How to improve CAT exam preparation strategy?
Common Admission Test 2026 ( CAT )
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4 Nov '26 - 29 Nov '26
In CAT, candidates need to attempt 100 questions in 180 minutes. There are a total of three sections (Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, Verbal and Reading Comprehension) and 60 minutes is allotted to each section.
Moreover, Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are now focusing one gender and academic diversity. As a result, quite a few parameters will now come into play while seeking admission to the top MBA colleges of the country.
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So what mistakes should a candidate avoid while preparing for CAT? How can they improve CAT exam preparation strategy?
Shiksha.com spoke to a few experts and this what they had to say:
1. Speed and Time Management
Time management is one of the most crucial part of CAT. This time, 100 questions need to be solved in 180 minutes. So, 34 questions in QA and VRC need to be attempted in 60 minutes and 32 questions in DILR to be attempted in 60 minutes.
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So speed is an important part of exam strategy. Candidates should focus on building up speed. Avoid spending too much time on a single question. Maintaining a tempo and being wise with time is vital in CAT.
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2. Selection of Questions
Selection of right questions will be the game changer in CAT exam. Attempt just 10 questions in a section. But make sure you solve all those questions correctly. Since, a certain time is allotted to each section, candidates can choose to attempt only a few questions to score above the cut-off marks. This strategy is useful for the weaker sections. Never forget about negative marking.
3. Answering Strategy
It’s a good idea to first read all the questions and quickly attempt a few easy questions on the way. “Generally, CAT exam has at least 20% easy questions. This takes care of 20 easy questions and you are left with 80 problems. Mind you, some one-liners look easy but can be quite difficult. Don’t waste your time on it. Quickly move on,” says MBA expert Tarun Malik.
Next, attempt questions with medium difficulty level and finally look at the hard questions. Repeat the process for all the three sections.
“Ultimately, CAT strategy should be based on the candidate’s strengths and weakness. There is no hard-core strategy for everyone. The trick is not to get demoralized during the paper. With stressful mind, it’s hard to attempt difficult questions will affect towards the end,” says Malik.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
Yes there are ways to improve a CAT score if the result is not as expected. The main thing is to first check which section needs more attention and then work on accuracy time management and question selection. Regular mock tests can help identify repeated mistakes. For students considering LPU its i
S
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 2 days ago
You cannot see a score or result for the practice mock test taken on the official CAT website because the official IIM mock portal is only designed to familiarize you with the exam interface and structure and it does not generate or save scores.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Yes 75 percent attendance is mandatory at RKDF University Ranchi. As per the official university guidelines and UGC norms students are expected to maintain regular attendance to remain eligible for mid semester and end semester examinations.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
To choose the best CAT coaching institute in Siliguri, evaluate centers based on faculty expertise, mock test quality, batch flexibility, and physical location convenience.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
As of September 2026, IIM Indore has not announced the CAT form correction dates. Past trends indicate that the application form correction window opens a few weeks after the registration window is closed.
Check: CAT Correction Window 2026
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
Yes, candidates are facilitated with a window to edit exam form once the CAT registration concludes. However, candidates will only be able to edit photo, signature, and test city preference using CAT correction window. IIM Indore will announce the dates for CAT form correction window once the regist
J
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
IIM Indore has not announced the last date extension for CAT 2026 yet. However, past trends indicate CAT registration extends by a few days. If CAT 2026 registration is extended, candidates will find an update on the official website.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, both Oral Extempore Presentation and PI round are mandatory for candidates who apply forAlliance School of Business MBA admission with CAT results.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, in recognition of outstanding performance in CAT, MSB awards special scholarships as follows:
- INR 1,50,000 for students securing a minimum 90 percentile
- INR 1,00,000 for students securing a minimum 85 percentile
- INR 75,000 for students securing a minimum 75 percentile
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Students pursuing PGDM from Jaipuria Institute of Management Jaipur and having 65% CAT score can get scholarship of INR 1.50 lakh. Students must have documents proving their eligibility to avail the scholarship benefit.
N
Guide-Level 15