CAT 2026 Slot 2 is scheduled for November 29, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Candidates appearing in this session must report to their examination centres by 11:00 AM, with gate entry closing at 12:15 PM.
The afternoon timing creates a different set of preparation requirements, particularly concerning meals, concentration, travel and revision.
The paper will have 68 questions, divided among VARC (24), DILR (22), and QA (22). Each section will have 40 minutes, and candidates cannot move between sections.
Your CAT Slot 2 strategy should focus on maintaining energy after the morning, avoiding a heavy lunch, and aligning your preparation schedule with the actual exam time.
Here are seven CAT 2026 exam day tips for Slot 2, covering the specific challenges of an afternoon examination.
CAT 2026 Exam Day Tips for Slot 2: Check Your Examination Schedule First
The first step is to plan your day around the reporting and examination timings.
You have a morning window for breakfast, revision and travel, but you must ensure that these activities do not leave you feeling tired before the test.
| Particulars | Slot 2 Details |
| Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
| Reporting Time | 11:00 AM |
| Gate Closure | 12:15 PM |
| Exam Timing | 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM |
| CAT Exam Duration | 120 minutes |
| Total Questions | 68 |
CAT 2026 Exam Day Tips for Slot 2
Keep the reporting time as your travel deadline. Do not calculate your journey based on the 12:15 PM gate closure, as you also need time for entry formalities.
1. Do Not Change Your Sleeping Pattern Just for Slot 2
Candidates appearing in the afternoon session do not need to wake up at 5:00 AM. However, waking up very late can disturb your morning routine and meal timings.
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule during the final week. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep and wake up at approximately 7:00 AM on examination day.
A common mistake is staying awake until midnight because the examination starts later. This can affect your alertness during the 12:30 PM test.
Follow these guidelines:
- Avoid late-night mock tests on November 28.
- Do not spend the entire night revising formulas.
- Wake up at your planned time on examination day.
- Give yourself sufficient time for breakfast and preparation.
- Avoid unnecessary screen time before sleeping.
2. Keep Your Lunch Light Before the 12:30 PM Exam
This is one of the most important considerations for CAT 2026 Slot 2. Since the examination runs from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, having a heavy lunch shortly before entering the centre may make you feel uncomfortable or sluggish.
Do not skip breakfast. Have a regular breakfast in the morning and plan a light meal or snack before leaving, depending on your appetite and personal routine.
Consider these points:
- Avoid oily and excessively heavy meals before the examination.
- Do not experiment with unfamiliar food items.
- Avoid eating more than you normally would.
- Keep your food schedule consistent with your afternoon mock-test routine.
- Do not depend on excessive tea or coffee to stay alert.
The objective is to enter the examination hall feeling comfortable and attentive. Follow the examination centre’s instructions regarding food and permitted items.
3. Schedule Your Mock Tests in the Afternoon
A candidate who consistently attempts CAT mock tests at 8:00 AM may have a different concentration level at 12:30 PM. Therefore, adjust your practice schedule to match your examination slot.
During the final preparation phase, attempt full-length mocks between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM. Evaluate your performance using the following parameters:
- VARC: Check whether you can maintain reading concentration across multiple passages. Reading Comprehension accounts for approximately 16 of the 24 VARC questions.
- DILR: Practise selecting sets based on their structure and solvability. Tables, charts, puzzles, seating arrangements and games are among the important question formats.
- QA: Arithmetic contributes approximately 35-50% of the section’s weightage, followed by Algebra at 30-35%. Check your calculation speed and accuracy in these areas.
Also compare your mock performance across different times of the day. This will help you understand whether your concentration changes during afternoon sessions.
4. Use the Morning for Targeted Revision
Slot 2 gives you additional morning hours, but using this time for extensive preparation can leave you mentally tired.
Divide your revision into short sessions. Focus on concepts you have already studied and avoid starting unfamiliar chapters.
Your final revision can cover:
- VARC: Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Summary and Odd Questions.
- DILR: Tables and Charts, Scheduling, Games and Tournaments, Venn Diagrams and Hybrid Sets.
- QA: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System and Modern Maths.
Arithmetic and Algebra deserve particular attention because of their approximate weightage in QA. However, do not completely leave out other topics.
For VARC, revise your approach to eliminating incorrect options. For DILR, review previously solved sets and understand where you lost time. For QA, revisit formulas and calculation methods.
5. Reach Your Examination City a Day Earlier
If your examination centre is located outside your city, reach the destination on November 28. Do not depend on same-day travel, even though your examination begins in the afternoon.
Candidates travelling within the city should also check the distance and expected journey time in advance.
Before November 29:
- Identify the exact examination building.
- Check the available transportation options.
- Arrange accommodation close to the centre if required.
- Keep your admit card and necessary documents ready.
- Identify an alternative route in case of traffic.
Plan to reach the examination centre by 11:00 AM. This leaves a reasonable margin before the gates close at 12:15 PM.
6. Prepare a Question Selection Strategy for All Three Sections
CAT 2026 will test your ability to solve questions accurately within fixed time limits. You will have 40 minutes each for VARC, DILR and QA.
| Section | Questions | Duration |
| VARC | 24 | 40 minutes |
| DILR | 22 | 40 minutes |
| QA | 22 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 68 | 120 minutes |
Do not aim to attempt all 68 questions without considering their difficulty.
In VARC, select passages and questions carefully. In DILR, avoid spending most of your section time on one difficult set. In QA, identify questions that match your preparation level.
Every correct answer carries 3 marks, while an incorrect MCQ attracts a deduction of 1 mark. This makes accuracy an important part of your attempt strategy.
Also remember that the section timer is fixed. You cannot use additional time from VARC to solve questions in DILR or QA.
7. Download and Verify Your CAT 2026 Admit Card
The CAT 2026 admit card will be available for download from November 6 to November 29, 2026.
- Download your hall ticket in advance and check the following details:
- Candidate name and registration information.
- Examination date and session.
- Reporting and gate closure timings.
- Examination centre address.
- Photograph and other printed details.
Read the instructions carefully so that you know the document and entry requirements before reaching the centre.
Conclusion
CAT 2026 Slot 2 requires a preparation schedule that accounts for the afternoon examination. Your meal timings, mock-test practice and morning revision should help you remain alert during the 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM session.
Avoid a heavy lunch, reach the centre on time and follow a question-selection strategy based on your strengths.
Planning to appear for CAT 2027? Explore the MBA Karo CAT 2027 Course for structured preparation across VARC, DILR and QA.
With focused concept building, regular question practice and mock-test preparation, you can work towards improving your accuracy and overall CAT performance.
FAQs on CAT 2026 Exam Day Tips for Slot 2
Q1. What is the reporting time for CAT 2026 Slot 2?
A. The reporting time is 11:00 AM on November 29, 2026. The examination gates will close at 12:15 PM, and the test will begin at 12:30 PM.
Q2. Should I have lunch before CAT 2026 Slot 2?
A. Avoid having a heavy lunch before the examination. Since the test runs from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, have a light, familiar meal or snack according to your routine.
Q3. When should I attempt mock tests for CAT 2026 Slot 2?
A. Practise full-length mocks between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM during the final preparation phase. This helps you assess your concentration and time management during the actual examination hours.
Q4. Can I change sections during CAT 2026 Slot 2?
A. No. CAT 2026 has three sections with a fixed duration of 40 minutes each. Candidates cannot switch between VARC, DILR and QA during the examination.
