How to Prepare for CAT Exam 2026 – Everything You Need to Know!
Recently, CAT 2025 exam result was announced! Now, many who didn’t clear it will start preparing again for 2026 examination. You must have known that the CAT Exam 2026 is expected to be conducted on 29 November 2026; also, aspirants still have a bit more than 11 months for structured preparation. The official notification is likely to arrive in late July 2026, registrations from early August to around 20 September, and admit cards by mid-November.
Now, this period is demanding a dedicated, disciplined preparation from you, not last-minute efforts. So, if you are looking for how to prepare for CAT exam, then we have guided you through the CAT syllabus, exam pattern, topper-backed strategy, preparation schedule, and key Common Admission Test prep tips. All these are intended to help you to plan smartly within a year.
How to Prepare for CAT exam: CAT, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Strategy, Prep Schedule & Tips
This section covers everything you need to know about how to prepare for CAT exam. This will help you to understand the exam deeply and prepare in a structured, focused, and exam-oriented manner.
About the CAT Exam – Know the Exam You’re Preparing For
The Common Admission Test is India’s top favored & prestigious management entrance examination. This examination is conducted annually & those who clear it directly get admission to IIMs and top business schools in India.
This examination assesses a candidate’s aptitude in quantitative ability and logical reasoning. Also, CAT is ideal for those aspirants who are aiming for careers in management, consulting, finance, and leadership roles. Also, appearance of nearly 2.8 to 3.3 Lac aspirants for this examination makes it more competitive & you will need a strategy to clear it for sure.
Overall Syllabus – At a Glance
Before you know how to prepare for CAT exam, firstly, know CAT syllabus at a glance:
1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
This section tests the candidate’s language proficiency and comprehension skills. Key topics in this subject includes:
Reading of comprehension passages, parajumbles & para summaries.
Odd sentence out and sentence completion.
Also, all these are crucial for strong Common Admission Test prep.
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
DILR mainly evaluates analytical thinking and decision-making ability. In this subject, some topics include tables, pie charts, caselets, seating arrangements, puzzles, Venn diagrams, and logical sequences. All these are core to any strategy you could choose for Common Admission Test prep.
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)
Quant mainly checks numerical and mathematical aptitude. In this subject, you need to cover:
Arithmetic (including percentages, ratios, and time) & algebra.
Geometry, number systems, and modern math.
If you are looking for strategic, expert-backed Common Admission Test exam prep for this syllabus, you can get Common Admission Test prep tips from institutes like JEC Jaipur/JEC Gurukul Academy.
Exam Pattern – Scheme, Papers, Marks Distribution, Negative Marking
You need to understand the CAT exam pattern because that will give you the answer for how to prepare for CAT exam.
1. Scheme
The CAT exam follows a structured, computer-based testing format.
- It will be conducted online (CBT) mode
- A total of 3 sections will be there in a fixed order
- The exam will also be bound with sectional time limits
- Candidates will find a combination of MCQs and TITA questions
- You cannot switch between sections as it is not allowed.
2. Papers / Sections
The Common Admission Test Exam 2026 consists of three mandatory sections.
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
3. Marks Distribution
Each section carries equal weightage in the exam.
- VARC will have 24 questions, 72 marks for all
- DILR will have 22 questions, 66 marks for all
- QA will have 22 questions, 66 marks for all
- Total exam score: 204 marks for all.
4. Negative Marking
Negative marking applies only to objective questions.
- MCQs: There will be a deduction of −1 mark for every wrong answer
- Correct MCQs: +3 marks
- TITA questions: No negative marking
- Unattempted questions carry zero penalty
Strategy Followed by JEC’s Toppers
Now you just have around 11 months left before the Common Admission Test Exam 2026 that is going to be conducted on 29 November(Expected). Here, at JEC, our toppers follow this strategy to crack this test:.
1. Concept Building Phase (First 2–3 Months)
You need to start your prep by building strong fundamentals in VARC, DILR, and Quant. You need to spend around 3–4 hours daily so you can understand core concepts, formulas, and basic questions.
2. Section-wise Strengthening (Months 3–5)
Now, your preparation will become section-focused in this period. Also, your VARC prep must include daily reading and RC practice, DILR for logical puzzle-solving, and Quant, which mainly focuses on arithmetic and algebra.
