The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level computer-based entrance exam. It is one of the most important tests that are conducted in India. Aspirants have to sit for this test to gain admission into postgraduate management programs. These include PGDM and MBA courses.
On a rotational basis, CAT is conducted by any of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It can be a gateway for admission to many top B-schools and all IIMs across India. This year, the exam is scheduled for November 29, 2026 (Sunday).
CAT 2026 Preparation Strategy: How to Prepare for the Examination?
You have to follow a focused strategy for CAT 2026. Make sure that you close all the gaps in your conceptual understanding. Practice high-weightage topics. Sit for weekly mock tests across September, October and November.
Month-by-Month Preparation
During the month of September, you have to revise the concepts and identify the gaps in study. You should revise all the core topics in:
⦁ Arithmetic,
⦁ Algebra,
⦁ Geometry, and
⦁ Number Systems
You need to build daily habits. Go through your study material for 30 minutes. Every day, you should solve 3–4 LRDI sets. Sit for daily sectional tests. By the end of September, you must complete your first 2 full-length mock tests.
In October, dive into your syllabus deeply and conduct timed practice. Rather than reviewing strong topics, focus much more on your weak areas. Increase your Reading Comprehension (RC) practice to 4–5 passages every day. Shift your focus, from learning your concepts to building accuracy and timed solving.
November is the time for mocks and final refinement. Under strict exam conditions, you should sit for full-length mock tests. Thoroughly analyse every mock test. Fix all your recurring mistakes. Refine your choice of questions. Make sure that you stop trying to learn new content. Purely focus on revision. Build your exam stamina.
Section-Wise Strategy & Important Topics
Your preparation strategy must include section-wise studies, including these important topics:
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
You have to study these important topics:
⦁ Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratios, Time & Work, Speed, Time & Distance),
⦁ Algebra (Linear/Quadratic Equations, Sequences & Series), and
⦁ Geometry and Number Systems
Arithmetic and Algebra carry the highest weightage. You have to focus on them. It is important to follow an effective strategy. Attain expertise in Arithmetic and Algebra first, so that you can get a baseline of over 90% before you shift to Modern Math and Geometry. While trying to practice solving problems every day, you should maintain a proper error log.
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Focus on these important topics:
⦁ Arrangements,
⦁ Games & Tournaments,
⦁ Data Sufficiency,
⦁ Graphs,
⦁ Tables, and
⦁ Caselets
You have to follow a proper strategy that can maximize your chances of gaining high scores in the CAT 2026 exam. In Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), you should spend the first 90 seconds in scouting and ranking sets by solvability. Do not try to attempt everything at the same time.
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Reading Comprehension (RC), Summary, Para-Jumbles and Para-Completion are the important topics that you have to focus on. Follow a strategy that helps you to build your stamina for 400 to 600-word passages. Make sure that you identify the core gist and overall argument of the author rather than going for a word-by-word translation. Try to gain mastery in reading comprehension, summary questions, para jumbles and odd-one-out.
At the official CAT 2026 website, you can get detailed section-wise topics directly. Check the website from time to time to get the latest information and updates about the examination.
FAQ
⦁ When to register for the CAT 2026 examination?
You can register for the exam from August 03, 2026 (10:00 AM IST). Registration will continue until September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM IST).
⦁ Where to find the admit card for the CAT 2026 examination?
You can download your admit card from November 04, 2026, right from the official CAT 2026 website.
⦁ How many times is the CAT 2026 examination held in a year?
It is held only once, annually.
⦁ Who is eligible for the CAT 2026 examination?
You need to have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks. For reserved categories, it is 45%.
⦁ How to prepare for the CAT 2026 examination?
You should start by analyzing PYQs, build a structured daily study plan, focus on the basics, practice regularly and perform a proper mock analysis. With a 90-day study plan, section-wise strategy and focus on important topics, you can have the best preparations.
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