Common Admission Test 2026: Complete Guide to CAT, CLAT, CUET, AFCAT & ACET

CAT 2026: Common Admission Test for IIM MBA

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most prestigious and competitive management entrance examination in India, conducted annually by one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis. CAT 2026 will be conducted by IIM Kozhikode and serves as the gateway to MBA/PGDM programs at all 20 IIMs and over 1,000 B-schools across India.

CAT Full Form and About the Exam

Full Form: CAT stands for Common Admission Test or Common Aptitude Test

CAT is a computer-based test that assesses candidates' quantitative ability, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and verbal ability skills. The exam is designed to identify talented individuals who possess analytical thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and communication skills essential for managerial roles.

CAT 2026 Important Dates

CAT Exam Pattern 2026

The CAT exam consists of three sections with a sectional time limit of 40 minutes each. Candidates cannot switch between sections during the exam, ensuring equal focus on all areas.

CAT Marking Scheme

• Correct Answer: +3 marks
• Wrong Answer (MCQ): -1 mark (Negative marking)
• Wrong Answer (TITA - Type In The Answer): 0 marks (No negative marking)
• Unattempted: 0 marks

CAT Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• Bachelor's degree with at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates)
• Final year students awaiting results can also apply
• Candidates with professional degrees like CA, ICWA, or CS are eligible
• Degree must be from a recognized university (UGC/AICTE/AIU approved)

Age Limit

There is no age limit for appearing in the CAT examination. Candidates of any age with the required educational qualification can apply.

Number of Attempts

There is no restriction on the number of attempts. Candidates can appear for CAT as many times as they wish.

CAT Syllabus Overview

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

• Reading Comprehension passages (4-6 passages with 3-5 questions each)
• Para Jumbles and Para Summary
• Sentence Completion and Odd One Out
• Vocabulary-based questions
• Grammar and Usage

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

• Data Interpretation: Tables, Charts, Graphs, Caselets
• Logical Reasoning: Arrangements, Selections, Tournaments
• Puzzles and Games
• Blood Relations and Family Tree
• Network Diagrams and Venn Diagrams

Quantitative Ability (QA)

• Arithmetic: Number System, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Time Speed & Distance
• Algebra: Linear & Quadratic Equations, Functions, Inequalities, Progressions
• Geometry & Mensuration: Triangles, Circles, Coordinate Geometry, 3D Geometry
• Modern Mathematics: Permutation & Combination, Probability, Set Theory

How to Apply for CAT 2026

CAT Registration Fee

CAT Previous Year Question Papers

Practicing previous year CAT question papers is crucial for understanding the exam pattern, difficulty level, and time management. The official CAT website provides access to past year question papers and answer keys for candidates to download and practice.

CLAT 2026: Common Law Admission Test

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a centralized national-level entrance examination conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs at 24 National Law Universities (NLUs) across India.

CLAT Full Form

Full Form: CLAT stands for Common Law Admission Test

CLAT 2026 Important Dates

CLAT Exam Pattern

CLAT UG (For 5-Year Integrated BA LLB / BBA LLB)

CLAT PG (For LLM)

Marking Scheme: +1 mark for correct answer, -0.25 marks for wrong answer

CLAT Eligibility Criteria

For CLAT UG

• Completed or appearing in Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board
• Minimum 45% aggregate marks (40% for SC/ST candidates)
• No age limit for admission

For CLAT PG

• LLB degree or equivalent from a recognized university
• Minimum 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST candidates)
• Final year LLB students can also apply

CUET 2026: Common University Entrance Test

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a centralized entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs at central universities, state universities, and deemed universities across India.

CUET Exam Pattern Overview

CUET consists of three main sections allowing candidates to select subjects based on their preferred university and program requirements:

• Section IA: 13 Languages (Test Reading Comprehension)
• Section IB: 20 Languages (Test Reading Comprehension)
• Section II: 27 Domain-Specific Subjects
• Section III: General Test (General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning)

CUET Eligibility

• For UG Programs: Class 12 passed or appearing candidates
• For PG Programs: Bachelor's degree holders or final year students
• For Research Programs: Master's degree holders
• No age limit for CUET examination

AFCAT 2026: Air Force Common Admission Test

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the Indian Air Force twice a year to select candidates for commissioned officer positions in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches through Short Service Commission (SSC).

