Understanding the CAT exam pattern 2026 is essential for candidates preparing for admission to IIMs and other MBA institutes in the following academic year. CAT is conducted as a computer-based test (CBT).
The current pattern comprises three sections and a total duration of 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allotted to each section. The exam includes multiple types of questions, including multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and type-in-the-answer (TITA) questions, along with a specific marking scheme. Knowing the exam pattern beforehand helps candidates understand the structure of the test and plan their preparation accordingly.
CAT 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on November 29, 2026, by IIM Indore. The following overview reflects the current CAT structure; candidates should check the official CAT 2026 notification for any changes.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Exam Mode |
Computer-based test (CBT) |
|
Total Duration |
120 minutes (2 hours) |
|
Sections |
3 (VARC, DILR and QA) |
|
Total Questions |
68* |
|
Total Marks |
204* |
|
Sectional Timing |
40 minutes per section |
|
Question Types |
MCQs and TITA (Type-in-the-answer) |
|
Marking Scheme |
+3 for correct answer, -1 for wrong MCQ, no negative marking for TITA |
Candidates eligible for compensatory time under the applicable CAT 2026 rules will receive additional examination time. Check the official notification for the applicable duration and eligibility conditions.
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The CAT question paper has three sections presented in a fixed order.
The VARC section currently has 24 questions carrying 72 marks. A significant portion of the section consists of reading comprehension passages followed by questions based on them.
The remaining questions are from areas of verbal ability such as para jumbles, odd sentence out and para summary.
The DILR section currently has 22 questions carrying 66 marks. The questions can be presented through tables, charts, caselets or arrangement-based sets. Candidates generally need to understand the information provided in a set before answering the associated questions.
The difficulty level of DILR can vary, and candidates may encounter sets requiring different approaches to data interpretation and logical reasoning.
The QA section currently has 22 questions carrying 66 marks. The questions generally cover areas such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, permutation and combination, and probability.
Each section has a 40-minute time limit, making time management within each section important.
Check the CAT Answer Key and calculate your expected score.
CAT primarily includes two types of questions: MCQs and TITA questions.
In multiple-choice questions, candidates are given answer options and must select the correct one. Incorrect answers to MCQs carry negative marking under the current marking scheme.
TITA stands for Type-in-the-answer. These questions do not provide answer options. Candidates have to enter their answers in the designated answer field.
Type-in-the-answer questions can appear across the different sections, and their number and distribution may vary from year to year.
A different approach can be useful for each question type. For MCQs, candidates can evaluate the available options before selecting an answer. For TITA questions, candidates should solve carefully and review their answers before submitting them.
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The current CAT marking scheme is as follows:
+3 for a correct answer
-1 for a wrong MCQ
No negative marking for TITA questions
0 for an unattempted question
Under the current 68-question structure, the maximum score is 204 marks.
Since incorrect MCQs carry negative marking, candidates should consider accuracy while attempting questions. TITA questions do not carry negative marking under the current pattern.
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The total duration of the CAT exam is 120 minutes, divided into three sections:
Once the allocated time for a section is over, candidates move to the next section. Candidates cannot return to a completed section or carry forward unused time from one section to another.
Since unused time cannot be carried forward between sections, candidates should practise managing the 40-minute limit for each section.
Check the CAT Exam Timing, Slot-Wise Schedule and Reporting Time
|
Section |
Questions |
Marks |
Duration |
Approx. Weightage |
|
VARC |
24 |
72 |
40 minutes |
35% |
|
DILR |
22 |
66 |
40 minutes |
32% |
|
QA |
22 |
66 |
40 minutes |
33% |
|
Total |
68 |
204 |
120 minutes |
100% |
The weightage is relatively balanced, with VARC accounting for a slightly higher share of the total marks. Candidates should also remember that CAT results include both an overall percentile and sectional percentiles.
Individual IIMs may specify minimum sectional and overall percentile requirements as part of their admission criteria. A strong performance in one section may not compensate for a weak sectional performance if an IIM's admission criteria include sectional percentile requirements.
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The exam pattern should form the basis of your study plan right from day one.
Since individual IIMs may specify sectional percentile requirements, candidates should avoid neglecting their weaker sections.
Practise TITA questions regularly because you have to arrive at and enter the answer without using option-elimination techniques.
Candidates need to balance speed with accuracy. Spending too much time on individual questions can reduce the time available for other questions, while careless attempts can result in negative marking in MCQs.
Practise each section with a stopwatch and track how much time you spend on different types of questions. This can help you improve your speed and time management.
Mock tests help you familiarise yourself with the interface, fixed section order, sectional time limits and restriction on returning to a completed section.
Analyse each mock test section-wise. Identify where you are losing marks because of silly mistakes, poor question selection or time-management issues, and work on those areas.
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The CAT 2026 exam pattern comprises three sections; VARC, DILR and QA with the current structure featuring 68 questions, 204 marks and a total duration of 120 minutes. Each section has a 40-minute time limit, and candidates cannot carry unused time from one section to another.
Understanding the exam structure can help candidates plan their preparation more effectively. Start practising previous years' question papers and take full-length mock tests to understand your strengths and areas for improvement.
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