How to Prepare for CAT 2026: Ultimate Tips from Experts & Free Study Material
Common Admission Test 2026 ( CAT )
CAT 2026 application
To be notified
CAT preparation is all about striking the right balance between theory and practice. CAT is a long journey so you need to start early. If you are planning to appear for CAT 2026, Shiksha brings to you, top study tips by MBA expert. Check out how to prepare for CAT 2026 exam.
CAT 2026 aspirants must start exam preparation from now on, as they will need a month to warm up. CAT syllabus is vast and you will need to handle three diverse subjects in parallel. So, get your CAT 2026 preparation plan and timeline ready. CAT preparation ideally takes 6-9 months, so you should start latest by May 2026. You will have to study 6-8 hours daily, which will include theory, practice and revision.
CAT 2026 exam will be conducted on November 29, 2026. Keep in mind the fact that, whether you start early or late, you will need to do focused study. For that, check out previous years’ CAT question papers to know which topics are most important. Make a strategy surrounding those.
- CAT 2026 Preparation Through Coaching
- CAT 2026 Preparation by Self-Study
- How to Prepare for CAT 2026: VARC
- How to Prepare for CAT 2026: DILR
- How to Prepare for CAT 2026: Quantitative Aptitude
- CAT Preparation 2026: Solving Sample Papers and CAT Mock Tests
- CAT Preparation: Solve Previous Year CAT Question Papers
CAT 2026 Preparation Through Coaching
CAT preparation is a long term plan. One has to start preparing for it at least six to nine months in advance. Coaching institutes start CAT preparation early. They also provide all the study material and CAT mock test series to candidates, while guiding them through tricky topics and questions. Daily 6-8 hours classes ensure preparation is on track for each aspirant.
Also Read:
CAT 2026 Preparation by Self-Study
Aspirants can also prepare for CAT 2026 by self-study. There are many CAT toppers, who have studied for the exam by self. Those who opt for self-study, must not worry about how to prepare for CAT 2026. All they need to do is, do the following:
- Start exam preparation by April 2026
- Join online study groups on Facebook, YouTube, Quora, Telegram, etc.
- Download MBA entrance exam preparation apps
- Buy best books for CAT preparation and other CAT preparation material
- Obtain online study material like CAT mock test series by MBA coaching institutes.
- Make a month-wise CAT preparation plan
CAT exam is held in online mode. The difficulty level of the question paper is usually moderate to difficult. The questions may be easy or tough, but what makes the difference is how well and fast you use your mind to solve them with 80-85 per cent accuracy.
Knowing CAT syllabus and pattern thoroughly is the first and foremost requirement. Being able to choose the right question, reading them quickly and accurately and solving them quickly and accurately, are the key areas you need to work upon during your CAT 2026 preparation. Candidates have to take split-second decisions in the exam. To master this skill, you need to practice 40-50 CAT mock tests.
Also Read:
- Section-wise CAT syllabus 2026
- CAT exam pattern and structure
- CAT preparation plan and section-wise strategy
- Download CAT question papers PDFs
Commonly asked questions
Yes CAT syllabus is difficult to crack if you do not have enough time. There are three subjects in CAT- VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. Most of candidates find RC passages tough to crack. In Quants, Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry pose significant challenge during preparation. In DILR, Reasoning questions often turnout to be tricky and confusion.
IIM shortlist is the list of CAT test takers who make it to the second phase of IIM admission process, which is Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). The IIM shortlist is the list of candidates who are eligible to participate in the WAT-PI rounds of IIMs for MBA admission.
Yes, you can crack CAT exam even if you haven't studied Maths in class 12. CAT Quant and DI have Mathematical questions of advance level, from the topics studied in Class 9 and 10. You will only need to brush up the basic and practice advance level questions.
How to Prepare for CAT 2026: VARC
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section of CAT exam has two parts – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. You will need to have a separate preparation strategy for both.
Verbal Ability questions of the CAT are mainly parajumbles, odd sentence out and para completion. There are no grammar questions, thus one cannot rely on word power or English Grammar rules to help you sail through this section. Parajumbles are equally tricky as CAT RC passages, so the only way to crack CAT VARC is practice and more practice.
Reading Comprehension can be tackled by cultivating the habit of reading over time. Start fiction novel, newspapers and blogs. Target nothing less than a reading speed of about 300 words per minute depending on the level of the text. And read a lot. Choose topics that are out of your comfort zone.
| CAT Syllabus 2026: VARC |
|
|---|---|
Also Read:
- CAT VARC srtrategy to score 30+ marks to get 95+ percentile
-
CAT Preparation: Your Love For Reading Can Get You Desired Result
- CAT preparation: Common Pitfalls to Avoid in RC Questions
- Types of Reading Comprehension questions in CAT
How to Prepare for CAT 2026: DILR
The weightage of Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) in a CAT exam almost the same as the other two sections of the paper. This section is moderately tough and time consuming.
