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CAT Exam 2026: Complete Preparation Guide + Free Mock Tests

By eliveclass.com — Learn, Practice, and Succeed for Free

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of India’s most competitive entrance exams for MBA aspirants. Conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), CAT opens the gateway to top B-schools such as IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, and other reputed institutes.

If you are planning to appear for the CAT Exam 2026, this complete guide will help you understand the exam pattern, syllabus, preparation strategy, and where to take free mock tests online to assess your progress.


🎯 What is the CAT Exam?

The CAT (Common Admission Test) is a computer-based test (CBT) designed to evaluate a candidate’s aptitude in three main areas:

  1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

  2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

  3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

It serves as the primary entrance test for admission into postgraduate management programs (MBA/PGDM) across India.


📅 CAT 2026 Exam Overview

Feature Details
Exam Name Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026
Conducting Body One of the IIMs (on a rotational basis)
Exam Mode Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration 2 hours (120 minutes)
Sections VARC, DILR, QA
Marking Scheme +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect
Expected Exam Date Last Sunday of November 2026

📘 CAT 2026 Syllabus (Section-Wise Breakdown)

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

  • Reading Comprehension Passages (500–600 words)

  • Para Jumbles & Odd One Out

  • Sentence Completion & Correction

  • Summary-based Questions

  • Vocabulary and Grammar Skills

📖 Tip: Practice reading articles from The Hindu, Economic Times, and BBC News to enhance comprehension and vocabulary.


2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

  • Tables, Charts, and Graphs

  • Caselets & Data Sufficiency

  • Logical Puzzles and Arrangements

  • Seating Arrangements & Blood Relations

  • Games and Tournament-based Questions

🧩 Tip: Focus on improving speed and accuracy by solving at least 2 DILR sets daily from past CAT papers.


3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

  • Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance)

  • Algebra (Equations, Inequalities, Progressions)

  • Geometry & Mensuration

  • Numbers & Modern Math

  • Data Sufficiency

📊 Tip: Strengthen basics from NCERT Mathematics (Class 8–10) before moving to advanced CAT-level problems.


🕒 CAT 2026 Preparation Strategy (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Understand the Exam Pattern

Analyze the weightage of each section based on past years and identify your strong and weak areas.

Step 2: Build Strong Fundamentals

Use standard CAT preparation books such as:

  • Arun Sharma Series (for QA, VARC, and DILR)

  • Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

  • How to Prepare for Data Interpretation by Nishit Sinha

Step 3: Daily Study Routine

Task Time (Daily)
Quantitative Aptitude 2 hours
DILR Practice 1.5 hours
Reading Comprehension & Grammar 2 hours
Revision & Analysis 30 minutes

Step 4: Practice Regularly with Mock Tests

Taking mock tests helps simulate the actual exam environment, improve speed, and develop time management skills.

💻 At eliveclass.com, you can take Free CAT Mock Tests that include:

  • Full-length mock papers (VARC, DILR, QA)

  • Sectional tests with instant results

  • Detailed solutions and performance analysis

Step 5: Analyze and Improve

After every mock test:

  • Identify weak topics

  • Review incorrect answers

  • Revisit concepts through video lectures or notes


📈 CAT 2026: Month-Wise Study Plan

Month Focus Area Goal
Jan – Mar 2025 Basics & Concept Building Clear fundamentals of QA, DILR, VARC
Apr – Jun 2025 Practice Phase Start solving sectional tests
Jul – Sep 2025 Full-Length Mocks Take 1–2 mocks weekly
Oct – Nov 2025 Revision & Accuracy Focus on strong areas & mock analysis

🧩 Free CAT Mock Tests at eliveclass.com

At eliveclass.com, we provide:
Free Full-Length CAT Mock Tests
Sectional Practice Tests (VARC, DILR, QA)
Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions
Detailed Performance Report & Percentile Analysis

You can attempt unlimited free mocks to sharpen your skills and track your improvement.

👉 Start your free CAT Mock Test now:
🔗 www.eliveclass.com/free-cat-mock-test


💬 Expert Tips to Crack CAT 2026

  1. Focus on concept clarity rather than rote memorization.

  2. Read newspapers daily to boost reading comprehension.

  3. Practice mental calculations to save time in QA.

  4. Take at least 20 full mock tests before the exam.

  5. Analyze previous year CAT papers to understand trends.


🎓 Conclusion

Cracking the CAT Exam 2026 requires consistency, smart preparation, and regular practice. With free resources, video lessons, and full mock tests available on eliveclass.com, you can prepare effectively without spending a single rupee.

Start today, stay disciplined, and your CAT 2026 success will follow! 🚀

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