With the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 approaching, aspirants face a familiar challenge: balancing speed and accuracy while deciding which questions deserve their time. Attempting more questions does not necessarily translate into a higher percentile. A well-planned strategy that prioritises accuracy, effective time management and selective question attempts can be more valuable than trying to solve every question.
In this article, Dr Rubvita Chadha Rajput, Programme Director – MBA-XP at Woxsen University, Hyderabad, examines how CAT aspirants can approach the examination strategically, allocate time across sections and make informed decisions under pressure. She outlines why identifying the right questions, knowing when to move on and using mock tests to refine one’s approach can play a crucial role in exam performance.
SPEED MATTERS, BUT ACCURACY DECIDES
One of the most common misconceptions among CAT aspirants is that attempting more questions automatically leads to a better score. However, rushing through questions can increase the likelihood of avoidable errors, particularly in sections where incorrect answers attract negative marking. A more effective approach is to build speed on a foundation of conceptual clarity and accuracy.
During mock tests, candidates should track not only the number of questions attempted but also their accuracy. Reviewing incorrect answers can help identify recurring mistakes, whether they stem from conceptual gaps, misreading questions or time pressure. Addressing these patterns can improve both speed and consistency.
DIFFERENT SECTIONS, DIFFERENT STRATEGIES
Each section of CAT requires a distinct approach, making it important for candidates to adapt their strategy rather than follow a uniform method throughout the examination.
In Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), understanding arguments, identifying the author’s perspective and interpreting the central idea of a passage are often more valuable than reading quickly. Candidates should prioritise passages they can comprehend confidently and avoid spending excessive time on questions involving confusing or closely matched options.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) demands careful set selection. Since some sets can be significantly more time-consuming than others, candidates should assess the information, structure and apparent complexity before committing to a particular set. Choosing manageable sets can help maximise the number of questions solved accurately.
In Quantitative Ability (QA), conceptual clarity and efficient problem-solving are essential. Starting with familiar topics and questions that appear manageable can help candidates build momentum while preserving time for more challenging problems.
A SECTION-WISE TIME PLAN
Based on the recent CAT format of 40 minutes per section, candidates can use a tentative time-allocation strategy and refine it through mock-test performance.
VARC: Allocate around 25–28 minutes to Reading Comprehension and 12–15 minutes to Verbal Ability, adjusting the split according to individual strengths and the questions presented.
DILR: Spend the initial 3–5 minutes evaluating the available sets. Use the remaining time to solve sets that appear manageable, rather than committing too early to a particularly difficult one.
QA: Use the first 2–3 minutes to scan the questions and identify approachable options. Spend approximately 30 minutes solving them, keeping the remaining time for review and unresolved questions.
These allocations should serve as a starting point rather than a rigid formula. Candidates should use mock tests to determine which time splits work best for their strengths, weaknesses and problem-solving styles.
KNOWING WHEN TO MOVE FORWARD
One of the most difficult decisions during CAT is knowing when to abandon a question. Candidates may become invested in solving a difficult problem after spending several minutes on it, even when progress is limited. Continuing simply because time has already been invested can come at the cost of easier questions elsewhere.
Setting realistic time limits during practice can help candidates recognise when to move on. If a question does not yield a clear approach within a reasonable period, it may be more productive to attempt another and return to it later, if time permits.
The objective is not to avoid challenging questions altogether but to ensure that the time spent on each question is justified by its potential return.
MOCK TESTS: LEARNING BEYOND SCORES
Mock tests are most useful when treated as diagnostic tools rather than simply as indicators of readiness. A score alone does not explain why a candidate performed well or where improvement is needed.
Tracking section-wise attempts, accuracy, time spent on individual questions and recurring errors can help candidates identify patterns in their performance. For instance, consistently spending too much time on a particular type of DILR set may indicate a need to improve set selection, while repeated errors in QA may point to conceptual gaps or calculation mistakes.
Candidates should review each mock test carefully, understand the reasoning behind incorrect answers and experiment with different strategies in subsequent tests. Over time, this process can help them develop a more consistent and personalised examination approach.
Ultimately, CAT 2026 will test more than subject knowledge. The ability to manage time, assess questions objectively and make sound decisions under pressure can be just as important. By balancing speed with accuracy, selecting questions judiciously and learning from mock-test performance, aspirants can approach the examination with greater clarity and confidence.
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