CAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Marking Scheme, Sections, Exam Duration, No. of Questions, Total Marks
Common Admission Test 2026 ( CAT )
CAT 2026 application submission
3 Aug '26 - 22 Sep '26
CAT 2026 exam pattern has not changed compared to the previous term. CAT 2026 exam has three sections with a 120-minute exam duration. Based on the CAT paper pattern followed in the last two years, the sections in the CAT question paper will be as follows:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
As per the past CAT paper pattern, VARC will have 24 questions (including 16 RC), whereas the remaining two sections of the CAT exam had 22 questions each. CAT 2026 will have three slots to be conducted in a single day. Scroll down to know in detail the test pattern of the CAT exam.
- CAT Pattern 2026: Key Highlights
- What Is CAT Exam Pattern 2026?
- CAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Questions & Marks Distribution
- CAT Sections and Important Topics 2026
- CAT 2026: Sectional Time Limit
- CAT Marking Scheme 2026
- How to Attempt Questions in CAT Exam?
- CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Previous Year Trends
- FAQs Related to CAT Exam Pattern 2026
CAT Pattern 2026: Key Highlights
CAT exam is designed to test a management aspirant's communication, quantitative, and logical skills. The questions in the CAT exam have varied difficulty levels. To be able to complete the test with maximum accuracy and efficiency, candidates must understand the paper pattern. Here are a few details of the CAT exam pattern 2026:
- CAT VARC has 24 questions and 72 marks
- CAT DILR has 22 questions and 66 marks
- CAT Quantitative Aptitude has 22 questions and is of 66 marks
- Every MCQ has 4 answer options to choose the right answer from
- Candidates can use an on-screen calculator for solving Math-based questions
- It is not mandatory to attempt all the questions
- Candidates should attempt only those questions which they are sure about, to avoid negative marking
Check out Shiksha's exclusive and free CAT Mock Test to understand the question paper pattern and difficulty level.
| CAT Mock Test by Shiksha | Direct Link for CAT Mock Test |
|---|---|
| Mock Test 1 | Practice CAT Mock Test |
| Mock Test 2 | Practice CAT Mock Test |
| Mock Test 3 | Practice CAT Mock Test |
What Is CAT Exam Pattern 2026?
The CAT 2026 exam pattern indicates the structure of the Common Admission Test, including the number of questions, type of questions, and section-wise weightage, along with the marking scheme and sectional overview. The CAT paper pattern has three sections with a total of 68 questions.
IIM Indore, the conducting body of CAT 2026, has not notified any change in the exam structure as of now. The CAT 2026 exam pattern is based on the structure that has been followed for the past two years.
Candidates who have appeared for the CAT exam before may have a better understanding of the paper pattern compared to new aspirants. Both repeaters and new aspirants must use the CAT exam pattern to fine-tune their exam preparation.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Questions & Marks Distribution
The number of MCQs to TITA questions is not fixed in the CAT exam pattern. Refer to this section for section-wise number of MCQ vs TITA questions, along with the difference between marking, and more.
Difference between MCQ and TITA in CAT Pattern
Know the primary differences between CAT MCQ and TITA questions:
| Feature | MCQ (Multiple Choice) | TITA (Type In The Answer) |
|---|---|---|
| Answer Format | Select 1 of 4 options (mouse click) | Type numeric answer via keyboard |
| Options Shown | Yes - 4 choices displayed | No - blank text field |
| Correct Answer | +3 marks | +3 marks |
| Wrong Answer | -1 mark (negative marking) | 0 marks (no penalty) |
| Unattempted | 0 marks | 0 marks |
| Guess Strategy | Only if 2+ options eliminated | Always attempt - no risk |
Section-wise Breakdown of MCQ vs. TITA Questions
Check the table below for the section-wise breakdown of MCQ vs. TITA questions in the CAT exam:
| Section | Total Questions | MCQ Count | TITA Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 20 - 22 | 2 - 4 |
| DILR | 22 | 11 - 15 | 7 - 11 |
| QA | 22 | 14 - 16 | 6 - 8 |
| Total | 68 | 45 - 53 | 15 - 23 |
NOTE: As per past trends, an indicative ratio of questions in the CAT exam is 48 MCQs to 20 TITA questions.
CAT Sections and Important Topics 2026
The CAT paper pattern includes three sections. All three CAT exam sections have a distinct structure, with the number of questions, types of questions, and more. Check the section-wise CAT exam pattern below.
