CAT 2026: Tips while preparing for MBA entrance exam

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of India’s most competitive exams for premier management institutes and the registration for the same starts on August 3, 2026. The craze and the competition for an MBA degree among CAT 2026 aspirants is well established. For students preparing for this year’s cycle here are some key tips for this MBA entrance exam. 

Sharing a few keypoints, Dr. Shweta Jha, Associate Professor, HR at Apeejay School of Management, Dwarka, highlighted,  

” The CAT evaluates diverse management skills. Success requires balanced preparation across all exam sections. Avoid the common trap of overpracticing favourite subjects while neglecting difficult, uncomfortable areas. True success comes from confronting weak spots directly. A balanced strategy is vital for cracking this competitive test.”

It is important to note that CAT tests canditates on concepts rooted in Class 10-12 level mathematics and English, along with logical reasoning and data interpretation abilities. The exam has a familiar three-section structure:

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Each section comes with its time limit, and students cannot switch between sections during the allotted time. This makes time management within each section critical. The exam also includes TITA (Type In The Answer) questions, which are non-MCQ items requiring candidates to type in their answers rather than choose from options, adding an extra layer of precision to the preparation process.

Some of the preparation tips that may work:

1. CAT rewards depth of practice over last-minute cramming. A longer runway allows time to build fundamentals, work through weak areas, and still leave room for extensive mock test practice closer to the exam.

2. Prioritise mock tests and previous years’ papers. Since CAT’s difficulty level and question style can shift from year to year, practicing slot-wise previous year papers helps candidates prepare for unexpected pattern changes rather than being caught off guard on exam day.

3. Focus on accuracy over attempting everything. With roughly 40 minutes per section and no ability to move between sections, smart question selection often matters more than attempting every question.

4. Treat DILR as the section needing the most strategic practice.

5. Revise formulas and maintain reading habits consistently. Quant requires formula recall under time pressure, while VARC rewards consistent reading habits built over months — both benefit from steady, repeated exposure rather than one-off study sessions.

6. Analyse every mock test thoroughly. Simply taking mock tests isn’t enough — reviewing mistakes, identifying time-wasting patterns, and adjusting strategy after each mock is what converts practice into actual score improvement.

CAT 2026 promises to be as competitive as ever, with lakhs of aspirants expected to compete for India’s top management institutes including Apeejay Institute of Management which equally can be a good decision for students.