How To Prepare for CAT? – A Detailed Guide for your Success

For all the students who are interested in doing an MBA from a reputed university, there are many different entrance examinations that they can go for.

From all the different entrance examinations, CAT is probably the one which is considered to be the most popular one for sure.

Well, the CAT 2026 examination is supposed to start in a few months and there has been a notification regarding the examination as well.

Approaching the Year-End Challenge

The exam is scheduled to take place in November, specifically during the last week of 2026. So, it is needless to say that all the aspirants are trying their level best in order to score a seat in the Business schools that our country has. However, cracking the examination is really not as easy as it seems.

The students need to go through a series of preparation techniques in order to know how to prepare for CAT exam in an efficient manner.

Preparation Dilemmas Faced by Aspirants

Many students always take the route that feels safer and they choose their preparation strategies before the notification is even out. However, there are also a few students who plan their strategy after the announcement of the notification as well.

There is another group which is always in a dilemma on whether to start preparing or just let it go. For those who are in the third category, this is the best place to find all the information that they need to have in the first place.

Here we are going to talk a little bit about starting the preparation for CAT. So, if you want to know how to prepare for CAT, make sure that you read this article.

Before we get into all the details, we would like to tell you a little bit about the CAT examination so that you can have a better idea on how to prepare for it. Here are some of the important pieces of information that you need to know about.

Who Conducts the CAT Exam?

IIMs conduct CAT exams with notifications released in June or July to inform students of exam dates. The number of candidates is steadily increasing, with many aiming to pass on their first attempt. Applicants should prepare thoroughly, as competition is becoming fiercer.

CAT Exam Pattern and Structure

The CAT exam is computer-based and is conducted by the IIMs for admission to management programs. CAT 2026 is expected to have 68 questions across three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).

Each section lasts 40 minutes, and the exam duration is 2 hours. Questions include both MCQs and non-MCQs, with +3 marks for correct answers and -1 for wrong MCQs. VARC tests reading comprehension, para jumbles, and critical reasoning; DILR focuses on tables, graphs, charts, and logic puzzles; QA covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems. The section order is fixed, and once a section’s time ends, it cannot be revisited.

How to Start the Preparation for the CAT Examination

Now that you know a little bit more about the CAT examination, we are going to focus on the more important parts which will be helpful to you during the time of preparation.

Well, the students need to figure out how much time is required to prepare for CAT and when exactly they should start the preparations for the exam and that is one of the most important things for sure.

This will also help them in understanding how to prepare for CAT. For those who want to know that, we would recommend that you always start beforehand so that you can have some additional information that you need to know about the exam.

Here are some of the things that you need to know about the preparation of the CAT examination in the best way:

• Coaching Or Self-Study: Which One to Choose?

There are many different MBA aspirants who are always on the lookout for certain coaching websites and institutions which can be a great help when it comes to following their MBA dreams. Coaching methods give students a structured way of preparing for the exams, which is very important.

There is no doubt that coaching is extremely helpful for students. However, some students even go for the self-study option, although we would recommend that coaching is the best choice. Some aspirants explore different coaching options to prepare for the examination at their own convenience.

This doesn’t mean that students who opt for self-study or have not enrolled in coaching are at a loss. There is still time left for preparation and one needs to ensure they get all the concepts right to achieve the best results. Some students can crack the entrance examinations just on the basis of their preparation techniques.

It doesn’t really matter whether you have enrolled in a coaching class or not if you have prepared well for the entrance examination.

• Use the Internet to Get Study Materials

As we mentioned earlier, there are many aspirants who don’t enroll in coaching classes, and they need to make additional efforts to achieve the best results in the CAT entrance.

However, downloading study materials provided by coaching institutes is something they can do. These materials are widely available on the internet for those who want the best information regarding the CAT exam.

Students can easily download these materials or explore other options online. With the right study materials, preparing for the examination becomes much easier.