CAT VARC Exam Pattern 2026
The CAT VARC 2026 pattern did not bring any shift in the exam structure. Important details of the CAT VARC pattern 2026 are as follows:
| Exam Parameter | Structure & Format Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 24 Questions |
| RC vs VA Split | 16 RC Questions + 8 VA Questions |
| Reading Comprehension (RC) | 4 Passages, 4 questions per passage, 600 – 700 words per passage |
| Verbal Ability (VA) | 8 Questions (Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd Sentence Out, Para Completion) |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect MCQs, 0 for incorrect TITA |
CAT DILR Exam Pattern 2026
The CAT DILR 2026 pattern did not bring any shift in the exam structure. Important details of the CAT DILR pattern 2026 are as follows:
| Exam Parameter | Structure & Format Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 22 Questions |
| Sectional Split | 14–16 DILR Questions based on Data Interpretation + 6–8 questions based on Logical Reasoning |
| Data Interpretation (DI) | Questions based on tables, charts, graphs, caselets, and other data-based sets |
| Logical Reasoning (LR) | Questions based on arrangements, games and tournaments, networks, routes, rankings, and other logical reasoning sets |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect MCQs, 0 for incorrect TITA |
CAT QA Exam Pattern 2026
The CAT Quant 2026 pattern did not bring any shift in the exam structure. Important details of the CAT Quantitative Aptitude pattern 2026 are as follows:
| Exam Parameter | Structure & Format Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 22 Questions |
| Sectional Split | Questions from Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, and Modern Mathematics |
| Arithmetic | Questions from percentages, profit and loss, ratio and proportion, averages, time, speed and distance, time and work, mixtures, and other arithmetic topics |
| Algebra & Other Topics | Questions from algebra, geometry, mensuration, number system, and modern mathematics |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect MCQs, 0 for incorrect TITA |
CAT Study Material: Free PDFs
CAT 2026: Sectional Time Limit
Aspirants have to complete every section in 40 minutes. After the stipulated 40 minutes are over, the test screen will automatically move to the next section. No changes, corrections, or submissions will be allowed after that. PwD candidates will get extra time. Check the table below for the category-wise time limit for CAT 2026.
| CAT Exam Sections |
Time Limit |
Time Limit for PwD Students |
|---|---|---|
| 40 minutes |
53.20 minutes |
|
| 40 minutes |
53.20 minutes |
|
| 40 minutes |
53.20 minutes |
|
| Total |
120 minutes |
160 minutes |
Also Read:
CAT Marking Scheme 2026
CAT has negative marking, so candidates must mark answers carefully. They should mark an answer only if they are sure of it; otherwise, they should skip it to prevent negative marking. However, in TITA questions, they can do guesswork if they nearly know the answer, as there is no negative marking for them. Candidates must try to attempt two-thirds of the total questions in every section for a decent overall score.
| CAT Sections |
Number of Questions |
Marks Per Question |
CAT Negative Marking (Only MCQ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC |
24 |
3 |
-1 |
| DILR |
22 |
3 |
-1 |
| Quantitative Aptitude |
22 |
3 |
-1 |
How to Attempt Questions in CAT Exam?
Candidates have to take the test on a computer system at a designated test centre. They have to use only the computer mouse to select an answer option. For TITA questions, they can use the keyboard. There are three options to mark the answer:
- Save and Next
- Clear Response
- Mark for Review and Next
Key Points About Marking Answers in the CAT Exam
- If a candidate chooses 'Save and Next', they can still return to change their answer anytime before the section ends.
- If they have marked an option but want to clear it, they can click on 'Clear Response'.
- In case they are not sure of the answer, they should exercise the 'Mark for Review and Next' option.
Candidates must go back to the questions marked for review before the 40 minutes for that section get over and click on 'Save and Next'. If they haven't saved their final answer, it will be reported as unanswered, and 0 marks will be awarded. (Note: If an answer is selected and marked for review, it will be evaluated automatically, even if not re-saved.)
How to Use the CAT Onscreen Calculator?
The CAT onscreen calculator helps candidates perform basic math calculations. While attempting the CAT exam, using the onscreen calculator can be time-consuming; therefore, candidates must use it for complex data interpretation numbers, long decimal arithmetic, or square roots. One must avoid using it for simple mental math since clicking every digit with a mouse takes extra time. Candidates must practice using mock test interfaces that have an onscreen calculator similar to the CAT exam to build speed and familiarity.
Candidates will find the following buttons on the CAT onscreen calculator:
- Memory Plus (M+): Adds the current number to the memory.
- Memory Minus (M-): Subtracts the current number from the memory.
- Memory Recall (MR): Shows the number saved in memory.
