CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Section-Wise Format, Duration & Marking Scheme

Overview: The CAT Exam Pattern 2026 is expected to follow the now-familiar format of recent years: a 2-hour computer-based test with 3 sections – Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Based on the CAT 2024 and CAT 2025 papers, you can expect around 68 questions in total, a strict sectional time limit of 40 minutes, and a total score of 204 marks.

Understanding the latest CAT exam pattern 2026 is crucial before you start your preparation. The number of questions in each section, the mix of MCQ and TITA (non-MCQ) questions, and the marking scheme (+3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect MCQs, and no negative marking for TITA) directly influence your attempt strategy, accuracy targets, and time management plan.

On this page, you will find a section-wise CAT exam pattern 2026 overview, question distribution, time limits, marking scheme, and how this pattern has evolved over the years so you can prepare with complete clarity.

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CAT Exam Pattern 2026 at a Glance

Particulars	Details (Expected for CAT 2026)
Mode of Exam	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Total Duration	120 minutes (2 hours)
Number of Sections	3 – VARC, DILR, QA
Sectional Time Limit	40 minutes per section
Total Questions	68 (expected, based on CAT 2024 & 2025)
Total Marks	204 marks
Type of Questions	MCQs and TITA (non-MCQ) questions
Marking Scheme	+3 for every correct answer -1 for every incorrect MCQ answer No negative marking for TITA questions 0 for unattempted questions

Note: The CAT 2026 exam pattern details given here are based on the official CAT 2024 and CAT 2025 structure. Any changes announced by the IIMs will be updated as soon as the CAT 2026 notification is released.

What is CAT Exam Pattern 2026?

The CAT 2026 exam pattern has not been officially notified yet. The details shared on this page are based on the actual CAT 2024 and CAT 2025 papers and the trends observed over the last few years. Once the official CAT 2026 notification is released by the IIMs, any changes in the CAT exam pattern 2026 will be updated here immediately.

CAT 2026 exam pattern consists of three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).

It is a computer-based test with 68 questions, split into MCQs and non-MCQs (TITA questions). The exam duration is 2 hours, with sectional time limits.

There are three major sections in the CAT 2026 question paper: 

CAT Exam Sections	Number of Questions	Weightage (Marks)
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)	24	72
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)	22	66
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	22	66

Check: CAT Cut Off for IIMs

CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Key Highlights

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a competitive exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission into their MBA programs. Below is the CAT exam pattern observed in 2025; the same exam structure is expected in 2026 also, this includes:

CAT Exam Sections	Total No. of Questions	MCQs	TITA Question	Marks	Duration
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)	24	21	2	72	40 min
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI & LR)	22	14	10	66	40 min
Quantitative Ability (QA)	22	14	8	66	40 min
Total	68	49	20	204	120 (2 hours)

The exam is highly challenging and requires a solid understanding of the CAT exam syllabus, as well as the ability to solve complex problems.

Check out | How Many Times CAT Exam is Conducted in a Year?

CAT Exam Pattern 2026 for VARC Section

The VARC section of the CAT exam focuses on assessing a candidate’s command of the English language through reading comprehension and verbal reasoning tasks.

Questions generally include comprehension-based passages as well as verbal ability topics like para jumbles, sentence correction, and identifying summaries.

The purpose of this section is to test reading speed, contextual understanding, and analytical interpretation of language. A mix of objective MCQs and subjective TITA questions are included.

CAT 2026 Exam Sections	No. of Questions	MCQs	Non-MCQs
VARC	24	18	6

CAT Exam Pattern 2026 for DILR Section

The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section of the CAT exam assesses a candidate's ability to interpret data and apply logic to solve problems.

This section typically presents data in various formats, such as tables, charts, and graphs, combined with logical reasoning questions.

The key focus is on evaluating how well candidates can analyse information, identify CAT paper patterns, and draw valid conclusions. The DILR section contains a mix of MCQs and TITA questions.

CAT 2026 Exam Sections	No of questions	MCQs	Non-MCQs
DILR	22	12	10

Learn More | How to Prepare for CAT Exam in One Year?

CAT Exam Pattern 2026 for QA Section

The Quantitative Ability (QA) section of the CAT exam tests a candidate's mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities.

This section covers a wide range of topics, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and modern mathematics.

The QA section aims to assess a candidate's understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts, their ability to apply these concepts to solve complex problems, and their speed and accuracy in calculations.

