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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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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 hours ago
C
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 9 hours ago
Candidates have to wait for IIM Ranchi MBA CAT cutoff. Those who clear it become eligible for further scanning process. The candidates may have to visit the website and provide CATID (application sequence number), date of birth, and registered email as per CAT application. The waiting status appears
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 9 hours ago
IIM Ranchi MBA aspirants need to have a valid CAT score. The entrance test is expected to be held on Nov 29, 2026. Candidates taking the exam will be able to download admit cards online. It is generally released online in the first or second week of November. Candidates should stay updated with adm
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 9 hours ago
IIM Ranchi offer admission to its MBA courses based on CAT scores only. The candidates have to take this test and secure a valid percentile. IIMs release its cutoff based on which candidates are called for further selection rounds. There may not be any other provision for admission to the PG level c
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
The students who wants to get admission into the MBA course must obtain minimum 50% in their UG degree. They have to appear for any one of the national level entrance exams for MBA course admissions such as CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, MAH-CET and ATMA exam. The minimum cutoff required in CAT exam is 50%. I
C
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Students may get admission in IIM Bangalore with 95 percentile in CAT. But this is not enough to get a seat. The admission chances also depend on student's overall profile. This includes academic scores + performance in the selection rounds. Students can check the cutoff trends to know better.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
IM selection criteria includes Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). Academic record and work experience are also taken into consideration for final selection.
P
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
To get 99 percentile and above, candidates must attempt 40-45 out of 68 questions in CAT, with maximum accuracy.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
Yes, six months are enough to prepare for CAT exam, if you can dedicate 8-10 hours to it daily. In the first three months complete the syllabus. In the last three months practice mock tests and do revision.
J
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
Students may get admission in IIM Kozhikode with 95 percentile in CAT. But this is not enough to get a seat. The admission chances also depend on student's overall profile. This includes academic scores + performance in the selection rounds. Students can check the cutoff trends to know better.
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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