NUCAT Pattern 2026: Know Marking Scheme & Exam Duration

Updated on Nov 4, 2025 16:21 IST

NUCAT 2026 Pattern: The NUCAT exam 2026 will be conducted in 3 slots. The NUCAT 2026 online is a remote proctored exam. The candidates can also take the exam at the test centres. Aspiring NUCAT 2026 applicants should familiarise themselves with the exam pattern before beginning their studies. The NUCAT 2026 exam pattern includes information such as the total number of questions, subjects, marking scheme, and length of the exam. It's also crucial to have a solid understanding of the NUCAT 2026 syllabus, which covers all essential topics to be covered in exam. More details on the exam pattern can be found below.

Table of content

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

NUCAT 2026 Exam Pattern

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

NUCAT 2026 Marking Scheme

There is no negative marking in NUCAT 2026. For each correct answer, 1 mark will be allotted. The candidates will not lose marks for incorrect responses. The exam is conducted for a 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

NUCAT 2026 Technical Requirements

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

For online mode, the candidates must comply with the technical requirements listed here and fully charge their laptops and phones.

The technical requirements to take the 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 the internet: For 3^rd eye

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

No headphones or dual monitors are allowed during the test, and the computer screen should be shared.
The candidates are instructed to ensure that the 3rd eye (mobile device) is positioned correctly throughout the test so that the proctor can have a clear view of the entire room. Failure to comply may result in being disqualified from taking the exam.
The proctor may ask the 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 the 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: What is the NUCAT exam pattern?

There will be 40 questions asked from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. There will be a total of 120 questions asked in the exam. The total time allotted for the exam is 120 minutes. For each correct answer, 1 mark is given. There is no negative marking for wrong answers. The syllabus of NUCAT 2025 is based on the class 11 and 12 CBSE/State Board curriculum. NUCAT 2026 Marking Scheme:
Physics
Marks Per Question: 1 mark
Maximum Marks: 40 marks
Mathematics
Marks Per Question: 1 mark
Maximum Marks: 40 marks
Chemistry
Marks Per Question: 1 mark
Maximum Marks: 40 marks

Q: What is the marking scheme for NUCAT?

For NUCAT 2026, each correct answer will be awarded 1 mark, and there are no marks deducted for incorrect answers. Since there is no negative marking for wrong answers, the candidates can answer the questions without the fear of losing marks for wrong responses.

Q: How many questions are asked in NUCAT?

NUCAT 2026 will be 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.

NUCAT Exam