Many CAT aspirants start preparing seriously only in the last two months. If you are one of them, you should not waste time on every chapter in the syllabus. Instead, focus on topics that are asked regularly in the exam and carry good weightage. This will help you improve your score in less time. Reading Comprehension, Arithmetic, Algebra, and DILR sets are some of the most important areas to practise. Once you are comfortable with these topics, take CAT mock tests and analyse your mistakes. The CAT 2026 official notification has been released and the exam is scheduled for November 29, 2026.
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CAT 2026 is one of the most competitive MBA entrance exams in India. It is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to MBA and other postgraduate management programmes offered by IIMs and several leading B-schools.
Particular | Details |
Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Management (IIM) (official conducting institute to be announced) |
Exam Level | National |
Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Exam Duration | 120 Minutes |
Sections | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Ability (QA) |
Number of Questions | Approximately 66–68 (subject to official notification) |
Sectional Time Limit | 40 minutes per section |
Question Types | MCQs and TITA (Type in the Answer) |
Marking Scheme | +3 for every correct answer, -1 for every incorrect MCQ, No negative marking for TITA questions |
Medium of Exam | English |
Difficulty Level | Moderate to High |
Accepted By | IIMs and 1,000+ MBA colleges across India |
A structured preparation plan is essential when only 60 days remain before CAT 2026. Instead of trying to cover everything at once, divide your preparation into weekly goals. Focus on concept building during the initial weeks, increase mock test frequency in the middle phase, and dedicate the final weeks to revision and performance analysis. The study plan below helps balance all three sections while ensuring sufficient time for practice and mock tests.
Week | Focus Area | Tasks to Complete |
Week 1 (Days 1–7) | Build Fundamentals | Understand the CAT pattern, revise Arithmetic basics, practise RCs daily, solve basic DILR sets, take one diagnostic mock. |
Week 2 (Days 8–14) | Strengthen Core Concepts | Cover Algebra basics, improve RC accuracy, practise puzzles and DI sets, analyse the diagnostic mock, attempt one sectional mock for each section. |
Week 3 (Days 15–21) | Increase Practice | Solve medium-level QA questions, attempt 2 DILR sets daily, practise para jumbles and para summaries, take one full-length mock. |
Week 4 (Days 22–28) | Speed & Accuracy | Focus on Geometry and Number System, solve timed RCs, practise mixed DILR sets, analyse mistakes, take two full-length mocks. |
Week 5 (Days 29–35) | Mock Test Phase | Attempt two to three full-length mocks, revise formulas, work on weak topics, solve previous years' CAT questions. |
Week 6 (Days 36–42) | Advanced Practice | Practise high-level DILR sets, revise Algebra and Arithmetic, improve attempt strategy, take three mocks with detailed analysis. |
Week 7 (Days 43–49) | Revision & Fine-Tuning | Revise all formulas, practise mixed question sets, focus on accuracy, attempt two to three mocks, reduce repeated mistakes. |
Week 8 (Days 50–60) | Final Revision | Solve only important questions, revise notes, attempt one or two final mocks, maintain sleep schedule, avoid learning new topics, prepare exam-day strategy. |
This 60-day study plan appears to be a comprehensive approach to preparing for the CAT entrance exam. It covers a wide range of topics and includes a mix of question-solving, practice exams, and concept revision. Here are the potential benefits of following this study plan:
Structured Approach: The plan provides a structured outline for your preparation, ensuring you cover all the essential topics systematically.
Topic Coverage: The plan covers a diverse range of topics, including Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation (DI), Logical Reasoning (LR), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), which are key sections of the CAT exam.
Consistent Practice: Regular practice with CAT questions helps you improve your problem-solving skills and speed, which are crucial for the time-sensitive nature of the CAT exam.
Variety of Question Types: The plan includes various types of CAT questions, helping you become familiar with different question formats and enhancing your ability to tackle them effectively.
Review and Revision: The plan includes days for revisiting and practising specific topics, allowing you to identify weak areas and improve your grasp on challenging concepts.
When you have only 60 days left for CAT 2026, every topic cannot be given equal attention. The smartest strategy is to prioritise chapters that have consistently contributed the highest number of questions over the past few years. While the CAT paper does not follow a fixed syllabus, previous year trends show that Reading Comprehension dominates VARC, Arithmetic and Algebra account for a large share of Quant, and DILR continues to favour logic-based puzzles and mixed Data Interpretation sets. Focusing on these high-return topics can maximise your score in the limited time available.
Section | High-Weightage Topics | Expected Weightage/Questions* |
VARC | Reading Comprehension (RC) | 16–18 Questions |
Para Summary | 2–3 Questions | |
Para Jumbles | 2–3 Questions | |
Odd One Out/Para Completion | 1–2 Questions | |
DILR | Data Interpretation (Tables, Charts, Caselets) | 8–10 Questions |
Arrangements & Puzzles | 6–8 Questions | |
Games & Tournaments | 2–4 Questions | |
Venn Diagrams & Binary Logic | 2–3 Questions | |
Quantitative Ability | Arithmetic (Percentages, Time & Work, Time, Speed & Distance, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Averages) | 8–10 Questions |
Algebra (Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Logarithms, Progressions) | 6–7 Questions | |
Geometry & Mensuration | 3–5 Questions | |
Number System | 2–3 Questions | |
Modern Mathematics (Probability, Permutation & Combination, Set Theory) | 1–3 Questions |
Candidates can have a look at the table below to know about the major resources that they need to follow to crack CAT 2026 exam with high marks.
Title | Download Link |
CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers | |
CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT | |
CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude Study Material PDF - Geometry and Mensuration | |
500+ Idioms And Phrases List With Meanings & Examples For MBA Entrance Exams | |
Permutation & Combination - Important Concepts, Videos, Questions for CAT & Other MBA Entrance Exams | |
CAT 2026 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Study Material PDF | |
CAT VARC: 3000+ Most Important English Words | |
CAT 2026 Mock Test Series - 20 Sets, Questions with Solutions By Experts |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, if you dedicate 8–10 hours daily, follow a structured plan, and rigorously analyse mocks and previous year papers.
Cracking CAT in 60 days demands a disciplined study plan, mock test analysis, and targeted practice in weak areas daily.
Yes, with a focused strategy, daily mocks, and strong conceptual clarity, cracking CAT in 2.5 months is absolutely achievable.
Yes, 2 months can be enough if you have a good study plan, clear basics, and practice regularly. Focus on mock tests and analysis.
It’s very challenging but not impossible. If you're already familiar with the syllabus and exam pattern, and study smartly with full dedication, you might make it.
No, the use of calculators or any other electronic devices is not allowed during the CAT exam. A basic on-screen calculator is provided for certain calculations.
Yes, candidates in their final year of graduation can apply for CAT, but they must fulfil the eligibility criteria by the time of admission.
There is no limit to the number of times you can take the CAT exam. You can attempt the CAT exam in multiple years if you wish.
The final CAT score is calculated based on your performance in each section, which is then scaled to a common percentile.
On Question asked by student community
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