<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAccording to the expected CAT exam 2026 marking scheme, the student gets +3 marks for each correct MCQ, -1 mark for an incorrect MCQ answer, and no negative marking for the TITA questions. The detailed table is mentioned below for the CAT 2026 marking scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\nParameter<\/strong><\/td>Marks Allotted<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Each Correct MCQ Answer<\/td> Student gets +3 marks<\/td><\/tr> An Incorrect MCQ Answer<\/td> -1 mark<\/td><\/tr> TITA Questions<\/td> No negative marking<\/td><\/tr> Unattempted Questions<\/td> No Loss of Marks <\/td><\/tr> Total Marks<\/td> 204<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>CAT Exam Pattern 2026<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nStudents must have a clear understanding of the CAT exam pattern, its style, number of questions, type of questions and so on. Such a pattern familiarity beforehand helps resolve complex questions asked in the CAT 2026 examination with ease. While the number and type of CAT questions are prefixed norms, the difficulty level of subject wise questions varies from year to year. <\/p>\n\n\n\nCAT Exam Pattern 2026 Breakdown<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Aspects<\/strong><\/td>Details<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Total Questions<\/td> 68<\/td><\/tr> Number of Sections<\/td> 3<\/td><\/tr> CAT Sectional Time Limit<\/td> 40 minutes<\/td><\/tr> CAT Exam Duration<\/td> 120 minutes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>What Are the Latest Changes in CAT Exam Pattern 2026?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBefore moving with other aspects of the CAT preparation journey, it is crucial to know the roots of the CAT exam pattern and how it has changed over the years. From 66 questions, the CAT exam total expected questions has increased to 68. Total questions asked has increased indicating that the number of questions asked in 1 or more CAT 2026 sections has also increased. According to the latest changes to CAT exam pattern, the total number of questions rose from 66 to 68, questions in the DILR section seems slight changes in the number of questions from 20 to 22. A detailed breakdown of the recent changes in the CAT exam pattern has been highlighted below. <\/p>\n\n\n\nLatest Changes to CAT Exam Pattern<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Affected Areas<\/strong><\/td>Changes Made<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Total Questions<\/td> Rose from 66 to 68<\/td><\/tr> DILR Section Questions<\/td> Rose from 20 to 22<\/td><\/tr> DILR Section Revised Pattern<\/td> 3 sets of 4 questions and 2 sets of 5 questions<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>What Are the Latest Updates in CAT Exam 2026 Admission Process?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIIM Kashipur, Raipur, Ranchi, and Tiruchirappalli have introduced a new Joint Admission Process or JAP 2026. This move has been made to streamline the admission process and decrease administrative burden on the aspirants and the institutions. It also shows the collaborative resource management techniques deployed by IIMs to foster a unified, transparent admission proc<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n4 IIMs – IIM Kashipur, Raipur, Ranchi, and Tiruchirappalli shall participate in a Joint Admission Process 2026.<\/li>\n\n\n\n The main aim is to introduce uniformity, reduce administrative tasks and promote transparency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n The JAP 2026 shall be based on the CAT 2025 scores.<\/li>\n\n\n\n IIM Raipur shall manage the JAP 2026 for the 4 participating IIMs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/span>List of CAT Exam 2026 – Top Colleges<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCAT exam is considered as the basic eligibility criteria to step in the further process. IIMs emerge at the best CAT colleges. At the forefront of all IIMs are IIM A, B, and C. These institutions emerge as the best colleges which students typically target for their MBA studies. The CAT 2026 top colleges have a high cutoff due to increased competition and limited seats. In a recent publication by under the TOI Education domain, it was revealed that IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta and the Indian School of Business are consistently ranking in on international platforms such as QS Global MBA, Times Higher Education, etc.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Top 5 Globally Ranked CAT MBA Colleges<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe QS Global MBA ranking 2026 is out. As per the report, IIM Bangalore ranks 52nd followed by IIM Ahmedabad at 58th rank. On the other hand, as per the IIRF National 2025 ranking, IIM Ahmedabad ranks 1st and both IIM Bangalore and IIM Calcutta tie up on the 3rd rank. The admission in these top MBA colleges in India can be possible with 99+ CAT exam percentile with strong academics. Check the top 5 globally ranked CAT 2026 accepting MBA colleges below.<\/p>\n\n\n\nList of Top Colleges Accepting CAT exam With Global Ranking<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>College Name<\/strong><\/td>QS Global MBA 2026 Rank<\/strong><\/td>IIRF National 2025<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>ISB Hyderabad<\/td> 65th<\/td> 6th<\/td><\/tr> IIM Ahmedabad<\/td> 58th<\/td> 1st<\/td><\/tr> IIM Bangalore<\/td> 52nd<\/td> 3rd<\/td><\/tr> IIM Calcutta<\/td> 61st<\/td> 3rd<\/td><\/tr> IIM Kozhikode<\/td> 86th<\/td> 7th<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThese top MBA colleges in India are required high CAT exam percentile and amazing QS global MBA ranking for providing the best education in the field of management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Tier 1 MBA Colleges in India to Target for CAT Exam 2026<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThis section covers the tier 1 MBA colleges in India to target for CAT exam 2026. Although, these colleges provide high ROI, top faculty members, international exchange programs and more. The detailed information is specified in the table mentioned below.