AFCAT Full Form

Full Form: AFCAT stands for Air Force Common Admission Test

AFCAT Exam Pattern

Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)

Marking Scheme: +3 marks for correct answer, -1 mark for wrong answer

AFCAT Selection Process

1. AFCAT Online Exam: Computer-based test with 100 questions
2. EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test): For Ground Duty (Technical) candidates only
3. AFSB Testing Stage 1: Officer Intelligence Rating Test and Picture Perception & Discussion Test
4. AFSB Testing Stage 2: Psychological tests, Group Tasks, and Personal Interview
5. CPSS Test: Computerized Pilot Selection System for Flying Branch candidates
6. Medical Examination: At IAM Bengaluru or AFCME Delhi
7. Final Merit List: Based on AFCAT score, AFSB performance, and medical fitness

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• Flying Branch: Graduation in any discipline with 60% marks and Physics & Mathematics in 10+2
• Ground Duty (Technical): B.E./B.Tech in relevant engineering discipline with 60% marks
• Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Graduation in any discipline with 60% marks

Age Limit

• Flying Branch: 20-24 years (up to 26 years for serving defence personnel)
• Ground Duty (Technical): 20-28 years
• Ground Duty (Non-Technical): 20-26 years

ACET 2026: Actuarial Common Entrance Test

The Actuarial Common Entrance Test (ACET) is conducted by the Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI) for aspiring actuaries who wish to become student members of the Institute and pursue a career in actuarial science, risk management, and insurance mathematics.

ACET Exam Pattern

Total Questions: 70

Duration: 3 hours

Negative Marking: No negative marking

ACET Eligibility Criteria

• Passed or appearing in Class 12 (10+2) examination
• English as mandatory subject in 10+2
• Preferred qualifications: Mathematics and Statistics in higher education
• No age limit for ACET examination

Career Opportunities After ACET

Clearing ACET opens doors to lucrative careers in actuarial science with opportunities in:

• Life Insurance and General Insurance companies
• Pension funds and Employee Benefit Consulting firms
• Investment banking and Asset Management
• Risk Management departments in Financial Institutions
• Government regulatory bodies
• International actuarial consulting firms

Comparison of Major Admission Tests

Preparation Tips for Common Admission Tests

General Preparation Strategy

• Understand Exam Pattern: Thoroughly analyze the exam structure, marking scheme, and sectional requirements
• Create Study Plan: Develop a realistic timetable allocating time to each section based on strengths and weaknesses
• Practice Mock Tests: Take regular full-length mock tests under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy
• Analyze Performance: Review each mock test to identify weak areas and common mistakes
• Time Management: Practice solving questions within time limits to manage exam pressure effectively
• Stay Updated: For exams requiring current affairs knowledge, read newspapers and watch news daily
• Previous Year Papers: Solve at least 5-10 years of previous year question papers to understand trends
• Revision Strategy: Create concise notes and formulas for quick revision before the exam

Subject-Specific Tips for CAT

Quantitative Ability

• Master fundamental concepts before attempting complex problems
• Focus on high-weightage topics: Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry
• Learn shortcut techniques and Vedic mathematics for faster calculations
• Practice 30-40 questions daily from varied topics

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

• Start with easier sets to build confidence and save time
• Focus on accuracy over attempting all sets
• Practice identifying solvable sets quickly within 2-3 minutes
• Develop mental calculation speed to reduce solving time

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

• Read quality articles, editorials, and magazines daily to improve comprehension
• Build vocabulary through word lists, flashcards, and contextual learning
• Practice paraphrasing and summarizing passages
• Focus on understanding the author's tone and intent in RC passages

Official Resources and Important Links

Always refer to official websites for authentic information regarding notifications, application forms, admit cards, results, and updates. Beware of fraudulent websites and unauthorized agents.

CAT Official Resources

CLAT Official Resources

CUET Official Resources

AFCAT Official Resources

ACET Official Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Last-Minute Registration: Don't wait until the last date to register; server issues and technical glitches are common
• Ignoring Mock Tests: Mock tests are crucial for understanding time management and identifying weak areas
• Focusing Only on Strengths: Balance preparation across all sections to meet sectional cutoffs
• Neglecting Previous Papers: Previous year papers provide invaluable insights into exam trends and question types
• Skipping Admit Card Verification: Always verify all details on admit card immediately after download
• Poor Time Management: Practice solving sections within time limits to avoid panic during actual exam
• Not Reading Instructions: Carefully read all instructions regarding marking scheme and negative marking
• Overconfidence or Underconfidence: Maintain a balanced mindset and attempt questions based on your preparation level

Conclusion

Common Admission Tests serve as gateways to prestigious institutions and rewarding career paths across various disciplines. Whether you aspire to pursue management education through CAT, law through CLAT, diverse undergraduate programs through CUET, serve the nation through AFCAT, or specialize in actuarial science through ACET - thorough preparation, strategic planning, and consistent effort are the keys to success.

Stay updated with official notifications, practice regularly using previous year papers, take mock tests to assess your preparation level, and maintain a positive mindset throughout your journey. Remember that these examinations test not just your knowledge but also your time management, decision-making abilities, and performance under pressure.