CAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Sectional Time Limit, Marking Scheme & Total Marks

CAT 2026 admit card download

4 Nov '26 - 29 Nov '26

Updated on Aug 11, 2026 13:04 IST

By Abhishek Dhawan, Deputy Manager - MBA & BBA Content

CAT 2026 exam pattern has not seen any change compared to the past 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 distribution of 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 exam 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.

Table of contents

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

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Commonly asked questions

Q: What is the latest CAT exam pattern?

As per the latest CAT exam pattern, there will be 68 questions. The format will be MCQ and non-MCQ. VARC will have 24 questions, DILR will have 22 questions and QA will have 22 questions. Each question will carry 3 marks and there will be negative marking of -1 for incorrect answer. Sectional time limit will be 40 minutes.

Q: What is the sectional weightage of Quantitative Aptitude in CAT?

The Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT is the third and the last section of the question paper. It has 22 questions and the total marks is 66. This section of the CAT exam is usually dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra. Most of the questions out of 22 are asked from these two topics. There are about 7-9 Algebra questions and 7-9 Arithmetic questions (the exact number varied for all three slots). Apart from these two topics, there are questions from Mensuration Modern Math and Number System in the Quantitative Aptitude section CAT. Some of the important sub topics in this section include: Arithmetic topics: Ratio and Proportion, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss Mixtures and Allegations Averages, Percentages, Mean Median Mode, Time and Work, Time Speed and Distance Algebra topics: Basics Algebraic Formulae, Number of integer solutions, Quadratic Equations, Finding out roots, Maxima and Minimal, Higher Degree Equations, Linear Equations, Problems on ages, Descartes Rule of Signs, Inequalities, Logarithm, Functions, Modifications of Graphs, The smallest Value in a Maximum Function Number System topics: Finding Out Last Two Digits, Number of Trailing Zeroes, Finding out Remainders based on, Basic Divisibility Rules, Binomial Theorem, Simplifying the Dividend (Single and/or Multiple Divisors), Basics of Numbers, Properties of Numbers, Divisibility Rules, Divisibility and Factors, the highest Common Factor and the lowest Common Multiple, Finding Out the Last Digit, Fermat's Theorem, Euler's Theorem, Pattern Recognition and Cyclicity of Remainders, Wilson's Theorem, Base Systems, Conversion of Bases, Addition/Subtraction/ Multiplication in different bases Geometry Topics: Lines and Angles, Triangles Basic Concepts, Area, Angles, Similar Triangles Polygons, Circles, Solids / Mensuration 3D Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry Modern Math topics: Sequence and Series Binomial Theorem, Set Theory, Permutation and Combination, Probability.

Q: What makes CAT tougher than other MBA entrance exams?

India's premiere b-schools accept CAT for MBA admissions. More than 2.5 lakh candidates fighting for limited seats at these institutes make the exam tough to crack.

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.

Free PDF Download CAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Structure PDF Decode the CAT exam pattern to enhance your preparation strategy. Get a detailed breakdown of sections, question distribution, time limits, and marking scheme in one easy-to-read PDF. 📄 Analyse Paper Pattern for Better Prep

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

Commonly asked questions

Q: Can I crack CAT through self-study?

Yes, you can crack CAT through self study but it will require a lot of discipline and consistency on daily basis. You will need the most recommended books, best mock test series and online practice sessions. Join YouTube channels for online tutorial. Give yourself 9 months and study for 8 hours daily.

Q: Is the CAT syllabus difficult?

Yes CAT syllabus is difficult to crack if you do not have enough time. There are three subjects in CAT- VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. Most of candidates find RC passages tough to crack. In Quants, Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry pose significant challenge during preparation. In DILR, Reasoning questions often turnout to be tricky and confusion.

Q: Is CMAT syllabus easier than CAT syllabus?

CMAT syllabus is somewhat same as CAT syllabus. It has two extra subjects, Innovation and Entrepreneurship and General Awareness. However, these two subjects are not tough and can be covered alongside Quantitative Aptitude, English and Logical Reasoning. Despite having less subjects CAT is tougher than CMAT.

Q: Can I crack CAT exam if I have not studied Maths in 12th?

Yes, you can crack CAT exam even if you haven't studied Maths in class 12. CAT Quant and DI have Mathematical questions of advance level, from the topics studied in Class 9 and 10. You will only need to brush up the basic and practice advance level questions.

View Syllabus

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
VARC	40 minutes	53.20 minutes
DILR	40 minutes	53.20 minutes
QA	40 minutes	53.20 minutes
Total	120 minutes	160 minutes

Commonly asked questions

Q: Is CAT exam tough for an average student?

CAT is a speed-based test of analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or Commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advanced-level problems.

However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.

Hope it was helpful!!!

Q: Can I crack CAT exam if I have not studied Maths in 12th?

Q: Are CAT books enough to cover exam syllabus?

