Complete Guide to CAT Exam 2026: Syllabus, Fees, Eligibility & More The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is the gateway to India’s top IIMs and several other reputed B-schools. If you’re an MBA aspirant planning to appear for CAT 2026, this blog provides you with a detailed guide including the latest syllabus, exam pattern, fees, eligibility, and preparation resources.
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 |
Complete Guide to CAT Exam 2026 Syllabus, Fees, Eligibility CAT 2026 Syllabus
The CAT exam comprises three key sections. Although IIMs do not release a fixed syllabus, the topics generally follow a consistent pattern:
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 and Charts
- Tables and Caselets
- Logical Puzzles
- Arrangements and Grouping
- Blood Relations and Directions
3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Arithmetic (Percentages, Time-Speed-Distance, Ratio-Proportion)
- Algebra (Equations, Inequalities)
- Number System
- Geometry and Mensuration
- Modern Math (Permutations, Combinations, Probability)
Preparation Tip: Focus on arithmetic fundamentals, build reading habits, and practice DILR sets with time constraints.
CAT 2026 Exam Fees
| Category | Application Fee |
| General / NC-OBC | ₹2,400 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹1,200 |
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for CAT 2026, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
- Final-year graduation students are also eligible
- No minimum or maximum age limit
- No restriction on the number of attempts
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 (QA) | 22 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 66 Questions | 120 minutes |
Marking Scheme:
- +3 for each correct answer
- -1 for each incorrect answer (only for MCQs)
- No negative marking for non-MCQs (TITA – Type In The Answer)
Best Books for CAT 2026 Preparation
| Section | Recommended Books |
| VARC | Word Power Made Easy by Norman LewisHow to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma |
| DILR | Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit K. Sinha |
| QA | Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma |
Final Thoughts
CAT 2026 is a highly competitive exam, but with the right preparation strategy, study material, and consistent practice, you can achieve a top percentile. Begin your preparation early, solve mock tests regularly, and analyze your performance to continuously improve.
For the latest updates on CAT 2026 registration, admit cards, and result dates, visit the official website at Career Mantra.
Also read:
- MBA schools by CAT percentile
- CAT percentile vs MBA college
- CAT cutoff for IIMs
- MBA admission by CAT score
- CAT accepting colleges 2026
- MBA colleges for 70 percentile in CAT
- Top B-schools by CAT score
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