CAT 2026 Exam Sections	No of questions	MCQs	Non-MCQs
QA	22	14	8

Similar to other sections, QA includes both MCQs and TITA questions.

Read More: CAT Cut Off For IIMs

CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme

The CAT exam pattern 2026 is expected to follow the same marking scheme as the recent CAT papers. Each question carries 3 marks, and there is negative marking only for incorrect MCQ responses. TITA (non-MCQ) questions do not attract any negative marking, which makes them strategically important for maximising your overall score.

Response Type	Marks Awarded
Correct answer (MCQ)	+3 marks
Incorrect answer (MCQ)	-1 mark
Correct answer (TITA / Non-MCQ)	+3 marks
Incorrect answer (TITA / Non-MCQ)	No negative marking
Unattempted question	0 marks
Total number of questions (expected)	68
Maximum marks (expected)	204

With 68 questions carrying 3 marks each, the maximum score in the CAT exam pattern 2026 is expected to be 204 marks. Since only incorrect MCQ responses lead to a -1 penalty, you should be especially careful with guesswork while still using TITA questions smartly to improve your overall percentile.

Note* It is advised to attempt approximately 2/3rd of the questions in each section to clear the cutoff. To understand better the CAT exam marking scheme, refer to the below-mentioned table:

Practice Now: Previous Year Papers for CAT

Note* The CAT exam 2024 has 68 questions overall, 22 of which are asked in the DILR section, totalling 204 marks.

CAT 2026 Slot-Wise Exam Pattern

While the overall CAT exam pattern remains consistent across slots, there can be some minor variations:

1. Number of Questions

The total number of questions and their distribution across sections (VARC, DILR, and QA) are generally the same across all slots.

2. Difficulty Level

The difficulty level of questions may vary slightly between slots. IIMs try to maintain a similar difficulty level, but some slots might be perceived as slightly easier or more challenging by test-takers.

3. Question Variation

The actual questions within each section will differ across slots to prevent any potential issues with exam integrity. This means candidates will encounter different sets of questions for VARC, DILR, and QA in each slot.

4. Normalisation

To account for any variations in difficulty level across slots, IIMs use a normalisation process. This process adjusts candidates' scores to ensure fairness and prevent any candidate from being advantaged or disadvantaged by the specific slot they appeared in.

5. Sectional Order and Timings

The order of the sections and the time allotted for each section remain the same across all slots. Candidates will have a specific time limit for each section, and they cannot switch between sections during the exam.

Read more: Important CAT Quant Topics

Check Now: VARC Free Resources for CAT 2026

Read more: Complete Details on CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria.

CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Section-wise Question Distribution

The CAT exam pattern 2026 is expected to follow a three-section structure, with each section timed separately. You will not be allowed to switch between sections, so it is important to know how many questions appear in each area and how they are divided between MCQ and TITA (non-MCQ) formats.

Section	Section Name	No. of Questions (Expected)	MCQ Questions	TITA (Non-MCQ) Questions	Sectional Time Limit
I	Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)	24	18	6	40 minutes
II	Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)	20	14	6	40 minutes
III	Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	24	18	6	40 minutes
Total	—	68	50	18	120 minutes (2 hours)

This section-wise CAT 2026 exam pattern table shows that you are expected to attempt around 68 questions in total, with a mix of approximately 50 MCQs and 18 TITA questions. While the exact MCQ vs TITA split may vary slightly in the actual CAT 2026 paper, this distribution is in line with the trend followed in recent years.

CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Overall and Sectional Time Limit

The CAT paper pattern consists of three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. Each section is allotted 40 minutes, so candidates can only attempt it within that time frame. 

Once the time limit is over, the next section will automatically appear on the screen. Additionally, the CAT exam pattern 2026 follows the same sequence of sections: VARC > DILR> QA. 

Candidates will need to manage their time wisely, as each section requires focused attention and strategic planning to succeed. The CAT 2026 exam pattern will play a crucial role in determining the most effective approach to time management.

Note* You cannot switch over the sections instead you need to follow the sequence laid out in the exam.

