NUCAT Pattern 2026: Know Marking Scheme & Exam Duration

Registration - 10 Feb '26 - 13 Apr '26

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Updated on Feb 23, 2026 10:45 IST

NUCAT 2026 Pattern is published on the official website. Candidates must check the pattern before they start the preparation. NUCAT 2026 exam pattern includes the total number of questions, subjects, marking scheme, and exam duration. NUCAT exam 2026 will be conducted in 3 slots. All three slots of the exam will follow the same pattern. NUCAT 2026 online is remote proctored exam. Candidates can also take exam at test centres. Aspiring NUCAT 2026 applicants must be familiar with exam pattern before beginning studies. Candidates must know the NUCAT 2026 syllabus, which covers all essential topics in exam. More details on exam pattern can be found below.

Table of contents

NUCAT Exam Pattern 2026
NUCAT 2026 Marking Scheme
NUCAT Technical Requirements
NUCAT 2026 Pattern FAQs

NUCAT Exam Pattern 2026

The exam will be held online with 120 multiple-choice questions. It will have 3 sections: Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. There will be 40 questions asked from each subject.

Subjects	Total Questions	Duration
Physics	40 MCQs	2 Hour
Mathematics	40 MCQs
Chemistry	40 MCQs

Commonly asked questions

Q: What is NUCAT Pattern?

NUCAT 2026 patterns are slightly different for each course. The Nitte NUCAT exam pattern for BTech is as follows.

The NUCAT exam will be conducted online, computer-based mode.
The exam will be conducted for a duration of 120 minutes.
The exam includes MCQs from Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
For each correct answer, 1 mark is allotted.
There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
The exam is conducted for a total of 120 marks.
There will be 40 questions from each subject.

Q: Is NUCAT exam pattern important for exam preparation?

Yes, understanding the NUCAT exam pattern is very important for effective preparation. Without knowing the pattern, candidates may study the wrong topics and waste time on low-weightage topics. By checking the exam pattern, candidates will know the marks allotted for each section, the duration of the exam, subject-wise distribution, etc.

NUCAT 2026 Marking Scheme

There is no negative marking in NUCAT 2026. For each correct answer, 1 mark is given. Candidates will not lose marks for incorrect responses. The exam is conducted for total of 120 marks.

Subjects	Marks Per Question	Maximum Marks
Physics	1 marks	40 marks
Mathematics	1 marks	40 marks
Chemistry	1 marks	40 marks

Commonly asked questions

Q: What is the marking scheme for NUCAT?

In NUCAT exam, each correct answer will be given 1 mark. Marks will not be reduced for wrong answers. Since there is marks reduced for wrong answer, candidates can answer questions without losing marks.

NUCAT Technical Requirements

To attend NUCAT test, candidates must carry Admit Card and Aadhaar Card

Computer CPU: i3 Processor or equivalent (higher always recommended)
Computer RAM: 4 GB (higher is always recommended)
Operating System (OS): Windows 10 (x64), Windows 11 (x64), Ubuntu 18.4 or 20.4 version (x64), MAC OS (Version 10.11, 10.12, 10.13, 10.14, 10.15, 11, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, and 11.6)
Browser: Google Chrome (90 and above) or Microsoft Edge (90 and above)
Internet Speed: 500 Kbps
Microphone: The laptop/desktop must be connected to a working microphone
Camera: Any functional webcam with HD/FHD(recommended)
Mobile phone / Tab connected with the internet: For 3^rd eyeFor online mode, candidates must have fully charge laptops and phones.
The technical requirements to take test online are as follows:

No headphones or dual monitors are allowed during test, and computer screen must be shared.
Candidates must keep the 3rd eye (mobile device) correctly throughout test so that the proctor can have a clear view of entire room.
Proctor may ask candidate to show the laptop ports and ensure there are no additional cables.
Taking the test from a public place is not permitted.
Soft copies of Admit Card and Aadhaar Card can be uploaded, but must be less than 500KB.

NUCAT 2026 Pattern FAQs

Read NUCAT 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Commonly asked questions

Q: How many questions are asked in NUCAT?

NUCAT 2026 will be for a total of 120 marks asked from Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. 40 questions are asked from each subject. Only multiple-choice questions are asked in NUCAT 2026.

Q: What are the technical requirements to attend NUCAT 2026 online?

The duration of NUCAT exam is usually 2 hours. NUCAT can be taken at home or at exam centre. Technical requirements to take test online are as follows:

Computer CPU: i3 Processor or equivalent (higher always recommended)
Computer RAM: 4 GB (higher is always recommended)
Operating System (OS):

Windows 10 (x64) Windows 11 (x64,) Ubuntu 18.4 or 20.4 version (x64) MAC OS (Version 10.11, 10.12, 10.13, 10.14, 10.15, 11, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, and 11.6)

Browser: Google Chrome (90 and above) or Microsoft Edge (90 and above)
Internet Speed: 500 Kbps
Microphone: The laptop/desktop must be connected to a working microphone
Camera: Any functional webcam with HD/FHD (recommended)
Mobile phone / Tab connected with internet: For 3^rd eye

If candidates don't meet all the listed technical requirements, they must take NUCAT Test at one of designated test centres, reserved during slot time and date.