CAT Exam Pattern 2026 | Section wise Pattern | Total Marks & Marking Scheme

CAT EXAM DATE

The CAT exam 2026 might be conducted on the last Sunday of November 2026. Based on the rotation policy, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) conducts the CAT exam every year.

CAT EXAM PATTERN 2026

Earlier the pattern over the years, CAT exam had 100 questions and the allotted time was 180 minutes. Later in the year 2020, the total number of questions was reduced to 76 for 120 minutes. In 2021, the total number of questions was further reduced to 66 and the same exam pattern was followed in the year 2023. In CAT 2025, there were 68 questions.

CAT 2026 EXAM: Highlights

Although the notification for CAT 2026 exam pattern is expected to be declared by the end of July 2026. Here are some key points to keep in mind regarding the exam pattern.

Exam Pattern: CAT 2026

The CAT exam is bifurcated into three sections, and 40 minutes time limit is allocated for each section. Check the latest CAT paper pattern section wise.

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

Exam Pattern: VARC

The VARC section in the CAT described below.

• Total: 24 questions.
• MCQs: 22
• Non-MCQs: 2
• The section has two main topics:
• Verbal Ability
• 8 questions about verbal ability are asked.
• It includes 3 para jumbles, 2 para completions, and 3 para summaries.
• Reading Comprehension (RC)
• 16 questions (4 passages x 4 questions)
• Type of questions: MCQs and a few TITA (Type in the Answer) questions.

Exam Pattern: CAT DILR

In CAT 2026, the DILR will be the second section of the CAT exam. The candidate can attend this section once they submit the VARC section. It may comprise:

• Total: 20
• MCQs: 12
• Non-MCQs: 10
• Questions are asked from topics: Bar Graph, Missing Data, Arrangements, and Puzzles (Games).
• This will have 4 sets that include 5 questions each.
• Each set is of a maximum of 15 marks.

Exam Pattern: CAT Quant

Third section in the CAT exam is QA. The Quant section of the CAT exam has no sub-sections. In this section, the mathematical skills of the candidate are assessed.

• Total questions asked: 22
• MCQs: 14
• Non-MCQs: 8
• Usually questions of Arithmetic, Algebra, and geometry are asked.
• Candidates can practice for this section very well as this section is crucial in terms of scoring.

Hence, in total 49 MCQs and 17 TITA questions could be asked in the CAT exam.

CAT Marking Scheme

CAT 2026: How to mark the answers?

As the CAT 2026 is a computer-based exam, the candidate should input the response into the computer. Out of the multiple options,

• Candidate needs to select one. Then,
• Save it and move to the next one.
• Candidate can delete the selected response.
• When candidates are unsure about any answer, they can mark it for review and can go to the next question.

CAT 2026: Slot-Based Division

CAT Exam is conducted in three shifts in a day. Here are the tentative timings shifts:

Morning: 8:30 am to 10:30 am

Afternoon: 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm

Evening: 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Candidates need to appear for the test according to the shift timings mentioned on the admit cards.

CAT: Points to Consider

• During the exam, an on-screen calculator is provided to the candidates.
• An on-screen clock is also provided that helps the candidate know the time.
• The proper order of the exam section is VARC, DILR, and then Quant. Please note that the candidates need to finish the test in chronological order as they cannot pace back and forth between the sections until the time gets over for the current section.
• Two types of questions are asked in the CAT exam- MCQ (Multiple Choice Question)-based and TITA (Type in the Answer).
• For MCQ Questions, 4 options are given out of which 1 should be marked by the candidate whereas for TITA, the answer must be typed.
• The TITA questions have no negative marking for the wrong answer whereas, for MCQ type, 1 mark is deducted.
• A sheet is provided to the candidates for the rough work which should be submitted upon the completion of the exam.

CAT Exam Pattern: Previous Years Exam Analysis

Launched in 2009, this computer-based test was earlier conducted in pen-paper mode. After COVID-19 there have been some variations in the CAT exam pattern and few things remain the same.

Similarities:

Questions Type: Both MCQ and TITA are asked in the CAT exam

Sections: VARC, DILR, and QA have been there for years

CAT Marking Criteria:

• +3 Marks for every correct answer
• -1 Mark for every wrong MCQ
• No Negative marking for Non-MCQs
• No Marks for un-attempted answers

Differences:

NOTE: 53 minutes and 20 seconds are allotted for each section to the PwD candidates.

