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CAT exam is a high difficulty level aptitude test. No amount of preparation will be useful if you do not know how to handle this speed based exam where accuracy is the supreme requirement. Check here seven things to do before CAT 2026 exam.
CAT 2026 preparation tips
CAT 2026 exam will be held on November 29. Preparation time for it should be atleast 6 months so that you have enough time to prepare the syllabus completely. Being a speed based exam, CAT requires candidates to be in control of time and accuracy throughout the exam. It has been often seen that silly mistakes have dented candidate’s prospect of scoring above 99 percentile. So, if you wish to not commit such mistakes, prepare for CAT 2026 keeping in mind the following.
Seven Things To Do Before CAT 2026 Exam
Only studying for long hours will not help in scoring high in CAT 2026. Here’s what we think will helpful. Implement these seven things to do before CAT 2026 exam.
Know the CAT 2026 pattern
If you want to optimize your performance, you should be very well versed with the CAT exam pattern. And by that, I don’t mean only marking scheme or sectional weightage. You should be well aware of topic wise composition. For, example how many and what type of Geometry questions are asked in CAT. Every MBA entrance exam has a certain type for the questions. You need to be fully aware of it. So, look at previous years’ CAT question papers, compare questions and note the pattern.
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Don’t miss any topic from the CAT syllabus
Do not skip any CAT topic. You will need to cover each and every topic included in the CAT syllabus, to lessen the chances of surprises in the exam. Analysis of previous years’ CAT question papers will show you topics that dominate the exam. Preparing those topics well will get you through the sectional cut offs. But, what if the trend changes this year and you get questions from topics you ignored basis the previous years’ trends. Do not take a risk of any such situation. Revise all the topics before the exam. Every correct attempt matters.
Ensure conceptual clarity
Out of 68 questions, 33 are based on Maths where conceptual clarity is the prime requirement. Every question of Quantitative Aptitude is concept based. For the 11 DI questions too, you need to be thorough with basic Math calculations and formulas. So ensure, you understand every Quant formula correctly – theory as well as application. Revise regularly.
Have enough practice of CAT questions
CAT syllabus coverage and gaining conceptual clarity are only one part of exam preparation. The second and most critical part is practice. You should practice about 40-50 CAT mock tests and last 10 years’ CAT question papers. Anything less than this may not give you the desired result. Source practice questions from various quarters.
Find out tricks and shortcuts
CAT is a speed based exam wherein every second is precious. You would not want to spend extra time in rough work or calculation. So, during your CAT 2026 preparation phase find out tricks and shortcuts of quick calculation for Quants and identifying Logical Reasoning patterns.
Make a plan for CAT 2026 exam day
Having practiced enough number of CAT mock tests and question papers by the end exam preparation will make you well aware of your strengths and weakness. Mock practice will also prepare for the actual exam environment. So, the most crucial thing to do before CAT 2026 exam is to make a plan to how to approach it. What type of questions to attempt and what type to steer clear of. CAT has sectional time limit of 40 minutes per sections, so you’ll be automatically tuned to completing the test in a time bound manner. However, we advise you to make an exam strategy that allows you at least 5 minutes of review per section. A second look will ensure you don’t miss any question worthy of attempting or haven’t marked an incorrect option by mistake.
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Commonly asked questions
Every candidate must carry a blue/black ball point pen and a few copies of their passport size photo to the exam centre. They must not carry any stationary item other than the pen. Candidates who have diabetes can carry fruits as per medical prescription. No other item will be allowed inside the exam venue. Candidates must not carry bags or valuables as there will be no arrangement for depositing while candidates appear for the exam. Candidates must also not carry notebooks or rough paper to the CAT exam centre. Any candidate found with an unauthorised item will be disqualified.
Yes, CAT 2025 exam will be conducted in three shifts. The exam was earlier conducted in 2 shifts, but since 2020, the CAT is conducted in three shifts - morning, afternoon and evening. In CAT 2025 too, there will be three slots which will be allotted to applicants in no particular order.