Read More | CAT 2026 Maths Syllabus Section-wise

Expected CAT Exam Pattern 2026 Based on Previous Years' Trends

How many questions will be there in the CAT exam 2026? The IIMs have not released any official notification yet, but based on CAT 2024 and CAT 2025, the CAT exam pattern 2026 is expected to look like this:

• Exam Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours) with 40 minutes per section
• Number of Sections: 3 – VARC, DILR, and QA
• Total Questions: Around 68 questions in total
• Question Types: A mix of MCQ and TITA (non-MCQ) questions
• Marking Scheme (Expected):
  • +3 marks for each correct answer
  • -1 mark for each incorrect MCQ answer
  • No negative marking for TITA questions
  • 0 marks for unanswered questions

These expectations for the CAT 2026 exam pattern are drawn from the official CAT papers of recent years. Until the CAT 2026 notification is released, aspirants should prepare assuming a similar structure to CAT 2024 and CAT 2025.

Check: CAT Total marks and Questions

Important Changes in CAT Exam Pattern Over the Years

These changes in previous years explain why the current CAT 2026 exam pattern is expected to continue with around 68 questions and a 2-hour duration.

Earlier, CAT had 100 questions, then the pattern changed to 76 questions in CAT 2020, 66 questions from CAT 2021 to CAT 2023, and 68 questions in the CAT 2024 and CAT 2025 papers. Here is the CAT exam question pattern and its evolution over the years:

CAT Exam Year	Number of Questions	Exam Duration	Sections
2025	68	120 minutes	QA, DILR, VARC
2024	68	120 minutes	QA, DILR, VARC
2023	66	120 minutes	QA, DILR, VARC
2022	66	120 minutes	QA, DILR, VARC
2021	66	120 minutes	QA, DILR, VARC
2020	76	120 minutes	QA, DILR, VARC
2019	100	180 minutes	QA, DILR, VARC
2018	100	180 minutes	QA, DILR, VARC
2017	100	180 minutes	QA, DILR, VARC

Check: CAT Exam is for What Purpose?

Difference Between the CAT Exam Pattern 2026 and Other MBA Entrance Exams?

Although all the MBA entrance exams share some common features, there are still some differences between them, such as XAT, CMAT, MAT, GMAT, NMAT, and SNAP. So, let’s have a look at the differences between the CAT paper 2026 and other MBA entrance exams:

Exam Name	Time Duration	No. of Questions	Sections	Overall Score
CAT	120 minutes	68	3	204
XAT	180 minutes	95	4	95
CMAT	180 minutes	100	5	400
MAT	120 minutes	150	5	150
NMAT	120 minutes	108	3	36-360
SNAP	60 minutes	60	3	60

CAT Exam Pattern 2026 and Preparation Strategy

To make the most of the CAT exam pattern 2026, you need a preparation strategy that matches the time limits, question distribution and marking scheme.

• Familiarise Yourself with the CAT 2026 exam Pattern: Thoroughly understand the exam structure, including the number of sections, time limits, question types, and marking scheme.
• Section-wise Preparation: Based on your strengths and weaknesses, allocate dedicated time for each section (VARC, DILR, and QA).
• Focus on Fundamentals: Strengthen your basic concepts in each subject area. For QA, focus on arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. For VARC, improve your reading speed, comprehension, and vocabulary. For DILR, practice interpreting data and solving logical reasoning problems.
• Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is crucial for enhancing speed and accuracy. Solve a variety of questions from different topics.
• Mock Tests: Take mock tests to simulate the actual exam environment. This will help you become familiar with the CAT 2026 exam pattern, time constraints, and pressure. Analyse your performance in mock tests to identify areas that need improvement.
• Time Management: Develop effective time management strategies for each section. Learn to allocate time to different types of questions and avoid spending too much time on any single question.
• Analyze Previous Year Papers: Solving previous years' CAT question papers can provide valuable insights into the CAT 2026 exam pattern, difficulty level, and types of questions asked.

Practice: CAT QA Questions with Answers

Conclusion

The CAT exam pattern 2026 is expected to be broadly similar to the recent CAT papers, especially CAT 2024 and CAT 2025. You can safely assume a 2-hour computer-based test with 3 sections, around 68 questions, and a mix of MCQ and TITA questions until the IIMs officially announce any changes.

If you clearly understand the CAT exam pattern 2026, it becomes much easier to plan your preparation, set realistic attempt targets, and build a strong mock test strategy. Focus on mastering the syllabus, practising a variety of questions, and regularly analysing previous years’ CAT papers to understand the level and pattern of questions.

With the right preparation strategy, smart time management, and regular mock analysis, you can perform confidently in the CAT 2026 exam and aim for top percentiles in IIMs and other leading B-schools.

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