CAT books by Arun Sharma, Nishit Sinha, RS Agarwal and Abhijit Guha are good and exhaustive, but you should refer to more study material like sample test papers and mock tests for a complete preparation.

Q: How can I prepare for DILR section of CAT?

CAT DILR preparation is completely based on practice papers and mock tests. You should obtain recommended CAT DILR sample papers and mock test series. Make sure to cover all types of question. Also practice DILR questions of past year with the help of CAT question papers.

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

Also Read: CAT preparation plan: Tips and Tricks

Commonly asked questions

Q: Which CAT slot has the toughest question paper?

Difficulty level in CAT exam is not specific to any of the three slots. The difficulty level across slots may vary every year. Know how the CAT scores are normalised: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/articles/understanding-cat-normalization-process-blogId-9386.

Q: What is the difference between qualifying CAT cut off and final CAT cut off?

Qualifying CAT cut off percentiles of an IIM is the minimum percentile (sectional as well as overall) required by candidates to be eligible for the Written Ability Test (What) and Personal Interview PI round. These are only eligibility score and not the score for selection. The final CAT cut off percentiles are the scores on the basis of which a candidate is actually selected for the What-PI round. The qualifying CAT cut offs are released publically before the CAT exam and result as a part of selection criteria for the MBA/PGP batch of that year. The qualifying cut offs for CAT are release category wise - General, NC/OBC. General-EWS, SC/ST, PwD. The qualifying cut offs percentiles of General category candidate is higher than then rest. The final CAT cut offs are not released publically. The cut offs are estimate on the basis of candidate's selection for What-PI. The final CAT cut offs for General category candidate is also higher than then rest.

Q: Are six months enough to prepare for CAT?

While it is advised to dedicate at least 9 months to CAT preparation, six months of dedicated study can also help you crack the exam. You will need daily, weekly and monthly plan for syllabus coverage. Practice a good number of mock tests and study for about 8 hours daily.

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:

Display

The display area shows the numbers entered and the calculations being performed.

Memory Keys

MC, MR, MS, M+ and M− are the memory functions.

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.

Editing and Function Keys

Backspace (←) deletes the last entered digit, C clears the current entry, +/− changes the sign of a number, and √ calculates the square root.

Number and Percentage Keys

This row contains the 7, 8 and 9 number keys, along with division (/) and percentage (%).

Multiplication and Reciprocal

This row contains the 4, 5 and 6 number keys, the multiplication (×) operator and 1/x for calculating the reciprocal of a value.

Number, Decimal and Addition/Subtraction Keys

This section contains the 0, 1, 2 and 3 number keys, the decimal point (.), and the minus (−) and plus (+) operators.

Equals (=)

Click the = button to calculate and display the final result.

This is how the CAT onscreen calculator looks:

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:

Commonly asked questions

Q: Is the CAT exam MCQ type?

Yes, CAT exam is MCQ type, meaning there are no subjective type questions wherein you have to write a lot. In CAT every question is to be answered in one word or option. However, all questions don't have MCQ options, some are Type In The Answer (TITA) questions.

Q: What are the maximum marks in CAT exam?

Maximum marks in CAT is 204. There are 68 questions each carrying 3 marks. VARC is of 72 marks and DILR and Quants are of 66 marks each.

Q: What is the duration of CAT exam?

CAT exam is of 120 minutes. Each section is of 40 minutes. PwD candidates get extra time of 53 minutes and 20 seconds per section.

CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Previous Year Trends

Check the CAT exam pattern changes from 2014 to 2026 below:

Year(s)	Duration	Questions	Section Breakdown
2014	170 min	100	Two Sections: QA+DI (50), VA+LR (50)
2015–2019	180 min	100	VARC (34) \| DILR (32) \| QA (34)
2020	120 min	76	VARC (26) \| DILR (24) \| QA (26)
2021–2023	120 min	66	VARC (24) \| DILR (20) \| QA (22)
2024–2025	120 min	68	VARC (24) \| DILR (22) \| QA (22)
2026 (Expected)	120 min	68	VARC (24) \| DILR (22) \| QA (22)

Key Milestone

TITA (Type In The Answer) non-MCQ questions were introduced during the 2015 overhaul and have remained a permanent fixture. The 2024 revision added 2 more DILR questions, raising the total to 68 and the maximum marks to 204.

FAQs Related to CAT Exam Pattern 2026

Check the space below for CAT exam pattern FAQs:

Q: What is the syllabus for CAT exam?

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.

Q: From where can I download CAT question papers?

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.

Q: What is the mode of CAT exam?

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.

Q: What's new in CAT exam?

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.

Q: Does IIM conduct official CAT mock tests for students?

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.

Q: What is the marking scheme of CAT?

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.

Q: How many times is CAT exam conducted?

CAT exam conducted only once a year in the month of November. It is conducted in three shifts on a single day.

Q: What are the important topics of CAT syllabus from which maximum questions are asked?

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.

Q: What is the difference between CAT and XAT syllabus?

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.