CAT exam slot timings will be -
- First shift: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM,
- Second shift: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and
- Third shift: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
On CAT exam day, candidates have to follow a number of guidelines like cooperating with the exam centre staff during identification process, etc.:
CAT exam day dos:
- Reach examination centre at the reporting time mentioned on your CAT admit card. 2.
- Carry two copies of the CAT admit card, one photo ID card, passport size photos
- PwD candidates should carry relevant certificates and documents.
- Carry a blue/black ball point pen for signing attendance sheet
- Cooperate with test centre staff and follow instructions
- 7. While entering answers, use only computer mouse.
- Do not touch keyboard as doing so will lead to screen locking.
CAT exam day don'ts:
- Do not carry items such as bags, purses, pencil box, beepers, wrist watch, calculators, mobile phones, electronic devices, scanners, cameras, wireless/Bluetooth transmission or any such communication devices.
- Don't wear closed shoes, jewellery made of metal, jackets, clothes with pockets, mehendi on palms. Socks are allowed inside it.
- Don't wear caps, hoodies or jackets/shirts with pockets
- Don't be late for exam. Entry gates will be closed 15 minutes before the commencement of exam.
- No candidate will be allowed to enter the exam centre after that.
- Don't cheat or indulge in mal practice. You can be disqualified due to any such ACT.
- Don't create a ruckus inside the test lab
- Don't leave your seat until the exam duration gets over and the invigilator announces exit.
Commonly asked questions
Scribe facility is available for PwD candidates in the CAT exam. They are given 13 minutes extra per section to complete the test.
Yes, CAT 2026 exam will be conducted in three shifts. Exam timing of each slot will be:
- First shift: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Second shift: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and
- Third shift: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 days ago
Structured programmes, continuous skill-building and exposure to the "real world" from day one are set up to prepare students for the corporate world.
Interview Preparation/Career Readiness Training Methodologies
1. Completion of a Dedicated Programme (CPMP)
Over the course of the semester, the course
M
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 days ago
The percentile needed for admission would depend on the category you belong to. JAGSoM accepts various entrance examinations for admission to the MBA/PGDM course, like CAT, XAT, MAT, etc.
As per the estimated XAT cutoff in 2026, a percentile of 70 would be good enough to secure a chance at admission
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Students who get valid results in any of the above exams are eligible to apply to ISBR, after they have cleared the eligibility
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
You don't strictly need CAT to get into GIBS Business School. They accept both CAT and MAT scores, but even if you haven't appeared for them, you can still get admission through their direct admission or interview process.
CAT → accepted, helps in selection
MAT → also accepted, gives another option
No
P
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 days ago
Candidates should practice at least past 10 years' CAT question papers to have a good control over the exam. Many times, questions are repeated so prior practice will be helpful. CAT question papers are also best source of RC passages.
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, the question papers of all CAT exam slots are different from each other. This is done to ensure that there is no question leak before the next slot, and that second and third slot candidates have no advantage over first slot candidate.
E
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 days ago
XIM University accepts the CAT cutoff for admission to the MBA course. According to the XIM University CAT cutoff 2025, a percentile of 91 (both overall and sectional) would be required to be eligible for XIM University admission.
Candides should know that just clearing the final cutoff does not gr
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, Talent Skillsvarsity admissions are possible without the CAT scores. The below are the Talent Skillsvarsity admission related criteria:
- PG course: NMAT, MAT, CMAT, CET, XAT, ATMA, & GMAT.
Selection: Aptitude test, personal interview round & panel interview
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
IBS Mumbai CAT cutoff 2025 was released for admission to the PGPM course for various All India categories. The cutoff was published in the form of percentiles.
For the General AI category, the overall percentile was 70 and 40 sectional for to the PGPM programme. Students who attain these percentile
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
To attain admission in Loyola Institute of Business Administration, students who belong to the General category under the All India quota would need to attain a CAT percentile of 80 overall and 50 for the Quants, VA-RC and DI-LR sections.
Other categories will have different cutoffs accordingly. Gen
N
Contributor-Level 10
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
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