CAT is the door to India’s elite IIMs and other top B-schools. For freshers planning to sit for CAT 2026, the success mantra is planning early, consistent practice, and strong determination throughout the preparation process.
This handbook is designed to assist newcomers in developing a sound foundation, realizing the exam pattern, and tackling CAT 2026 with confidence and clarity.
Why Prepare Early for CAT 2026?
- There is stiff competition — more than 2.5 lakh candidates are vying annually.
- Early birds get ample time to perfect fundamentals and practice numerous mock tests.
- Reduces anxiety nearer to the exam date and provides time for revision.
- Enables working professionals and students to manage other responsibilities.
CAT 2026Exam Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Conducting Body | IIM (To be announced for 2025) |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Sections | VARC, DILR, QA |
| Total Duration | 120 minutes (40 minutes per section) |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct answer,-1 for wrong answer (MCQ) |
| Frequency | Once a year (Usually in November) |
Section-Wise Syllabus Breakdown
| Section | Topics Covered |
| VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) | Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Odd Sentence Out, Para Summary |
| DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) | Bar Graphs, Line Charts, Caselets, Puzzles, Logical Deductions |
| QA (Quantitative Aptitude) | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Modern Math |
Month-Wise CAT 2026Study Plan (For Beginners)
| Month | Focus Area |
| May – June 2024 | Understand syllabus, basics of QA, daily reading habit for VARC |
| July – August 2024 | Intermediate QA concepts, solve easy DILR sets, attempt weekly mocks |
| Sept – Oct 2024 | Advance QA, timed DILR practice, RC-based VARC drills |
| Nov – Dec 2024 | Revise, take full-length mocks, analyze weak areas |
| Jan – March 2025 | Strengthen weaker sections, experiment with time management |
| April – June 2025 | Revisit concepts, practice mocks regularly |
| July – Oct 2025 | Full throttle mock test practice, join revision batches |
| Nov 2025 | Final revision, take 2–3 mocks per week, avoid burnout |
Best Books for CAT Preparation
| Section | Recommended Books |
| VARC | How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and RC by Arun Sharma |
| DILR | Logical Reasoning and DI by Nishit Sinha |
| QA | Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma |
| Mocks | TIME/IMS/CL online test series |
Online Resources & Apps
- Apps: Pocket Aptitude, CATKing, Gradeup, Oliveboard
- Websites: 2IIM, Pagalguy, Cracku, Handakafunda
- YouTube Channels: Rodha, Unacademy CAT, Elites Grid
Coaching or Self-Study?
| Factor | Coaching | Self-Study |
| Cost | High | Low/Free |
| Structure | Pre-defined | Flexible |
| Guidance | Expert mentors | Requires discipline |
| Ideal For | Beginners who need structured help | Self-motivated learners |
CAT 2026Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | July 2026 |
| Application Starts | August 2026 |
| Admit Card | October 2026 |
| Exam Date | Last Sunday of November 2026 |
| Result | January 2026 |
CAT 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | July 2026 |
| Application Starts | August 2026 |
| Admit Card | October 2026 |
| Exam Date | Last Sunday of November 2026 |
| Result | January 2026 |
Daily Preparation Tips
- Read newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express) for RC improvement.
- Practice mental math tricks for speed in QA.
- Solve one RC passage + 2 DILR sets daily.
- Monitor progress with a weekly schedule.
- Mock test every fortnight from August 2024 onwards.
FAQs
Q1. Is 1 year sufficient to prepare for CAT?
A: Yes, with regular effort, even 6–8 months of targeted study can produce a 95+ percentile.
Q2. Do I need coaching to crack CAT 2025?
A: Not necessary, but useful for systematic preparation and direction.
Q3. How many mocks must I attempt?
A: Target at least 30–35 mocks, thoroughly analyzing each.
Q4. Is CAT possible for a non-engineer?
A: Definitely. Lots of non-engineers score top in CAT on the strength of good VARC/DILR.
Q5. What percentile is needed for IIM calls?
A: Category and profile dependant. Usually, 98–100%ile for general.
Q6. How can I remain motivated throughout preparation?
A: Make small weekly targets, monitor progress, participate in study groups.
Q7. Which is the most difficult section in CAT?
A: DILR is unpredictable, QA can be tough if poor in Math.
Conclusion
Cracking CAT is as much a matter of strategy as it is of intelligence. Whether you are a college student or a working professional, a well-planned, disciplined approach and persistent effort can take you to your dream B-school. Begin early, remain consistent, and don’t shy away from seeking advice when required.
My Career Mantra:
Start smart, work hard, and learn to adapt quickly. CAT is not only a test of knowledge, but also of perseverance and strategy. Have faith in your plan, support yourself with practice, and reach for the stars — IIMs are within reach.
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