What is CAT?
CAT (Common Admission Test) is the most prestigious MBA entrance exam in India, conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It is a gateway to:
- 21 IIMs (like IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, etc.)
- 1000+ other B-Schools (FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR, IITs, etc.)
The exam tests your skills in Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC).
CAT 2026 Exam Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | July 2026 |
| Registration Starts | First week of August |
| Registration Closes | Mid-September 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Last week of October |
| Exam Date | Last Sunday of November 2026 |
| Result Declaration | First week of January 2027 |
🖥 Mode of Exam: Online (Computer-Based Test)
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- Qualification: Bachelor’s degree with at least:
- 50% marks (General/EWS/OBC)
- 45% marks (SC/ST/PwD)
- Final-year students: Eligible to apply
- No age limit
- Work experience: Not mandatory but helps during interviews
CAT 2026 Registration
- How to Apply: Online at https://iimcat.ac.in
- Documents Required:
- Passport-size photo & signature
- Degree marksheets
- Category/PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Test City Selection: Up to 6 cities
CAT 2026 Exam Fees
| Category | Application Fee (Expected) |
|---|---|
| General/EWS/OBC | ₹2,400 |
| SC/ST/PwD | ₹1,200 |
Fees are payable via UPI, debit/credit cards, or net banking.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern (Expected)
| Section | Questions | Time (Min) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | ~24 | 40 | MCQ + TITA |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | ~20 | 40 | MCQ + TITA |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | ~22 | 40 | MCQ + TITA |
| Total | 66 | 120 |
- MCQ (Multiple Choice): +3 for correct, -1 for wrong
- TITA (Type in the Answer): +3 for correct, no negative marking
CAT 2026 Syllabus Overview
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Reading Comprehension (Inference, Main idea, Tone)
- Para Jumbles, Odd Sentence Out
- Para Summary
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Tables, Graphs, Charts
- Puzzles, Seating Arrangements
- Caselets and Logical Games
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Arithmetic: Percentages, Time-Speed, Profit-Loss
- Algebra: Equations, Inequalities
- Number System, Geometry, Mensuration
- Modern Math: PnC, Probability, Set Theory
CAT 2026 Preparation Tips
1. Start Early (at least 6–8 months before)
- Cover basics from NCERT (class 9–12)
- Gradually increase question difficulty
2. Mock Tests are Crucial
- Attempt 25–30 full-length mocks
- Analyze performance thoroughly after each test
3. Study Materials
- Books: Arun Sharma, Nishit Sinha, TIME/IMS modules
- Online: 2IIM, Cracku, Unacademy, CATKing
4. Focus on Sectional Strength
- If you’re weak in DILR, dedicate an extra 30–45 mins daily to puzzles and sets.
- Read editorials daily to improve VARC.
5. Time Management
- Use a timer for each question set
- Practice under timed conditions from Day 1
Pro Tip: What Toppers Do
- Focus on accuracy first, then speed
- Don’t chase too many books – pick 1 good resource per section
- Stay consistent – even 2 focused hours daily beats cramming
Would you like:
- A 6-month daily prep planner?
- Topic-wise weightage PDF from last 5 CAT papers?
- List of Top MBA colleges accepting CAT?
Let me know and I’ll send them right away!