CAT Exam Pattern 2026 - CAT 2026 is a computer-based test of 120 minutes. You will find three sections in a fixed order, the first being Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (24 questions), second is Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (22 questions) and last is Quantitative Ability (22 questions), with exactly 40 minutes allocated to each section and there is no option to switch between sections. The paper has a mix of multiple-choice and Type-in-the-Answer (TITA) questions. Every correct answer gives +3 marks, every wrong MCQ costs 1 mark, while TITA questions and unattempted questions carry no negative marking.
The CAT 2026 registration process is underway (started on 3 August 2026) and will close on 15 September 2026 at 5 pm. CAT admit cards are expected to be released from 4 November 2026, the exam date is 29 November 2026, and results are expected to be declared in the first week of January 2027.
This pattern promotes clear thinking under time pressure. The skills you learn in preparing and reading carefully, in approaching problems in an organized fashion and in staying calm will be valuable later when you work in consulting, finance, product management, marketing, operations or other management positions that graduates of top B-Schools seek out. Complete the registration form, attach the required documentation and pay the application fee online.
Hitbullseye provides a detailed CAT Exam overview in tabular form.
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Particulars
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Details
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Exam Mode
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Computer-Based Test (CBT)
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Total Questions
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68
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Total Duration
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120 minutes
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Number of Sections
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3
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Sectional Duration
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40 minutes per section
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Question Types
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MCQs and TITA (Type in the Answer)
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CAT exam slots
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- Morning: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
- Afternoon: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
- Evening: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
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CAT fees 2026
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- INR 2,700 for General category
- INR 1,350 for SC/ST/PwD
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Language
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English
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Marking Scheme
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+3 for correct answer
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Negative Marking
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–1 for incorrect MCQ; no negative for TITA
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Exam Date
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29 November 2026
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Conducting Body
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IIM Indore
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Official Website
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iimcat.ac.in
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CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
The CAT exam assesses candidates' skills in solving Math, English, and Logical Reasoning problems within a given time frame. The exam consists of three sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Aptitude
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Sections
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Total Questions
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Total Time (in minutes)
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MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) based questions
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TITA (Type In The Answer) type questions
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Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
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24
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40
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21
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3
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Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
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22
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40
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14
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6
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Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
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22
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40
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14
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8
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Total
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68
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120
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49
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17
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According to the CAT 2026 website, the number of sectional and total questions is fixed, but the number of MCQs and TITA is not disclosed and varies each year.
CAT 2026 Section-wise Exam Pattern
CAT 2026 has three sections that must be attempted in a fixed order. Candidates cannot switch between sections or go back to a previous section once the time for that section ends.
VARC Exam Pattern (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)
- Number of Questions: 24
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Marks: 72
This section tests candidates’ skills in reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, and English language. It includes four Reading Comprehension passages with questions. In Verbal Ability area, questions come from para-jumbles, para-summary, odd-sentence-out and para-completion.
DILR Exam Pattern
- Number of Questions: 22
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Marks: 66
DILR evaluates a candidate’s ability to interpret data and solve logical problems. Questions appear in sets. Common formats include tables, charts, graphs, caselets, seating arrangements, puzzles, blood relations and other logical reasoning sets. The section contains a mix of MCQs and TITA questions.
QA Exam Pattern
- Number of Questions: 22
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Marks: 66
QA tests mathematical and quantitative problem-solving skills. Topics generally cover Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System and Modern Math. The section includes both MCQs and TITA questions. An on-screen calculator is available during the exam.
CAT 2026 Number of Questions and Exam Duration
The total number of questions in CAT 2026 is 68. The overall duration is 120 minutes, strictly divided into three equal slots of 40 minutes each. PwD candidates receive compensatory time of 53 minutes and 20 seconds per section (total 160 minutes).
Candidates must manage their time carefully within each section. Leaving a section early is not possible, and unused time does not carry forward.
CAT 2026 Marking Scheme
The CAT 2026 marking scheme is explained below.
- Each Correct answer: +3 marks
- Each Incorrect MCQ: –1 mark
- Incorrect TITA or unattempted question: 0 marks
TITA questions do not carry negative marking. Candidates should attempt TITA questions even if they are not fully sure of them. MCQs should be selectively attempted to avoid negative marking.
MCQ and TITA Questions
CAT contains two types of questions:
- Multiple Choice Questions: Four options are provided. Negative marking applies for wrong answers.
- Type in the Answer: Candidates have to type the answer using the on-screen keyboard. There are no options given. Negative marking is not applicable.
The exact split between MCQs and TITA varies slightly across slots, but both types appear in all three sections.
CAT 2026 Exam Slots and Mode
CAT 2026 will be held in three sessions on the same day across approximately 170 cities. Candidates are allotted one of the three slots. The exact slot timings are mentioned on the admit card.
