CAT 2026 official mock test is OUT and available. IIM Indore activated the familiarisation test on November 6, 2026. Candidates can access it through the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in. The mock uses selected questions from previous CAT papers to help candidates practise the computer-based test interface, question navigation and answer-submission controls before the examination on November 29.
This guide explains where to find the CAT mock test 2026, how to access it, what to practise during the attempt and how to use the experience to prepare for the actual test. The official mock test is a familiarisation resource; it should not be treated as a prediction of the actual paper or a substitute for full-length timed practice.
CAT 2026 Mock Test: Key Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Mock test availability | Released on November 6, 2026 |
| Official portal | iimcat.ac.in |
| Exam date | November 29, 2026 |
| Exam mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Sections | VARC, DILR and QA |
| Official purpose | Familiarisation with the test format and interface |
| Mock duration for non-PwBD candidates | 120 minutes; 40 minutes per section |
| Additional time for eligible PwBD candidates | 40 minutes (total 160 minutes) |
CAT Mock Test 2026 Link: Where to Access It?
Visit the official CAT website and look for the mock test or candidate information link made available for CAT 2026. Use the official portal rather than third-party pages that ask for your CAT password or personal details. Open the official CAT website.
CAT 2026 Mock Test Duration and Important Caution
The official familiarisation mock provides a 120-minute attempt for candidates who are not PwBD, with 40 minutes for each of the three sections. Eligible PwBD candidates are allowed an additional 40 minutes, taking the mock duration to 160 minutes. The mock includes selected questions from previous years and examples of MCQ and non-MCQ formats.
Do not treat the mock as a confirmed blueprint for the actual CAT 2026 paper. IIM Indore has clarified that the number and type of questions, section sequence and overall structure shown in the familiarisation test are indicative and may differ in the live examination. Use it primarily to learn the interface and controls. Your actual exam instructions and sectional timing will be those notified by the examination authority.
How to Attempt the Official CAT 2026 Mock Test?
- Open the official CAT website at iimcat.ac.in.
- Locate the CAT 2026 mock test link or the relevant mock-test access page.
- Read the on-screen instructions before starting.
- Review the question palette and understand how questions are marked as answered, unanswered or marked for review.
- Practise moving between questions within the active section and saving responses.
- Submit or exit the mock test only after understanding the on-screen process.
The exact access flow and interface controls displayed on the official portal should be followed. Do not assume that a mock-test login uses the same credentials or steps as the admit-card download unless the official portal specifies this.
What Does the CAT Official Mock Test Help You Practise?
- Computer-based test navigation: Understand how questions, answer options and navigation controls appear on screen.
- Question palette: Learn how to identify answered, unanswered and review-marked questions.
- MCQ and non-MCQ responses: Become familiar with selecting an option and entering a numerical response where applicable.
- Sectional discipline: Practise focusing on one section at a time, as CAT uses a sectional time limit.
- Test-day confidence: Reduce uncertainty about the digital interface before entering the examination centre.
How to Use the Mock Test Effectively
Do not attempt the mock test merely to check your score. Use it as a short technology and process rehearsal. Focus on the following:
- Read the instructions carefully before clicking Start.
- Identify the timer, question palette and response controls.
- Practise marking a question for review and returning to it when permitted.
- Notice the difference between selecting an MCQ option and entering a non-MCQ answer.
- Follow the section sequence and time limits announced for CAT 2026.
- After the attempt, note any interface step that felt unfamiliar and practise it again if the official mock allows another attempt.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Sectional Time Limit
The official CAT 2026 announcement specifies a 120-minute test with three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Candidates receive 40 minutes for each section and cannot switch to another section while attempting the current one. Read our detailed CAT 2026 exam pattern and sectional timing guide for the structure and preparation implications.
Official Mock Test vs Full-Length CAT Mock Tests
| Official CAT mock test | Full-length practice mock |
|---|---|
| Primarily helps candidates become familiar with the exam interface. | Helps evaluate preparation, accuracy, speed and question selection. |
| Use it to understand navigation and response controls. | Use it to practise the complete test under timed conditions. |
| It is not a predictor of the actual CAT paper or percentile. | Analyse performance and recurring errors after each attempt. |
What Should You Do After Attempting the CAT Mock Test?
Once you are comfortable with the interface, spend the remaining preparation time on a realistic revision plan. Review your strongest and weakest topics, practise timed section tests, revise formulas and reading strategies, and avoid making major changes to your approach in the final days without a clear reason. Keep your admit card and exam-day documents ready as well. See the CAT Admit Card 2026 download guide and CAT exam-day guidelines.
CAT 2026 Mock Test: FAQs
1. When will the CAT 2026 official mock test be available?
The CAT 2026 official mock test was activated on November 6, 2026, and is available through the official CAT website.
2. Where can I access the CAT mock test 2026?
Access the mock test through the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in. Follow the instructions displayed on the official portal.
3. Is the official CAT mock test the same as the actual examination?
No. The official mock test is intended to familiarise candidates with the test format and interface. It does not guarantee the same questions, difficulty level or score distribution as the actual examination.
4. Does the CAT mock test predict my percentile?
No. The official familiarisation mock should not be used to predict your CAT percentile. Use properly designed full-length practice tests and detailed performance analysis to assess preparation.
5. What sections are included in CAT 2026?
CAT 2026 has three sections: VARC, DILR and QA. The official announcement specifies 40 minutes for each section within a 120-minute test.
6. Is the CAT 2026 mock test compulsory?
The mock test is a familiarisation resource. Candidates should check the official CAT portal for its instructions and use it to understand the computer-based test interface.
Update: November 7, 2026. The official CAT 2026 mock test is available. Its duration and accessibility provisions are described above; the mock is intended for interface familiarisation and does not guarantee the structure or question count of the actual examination.