MICAT 2026 Preparation: Section-Wise Attempt Strategy, Expert Tips & Smart Study Plan

MICAT 2026 Preparation: Section-Wise Attempt Strategy, Expert Tips & Smart Study Plan

Hitesh SahuUpdated on 31 Jan 2026, 11:07 AM IST

Permutation and CombinationsMICAT 2026 Preparation Tips: Mudra Institute of Communications will conduct the MICAT exam 2026 for phase 2 soon. As per the exam schedule, phase 1 of the MICAT exam was held on December 06, 2025, while phase 2 is scheduled for February 13, 2026. Now, with 15 days left for the exam, candidates must adhere to a proper MICAT preparation strategy. This helps one to get clarity about the exam and avoid common mistakes before appearing for the MICAT 2026 examination.

This Story also Contains

  1. MICAT 2026: Exam Overview, Dates & Key Highlights
  2. MICAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
  3. Important Topics for MICAT Exam
  4. MICAT 2026 Section-wise Preparation Strategy
  5. MICAT 2026 30-Day Study Plan for Phase 2 Aspirants
  6. MICAT 2026 Last 15 Days Preparation Strategy
  7. Best Books to Prepare for MICAT 2026 Exam
  8. Common Mistakes to Avoid in MICAT 2026 Preparation
MICAT 2026 Preparation: Section-Wise Attempt Strategy, Expert Tips & Smart Study Plan
MICAT 2026 Preparation Guide

“MICAT Phase 2 is just weeks away - candidates must now shift from learning to mock-based revision.”

MICAT 2026: Exam Overview, Dates & Key Highlights

Here is a quick highlight about the MICAT Exam 2026 examination in the section below.

Particulars

Details

Full Exam Name

MICAT Admission Test

Short Exam Name

MICAT

Conducting Body

MICA (formerly known as Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad)

Frequency of Conduct

Twice a year

Exam Level

University Level Exam

Languages

English

Mode of Application

Online

Application Fee

Offline: ₹2100 + additional charges

Mode of Exam

Online

Mode of Counselling

Offline

Participating Colleges

1

Exam Duration

2 Hours 15 Minutes

MICAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

Know complete details about the MICAT exam pattern 2026 in the table below.

Particulars

Details

Mode of MICAT Exam

Online

Language of MICAT Exam 2026

English

Time Duration of MICAT 2026 Exam

2 Hours 15 Minutes

Total Sections in MICAT Entrance Exam

3 Sections

MICAT Marking Scheme

No negative marking in Sections A & B; 0.25 marks deducted for wrong answers in VA, QA, GA, and DCR

MICAT 2026 Exam Pattern – Section-Wise

Section

Particulars

Number of Questions

Time Duration

Section A

Psychometric Test (DT)

150

30 Minutes

Section B

Descriptive Test

4

25 Minutes

Section C

General Awareness (GA)

20

1 Hour 20 Minutes

Verbal Ability (VA)

20

Quantitative Ability (QA)

20

Divergent–Convergent Reasoning (DCR)

20

Important Topics for MICAT Exam

The MICAT 2026 examination has different subjects, and the authorities have earlier prescribed the syllabus for each. Here in the section below, we have mentioned the subject-wise MICAT syllabus.


Section

Topics Covered

Verbal Ability

Reading Comprehension

One-Word Substitution

Parts of Speech, Idioms

Spot the Errors

Fill in the Blanks

Grammar

Para-jumbles

Antonyms and Synonyms

Close Test

Sentence Completion

Phrasal Verbs

Quantitative Ability

Algebra

Average

Geometry (2D & 3D)

Trigonometry

Mensuration

Number System

HCF & LCM,

Surds and Indices

Time–Speed–Distance

Logarithms

Modern Mathematics

Ratio and Proportion

Profit and Loss

Percentage

Time and Work

Mixtures and Solutions

Solid Geometry

Coordinate Geometry

Probability

Statistics

Permutation and Combinations

General Awareness

Business, Economy, Politics, Literature, Entertainment, Indian Constitution, Media, Current Affairs, Mass Media, Advertising and Marketing, Geography, Books and Authors

Divergent–Convergent Reasoning

Data Sufficiency, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, Statement–Assumption, Seating Arrangements, Sequence and Series

Descriptive Test

Essay Writing, Story Writing, Creative Writing, Argument-based Questions, Analysis and Opinion Writing

MICAT 2026 Section-wise Preparation Strategy

MICAT tests more than aptitude; it checks creativity, analytical thinking, communication skills, and personality fit. Each section has a different weight and purpose, so preparing them separately is important. A structured, section-wise strategy helps improve accuracy, confidence, and time management, increasing your chances of clearing both the written exam and the final selection stages.

