{"id":21431,"date":"2026-08-14T05:07:35","date_gmt":"2026-08-14T05:07:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careermantra.net\/blog\/?p=21431"},"modified":"2026-08-14T05:09:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T05:09:00","slug":"complete-guide-to-cat-exam-2026-syllabus-fees-eligibility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careermantra.net\/blog\/complete-guide-to-cat-exam-2026-syllabus-fees-eligibility\/","title":{"rendered":"Complete Guide to CAT Exam 2026 Syllabus, Fees, Eligibility"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Complete Guide to CAT Exam 2026: Syllabus, Fees, Eligibility &amp; More <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Common Admission Test (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careermantra.net\/exam\/6\/cat-2024\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CAT<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) 2026 is the gateway to India\u2019s top IIMs and several other reputed B-schools. If you&#8217;re an MBA aspirant planning to appear for CAT 2026, this blog provides you with a detailed guide including the latest<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careermantra.net\/exam\/6\/cat-2024\/Syllabus\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> syllabus<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careermantra.net\/exam\/6\/cat-2024\/Pattern\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">exam pattern<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, fees, eligibility, and preparation resources.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>CAT 2026 Overview<\/b><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Feature<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Details<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exam Name<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conducting Body<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian Institute of Management (IIM)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mode of Examination<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Computer-Based Test (CBT)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequency<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once a year<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exam Duration<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">120 minutes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tentative Exam Date<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Last Sunday of November 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><b>Complete Guide to CAT Exam 2026 Syllabus, Fees, Eligibility CAT 2026 Syllabus<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The CAT exam comprises three key sections. Although IIMs do not release a fixed syllabus, the topics generally follow a consistent pattern:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reading Comprehension<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Para Jumbles<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sentence Correction<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Para Summary<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Odd Sentence Out<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bar Graphs and Charts<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tables and Caselets<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Logical Puzzles<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arrangements and Grouping<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood Relations and Directions<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arithmetic (Percentages, Time-Speed-Distance, Ratio-Proportion)<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Algebra (Equations, Inequalities)<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Number System<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Geometry and Mensuration<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modern Math (Permutations, Combinations, Probability)<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preparation Tip: Focus on arithmetic fundamentals, build reading habits, and practice DILR sets with time constraints.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>CAT 2026 Exam Fees<\/b><\/h3>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Category<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Application Fee<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General \/ NC-OBC<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u20b92,400<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SC \/ ST \/ PwD<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u20b91,200<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To be eligible for CAT 2026, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Must hold a Bachelor&#8217;s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC\/ST\/PwD)<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Final-year graduation students are also eligible<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No minimum or maximum age limit<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No restriction on the number of attempts<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>CAT 2026 <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/careermantra.net\/exam\/6\/cat-2024\/Pattern\"><b>Exam Pattern<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Section<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>No. of Questions<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Time Allotted<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Verbal Ability &amp; Reading Comprehension (VARC)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">24<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">40 minutes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Data Interpretation &amp; Logical Reasoning (DILR)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">40 minutes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quantitative Aptitude (QA)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">22<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">40 minutes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Total<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">66 Questions<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">120 minutes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marking Scheme:<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">+3 for each correct answer<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">-1 for each incorrect answer (only for MCQs)<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No negative marking for non-MCQs (TITA \u2013 Type In The Answer)<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Best Books for CAT 2026 Preparation<\/b><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Section<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Recommended Books<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VARC<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Word Power Made Easy by Norman LewisHow to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DILR<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit K. Sinha<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">QA<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>Final Thoughts<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the latest updates on CAT 2026 registration, admit cards, and result dates, visit the official website at<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.iimcat.ac.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Career Mantra.