The exam is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode only. Candidates answer questions on a computer at the designated test centre. Candidates can do rough work on the paper provided at the centre. An on-screen calculator is available.
CAT 2026 Syllabus: Section-wise Topics
CAT does not publish a detailed official syllabus. Based on past few years’ analysis, the following topics are commonly tested:
VARC
- Reading Comprehension
- Para Jumbles
- Para Summary
- Odd Sentence Out
- Sentence Completion/Correction.
DILR
- Data Interpretation (tables, bar graphs, line charts, pie charts, caselets)
- Logical Reasoning (arrangements, puzzles, blood relations, games & tournaments, Venn diagrams, etc.).
QA
- Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, Averages)
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Number System
- Modern Mathematics (Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Set Theory).
Candidates should develop conceptual clarity along with time management. Accuracy should be maintained throughout the exam.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern Vs Other MBA Entrance Exams
The exam pattern for CAT is similar to other MBA entrance exams. But there are a few distinguishing factors. Given below is a comprehensive analysis of the differences in the exam pattern of the top MBA entrance exams in India.
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Exam Name
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Time Duration
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No. of Questions
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Sections
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Total Marks
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120 minutes
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68
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3
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204
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180 minutes
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100
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5
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400
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180 minutes
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95
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4
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95 (Note: +1 per correct answer, scaled by institutes)
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120 minutes
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150
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5
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150
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60 minutes
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60
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3
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60
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187 minutes
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70
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4
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200-800 (Scaled score)
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120 minutes
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108
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3
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36-360 (Scaled score)
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CAT 2026 Preparation Tips
The CAT Exam Pattern 2026 also adheres to the usual three-section pattern of VARC, DILR and QA, 68 questions and 120 minutes of testing time. Trying to attempt every question is not the key to success. Smart selection, high accuracy and calm decision making under sectional time pressure is more important.
- Understand the pattern thoroughly — Know the exact number of questions, time limits and marking scheme.
- Create a balanced study plan covering all three sections.
- Practise previous-year papers and analyse the type of questions asked.
- Take full-length mock tests under timed conditions that replicate the actual exam (120 minutes with sectional timers).
- Analyse every mock — Identify weak areas, time wastage, and accuracy issues.
- Improve time management within each 40-minute section.
- Focus on accuracy rather than attempting too many questions.
- Strengthen fundamentals in QA and develop reading speed and comprehension for VARC.
- Practise DILR sets regularly as this section often decides the overall percentile.
- Revise regularly and maintain consistency in preparation.
Aspirants can chalk out an effective preparation strategy, take purposeful mocks and walk into the examination hall with confidence, with a clear understanding of the pattern. Don’t rely on any other source other than the official website iimcat.ac.in and work on consistent and smart practice.
CAT 2026 Important Exam-Day Instructions
Read the instructions below carefully. These instructions are made by CAT officials, CAT Toppers and Hitbullseye.
- Reach the test centre well before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card.
- Carry a valid photo ID and the printed admit card.
- Sectional timers are strictly enforced; you cannot move to the next section early or return to a previous one.
- Rough work must be done only on the sheets provided.
- An on-screen calculator is available.
- Do not attempt to carry any electronic device or study material.
- Follow all instructions given by invigilators.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the CAT Exam Pattern 2026?
A: CAT 2026 has three sections—VARC (24 questions), DILR (22 questions), and QA (22 questions) — for a total of 68 questions to be completed in 120 minutes with 40 minutes per section.
2. Who is conducting CAT 2026?
A: IIM Indore is the conducting body for CAT 2026.
3. Is there negative marking in CAT 2026?
A: Yes. Incorrect MCQs carry a penalty of -1 mark. TITA questions have no negative marking.
4. How many TITA questions are there in CAT?
A: The exact number varies by slot, but TITA questions appear in all three sections.
5. Can I switch between sections during the exam?
A: No. You must complete each section within its 40-minute limit and cannot return to a previous section.
6. What is the duration of CAT 2026?
A: The total duration is 120 minutes (2 hours).
7. Is the CAT exam pattern the same every year?
A: The core structure of three sections with 40-minute limits has remained stable since 2020. Minor variations in the number of questions or difficulty can occur.
8. When will the CAT 2026 admit card be released?
A: Admit cards will be available for download from 4 November 2026.
9. Is there a fixed syllabus for CAT?
A: A detailed CAT syllabus is not released by the exam authorities. Base your preparation on topics commonly tested in previous years.
10. How should I prepare according to the CAT 2026 pattern?
A: Focus on sectional time management, take regular mocks under exam conditions, and prioritise accuracy over the number of attempts.
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