CAT Answer Key 2026: Release Date, Download PDF, Response Sheet & Objection Process

Latest Updates

• CAT 2026 Exam Date: 29 November 2026.
• CAT 2026 Answer Key: Expected to be released in December 2026 after the examination.
• CAT 2026 Result: Expected in the first week of January 2027.

The CAT Answer Key 2026 will be released by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore after the CAT examination. Candidates will be able to check the correct answers, compare them with their recorded responses, and calculate their probable scores before the result is announced.

The CAT 2026 exam is scheduled for 29 November 2026. After the examination, the conducting authority is expected to release the provisional answer key and candidate response sheets on the official website. Candidates will also get an opportunity to raise objections if they find any incorrect answers in the provisional answer key.

The CAT 2026 answer key release date has not been officially announced yet. Candidates can check the answer key using their login credentials on the official CAT website. The final answer key will be released after the objection process followed by the CAT 2026 result.

Essential Reads for CAT 2026 Aspirants:

• ➡️ CAT Exam Books: Expert-Recommended Section-wise Preparation Guide
• ➡️ CAT Study Material 2026: Download Free CAT Study Material PDF for VARC, DILR, and Quant Preparation
• ➡️ CAT Mock Test 2026: Free Mock Test Series, Topic, Sectional & Full Tests
• ➡️ Last Minute Preparation Tips for CAT 2026 Exam: Boost Your Final Revision
• ➡️ CAT Previous Year Papers: Download PDFs with Solutions

CAT Answer Key 2026: Important Dates

The important CAT 2026 exam dates are given below.

CAT Answer Key 2026: How to Download?

Candidates will be able to download the CAT 2026 answer key from the official website after its release. They will need their CAT login credentials to access the answer key and response sheet.

Follow the steps below to download the CAT answer key:

1. Visit the official website: iimcat.ac.in.
2. Click on the registered candidate login option.
3. Enter the CAT 2026 User ID and password.
4. Open the answer key or candidate response section.
5. Select the relevant link to view the provisional answer key and response sheet.
6. Download the available documents and save them for future reference.

CAT Answer Key 2026: How to Calculate the Score?

To calculate the score, candidates must compare their recorded answers with the correct answers mentioned in the official CAT 2026 answer key.

The CAT marking scheme is expected to follow the same pattern unless the conducting authority announces any changes.

Score calculation formula:

Estimated Raw Score = (Correct Answers × 3) − (Incorrect MCQs × 1)

CAT Answer Key 2026: How to Raise Objections?

Candidates will be able to raise objections against the provisional CAT 2026 answer key if they find any incorrect answers. The conducting authority will announce the objection window, submission process, and applicable fee along with the official notification.

The general process is expected to include the following steps:

1. Visit iimcat.ac.in and log in using the CAT 2026 credentials.
2. Open the answer key objection form.
3. Select the relevant question and answer that needs to be challenged.
4. Choose the appropriate objection category.
5. Provide a clear explanation and supporting evidence.
6. Pay the objection fee, if applicable, and submit the form before the deadline.

Note: Candidates should raise objections only when they have valid reasons and supporting evidence.

CAT Answer Key 2026: What’s Next?

After the provisional answer key is released, candidates will be able to check their responses and estimate their scores. Those who identify errors will be able to submit objections within the announced period.

The conducting authority will review the objections and release the CAT 2026 final answer key after completing the process. The final key will be used in preparing the CAT 2026 results.

The result is expected to be declared in January 2027. Candidates will be able to check their results and download their scorecards through the official CAT website.

CAT Answer Key 2026: FAQs

Ques. When will the CAT Answer Key 2026 be released?

Ans. The CAT 2026 answer key is expected to be released in December 2026 after the examination. The official release date has not been announced yet.

Ques. Where can candidates check the CAT 2026 answer key?

Ans. Candidates will be able to check the CAT 2026 answer key on the official website at iimcat.ac.in using their CAT login credentials.

Ques. Will candidates be able to challenge the CAT 2026 answer key?

Ans. Yes, candidates will get an opportunity to raise objections against the provisional answer key. The information related to objection window, fee, and submission guidelines will be officially announced by the conducting authority.

Ques. How can candidates calculate their CAT 2026 scores using the answer key?

Ans. Candidates can compare their recorded responses with the official answers. They can add 3 marks for each correct answer and deduct 1 mark for each incorrect MCQ. Incorrect TITA answers and unattempted questions receive zero marks.

Ques. When will the CAT 2026 result be declared?

Ans. The CAT 2026 result is expected to be declared in January 2027. Candidates will be able to check their results and download their scorecards from the official CAT website.

Ques. What is the difference between the provisional and final CAT answer keys?

Ans. The provisional answer key is the initial version that allows candidates to raise objections. The final answer key is released after the authority reviews the objections and is used to prepare the results.