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><b>\u00a0Also read:<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/careermantra.net\/blog\/?s=MBA+schools+by+CAT+percentile\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MBA schools by CAT percentile<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/careermantra.net\/blog\/?s=CAT+percentile+vs+MBA+college\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CAT percentile vs MBA college<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/careermantra.net\/blog\/?s=CAT+cutoff+for+IIMs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CAT cutoff for IIMs<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/careermantra.net\/blog\/?s=MBA+admission+by+CAT+score\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MBA admission by CAT score<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/careermantra.net\/blog\/?s=CAT+accepting+colleges+\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CAT accepting colleges 2026<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/careermantra.net\/blog\/?s=MBA+colleges+for+70+percentile+in+CAT\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MBA colleges for 70 percentile in CAT<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/careermantra.net\/blog\/?s=Top+B-schools+by+CAT+score\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top B-schools by CAT score<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Complete Guide to CAT Exam 2026: Syllabus, Fees, Eligibility &amp; More The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is the gateway to India\u2019s top IIMs and several other reputed B-schools. If you&#8217;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&nbsp; Para Jumbles&nbsp; Sentence Correction&nbsp; Para Summary&nbsp; Odd Sentence Out&nbsp; 2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Bar Graphs and Charts&nbsp; Tables and Caselets&nbsp; Logical Puzzles&nbsp; Arrangements and Grouping&nbsp; Blood Relations and Directions&nbsp; 3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Arithmetic (Percentages, Time-Speed-Distance, Ratio-Proportion)&nbsp; Algebra (Equations, Inequalities)&nbsp; Number System&nbsp; Geometry and Mensuration&nbsp; Modern Math (Permutations, Combinations, Probability)&nbsp; 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 \u20b92,400 SC \/ ST \/ PwD \u20b91,200 &nbsp; CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for CAT 2026, candidates must fulfill the following criteria: Must hold a Bachelor&#8217;s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC\/ST\/PwD)&nbsp; Final-year graduation students are also eligible&nbsp; No minimum or maximum age limit&nbsp; No restriction on the number of attempts&nbsp; &nbsp; CAT 2026 Exam Pattern Section No. of Questions Time Allotted Verbal Ability &amp; Reading Comprehension (VARC) 24 40 minutes Data Interpretation &amp; Logical Reasoning (DILR) 20 40 minutes Quantitative Aptitude (QA) 22 40 minutes Total 66 Questions 120 minutes &nbsp; Marking Scheme: +3 for each correct answer&nbsp; -1 for each incorrect answer (only for MCQs)&nbsp; No negative marking for non-MCQs (TITA \u2013 Type In The Answer)&nbsp; 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 &nbsp; 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. \u00a0Also read: &nbsp; 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 &nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":21432,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[660,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21431","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cat-exam","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Complete Guide to CAT Exam 2026 Syllabus, Fees, Eligibility - Career Mantra<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/careermantra.net\/blog\/complete-guide-to-cat-exam-2026-syllabus-fees-eligibility\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Complete Guide to CAT Exam 2026 Syllabus, Fees, Eligibility - Career Mantra\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Complete Guide to CAT Exam 2026: Syllabus, Fees, Eligibility &amp; More The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is the gateway to India\u2019s top IIMs and several other reputed B-schools. If you&#8217;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&nbsp; Para Jumbles&nbsp; Sentence Correction&nbsp; Para Summary&nbsp; Odd Sentence Out&nbsp; 2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Bar Graphs and Charts&nbsp; Tables and Caselets&nbsp; Logical Puzzles&nbsp; Arrangements and Grouping&nbsp; Blood Relations and Directions&nbsp; 3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Arithmetic (Percentages, Time-Speed-Distance, Ratio-Proportion)&nbsp; Algebra (Equations, Inequalities)&nbsp; Number System&nbsp; Geometry and Mensuration&nbsp; Modern Math (Permutations, Combinations, Probability)&nbsp; 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 \u20b92,400 SC \/ ST \/ PwD \u20b91,200 &nbsp; CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for CAT 2026, candidates must fulfill the following criteria: Must hold a Bachelor&#8217;s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC\/ST\/PwD)&nbsp; Final-year graduation students are also eligible&nbsp; No minimum or maximum age limit&nbsp; No restriction on the number of attempts&nbsp; &nbsp; CAT 2026 Exam Pattern Section No. of Questions Time Allotted Verbal Ability &amp; Reading Comprehension (VARC) 24 40 minutes Data Interpretation &amp; Logical Reasoning (DILR) 20 40 minutes Quantitative Aptitude (QA) 22 40 minutes Total 66 Questions 120 minutes &nbsp; Marking Scheme: +3 for each correct answer&nbsp; -1 for each incorrect answer (only for MCQs)&nbsp; No negative marking for non-MCQs (TITA \u2013 Type In The Answer)&nbsp; 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 &nbsp; 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. 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If you&#8217;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&nbsp; Para Jumbles&nbsp; Sentence Correction&nbsp; Para Summary&nbsp; Odd Sentence Out&nbsp; 2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Bar Graphs and Charts&nbsp; Tables and Caselets&nbsp; Logical Puzzles&nbsp; Arrangements and Grouping&nbsp; Blood Relations and Directions&nbsp; 3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Arithmetic (Percentages, Time-Speed-Distance, Ratio-Proportion)&nbsp; Algebra (Equations, Inequalities)&nbsp; Number System&nbsp; Geometry and Mensuration&nbsp; Modern Math (Permutations, Combinations, Probability)&nbsp; 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 \u20b92,400 SC \/ ST \/ PwD \u20b91,200 &nbsp; CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for CAT 2026, candidates must fulfill the following criteria: Must hold a Bachelor&#8217;s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC\/ST\/PwD)&nbsp; Final-year graduation students are also eligible&nbsp; No minimum or maximum age limit&nbsp; No restriction on the number of attempts&nbsp; &nbsp; CAT 2026 Exam Pattern Section No. of Questions Time Allotted Verbal Ability &amp; Reading Comprehension (VARC) 24 40 minutes Data Interpretation &amp; Logical Reasoning (DILR) 20 40 minutes Quantitative Aptitude (QA) 22 40 minutes Total 66 Questions 120 minutes &nbsp; Marking Scheme: +3 for each correct answer&nbsp; -1 for each incorrect answer (only for MCQs)&nbsp; No negative marking for non-MCQs (TITA \u2013 Type In The Answer)&nbsp; 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 &nbsp; 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. 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