The Common Admission Test (CAT) is taken by over 2.5 lakh candidates annually for admission to IIMs and top B-schools. If you are a beginner planning to appear for CAT 2026, this guide gives you a complete roadmap from understanding the exam to achieving a high percentile.
CAT 2026 Exam Overview
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | IIM (rotational) |
| Exam Date | Last Sunday of November 2026 |
| Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 120 minutes (40 min per section) |
| Sections | VARC, DILR, QA |
| Total Questions | 66 |
| Marking | +3 correct, -1 wrong (MCQ only) |
Section-wise Strategy
VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)
This section tests your reading speed, comprehension, and command over English. It carries 24 questions.
- Reading Comprehension (16 questions): Read 2-3 editorials daily from The Hindu, Economic Times, or Aeon. Practice inference-based questions
- Verbal Ability (8 questions): Focus on Para Jumbles, Para Summary, and Odd Sentence Out. These are TITA (non-MCQ) with no negative marking
- Target: 36-42 marks out of 72 for a 90+ sectional percentile
DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning)
This section has 20 questions in 4-5 sets. It tests analytical ability and speed.
- Data Interpretation: Practice tables, bar graphs, pie charts, and caselets. Speed in calculations is key
- Logical Reasoning: Focus on arrangements, grouping, games and tournaments, and network diagrams
- Strategy: Identify easy sets first (spend 2 minutes scanning all sets), then solve 3 out of 4-5 sets well
- Target: 30-36 marks out of 60 for 90+ sectional percentile
QA (Quantitative Ability)
This section has 22 questions covering arithmetic, algebra, number theory, geometry, and modern maths.
- Arithmetic (40% weightage): Ratios, Percentages, Profit-Loss, Time-Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Mixtures
- Algebra (25%): Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Logarithms
- Geometry and Mensuration (20%): Triangles, Circles, Coordinate Geometry
- Number Systems and Modern Maths (15%): Factors, Remainders, P&C, Probability
- Target: 36-42 marks out of 66 for 90+ sectional percentile
6-Month Preparation Plan (June to November)
| Month | Focus Areas | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| June-July | Basics of all 3 sections | NCERT Maths (Class 8-10), build reading habit, learn LR basics |
| August | Intermediate-level practice | Solve Arun Sharma QA/DILR, take sectional mocks |
| September | Advanced topics + Mocks | Start full-length mocks (1/week), focus on weak areas |
| October | Intensive mock phase | 2-3 mocks/week, detailed analysis, revision of shortcuts |
| November | Final revision + mocks | 1 mock every 2 days, formula revision, speed drills |
Best Books and Resources
- QA: How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma; Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma
- DILR: How to Prepare for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning by Arun Sharma; CAT previous year DILR sets
- VARC: Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis; daily reading from quality publications
- Mock Platforms: IMS SimCAT, TIME AIMCAT, Career Launcher, 2IIM free mocks
Tips for Working Professionals
- Dedicate 2-3 hours on weekdays and 5-6 hours on weekends
- Use commute time for reading (VARC improvement)
- Take mocks on weekends under timed conditions
- Focus on smart preparation: prioritise high-ROI topics like Arithmetic and RC
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring VARC or DILR and focusing only on Quant
- Not taking enough mocks (minimum 25-30 full mocks needed)
- Not analysing mocks thoroughly after taking them
- Spending too much time on difficult questions in the actual exam
- Neglecting accuracy for speed
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I crack CAT in 3 months?
It is possible if you have a strong academic foundation. Focus on mocks, high-weightage topics, and VARC reading practice. Many 99-percentilers have prepared in 3-4 months.
Is coaching necessary for CAT?
Not essential. Self-study with good materials and mock tests is sufficient. However, coaching provides structured mock tests and peer benchmarking. Online platforms like Unacademy and 2IIM offer affordable options.
What percentile is needed for IIMs?
Old IIMs (ABC): 99+ percentile. New IIMs: 95-98 percentile. Other top B-schools (XLRI, FMS, MDI): 95-99 percentile.
Does CAT have negative marking?
Yes, -1 for incorrect MCQ answers. Non-MCQ (TITA) questions have no negative marking, so always attempt those.