Psychometric Test

This section evaluates your personality traits and decision-making style. There are no right or wrong answers, but consistency is very important. Answer questions honestly and avoid overthinking. Do not try to match an “ideal profile” because contradictory responses can lead to disqualification. Practising sample psychometric tests helps you stay calm and answer naturally during the actual exam.

Descriptive Test

The descriptive section checks your clarity of thought, creativity, and written communication. Practice writing short essays and stories within time limits. Focus on having a clear introduction, logical flow, and a strong conclusion. Use simple and correct language instead of complex vocabulary. Regular practice improves speed, structure, and confidence in expressing ideas.

Verbal Ability

Verbal Ability tests reading skills, grammar, and vocabulary. Read newspapers, articles, and editorials daily to improve comprehension. Practice para-jumbles, sentence correction, and vocabulary-based questions regularly. Focus on accuracy rather than attempting too many questions. Building strong basics in grammar will help avoid common mistakes.

Quantitative Ability

This Quantitative Ability tests basic mathematical understanding rather than complex calculations. Revise concepts from arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and percentages. Practice questions of moderate difficulty and focus on improving speed. Learn to identify easy questions quickly and avoid spending too much time on lengthy calculations during the exam.

General Awareness

MICAT emphasises awareness related to business, media, advertising, and current affairs. Read newspapers daily and follow recent national and international events. Revise static topics such as books and authors, important personalities, and the Indian Constitution. Strong GA preparation also helps during interviews.

Divergent–Convergent Reasoning

This section checks analytical thinking, logic, and problem-solving ability. Practice questions on data sufficiency, seating arrangements, figure series, and verbal reasoning. Focus on understanding question logic instead of memorising shortcuts. Regular practice improves speed and helps you handle unfamiliar problems confidently.

MICAT 2026 30-Day Study Plan for Phase 2 Aspirants

A one-month MICAT study plan should focus on balanced preparation across aptitude, creativity, reasoning, and personality assessment. Since MICAT is different from other MBA exams, candidates must give equal importance to the psychometric and descriptive sections along with verbal, quantitative, and general awareness. Read on to know about the MICAT 1-month study plan.

Week 1: Understand Basics and Exam Pattern

Begin by understanding the MICAT exam pattern and syllabus clearly. Revise basic concepts of Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning. Start reading newspapers daily for General Awareness, focusing on business, media, and current affairs. Attempt one sectional mock to identify strengths and weak areas.

Week 2: Strengthen Core Sections

Practice quantitative and verbal questions daily with time limits. Focus on arithmetic, reading comprehension, para-jumbles, and grammar. Start practicing Divergent–Convergent Reasoning questions. Write at least two short essays or stories to improve descriptive writing skills. Continue daily GA preparation.

Week 3: Focus on Creativity and Accuracy

Increase practice for the Descriptive Test by writing full-length essays and creative stories. Attempt psychometric practice tests to understand consistency in answers. Start taking full-length mock tests and analyse mistakes carefully. Work on the weak areas identified from previous mocks.

Week 4: Revision and Mock Test Practice

Dedicate this week to the revision of all sections. Attempt 2–3 full-length mock tests under exam-like conditions. Improve time management and question selection strategy. Revise General Awareness notes and practice light descriptive writing to stay confident. Avoid learning new topics in the final days.

MICAT 2026 Last 15 Days Preparation Strategy

With just 15 days left for MICAT 2026, focus on revision, mock tests, and reinforcing weak areas rather than studying new topics. To maintain confidence and composure, try full-length mocks every two to three days, carefully examine errors, revise General Awareness every day, and maintain light but consistent psychometric and descriptive practice.
The table below shows the last 15-day revision plan.

Day Range

Focus Area

Day 1–5

Concept revision + Sectional tests

Day 6–10

Full-length mocks + Analysis

Day 11–13

Weak area correction + GA revision

Day 14–15

Light revision + Descriptive practice

Best Books to Prepare for MICAT 2026 Exam

Candidates preparing for the MICAT 2026 examination must adhere to the books mentioned below.

Subject

Book Name

Author

Verbal Ability

High School English Grammar & Composition

Wren & Martin

Word Power Made Easy

Norman Lewis

Quantitative Ability

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations

R.S. Aggarwal

Fast Track Objective Arithmetic

Rajesh Verma

General Awareness

Manorama Yearbook

Mammen Mathew

Pratiyogita Darpan

Pratiyogita Darpan Editorial Team

Divergent–Convergent Reasoning

A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning

R.S. Aggarwal

Analytical Reasoning

M.K. Pandey

Descriptive Test

Descriptive English for Competitive Exams

R.S. Aggarwal

Barron’s GRE Writing Workbook

Lin Lougheed

Common Mistakes to Avoid in MICAT 2026 Preparation

Preparing for MICAT needs a clear understanding of its unique pattern, especially the psychometric and descriptive sections. Many students focus only on aptitude and ignore creativity-based areas. Avoiding common preparation mistakes can improve accuracy, time management, and overall performance. It helps candidates present balanced skills required for communication and management programs.

