The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is one of the most prestigious management entrance exams in India, conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Thousands of MBA aspirants appear for this competitive exam to secure admission into top-tier B-schools including the IIMs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI, and many more. This guide provides a concise breakdown of the CAT 2026 syllabus, exam pattern, and eligibility criteria to help you prepare strategically.
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 2026 |
CAT 2026 Syllabus
Although the IIMs do not release an official syllabus, the exam content remains largely consistent each year. CAT 2026 will focus on three core sections:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Reading Comprehension Passages
- Para Jumbles
- Sentence Correction
- Para Summary
- Odd Sentence Out
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Tables, Charts, and Bar Graphs
- Caselets and Data Arrangements
- Logical Puzzles
- Seating Arrangement
- Blood Relations, Direction Sense
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit-Loss, TSD, Ratio & Proportion
- Algebra: Equations, Inequalities
- Number System
- Geometry & Mensuration
- Modern Math: Permutations, Probability
Pro Tip: Begin your prep with arithmetic, focus on reading editorials, and take timed DILR practice sets.
| Section | No. of Questions |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 |
| Total | 66 Questions |
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
Marking Scheme:
- +3 for every correct answer
- -1 for every incorrect answer (MCQs only)
- No negative marking for TITA (non-MCQ) questions
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria:
To appear for CAT 2026, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
- Final-year students can apply
- No age limit
- Unlimited attempts permitted
Conclusion
CAT 2026 is not just a test of aptitude, but of consistency, speed, and strategy. With a clear understanding of the syllabus, exam structure, and eligibility, you’re already a step ahead. Begin your preparation early, pick the right books, attempt mocks, and keep analyzing your performance to improve.
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