CAT 2019 pattern and marking scheme is the same as last year, i.e. three marks will be awarded for each right answer and one mark will be deducted for each wrong answer.
CAT 2019 is scheduled to be held on November 24, 2019. Candidates planning to appear for the exam must ensure that they understand the CAT exam pattern and marking scheme well to utilize their 3 hours to maximize their performance.
CAT 2019 pattern and marking scheme is the same as last year, i.e. three marks will be awarded for each right answer and -1 mark will be deducted for each wrong answer. There is no negative marking for non-MCQs or un-attempted questions.
Explore colleges based on CAT
Each section of CAT 2019 exam will contain 30+ questions in both MCQ and non-MCQ formats. The non-MCQ format questions will require the candidates to type in their answer (TITA) from the virtual keyboard. Given below is the table indicating CAT 2019 marking scheme:
CAT 2019 marking scheme
| Type of Questions |
Correct Answer |
Incorrect Answer |
|---|---|---|
| MCQ |
+3 |
-1 |
| Non-MCQ |
+3 |
0 |
CAT exam pattern and test structure
- CAT 2019 will be conducted online in two slots. First slot will be held from 9 am to 12 pm and second slot will be held from 2 pm to 5 pm.
- CAT 2019 question paper will be divided into three sections - Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Ability (QA). Also check: CAT syllabus
- There will be sectional time-limit of 60 minutes for each section. The total duration of the exam is 180 minutes.
- The moment 60 minutes of a particular section will get over, the computer screen will move to the next section. The candidates will not have the option to go back to previous section
- The candidates will be required to solve the CAT question paper in the sequence as given, i.e. Section 1: VARC, Section 2: DILR and Section 3: QA
CAT 2019 pattern: Break up of questions and allotment of marks
| Sections |
Number of questions |
Total marks |
|---|---|---|
| VARC |
34 |
102 (34x3) |
| DILR |
32 |
96 (32x3) |
| QA |
34 |
102 (34x3) |
| total |
100 |
300 |
The only major change that is expected in CAT 2019 exam pattern, is the distribution of type of questions in each section. In CAT 2018, there were more TITA-type questions than in CAT 2017. Take a look at the tables below for distribution of questions in each section of both the sessions of CAT 2018.
CAT 2018: First slot
| Sections |
Number of MCQs |
Number of TITA questions |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC |
28 |
7 |
34 |
| DILR |
24 |
8 |
32 |
| QA |
22 |
12 |
34 |
CAT 2018: Second slot
| Sections |
Number of MCQs |
Number of TITA questions |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC |
28 |
7 |
34 |
| DILR |
24 |
8 |
32 |
| QA |
22 |
12 |
34 |
CAT 2019 registrations is currently underway and the last date to apply is September 18, 2019. If you plan to appear for the exam, take a look at some exam preparation articles below:

News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
Jul '26 | XAT 2027 registration dates |
Sep '26 | XAT 2027 mock test |
Aug '26 | SNAP 2026 Registration Process |
28 Nov '26 | SNAP 2026 admit card session 1... |
Aug '26 | NMAT 2026 Registration Window |
Aug '26 | NMAT 2026 Scheduling Window |
17 Oct '24 - 5 Dec '24 | IIFT 2025 registration and app... |
1 Apr '26 - 25 May '26 | MAT May 2026 Registration PBT |
1 Apr '26 - 8 Jun '26 | MAT May 2026 Registration CBT |
Jul '26 | IBSAT 2026 Registration |
Dec '26 | IBSAT 2026 Exam Date |
Oct '26 | CMAT 2027 registration and app... |
Jan '27 | CMAT 2027 exam |
2 May '26 - 4 May '26 | MAH MBA CET 2026 (1st Attempt)... |
9 May '26 | MAH MBA CET 2026 (2nd Attempt) |
9 May '26 | TANCET exam date for MBA & MCA |
28 May '26 | Release of TANCET provisional ... |
Mar '25 | IRMASAT 2025 Final Result Anno... |
Feb '25 | IRMASAT Personal Interviews |
Student Forum
Answered Yesterday
Yes, students can get admission in Shri Vaishnav Institute of Management & Science MBA without CAT. That is because the institute accepts CMAT scores instead. Admissions to the programme are through CMAT + counselling basis. CAT is not required.
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
No, CAT exam is not strictly required to take admission in MBA at Babu Banarsi Das Institute of Technology. Candidates may submit scores from CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, or GMAT for MBA admissions.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, according to the GITAM School of Management MBA cutoff 2025 via the CAT entrance examination, you could get into this institute if you belong to the General AI category.
The aforementioned category had an estimated qualifying percentile of 70 in 2025. Admission for this category candidates may
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
The Global Institute of Business Studies delivers consistent training for aspiring business professionals to prepare them for interviews and the workplace via a number of organized programs and other forms of practical experience.
A CPMP (Finishing School) prepares students with the following:
- Resum
M
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 4 days ago
Yes, admissions in MBA at AIM-Assam are possible without CAT. The institute accepts other exams like CMAT/MAT/XAT and ATMA. Students can appear for entrance and fill the application form on official website. The university selects students on the basis of merit. Selected students have to appear for
B
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
Business schools with campus in Bangalore GIBS Bangalore accepts a wide range of entrance exams for its AICTE-approved PGDM programme (MBA equivalent), prioritizing accessibility for diverse candidates over elite CAT toppers alone. This flexible policy suits your MAT 522 score, enabling shortlisting
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
KMAT, and Karnataka PGCET are the accepted entrance examinations at Jyoti Nivas College. Students who wish to get admissions must clear all the entrance examinations for admissions.
L
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The Global Institute of Business Studies has set a moderate cut-off for its CAT exam, far lower than those of the premier IIMs.
Expected CAT Cutoffs
- Minimum Requirement - Approximately 60 Percentile
- Safe Range - Approximately 60 to 65 Percentiles
- Good Chance of Admission - Approximately 65 to 70 or grea
M
Beginner-Level 4
Answered a week ago
GIBS Business School situated in Bangalore acknowledges CAT, MAT, and XAT as authorized admission tests for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Approved Admission Exams
- CAT (Common Admission Test)
- MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
- XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
Additionally to these Three Tests, GI
M
Beginner-Level 4
Answered a week ago
Jaipuria Institute of Management can get admission in PGDM programme without CAT scores. CAT is one of the accepting exams for admission. However, aspirants with MAT, XAT or CMAT scores can also get admission in PGDM provided they also meet the eligibility criteria.
N
Guide-Level 15

Vipra Shrivastava is MA in English Literature from Delhi University with extensive experience in content writing of over 14 years. She has been handling content for Management, Accounting and Commerce streams for 8
Read Full Bio