Comparing the CAT Exam Pattern with Other MBA Exams

When applying for the MBA entrance exam, candidates need to understand the difference between the CAT exam pattern and other MBA exams. Below is the table to show the difference between the CAT exam pattern and other MBA entrance exams. Check the CAT exam pattern changes with others.

CAT SYLLABUS 2026

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

Coding & Decoding, Venn Diagram, Seating Arrangement, Logical Sequence, Graphs, Tables, Puzzles, Blood Relations, Data Sufficiency, Charts, Tables, Binary Logic.

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction, Fill in the blanks, Cloze Test, Sentence Completion, Word Usage, Error Spotting, Jumbled Words, etc.

Quantitative Ability

Algebra, Probability & Statistics, Mensuration, Profit & Loss, Geometry, Simple & Compound Interest, Permutation & Combination, Number System, Sequence & Series, etc.

According to CAT pattern, students have to focus on all of three subjects.

Eligibility Criteria for CAT exam

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is an entrance exam for admission into the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools in India. The eligibility criteria for CAT include having a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PWD candidates) from a recognized university. Candidates in their final year of a bachelor’s degree or awaiting results are also eligible to apply, provided they complete their degree requirements by a specified date. There is no age limit for taking the CAT exam. To appear for the CAT, this is mandatory. So, every candidates should check CAT eligibility criteria.

CAT Application & CAT Registration

When you apply for CAT exam, understanding the eligibility for CAT exam is fundamental. Preparing for CAT involves a detailed study plan and regular practice, as outlined on the official CAT website. The CAT is conducted annually, and candidates must meet the eligibility criteria to appear in CAT Exam.

Tips on CAT Preparation & How to Improve CAT Score?

1. Understand the CAT Exam Syllabus: Know the CAT exam syllabus. Knowing the topics of CAT covered helps you plan your study schedule effectively.
2. Refer Question Paper: Look for previous years’ CAT question papers to understand the question types asked in the exam. Analyzing these papers can give you insight into the exam pattern. Focus on each section of CAT.
3. Use Preparation Kit Resources: Utilize books, online courses, and study materials specifically designed for CAT preparation. Resources like mock tests and sample questions are particularly useful which are related to CAT exam.
4. Take CAT Mocks Regularly: Regularly taking CAT mock tests helps you practice under exam conditions, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and improve your time management skills. Adopt with the various difficulty of the CAT questions. Also, attempt official CAT mock test.
5. Focus on High-Quality Questions: Practice with high-quality CAT questions to get accustomed to the difficulty level of CAT.
6. Analyze Exam Patterns: Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus can help you strategize your preparation. Pay attention to the sections that are frequently tested. Also, Get the difference between CAT exam pattern 2024 and 2025 with this Blog content. The Pattern and marking scheme can aware you for all section in CAT.
7. Study Exam Analysis Reports: Read exam analysis reports from previous years to gain insights into the exam’s difficulty level of CAT exam and question trends.
8. Prepare for MBA Admission: Alongside CAT preparation, research MBA colleges and their admission processes. Knowing the exam dates and requirements for the colleges you’re interested in can keep you motivated.
9. Stay Updated on CAT 2026 Exam Dates: Keep an eye on official announcements regarding CAT 2026 exam dates and other important notifications.
10. Join Study Groups: Engage with peers preparing for the CAT exam. Group studies can provide different perspectives and help you learn more effectively.
11. Practice Consistently: Consistency is key. Allocate specific hours each day for CAT preparation and stick to your schedule. Practice according to CAT exam duration like it is actual exam.
12. Seek Guidance: If possible, get guidance from mentors or join coaching classes that specialize in CAT preparation. Also, get the information from the students of CAT 2026 exam, like what kind of questions in CAT were asked. They can guide you for updated CAT syllabus and important topics, past CAT experience.

CONCLUSION

Hopefully, the CAT exam pattern is clear and you might have understood the changes that occur each year, it is essential for candidates to carefully prepare for each topic in the syllabus leaving no stone unturned.