• Understand the Syllabus and the Exam Pattern

One of the most important steps in preparing for the CAT entrance examination is to familiarise yourself with the syllabus. Many coaching institutes provide the CAT syllabus, but all the information is also available online, making it easy for aspirants to access what they need for preparation.

Equally important is understanding the exam pattern, which helps students structure their preparation effectively. The CAT exam is a computer-based test consisting of three main sections:

• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
• Quantitative Ability (QA)

The total duration is 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allotted to each section. Questions include both multiple-choice and non-MCQ types. Each correct answer carries 3 marks, while incorrect MCQs carry -1 mark.

Here is a clear breakdown of the CAT 2026 pattern:

It is essential to build a strong conceptual base, and referring to NCERT books is recommended, as many questions in the CAT are derived from fundamental concepts. Understanding the basics thoroughly will provide a solid foundation for tackling all three sections effectively.

• Clear Your Basics

After the preparation of the study plan and gathering the proper knowledge about the exam pattern, one needs to focus on the next important step for the preparation, and that is to get the basic concepts right.

Well, that is something you need to do in order to make sure that you have no problems in solving the problems which are given in the question paper.

It is important for the students to make sure that they have proper knowledge about all the different fundamental concepts of the subjects. This is one of the biggest and the most important tasks for the students. With the help of the conceptual clarity, the aspirants will easily be able to solve all the problems which are posted, even the tough ones as well.

• Manage Your Time Efficiently

Aside from the fact that the sectional knowledge of the aspirants will be tested, there is also going to be a test of the time management skills that the candidates have in the CAT entrance examinations.

The basic thing that you need to keep in mind is that you need to complete all the tasks that are provided to you in the given time. That can be done with the help of the solving plan and the practice that you do before the exam.

You need to make sure that you have enough time to practice all the things in the proper time that is assigned to you in the paper. So, it is needless to say that you need to have a proper strategy of solving the paper so that you are able to solve everything in the provided time.

The sections of the CAT exam paper are divided into 2 hours, with 40 minutes provided for each section. So, there is no doubt that you are going to have to practice solving each section in the time of 40 minutes. This way, you can make sure that you are able to complete the paper in the given time.

• Take the Help of Books

Books are always the best friends for the people out there who want to crack the CAT entrance exam without any particular difficulty. There are many different top books that one might recommend to the students so that they can prepare for the examinations in the best way for sure.

Apart from these books, the students can also follow the news articles and read the newspapers in order to have all the knowledge and language expertise that they need. This will also help them in the improvement of their General Knowledge, which is really important for the ones who want to apply for the CAT examination in the near future.

So, for those who want to have better preparation for the upcoming exams, this is one of the best ways to make sure that happens. We are pretty sure that it is going to be a great help for the students and that is why we all recommend it for them.

• Practise Sample Papers and Mock Tests

One of the major reasons why students are able to crack the CAT entrance examinations is due to the amazing mock tests and the sample papers which are provided to them in the coaching institutions.

These papers are available at any time; however, one can actually get the real mock tests just one month before the actual examination happens.

Hence, it is important for the students to make sure that they have all the information which is required from them about the mock tests.

With the help of the Mock Tests, you will very easily be able to evaluate the different levels of preparation that you have for the sections in the CAT entrance examinations.

Also, in case you are making a mistake in the strategy of preparation, it will be highlighted when you solve the mock tests. Apart from that, students will also be familiar with the different types of questions that are asked in the CAT examinations.

For those who want to crack the entrance examination in the best way, we would recommend that you choose to solve the test papers and mock tests of the last 10 years.

This way, you can guarantee that your percentile will be up amongst the candidates. It is essential for the students to understand and then analyse the question papers so that they can solve them in the best way and have all the preparation that they need for the examination.

How to Prepare for CAT Exam without Coaching

When it comes to the level of the CAT entrance examination, it can be said without a doubt that the level of competition will be very high.

There are lakhs of students who apply for the examination every single year, and only a selected few are able to get admissions to the B-Schools of their choice.

