The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is a national-level entrance exam for admission into India’s premier B-schools, including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Scheduled tentatively for the last Sunday of November 2026, CAT is a gateway for students aspiring to pursue an MBA or PGDM from top institutes. This comprehensive guide covers all the essential information related to the CAT 2026 exam — including syllabus, pattern, fees, eligibility, best books, and more.
CAT 2026 Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Management (IIM) |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes |
| Tentative Exam Date | Last Sunday of November 2025 |
CAT 2026 Syllabus
The CAT exam is divided into three major sections. While there is no officially defined syllabus, the following topics have consistently appeared over the years:
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Reading Comprehension
- Para Jumbles
- Sentence Correction
- Para Summary
- Odd Sentence Out
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Bar Graphs, Line Charts
- Tables and Caselets
- Logical Puzzles
- Seating Arrangements & Grouping
- Blood Relations, Directions
3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Arithmetic (TSD, Profit & Loss, Percentages)
- Algebra (Equations, Inequalities)
- Number System
- Geometry and Mensuration
- Modern Math (Probability, P&C, Sets)
Preparation Tip: Prioritize arithmetic and reading comprehension, and practice DILR sets with a timer to build speed and accuracy.
CAT 2026 Exam Fees
| Category | Application Fee |
| General / NC-OBC | ₹2,400 |
| SC/ST/PwD | ₹1,200 |
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To appear for CAT 2026, candidates must meet the following eligibility conditions:
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
- Final-year students can apply
- No age limit
- Unlimited attempts allowed
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Time Allotted |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 minutes |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 40 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 22 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 66 Questions | 120 minutes |
Marking Scheme:
- +3 marks for every correct answer
- -1 mark for every incorrect answer (MCQs only)
- No negative marking for TITA (non-MCQ) questions
Best Books for CAT 2026 Preparation
| Section | Recommended Books |
| VARC | Word Power Made Easy |
| How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT – Arun Sharma | |
| DILR | Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT- Nishit K. Sinha |
| QA | Quantitative Aptitude for CAT – Arun Sharma |
Final Thoughts
CAT 2026 is a competitive yet rewarding exam that opens the door to India’s top MBA programs. Start your preparation early with a focused strategy, take regular mock tests, and assess your performance to improve continuously. A high CAT percentile can lead to admissions in IIMs and other top B-schools.
For updates on CAT registration, admit card release, answer keys, and results, visit the official IIM CAT portal or trusted platforms like Career Mantra.
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