3. Topic-wise Practice & Accuracy (Months 5–6)
Once your basics are clear, you need to practice 25–40 questions per topic. The overall goal is to improve your accuracy and approach selection; it is a crucial step to learn about how to prepare for CAT exam effectively.
4. Introduction of Sectional Tests (Months 6–7)
Now, candidates have to begin attempting 2–3 sectional/mock tests weekly. Each of your tests must be followed by a detailed analysis, because you will need it to identify your weak areas & hence you can improve them. That will help you to fine-tune your strategy for Common Admission Test prep.
5. Full-Length Mock Phase (Months 7–9)
Now it’s time for full-length mocks, as they have become central to preparation. Initially, you need to conduct one mock per week, and then you should increase it to two. This will help aspirants to simulate real exam pressure.
6. Performance Optimization Phase (Months 9–10)
Now you need to shift your focus to strengthening high-scoring areas; after that, you have to minimize repetition of your mistakes. You can’t skip regular revision, formula reinforcement, and advanced practice, because all these are guided by our mentors at JEC Jaipur and JEC Gurukul Academy.
7. Final Phase of Prep – Revise Everything with Calm Mind (Last 4–5 Weeks)
In the final weeks, candidates need to revise short notes, reduce new learning, and focus on calm execution. In this period, your mental conditioning, confidence, and strategic clarity should be prioritized by you before the 29 November exam.
Daily Preparation Schedule for Common Admission Test Examination 2026
If you are willing to follow the above-mentioned topper’s strategy to know how to prepare for CAT exam 2026, then you can follow this daily schedule to boost your preparation:
| Time Slot | What to Do |
| 6:00 – 7:00 AM | Time for the newspaper; don’t skip editorials, also try non-fiction & improve your VARC |
| 7:00 – 8:00 AM | You need to prepare for Verbal Ability practice: RC passages, parajumbles, and summaries |
| 8:00 – 9:00 AM | The best time for Quantitative Ability concepts and problem-solving |
| Break | Take some rest! Get refreshed & do some light activity |
| 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | The perfect time for data interpretation sets or Logical Reasoning puzzles |
| Break | Good time for lunch and relaxation |
| 3:00 – 4:00 PM | You need to review key formulas, short notes, and weak topics |
| 5:00 – 6:00 PM | You can use this time for mixed practice of questions from all sections |
| 8:00 – 9:00 PM | Good time for sectional test / mock analysis/error review |
| 9:00 – 9:30 PM | Before going to sleep, watch some YouTube videos related to your prep |
Key Tips Helpful for CAT Exam Preparation
If you are missing these tips, then you would never know the complete answer of how to prepare for CAT exam. Passing the common admission test exam 2026 comes from smart habits, micro-improvements, and exam-day clarity. So, use these Common Admission Test prep tips as much as you can.
Firstly, you have to design a personal question-selection rule for each section before mocks. You have to try to maintain a “mistake diary” so you can track repeated errors and wrong assumptions.
You have to learn the art of leaving questions intentionally so you can master attempting discipline. You can perfectly use technology like AI, YouTube, and smart tools for doubt-solving—but never go for passive scrolling.
Also, you can rotate tough and easy topics within a study session; that will be the best practice to avoid mental fatigue. You have to take at least 30 minutes daily for physical exercise, as it will boost your overall focus and long-term study endurance.
Last but not least, you should practice 15 minutes of meditation or breath control daily so you can manage exam pressure.
The Best Coaching Institute in Jaipur for the CAT Exam
You might have known about how to prepare for CAT exam, but if you are feeling that you need to join a coaching for dedicated preparation, then JEC Gurukul Academy (also known as JEC Jaipur) is the Best CAT coaching institute in Jaipur.
JEC Gurukul Academy is known to provide top-quality coaching for CAT, including various other govt. exams like SSC, RPSC, Police, Banking, UPSC CSAT, and more. Candidates will get the benefits of separate hostel facilities for boys and girls, an advanced library, SMEs as faculties, daily doubt classes, weekly mocks, and more.
At JEC Jaipur, we offer expert faculty, topper-driven strategies, structured mock analysis, and result-oriented mentorship—almost everything for CAT aspirants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have provided you with all the details about how to prepare for CAT exam 2026. For this, we have covered the exam overview, syllabus, pattern, topper strategies, preparation schedules, and tips to help you to prepare confidently and effectively.
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