Anisha has done MBA in Marketing from NMIMS And Executive Management(PMNO) from Harvard Business School. She has been instrumental in growing CATKing Digital with her experience with Marico and Henkel in the past.
CAT 2026 Preparation Strategy: How to Start & What to Study
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is the gateway to India’s top MBA colleges, including the IIMs and other premier B-schools. With high competition and a changing exam pattern, early and structured preparation is the key to success.
This article provides a complete CAT 2026 preparation strategy, covering how to start, what to study, section-wise planning, timelines, and common mistakes to avoid. The content is accurate, SEO- and GEO-friendly, and suitable for publishing on the CatKing platform.
Understanding CAT 2026 Exam Structure
CAT is a computer-based test conducted once a year, usually in November, by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis.
CAT Exam Sections
CAT consists of three sections:
-
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
-
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
-
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Each section has a sectional time limit, making balanced preparation extremely important.
When Should You Start Preparing for CAT 2026?
Ideally, CAT 2026 preparation should start 12–15 months before the exam. Early starters gain a major advantage in:
-
Concept clarity
-
Speed building
-
Multiple revision cycles
-
Mock test analysis
Even if you are starting late, a disciplined and focused strategy can still deliver strong results.
CAT 2026 Preparation Roadmap (Phase-Wise)
Phase 1: Foundation Building (March – June 2025)
This phase is about conceptual clarity.
Focus on:
-
Learning basic formulas and concepts
-
Understanding question types
-
Building reading habits for VARC
Key goals:
-
Complete basic syllabus of all three sections
-
Accuracy over speed
-
Daily study routine of 2–3 hours
Phase 2: Practice & Skill Building (July – September 2025)
This phase focuses on application and speed.
Focus on:
-
Topic-wise practice questions
-
Sectional tests
-
Strengthening weak areas
-
Introduction to mock tests
Key goals:
-
Improve time management
-
Identify strong and weak sections
-
Increase question selection ability
Phase 3: Mock Tests & Revision (October – November 2025)
This is the most crucial phase of CAT preparation.
Focus on:
-
Full-length mock tests
-
Detailed mock analysis
-
Strategy refinement
-
Mental conditioning
Key goals:
-
Consistent mock scores
-
Clear exam-day strategy
-
Reduced panic and errors
Section-Wise CAT 2026 Preparation Strategy
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
What to study:
-
Reading Comprehension passages
-
Para jumbles
-
Para summaries
-
Odd sentence out
-
Sentence completion
Preparation tips:
-
Read newspapers and long-form articles daily
-
Focus on comprehension, not speed initially
-
Practice eliminating incorrect options
VARC often becomes the deciding factor for high percentiles.
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
What to study:
-
Tables, charts, and graphs
-
Caselets
-
Puzzles and arrangements
-
Games and tournaments
-
Venn diagrams
Preparation tips:
-
Practice sets, not individual questions
-
Focus on logical structuring
-
Learn to leave difficult sets quickly
DILR is unpredictable and requires regular practice.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
What to study:
-
Arithmetic (percentages, ratios, time & work)
-
Algebra
-
Geometry
-
Number systems
-
Modern math basics
Preparation tips:
-
Focus heavily on arithmetic (high weightage)
-
Memorize formulas and shortcuts
-
Practice calculation speed regularly
QA rewards conceptual clarity combined with practice.
Importance of Mock Tests for CAT 2026
Mock tests are non-negotiable for CAT preparation.
Benefits:
-
Familiarity with exam interface
-
Real-time pressure handling
-
Question selection practice
-
Strategy testing
It is recommended to take:
-
1 mock every 2 weeks initially
-
1 mock per week from August onwards
-
2 mocks per week in the final month
Always analyze mocks in detail.
Study Resources for CAT 2026
Use a mix of:
-
Standard CAT preparation books
-
Online practice material
-
Video concept explanations
-
Previous years’ CAT questions
Avoid using too many resources, as it leads to confusion.
Profile Building Alongside CAT Preparation
Top B-schools evaluate candidates holistically. Along with CAT preparation, work on:
-
Academic consistency
-
Relevant work experience
-
Certifications or internships
-
Extra-curricular activities
This becomes important during the GD-PI stage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in CAT Preparation
-
Starting mock tests too late
-
Ignoring weak sections
-
Over-dependence on shortcuts
-
Studying without analysis
-
Inconsistent preparation schedule
Avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve percentile outcomes.
Final Conclusion
CAT 2026 requires early planning, disciplined execution, and consistent evaluation. A well-structured preparation strategy covering concepts, practice, mocks, and revision can help aspirants secure top percentiles and calls from leading B-schools such as Indian Institutes of Management and other elite MBA colleges.
For aspirants preparing with CatKing, a structured learning path combined with regular mock analysis can make CAT 2026 preparation more efficient and result-oriented.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should a beginner start CAT preparation?
Ideally 8–12 months before the exam for comfortable concept building and practice.
2. How many hours should beginners study daily?
Start with 2–3 hours daily and increase gradually.
3. Which section should beginners focus on first?
Begin with basics of Arithmetic, daily reading for VARC, and simple DILR sets.
4. Do beginners need coaching to crack CAT?
Not necessarily. Self-study with a structured plan and mock tests can work.
5. When should beginners start mock tests?
After basic concepts are clear, usually after 2–3 months of preparation.
6. Is CAT difficult for non-engineers or beginners?
No, with consistent practice and concept clarity, anyone can score well.
7. What is the biggest mistake beginners should avoid?
Collecting too many resources instead of sticking to a simple study plan.
Comments are disabled for now