The Indian Institute of Management will conduct the CAT Exam 2026 on November 29, 2026. This examination will take place in approximately 170 test cities across India. The test will consist of 68 questions divided into three sections: Section I will focus on Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Section II will cover Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Section III will assess Quantitative Ability. Candidates will have a total of two hours to complete the exam.

Each section will be allocated 40 minutes, and candidates are not permitted to switch between sections during this time. The scoring system awards three marks for each correct answer, while one mark will be deducted for each incorrect response. With the exam only 25 days away, candidates are encouraged to refine their preparation strategies.

Preparation Tips from Experts

According to Rahul Bathla, Academic Director at MBA Wallah, aspirants should transition from broad syllabus coverage to focused, exam-oriented preparation. He emphasises the importance of reinforcing familiar areas, enhancing question selection, and developing a strategy that leverages individual strengths. The following four tips are designed to optimise the final month of preparation.

First, candidates should prioritise revision over starting new topics. It is crucial to consolidate previously studied material rather than attempting to cover the entire syllabus at this late stage. In Quantitative Aptitude, particular attention should be given to Arithmetic and Algebra, as these areas constitute a significant portion of the section. For Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, consistent practice with reading passages is essential to enhance comprehension and accuracy.

For Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, reviewing previous years’ CAT sets can familiarise candidates with various question formats and difficulty levels. This focused revision will allow candidates to reinforce core concepts and standard question types without getting bogged down by unfamiliar topics.

Balancing Performance Across Sections

Aspirants do not need to excel in every section immediately. The initial objective should be to achieve a balanced performance across all three sections. Recent trends suggest that scores of approximately 25 in Verbal Ability, 17 in Data Interpretation, and 15 in Quantitative Ability may correspond to the 90th percentile. Candidates should aim to attempt 10 to 12 questions in Verbal Ability with 80 to 90 per cent accuracy, solve one or two sets in Data Interpretation, and correctly answer five to seven questions in Quantitative Ability.

Once these targets are consistently met, candidates can identify their stronger sections and focus on maximising their scores in those areas. This strategic approach will help them achieve their desired percentile.

Final Week Strategy and Exam Readiness

In the final week leading up to the exam, candidates should concentrate on revision and exam readiness. An analysis of mock tests can aid in creating a focused revision plan. In Quantitative Ability, it is advisable to revisit key formulas and commonly tested concepts. For Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, familiar set structures and approaches should be reviewed.

Candidates should also reflect on previous mistakes in Verbal Ability to identify patterns in comprehension and option elimination. It is important to align sleep and wake-up routines with the allotted exam slot at least a week before the test. For those with a morning slot, gradually adjusting bedtime can be beneficial. Practising with A5-sized rough-work pads similar to those used in the examination will help candidates feel more comfortable on test day.

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