CAT / MBA Entrance Guide 2026
Overview
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted by IIMs for admission to postgraduate management programs. It tests aptitude rather than knowledge.
Exam Pattern
Three sections (40 minutes each):
- VARC: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension.
- DILR: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning.
- QA: Quantitative Ability.
Detailed Syllabus
- VARC: Reading comprehension, para-jumbles, sentence exclusion.
- DILR: Puzzles, arrangements, graphs, charts, caselets.
- QA: Arithmetic (huge weightage), Algebra, Geometry, Numbers.
Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: +3
- Negative Marking: -1 (For MCQs only; TITA questions have no negative marking).
Preparation Strategy
- Read Widely: Read AEON essays and The Guardian to improve VARC speed.
- Logical Thinking: DILR is about selection; learn which sets to leave.
- Arithmetic First: 50% of the Quant section is often Arithmetic.