CUSAT CAT MSc, MFSc Preparation 2026: Tips, Strategy & Guide

Before commencing their preparation for the CUSAT CAT 2026, candidates should review the exam pattern. The CUSAT CAT exam pattern outlines how the test will be administered, including the marking scheme, exam duration, types of questions, and additional details. This information will assist students in optimizing their study strategy for the exam. The exam pattern for CUSAT CAT 2026 has been updated, especially regarding the marking scheme. Candidates can find the updated CUSAT CAT exam pattern for 2026 outlined below.

CUSAT CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Check how to prepare for the CUSAT CAT:

• Familiarise yourself thoroughly with the syllabus and exam format: Having complete knowledge of the latest syllabus and the structure of the CUSAT CAT 2026 exam is crucial. It will help you recognise any shifts in the exam pattern and syllabus content. The CUSAT CAT syllabus is derived from the curriculum of Classes 11 and 12. Thus, students with a solid grasp of the syllabus will find it easier to comprehend the subjects. Regarding the exam pattern, the CUSAT CAT question paper will include a total of 225 questions—90 in Mathematics, 75 in Physics, and 60 in Chemistry. Three marks will be awarded for each correct answer, while one mark will be deducted for each incorrect one.
• Taking notes: It is recommended to create your own notes while preparing for the CUSAT CAT. This approach has been proven to enhance retention since people tend to remember information better when they write it down. There are several additional advantages, such as fostering a deeper understanding of the subjects, facilitating easier revisions, and keeping everything organised in one location. Self-created notes are often more effective than any study material available for the CUSAT CAT. Candidates who have notes from Classes 11 and 12 do not need to create separate notes for CUSAT CAT preparation. They can utilize their existing notes to save time.
• Create a list of essential formulas: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics contain numerous formulas. Memorising all of them can be challenging for candidates during their preparation for the CUSAT CAT 2026. Therefore, candidates can develop small charts of key formulas for various subjects and display them on the wall near their study area or bed. This way, candidates can refer to them occasionally, aiding in the memorisation of these formulas.

• Timely revision: Revision plays an important role in keeping the stuff in mind. Candidates should revise their CUSAT CAT study material in regular intervals of time. They should always try to stick to the limited study materials so that it can be revised before the examination. Revision can be done on a daily basis or weekly, depending on the candidate’s schedule.
• Practice past years papers: Candidates must go through the CUSAT CAT previous years’ question papers to understand the types of questions as well as the exam difficulty level. Practising previous years’ questions will help in getting more marks and a better rank. It will enable candidates to evaluate their preparation level.
• Buy an online test series: If possible, candidates should buy an online test series. It is not necessary to buy the CUSAT CAT-specific test series. Candidates can buy any test series for the engineering entrance examination. Practising test series or mock test is necessary during CUSAT CAT preparation 2026 for time management, boosting confidence level and determining loopholes.

• Overcome demotivation: During preparation, candidates might be demotivated by various challenges, like difficulty in understanding the concept, remembering formulas, etc. To tackle these situations, candidates can do a few things, like watch some motivational videos, think about their goal, ask themselves ‘why are you doing this’ and start again because hard work always pays off.
• Have a good diet and proper sleep: Candidates must not neglect their diet and sleep time. They should go for a healthy meal in order to avoid any kind of health issues amid CUSAT CAT exam preparation. Besides, a proper sleep of 7-8 hours is also necessary.

It is because sleeping habit directly affects mental and physical health. Losing even an hour of sleep per day impacts the ability to think properly and respond quickly.

Also Read: CUSAT CAT Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions PDF

Candidates looking for the best books for CUSAT CAT preparation can go through this section. There can be an "n" number of CUSAT CAT study materials, but candidates should try to follow only genuine and authentic sources. Also, they should try to keep limited sources that can be revised easily. Other than self-made notes, the following is the list of CUSAT CAT best books for preparation:

• NCERT of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics of Class 11 and 12
• Solutions of Concepts of Physics by HC Verma ( Volume I)
• Solutions of Concepts of Physics by HC Verma ( Volume II)
• Understanding Physics by DC Pandey
• Mathematics for Class 12 by RD Sharma ( Volume I)
• Mathematics for Class 12 by RD Sharma ( Volume II)
• Concepts of Organic Chemistry for JEE OP Tandon
• A Textbook of Inorganic Chemistry for competitions OP Tandon
• A Textbook of Organic Chemistry for JEE Mains and JEE Advanced by Arihant Publications