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIIM<\/strong><\/td>MBA Fees (Approx)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad<\/td> INR 26,50,000<\/td><\/tr> Indian Institute of Management Bangalore<\/td> Rs. 26,00,000<\/td><\/tr> Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode<\/td> INR 23,50,000<\/td><\/tr> IIT New Delhi<\/td> INR 12 Lakh<\/td><\/tr> Indian Institute of Management Lucknow<\/td> INR 20.00 lakh<\/td><\/tr> Indian Institute of Management, Mumbai<\/td> INR 21.00 lakh<\/td><\/tr> Indian Institute of Management Calcutta<\/td> INR 27.00 lakh<\/td><\/tr> Indian Institute of Management Indore<\/td> INR 21.00 lakh<\/td><\/tr> Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurugram<\/td> INR 18 Lakh-INR 26 Lakh<\/td><\/tr> XLRI- Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur<\/td> INR 28.00 lakh<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>CAT Exam Preparation Strategy 2026<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nPreparing for the CAT exam takes strength and determination. With the CAT exam 2026 expected to take place on November 29th or November 30th, 2026 as will be announced, students must keep a note of important CAT preparation strategies. The most important aspect of the CAT exam is the Quant section. Just like iQuanta helps students prepare for Quant and gain confidence, here are some helpful tips to ace the exam.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>CAT Exam Preparation Plan for Beginners<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBeginners must remember the 3 stages for CAT 2026 preparation. The first stage is understanding the CAT exam pattern and building the basics. Students may take help of the 3 CAT basic modules offered by iQuanta as part of its CAT 2026 full course to learn CAT concepts. The 2nd stage of preparation for beginners is developing clarity on CAT concepts covered and the 3rd stage is about practice to improve speed plus accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCAT exam 2026 Preparation Tips for Beginners<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Tips<\/strong><\/td>Detailed Instructions<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Primary Focus<\/td> Understand the foundation of CAT exam 2026 through topics like arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.<\/td><\/tr> Fine-tune Basics<\/td> Apply the basic understanding of CAT exam fundamentals to different practical problems, use mentorship and guidance by trusted platforms such as iQuanta.<\/td><\/tr> Practice Repeatedly<\/td> Practice CAT exam level questions from previous years papers and online question banks, study material etc. Do not break your practice pattern, work on questions daily, find mistakes and improve speed cum accuracy to gain confidence.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>CAT Exam 2026 Preparation Plan for Working Professionals<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIndividuals with a full time job understand both the importance of working and pursuing an MBA by clearing the CAT 2026 exam. The difficult question is how to pass the entrance exam without quitting your job. There is no meaning in doubting your ability although limited time may be a constraint for CAT exam 2026 preparation for working professionals. Here is a CAT exam 2026 preparation plan for working professionals to prepare alongside a job.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCAT Exam 2026 Preparation Tips for Professionals<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Particulars<\/strong><\/td>Helpful Tips<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Strengthen Math Skills<\/td> Go through class 6th to 10th grade mathematics concepts to freshen up basic math skills.<\/td><\/tr> Purposeful Practice<\/td> Find your strengths and weaknesses and challenge yourself to improve by overcoming weaknesses and building upon the strengths.<\/td><\/tr> Solving PYQs and Mock Tests<\/td> Solve previous year papers and mock tests to try to score maximum net marks. At this point, recognize your flaws and create a strategy for practice which will help you build confidence and reduce exam related uncertainty.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>CAT Exam 2026 –\u00a0 MBA Salary<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAs per Deloitte\u2019s campus workforce trends report, the top 10 MBA colleges in India offer a median salary package of Rs. 26 LPA. CAT 2026 accepting colleges MBA salaries have risen by 8.3% in 2025. The growth in MBA graduates median or average packages year by year demonstrates a significant demand of industry ready management professionals across India.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although most MBA salary packages offered across different branches such as consulting, finances, IT, etc, are in the range of 24.8 LPA to Rs. 27.7 LPA. Below is a snapshot of the top 10 MBA colleges salary over the last 2 years which has shown a positive increase in the median package offered.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCAT MBA Salary at Accepting Colleges <\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Particulars<\/strong><\/td>2025 Median Package<\/strong><\/td>2024 Median Package<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Top 10 MBA Colleges<\/td> Rs. 26 LPA <\/td> Rs. 24 LPA<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Tier 1 & Top 10 MBA Colleges Salary <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBelow table compares the base salaries of tier 1 MBA colleges such as IIMs, FMS, ISB, XLRI, etc and shows the sector which is most in demand. Students taking the CAT exam 2026 must plan their college, course and specialization after taking into account the MBA placements status quo. Check the summary of CAT 2026 MBA salary for top 10 and tier 1 colleges as extracted from the Deloitte Campus Workforce Trends report released in June, 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIndustry-wise Placement Trends for CAT Accepting Colleges<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>MBA Sectors<\/strong><\/td>Tier 1 Colleges Base Salary<\/strong><\/td>Top 10 Colleges Base Salary<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Manufacturing<\/td> Rs. 24.7 LPA<\/td> Rs. 27.2 LPA<\/td><\/tr> FMCG<\/td> Rs. 22 LPA<\/td> Rs. 27.7 LPA<\/td><\/tr> Consulting<\/td> Rs. 23.6 LPA<\/td> Rs. 25.3 LPA<\/td><\/tr> Financial Services<\/td> Rs. 21.7 LPA<\/td> Rs. 26.6 LPA<\/td><\/tr> IT<\/td> Rs. 21.5 LPA<\/td> Rs. 26.4 LPA<\/td><\/tr> Life Sciences\/Pharma<\/td> Rs. 19.3 LPA<\/td> Rs. 24.8 LPA<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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