Conducting Body: Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs on rotation) National Level Entrance Exam 2026
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CAT: Common Admission Test

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MBA, PGDM, Executive MBA across 21 IIMs, FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, IIT DoMS, JBIMS Duration: 2 Hours (120 Minutes, 40 Min per section) Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT) Total Marks: 198 Frequency: Once a Year (Last Sunday of November) Fee: ?2,400 (General/OBC) / ?1,200 (SC/ST/PwD)
198
Total Score
10
PYQ Papers (PDF)
10
Cutoff Records
2 Hours (120 Minutes, 40 Min per section)
Time Allotted
National
Exam Scope
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6-Month & 3-Month Plan Subject-wise Strategy Best Books & Authors High-Weightage Chapters Mistakes to Avoid Revision & Speed Hacks Preparation FAQs

CAT 2026 Preparation Strategy & Roadmap

Expert Study Roadmap

Cracking CAT requires a systematic balance between deep conceptual understanding, high-volume problem solving, and rigorous time-management under mock exam conditions.

Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1-3)
  • Master NCERT and foundational university textbooks.
  • Create personal formula sheets and concise summary notes.
  • Solve 50-70 foundational problems per chapter.
Phase 2: Application (Months 4-5)
  • Practice advanced application-based question banks.
  • Solve previous 10 years authentic PYQs shift-wise.
  • Identify and eliminate persistent conceptual blind spots.
Phase 3: Speed & Mocks (Final 45 Days)
  • 2 full-length timed mock tests every week.
  • Meticulous post-test error log analysis.
  • Master speed-enhancing shortcuts and mental calculations.

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid in CAT

  • Ignoring Negative Marking: Wild guessing rapidly degrades percentile rankings. Only guess when you can eliminate at least two options with certainty.
  • Skipping Mock Test Error Analysis: Taking mocks without reviewing mistakes is completely unproductive. Spend at least 2 hours analyzing every 3-hour test.
  • Over-collecting Study Material: Sticking to 1-2 standard books and solving them multiple times is infinitely better than skimming 10 books superficially.
  • Neglecting High-Yield Chapters: Review official chapter weightage and prioritize guaranteed-mark topics first.
  • Inconsistent Study Schedule: Cramming 14 hours over the weekend cannot replace 6-7 daily focused hours of disciplined habit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Preparation

How many hours of daily study are recommended for CAT?
Consistent study of 6 to 8 focused hours daily, divided into theory revision, numerical/problem solving, and regular mock tests, is optimal for cracking CAT with a top rank.
Are NCERT textbooks sufficient for CAT?
NCERT textbooks provide the mandatory foundation, especially for conceptual subjects like Chemistry and Biology. For advanced problem solving and numerical proficiency, supplementing with standard reference books is essential.
When should I begin solving full-length CAT mock tests?
Start taking full-length mock tests at least 2 to 3 months prior to the exam date, aiming for 2 full mocks per week with in-depth post-test error analysis.

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