- Download your admit card from 6 November and check your name, photo and test centre.
- Save your CAT login details now. You will need them for the response sheet.
- Make a shortlist of IIMs and other MBA colleges, and keep your Class 10, 12 and degree marks handy for the interview calls.
FAQs
When will the CAT 2026 answer key come out?
The date is not announced yet. It is expected in the first week of December 2026 on iimcat.ac.in.
Is there negative marking in CAT 2026?
Yes, −1 for a wrong answer in a multiple-choice question. There is no minus mark for wrong type-in answers.
Can I challenge the CAT answer key for free?
No. You pay a fee for each question you challenge, and the fee is shown on iimcat.ac.in when the window opens.
See also: CAT 2026 exam day guide, CAT 2026 result date, SNAP 2026. Need help choosing MBA colleges? Get free counselling from CollegeDost.