  • Many candidates skip preparing for this section, thinking it does not matter. However, inconsistent answers can lead to rejection even with a good score. Answer honestly and practice mock psychometric tests.

  • Spending too much time on QA, like other MBA exams, is a mistake. MICAT gives equal importance to verbal, reasoning, creativity, and awareness. Maintain a balanced study plan.

  • The descriptive test checks clarity of thought, creativity, and structure. Not practising essays and story writing can reduce your score. Regular writing practice is essential.

  • Many students underestimate GA. MICAT focuses on business, media, and current affairs. Skipping daily news reading can affect both GA and interview performance.

  • MICAT has sectional time limits. Spending too long on one section creates pressure later. Practice full-length mocks to improve speed and section-wise control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is MICAT preparation different from CAT or XAT?
A:

Yes, MICAT preparation is different because it includes a psychometric test and a descriptive section that focuses on personality, creativity, and communication skills. While aptitude sections are important, equal attention must be given to writing skills, reasoning, and general awareness related to media and business.

Q: How important is the psychometric test in MICAT 2026?
A:

The psychometric test is very important, as candidates can be rejected even with a good score if their answers are inconsistent. There is no right or wrong answer, so honesty and consistency are key while attempting this section.

Q: What is the best way to prepare for the MICAT descriptive test?
A:

Regular practice of essay and story writing is the best approach. Focus on clarity of ideas, logical structure, creativity, and correct grammar. Reading editorials and creative articles also helps improve writing skills.

Q: How should I prepare for General Awareness for MICAT 2026?
A:

Focus on current affairs related to business, media, advertising, and marketing. Read newspapers daily, follow news websites, and revise static GK topics like books, authors, and important personalities.

Q: Can MICAT 2026 be cracked in one month?
A:

Yes, with a focused and organised study schedule, MICAT 2026 can be passed in just one month. Prioritise improving the fundamentals of QA, VA, GA, and DCR while placing equal emphasis on frequent descriptive writing practice and psychometric consistency.

Articles
|
Upcoming Bschool Exams
Ongoing Dates
VITBEE Application Date

31 Oct'25 - 12 Apr'26 (Online)

Ongoing Dates
B-MAT Application Date

19 Nov'25 - 8 Feb'26 (Online)

Certifications By Top Providers
Online MBA
Via Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida
Corporate Law
Via National Law University, New Delhi
Strategic Management
Via Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
Online BBA
Via Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida
Management of Commercial Banking
Via Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Management of Inventory Systems
Via Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Udemy
 703 courses
Edx
 467 courses
Swayam
 236 courses
Emeritus
 231 courses
Explore Top Universities Across Globe
University of Essex, Colchester
Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ
Oxford Brookes University, Oxford
Headington Campus Oxford OX3 0BP UK
Northumbria University, Newcastle City Campus
Sutherland Building, Northumberland Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff
Llandaff Campus, Western Avenue, Cardiff, CF5 2YB
University of Reading, Reading
Whiteknights PO Box 217 Reading Berkshire RG6 6AH
Bristol Baptist College, Bristol
The Promenade, Clifton Down, Bristol BS8 3NJ

Questions related to MICAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to MICAT ?

MICA (Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad) is a top marketing institute, but public data about it and MICAT is limited. MICA shares mainly important information like admission rules, application process, and exam schedules. Detailed past exam data or cut-offs are not usually published to protect privacy and maintain exam integrity.

Admission to MICA's PGDM and PGDM-C programs involves a multi-stage selection process. The final composite score is calculated with the following weightage:

  • CAT/ XAT/ GMAT - 35%
  • MICAT - 25%
  • GE (Group Exercise) - 10%
  • PI - 20%
  • Academic performance (10th, 12th, Graduation) - 5%
  • Extra- curricular - 5%

Your

Hi,


If you are downloading this eBook/ Sample paper on your mobile, follow these steps:

  • For Android Users:

Once the download is complete, you can find the eBook in your Downloads folder. Tap to open it, and your device will prompt you to select a PDF viewer or other compatible

Hello,

GMAT is graduate management admission test which is conducted by GMAC for admission of MBA in many countries, the eligibility criteria regarding this is as follows;

Candidates needs to be 18 years old or above,

Pass bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university, those in the final

Hey!

On February 17, 2022, MICA, Ahmedabad, announced the MICAT 2022 result for phase 2 on mica.ac.in. Using their login credentials, candidates may check the MICAT 2022 phase 2 result. MICAT result 2022 has been emailed to applicants' registered email addresses, and students who took the entrance exam can now