The tricky part about CAT DILR is that it is not Mathematics and there is no formula. It is logic based and requires some amount of calculation and counting. Meaning, Reasoning is a skill to be acquired and not formulae to be memorised.
To prepare for CAT DILR, Mental calculation is the keY. To strengthen your hold on DILR, don’t use the calculator, rely on your brain. Master Tables from 1 to 20, knowledge of Fractions from 1/1, 1/2, 1/3 to 1/20, basic calculation, etc.
DILR section of CAT can be mastered with practice, the more you practice, the higher accuracy you will develop.
| CAT Syllabus 2026: DILR |
|
|---|---|
Also Read:
Explore colleges based on CAT
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
- Chat with our counselor
- Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
How to Prepare for CAT 2026: Quantitative Aptitude
The CAT Quantitative Aptitude section includes Arithmetic, Algebra, Advance Mathematics and Geometry; and makes up for the 1/3rd of the CAT question paper.
In this section, there is no other way of scoring but by being thorough with each and every chapter. Memorise fundamentals and theories. Attempt a variety of sample questions to tackle the QA section of CAT. This section may require heavy calculation. Rely on mental calculation as it will win against the calculator in time consumption.
| CAT Syllabus 2026: Quantitative Ability |
|
|---|---|
Also Read:
Our advice to CAT 2026 aspirants is to practice, practice and practice more. The more you practice the better will be you speed and accuracy.
Commonly asked questions
Yes, CAT exam is MCQ type, meaning there are no subjective type questions wherein you have to write a lot. In CAT every question is to be answered in one word or option. However, all questions don't have MCQ options, some are Type In The Answer (TITA) questions.
While it is advised to dedicate at least 9 months to CAT preparation, six months of dedicated study can also help you crack the exam. You will need daily, weekly and monthly plan for syllabus coverage. Practice a good number of mock tests and study for about 8 hours daily.
CAT DILR preparation is completely based on practice papers and mock tests. You should obtain recommended CAT DILR sample papers and mock test series. Make sure to cover all types of question. Also practice DILR questions of past year with the help of CAT question papers.
CAT Preparation 2026: Solving Sample Papers and CAT Mock Tests
A key aspect of CAT exam preparation is solving sample questions and online mock tests. Candidates must make sure that they practice about 40-50 CAT mock tests during their preparation time. While the ideal time to start full-fledged CAT mocks is October, experts recommend that candidates solve topic-wise sample questions while studying them for better clarity of concepts. Listed below are some key points related to CAT mock test, read on.
- While studying a particular topic, solve its practice questions at least thrice. In the first attempt, you will understand the question and its logic, in the second attempt, you will be able to solve it accurately and in the third attempt, you’ll be able to solve in with accuracy in lesser time.
- Start solving online CAT mock tests after you’ve completed the syllabus so that you don’t get stuck on a particular topic.
- Your aim behind practicing CAT mock tests must be to increase speed and accuracy for solving a 2-hour long question paper. Also, increase your stamina for a 2-hour test without getting exhausted.
- After solving each CAT mock test or sample paper, analyse your performance and assess the area of improvement. Do not solve more than one sample paper in a day. Your mind needs rest after a grueling session.
- Do not feel demoralized if the result is not encouraging initially, continue to assess gaps and work on them. The only way you can win on CAT or any other MBA entrance exam is by winning on mock tests.
- Since, CAT exam has sectional time-limit, it is essential to practice sectional mock tests as well, to learn and manage time efficiently.
Take free CAT Mock Test below to improve your speed and accuracy
| CAT_Mock_Test | CAT_Mock_Test_Solutions |
| CAT_Mock_Test_2 | CAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
Commonly asked questions
The best way to prepare for DILR section is through practice. Before starting the preparation, aspirants should check previous years’ question papers. Since there is not much conceptual understanding required in this section, practice is important.
Some of the most popular books on DILR section that you can refer are How to Prepare for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit Sinha, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning for CAT by Pearson, to name a few.
CAT is a speed-based test of analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or Commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advanced-level problems.
However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.
Hope it was helpful!!!
CAT Questions for Practice - Download PDF
Download free PDFs of CAT questions for practice. The questions are clubbed as easy, medium and difficult for you to have a practice of all type of questions.
Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates
29 Apr '26
3 May '26
3 May '26
16 Apr '26 - 25 Apr '26
25 Apr '26
27 Apr '26
9 Oct '25 - 30 Apr '26
15 Oct '25 - 30 Apr '26
30 Apr '26
11 Apr '26 - 24 May '26
CAT Preparation: Solve Previous Year CAT Question Papers
Along with sample papers and mock tests, candidates must also solve previous year CAT question papers of at least last five years. This will give them an idea of question paper pattern, difficulty level of questions, types of questions, topic-wise break-up of questions and marking scheme of the CAT. Candidates can download free PDFs of CAT question papers of previous years below.
Download:
- CAT 2025 question paper
- CAT 2024 question paper
- CAT 2023 question paper
- CAT 2022 question paper
- CAT 2021 question paper
- CAT 2020 question paper
- CAT 2019 question paper
- CAT 2018 question paper
- CAT 2017 question paper
Lastly, we recommend practice, practice and practice more. The more you practice questions from VARC, LRDI and QA the better control you'll have on the CAT 2026 question paper.
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
Jul '26 | XAT 2027 registration dates |
Sep '26 | XAT 2027 mock test |
Aug '26 | SNAP 2026 Registration Process |
28 Nov '26 | SNAP 2026 admit card session 1... |
Aug '26 | NMAT 2026 Registration Window |
Aug '26 | NMAT 2026 Scheduling Window |
17 Oct '24 - 5 Dec '24 | IIFT 2025 registration and app... |
1 Apr '26 - 25 May '26 | MAT May 2026 Registration PBT |
1 Apr '26 - 8 Jun '26 | MAT May 2026 Registration CBT |
Jul '26 | IBSAT 2026 Registration |
Dec '26 | IBSAT 2026 Exam Date |
Oct '26 | CMAT 2027 registration and app... |
Jan '27 | CMAT 2027 exam |
24 Apr '26 | MAH MBA 2026 Registration Wind... |
9 May '26 | MAH MBA CET 2026 exam 2 |
27 Apr '26 | TANCET admit card download |
9 May '26 | TANCET exam date for MBA & MCA |
Mar '25 | IRMASAT 2025 Final Result Anno... |
Feb '25 | IRMASAT Personal Interviews |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
KMAT, and Karnataka PGCET are the accepted entrance examinations at Jyoti Nivas College. Students who wish to get admissions must clear all the entrance examinations for admissions.
L
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
The Global Institute of Business Studies has set a moderate cut-off for its CAT exam, far lower than those of the premier IIMs.
Expected CAT Cutoffs
- Minimum Requirement - Approximately 60 Percentile
- Safe Range - Approximately 60 to 65 Percentiles
- Good Chance of Admission - Approximately 65 to 70 or grea
M
Beginner-Level 4
Answered Yesterday
GIBS Business School situated in Bangalore acknowledges CAT, MAT, and XAT as authorized admission tests for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Approved Admission Exams
- CAT (Common Admission Test)
- MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
- XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
Additionally to these Three Tests, GI
M
Beginner-Level 4
Answered Yesterday
Jaipuria Institute of Management can get admission in PGDM programme without CAT scores. CAT is one of the accepting exams for admission. However, aspirants with MAT, XAT or CMAT scores can also get admission in PGDM provided they also meet the eligibility criteria.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, many universities and colleges take CAT exam for admission. This exam takes place only once a year and has three sections. These are Verbal Ability & RC, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
No, you cannot join Jindal Global Business School without an entrance exam if you want admission to the MBA course. For admission to the management courses, the institute accepts various national-level exams, like
- CAT
- MAT
- ATMA
- GMAT
- NMAT
- XAT
- CMAT
Students who attain qualifying percentiles for these exams are
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Jindal Global Business School's CAT cutoff 2025 was released for admission to the MBA course based on the students' performance in the CAT exam. The cutoff was released for various All India categories in the form of percentiles.
For the General AI category, the required percentile was 50. Hence, s
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
If you don't meet the minimum academic criteria for MBA, you will not be selected for the WAT-PI round of any B-School. Meeting the minimum criteria of at least 50% marks in graduation (45% for reserved category candidates), is mandatory for admission.
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
No, candidates cannot get admission to a full-time MBA programme at a Tier 1 B-School with only the CAT score. They need to appear for and clear the WAT-PI round for admission too.
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
The minimum academic score required for IIM admission through CAT is 50 percent in Graduation. For SC/ST/PwD categories, the minimum score requirement in 45 percent.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Vipra Shrivastava is MA in English Literature from Delhi University with extensive experience in content writing of over 14 years. She has been handling content for Management, Accounting and Commerce streams for 8
Read Full Bio