- Memory Clear (MC): Clears the memory.
This is how the CAT onscreen calculator looks:
CAT On Screen Calculator
CAT 2026: Answer Marking Strategy & Scoring Tips
Choosing the right question may help in achieving a better score in the CAT exam. Check a worked example for attempting fewer questions with higher accuracy, compared to attempting more questions with lower accuracy:
| Scenario A - Controlled Risk | Scenario B - High Risk | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Attempted | 45 questions | 60 questions |
| Correct Answers | 40 | 40 |
| Wrong MCQs | 3 | 18 |
| Wrong TITA | 2 (no penalty) | 2 (no penalty) |
| Correct Marks | 40 × 3 = +120 | 40 × 3 = +120 |
| MCQ Penalties | 3 × (-1) = -3 | 18 × (-1) = -18 |
| FINAL SCORE | 120 – 3 = 117 marks | 120 – 18 = 102 marks |
NOTE:
- The exam terminal automatically locks a section the moment its 40-minute timer expires, transitioning you to the next section immediately. Any unsaved answers are permanently recorded as unattempted.
- The three sections are in a fixed sequential order and cannot be skipped or rearranged.
- A strict automated 40-minute (53:20 for PwD) cutoff per section is enforced by the system.
- Set selection is the single most critical skill in DILR. Spending 12+ minutes on a deceptively complex set can derail your entire section. Scan all sets in the first 3–5 minutes and commit only to 3 high-yield sets.
- On TITA questions, ALWAYS attempt them-there is zero risk. Even a calculated guess is better than leaving a question blank. On MCQs, attempt only when you are reasonably confident, as random guessing can significantly lower your raw score.
Also Read:
CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Previous Year Trends
FAQs Related to CAT Exam Pattern 2026
CAT has 68 questions. Each question carries three marks. There is negative marking of minus one for incorrect attempts. There is no deduction of marks for unanswered questions. Total marks in 204.
CAT has three sections – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude. XAT has four sections – Verbal and Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, Decision Making and General Knowledge. While CAT is Quant heavy, XAT is more tilted towards Reasoning.
CAT syllabus includes all the important topics of subjects that are relevant for business aptitude. For CAT exam, candidates have to study, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension VARC Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. Given below are the key topics included in the CAT syllabus.
- VARC topics: Parajumbles, Paracompletion, Parasummary, Verbal Reasoning and Reading Comprehension.
- Quantitative Aptitude topics: Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra Trigonometry Modern Math, Number System and Mensuration.
- DILR topics: Puzzles, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram, Tables and Bar Graphs, etc.
CAT question papers are released within a week of the exam in the form of a PDF as a response sheet and answer key. Response sheet hosts CAT exam questions and answers.
CAT exam is conducted in computer based test mode. Candidates have to visit a designated test centre to give the exam on a computer system. They have to login their answers with the help of computer mouse.
In CAT 2025, the following changes were seen:
- The fee amount increased from INR 2,500 to INR 2,600 for General category candidates and from INR 1,250 to INR 1300 for Reserved category candidates.
- In DILR section, number of questions increased from 20 to 22.
- Total marks of CAT DILR section increased from 60 to 66.
- Total marks of CAT exam increased from 198 to 204.
- Candidates can select five cities instead of six.
IIM does not conduct official CAT mock tests for candidates, but it does release a mock guide which can be viewed as official CAT mock test. It is essentially a walk through of what the CAT test form will be for that year. It has section wise questions marking scheme, time limit, etc. just like the actual CAT exam. Candidates must use take the official CAT mock test at least once before the exam.
CAT exam conducted only once a year in the month of November. It is conducted in three shifts on a single day.
CAT lays a lot of emphasis on analytical skills so the questions are asked mostly from those topics which require deep learning and practice. The three sections of CAT question paper are designed in such a way that candidates have to use their ability of minute observation and fast calculation. Shared below are the section wise main topics from which questions are asked in CAT. Verbal Ability: Parajumbles, Parasummary, Sentence Completion and Inferences
- Reading Comprehension: Questions based on passages, Para meaning, Order of sentences
- Data Interpretation: Tables, Graphs, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram, Data Sufficiency
- Logical Reasoning: Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Sets and Caselets, Family Tree, Assumptions
- Quantitative Aptitude: Geometry, Algebra Number System Modern Math, Arithmetic, Mensuration
The difficulty level of CAT questions is usually moderate to high. Only a few questions are easy and quick to solve. To crack the CAT exam, one needs to pay attention to the abovementioned topics.
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