Quick facts

• CAT Exam is a computer-based test with a total duration of 2 hours.
• Each of the three sections has a time limit of 40 minutes.
• Candidates of CAT Exam 2026 can expect around 66 to 68 questions in total.

CAT Exam Pattern 2026 is going to be a computer-based test with a total duration of 2 hours, comprising three sections: VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning), and QA (Quantitative Ability).

Candidates can expect around 66 to 68 questions in total, divided into MCQs and TITA (non-MCQs). The exam will be computer-based and held over 120 minutes, with 40 minutes given for each section.

Each section must be attempted in a fixed order, and candidates cannot return to previous sections once time is up. The marking scheme gives +3 for correct answers and -1 for wrong MCQs, while TITA questions carry no negative marks.

The paper tests reading, logical reasoning, and math skills. The VARC section focuses on comprehension and language skills, DILR tests logic and data interpretation, and QA checks numerical ability.

CAT exam is held in three slots on a single day, and all slots follow the same format, though difficulty may vary. To ensure fairness, IIMs apply a normalization process during score calculation.

CAT is known for its sectional time limits and fair scoring, making it different from other MBA entrance exams like XAT, GMAT, and NMAT. Candidates must practice mock tests to get used to the interface, timer, and navigation.

Overall, understanding CAT 2026 exam pattern helps in planning smarter strategies and improving time management during the actual test.

What Are the Key Highlights of the CAT Exam Pattern 2026?

CAT 2026 exam follows a structure similar to recent years, even though the official exam pattern hasn't been released yet. Based on past trends, an overview of CAT exam pattern 2026 is given below:

How Are Marks Distributed in CAT 2026?

CAT 2026 exam is expected to follow the same structure as the previous year. Below is a detailed breakdown of the section-wise question types, number of questions, and time allocation:

Check: How Many Questions are Asked in CAT Exam?

What Is the CAT 2026 Exam Format?

CAT 2026 exam includes three major sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Each section generally contains between 20 and 24 questions, and the total number of questions is expected to be around 66.

CAT 2026 will be a computer-based test with a total duration of 2 hours. Candidates will get 40 minutes per section to complete the questions. Based on previous years, the exam will feature a mix of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs (also known as TITA questions). The number of each type may change every year.

To understand the structure better and get comfortable with the pattern, students are encouraged to take mock tests regularly.

What Is the CAT 2026 Marking Scheme?

Understanding CAT marking scheme 2026 is important for effective preparation, as it helps candidates manage accuracy and avoid negative marking during the exam. CAT marking schemes for MCQs and non-MCQs are given below.

CAT Marking Scheme for MCQ-Based Questions 2026

Candidates must be aware of the marking rules for multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in CAT exam to avoid unnecessary negative marking. The table below explains the marking pattern for MCQs:

CAT Marking Scheme for Non-MCQs (TITA Questions) 2026

Apart from MCQs, CAT also includes non-MCQ or TITA (Type In The Answer) questions. These do not carry negative marking. The marking details for TITA questions are as follows:

What Is the CAT 2026 Exam Duration?

CAT 2026 exam follows a strict time limit for each section. Candidates must answer questions in a fixed order, and the test will automatically move to the next section once the time is up. Here is the section-wise duration and number of questions:

What Is the CAT 2026 Syllabus?

Although IIMs do not release the official CAT syllabus, we can understand the key topics by analyzing previous years' papers. The exam checks a candidate's aptitude through sections focused on English, logical thinking, and mathematics. Here's the section-wise syllabus overview for CAT 2026:

CAT Exam Pattern 2026: How to Mark Answers?

CAT 2026 exam will be held in a computer-based format. Each candidate will sit in front of a computer where the test begins after login. To answer questions, candidates must use a mouse to select their answers. The keyboard is allowed only for typing answers in TITA (Type In The Answer) questions.

Every question will have four answer options. Candidates must choose the correct one and use the following on-screen buttons to proceed:

• Save and Next: To save the selected answer and go to the next question
• Clear Response: To remove the selected answer if they want to skip or change it
• Mark for Review and Next: To tag the question for review and move to the next one without final submission

How Has the CAT Exam Pattern Changed Over the Years?

CAT exam pattern has gone through many changes in the past 15 years. While recent years have seen a stable structure, earlier versions had different durations and number of questions. The table below presents a year-wise overview of how CAT paper pattern evolved over time:

CAT Exam Pattern & Other MBA Entrance Exams: Difference

All MBA entrance tests follow a similar structure but differ in timing, question count, and marking. CAT exam is considered student-friendly due to its balanced duration and sectional time limits. The table below compares CAT with other popular MBA entrance exams:

What Are the Important Points About the CAT 2026 Exam Pattern?

Here are some important points candidates must keep in mind while preparing for and appearing in CAT 2026 exam:

• CAT 2026 exam will be held in computer-based test (CBT) mode.
• You can use an onscreen calculator during the exam for calculations.
• An onscreen clock will be visible to help you manage your time.
• The exam will take place in three different slots on a single day, each lasting 2 hours.
• The screen will automatically move to the next section after 40 minutes; you cannot return to the previous section.
• For each incorrect answer, 1 mark will be deducted.
• TITA questions do not have negative markings.
• You will get sheets of paper for rough work, which must be returned before leaving the exam hall.
• You cannot begin the test before the scheduled time and may log in only after the invigilator's signal.
• You must stay in your assigned seat throughout the exam. Sitting elsewhere can lead to disqualification.
• If unsure of an answer, you can mark it as 'save for later', but you must return to it within the same section's time.
• Read all instructions carefully on the first page of the test screen before starting the exam.
• Take the official CAT mock test and review the test guide to understand the online format better.
• Try to finish each section 5-10 minutes early to revisit and review marked questions.
• The test will close automatically when the time is up. However, you must remain seated until the exit procedure starts.