So, for those who need to crack the examination in the best way, it is important to make sure that they are all prepared in the best way as well. Here we are going to provide some tips on how to prepare for CAT exam at home without any coaching.

• Have Proper Knowledge about the Examination

We have already made it clear that you need to have a proper idea about the examination in order to make sure that you have the best results. Well, the efforts need to be doubled up when you are trying to crack the examination without any form of proper coaching.

This is one of the most important things that the students need to keep in mind for sure. You need to make sure that you have the best idea about the exam pattern as well as the syllabus that is provided in the examination.

This way, you can have a strategy all set for the preparation of the examination, and that is going to be a great help for sure.

• Study Materials are Important

Well, where would you go without the help of the study materials, right? These are the supplements that you need to have in order to make sure that you are able to prepare for the examination in the best way.

We are here to tell you that without the proper study material, you will not be able to succeed in the examination. There are many different websites that provide all the information on the study materials which are required for the entrance and how you can get them in the first place.

Choose the website, and then you will be able to download the study material that you want to have for the preparation of CAT entrance exams.

• Make a Proper Study Plan

One of the most important things that you have to focus on when you are studying for the CAT entrance examination is the amazing study plan that you are making for the preparation.

We are here to tell you that it is one of the most important things for sure. So, why don’t you start making the study plan right now? This way, you can make sure that if there are any particular mistakes in the strategy, then you are able to correct it in the best way. There is simply not a single speck of doubt about the fact that it is going to help you a lot in the long run.

• Join Relevant Study Groups

Since you are not using the coaching classes for the preparation, there is no doubt that you need to know how to prepare for CAT without coaching. Well here is an important tip that we have for you.

With the help of the study groups, you will be able to interact with people who are also attempting the CAT entrance examination.

There are different study groups where you will be able to discuss the strategies, topics, problems, and their solutions in the best way with the people who are out there. Also, this will help in broadening your knowledge about the entrance exam too.

• Keep Up Your Motivation and Confidence

When it comes to the preparation of CAT entrance examination, it is important that you don’t lose the motivation and the confidence which is required the most from the students who are just applying with the coaching.

There is an equal chance of you cracking the examination as any other aspirant. It is really important to stay motivated and not lose hope just because you don’t have the right coaching, which is essential. You can use the power of the internet to get all the help and information that you need.

Mistakes to Avoid in CAT Exam Preparation 2026

Even well-prepared aspirants sometimes slip up because of avoidable mistakes. Keep these in mind while planning your CAT 2026 prep-

• Skipping Early Mock Tests

Don’t wait till the last month. Take timed section-wise mocks early to understand your level and build speed.

• Focusing Only on Strengths

Balancing weak areas is crucial. Allocate regular time to topics you struggle with instead of just revising what you know.

• Ignoring the Latest Exam Pattern

CAT changes slightly each year. Stay updated on structure, marking scheme, and question trends.

• Using Too Many Resources

Stick to a few trusted books or online materials. Switching constantly wastes time and confuses concepts.

• Neglecting Revision

Schedule quick reviews of formulas, vocabulary, and problem types so you don’t forget earlier topics.

• Overlooking Time Management Practice

Always solve under real exam conditions — 40 minutes per section — to avoid surprises on test day.

• Rushing at the End

Don’t cram everything just before the exam. Build your plan early, leave the last weeks for mocks, analysis, and light revision.

These simple checks will help you stay focused, reduce stress, and get the best out of your CAT 2026 preparation.

Conclusion

Preparing for CAT 2026 is not just about hard work but about following the right strategy. This guide has walked you through everything you need — from understanding the exam pattern and syllabus to planning your study schedule, choosing between coaching and self-study, using the right materials, practising time management and even knowing the mistakes to avoid.

If you’re looking for clear, actionable tips to structure your preparation, you’ll find them throughout this blog. Use it as your starting point, revisit each section for depth and build a preparation plan that works for you.