Check the latest CAT Exam Pattern 2026 including section-wise question distribution, marking scheme, sectional timing, exam duration, question types, and important preparation tips.
CAT Exam Pattern 2026
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is one of India’s most competitive MBA entrance examinations conducted for admission to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other leading management institutes across the country. Candidates preparing for the examination should first understand the latest CAT Exam Pattern 2026, as it helps in planning an effective preparation strategy and improving time management during the exam.
According to the latest exam pattern, the CAT examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and consists of 66 questions carrying a total of 198 marks. The paper is divided into three sections, and candidates are allotted 40 minutes for each section, making the total exam duration 120 minutes.
CAT Exam Pattern 2026 Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Date | 29 November 2026 |
| Total Questions | 66 |
| Maximum Marks | 198 |
| Exam Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Sections | 3 |
| Question Types | MCQs & TITA (Non-MCQ) |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for Correct Answer |
| Negative Marking | -1 for Incorrect MCQ |
| Official Website | https://iimcat.ac.in |
CAT Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
The CAT examination is divided into three sections.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 72 | 40 Minutes |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 60 | 40 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 66 | 40 Minutes |
| Total | 66 | 198 | 120 Minutes |
Candidates must complete each section within the allotted 40-minute time limit before moving to the next section.
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CAT Question Types 2026
The CAT examination contains two different types of questions.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Four answer options are provided.
- Candidates need to select the correct option.
- Negative marking is applicable.
TITA (Type In The Answer) Questions
- Candidates have to type the correct answer.
- No answer options are provided.
- There is no negative marking for TITA questions.
Both MCQ and TITA questions are asked across all three sections.
Section-wise Question Distribution
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 72 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 60 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 66 |
| Total | 66 | 198 |
CAT Marking Scheme 2026
Candidates should understand the marking scheme before attempting the examination.
| Response | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +3 Marks |
| Incorrect MCQ | -1 Mark |
| Incorrect TITA | No Negative Marking |
| Unattempted Question | 0 Marks |
Candidates are advised to avoid random guessing in MCQ questions due to the negative marking.
CAT Section-wise Important Topics
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Important topics include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Para Jumbles
- Para Completion
- Summary Based Questions
- Odd Sentence Out
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Sentence Correction
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Major topics include:
- Data Interpretation
- Tables
- Pie Charts
- Bar Graphs
- Line Graphs
- Caselets
- Seating Arrangement
- Blood Relations
- Puzzles
- Logical Reasoning
- Arrangement Problems
- Games & Tournaments
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Important topics include:
- Number System
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Coordinate Geometry
- Modern Mathematics
- Permutation & Combination
- Probability
- Time & Work
- Profit & Loss
- Percentage
- Ratio & Proportion
- Speed, Time & Distance
CAT Exam Duration and Sectional Timing
The examination follows a fixed sectional timing.
| Section | Duration |
|---|---|
| VARC | 40 Minutes |
| DILR | 40 Minutes |
| QA | 40 Minutes |
| Total Duration | 120 Minutes |
Candidates cannot switch between sections before the allotted time ends.
CAT Exam Pattern: Key Points
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test
- Total Questions: 66
- Maximum Marks: 198
- Total Duration: 120 Minutes
- Three Sections
- MCQ and TITA Questions
- Sectional Time Limit of 40 Minutes
- Negative Marking only for MCQs
- No Negative Marking for TITA Questions
Preparation Tips for CAT 2026
Candidates preparing for CAT should:
- Understand the latest exam pattern thoroughly.
- Focus equally on all three sections.
- Solve previous year CAT question papers.
- Attempt full-length mock tests regularly.
- Improve calculation speed and accuracy.
- Practice Reading Comprehension daily.
- Strengthen Logical Reasoning through regular puzzle solving.
- Revise basic mathematical concepts before advanced topics.
Best Books for CAT Preparation
Some popular books include:
- Arun Sharma – Quantitative Aptitude
- Arun Sharma – Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation
- Norman Lewis – Word Power Made Easy
- Nishit K. Sinha – Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
- Previous Year CAT Papers
- Mock Test Series
CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Summary
The CAT Exam Pattern 2026 consists of 66 questions carrying 198 marks and is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The examination is divided into VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude, with 40 minutes allotted to each section. Candidates receive 3 marks for every correct answer, while 1 mark is deducted only for incorrect MCQ answers. Understanding the paper pattern, sectional timing, and marking scheme is essential for scoring well in the CAT examination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the total number of questions in CAT 2026?
The CAT 2026 examination will consist of 66 questions.
What is the total duration of the CAT Exam 2026?
The examination duration is 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allotted to each section.
What are TITA questions in CAT?
TITA (Type In The Answer) questions are Non-MCQ questions in which candidates have to type the answer instead of selecting an option.
Is there negative marking in CAT 2026?
Yes. 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect MCQ, while TITA questions do not carry negative marking.
How many sections are there in the CAT examination?
There are three sections: VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude.
What is the marking scheme for CAT 2026?
Candidates receive +3 marks for every correct answer and -1 mark for every incorrect MCQ answer.
In which mode will the CAT Exam 2026 be conducted?
The CAT examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
Which colleges accept CAT scores?
CAT scores are accepted by all Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and more than 1,200 management institutes across India.