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

Overview: The CAT exam pattern 2026 is expected to follow the previous year exam format with 68 questions divided into VARC, DILR, and QA sections, carrying a total of 204 marks. Continue reading to know the complete details about the exam.

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What You Will Learn in This Blog:  Complete CAT exam pattern 2026 + Section-wise question distribution +Marking scheme + time limits and more!

CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Key Highlights

The CAT exam pattern 2026 has not been officially notified yet. However, based on the previous year test structure, CAT 2026 exam pattern is expected to follow the same overall format:

• A 120-minute CBT with a strict 40-minute sectional time limit and 68 questions distributed across VARC (24), DILR (22), and QA (22).
• Any changes announced by the IIMs in the CAT 2026 notification will be updated here.

Section-wise CAT Total Marks 2026

The CAT total marks refer to the maximum score a candidate can obtain in the Common Admission Test, an entrance exam for MBA programs in India. The exam is usually divided into three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. Each question carries a fixed mark, and incorrect answers may lead to negative marking

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 to prepare for CAT 2026 in 10 months?

Downlaod Now: Previous Year Papers (2025-2018) for CAT 2026 

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 TITA (type-in-the-answer) questions are included.

CAT 2026 Exam Sections	No. of Questions	MCQs (Approx.)	Non-MCQs / TITA (Approx.)
VARC	24	22	2

Note: MCQ vs TITA split may vary slightly across slots/years.

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 exam patterns, and draw valid conclusions. The DILR section contains a mix of MCQs and TITA questions.

Note: MCQ vs TITA split may vary slightly across slots/years.

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

Check Now: DILR Free Resources for CAT + OMETs

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.

Note: MCQ vs TITA split may vary slightly across slots/years.

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

Read More: CAT Cut Off For IIMs

Check Now: QA Free Resources for CAT + OMETs

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 in which they appeared.

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: Complete Details on CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria

CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Section-wise Question Distribution

Now that you know the section-wise breakup, let’s understand the overall and sectional time limits in CAT 2026.

Note: the MCQ vs TITA split can vary slightly across slots/years; use this as an approximate reference based on recent papers.

This section-wise CAT 2026 exam pattern indicates approximately 68 questions in total, with an indicative mix of 48 MCQs and 20 TITA questions (exact splits may vary slightly across slots/years).

Downlaod VARC Free Resources for CAT 2026

CAT Exam Pattern: Understanding the Marking Scheme 2026

The CAT exam marking scheme is expected to remain the same as recent years.

Each correct answer usually carries +3 marks. MCQs generally have -1 negative marking for incorrect answers, while TITA (non-MCQs) usually have no negative marking.

Question Type	Correct Answer	Wrong Answer	Unattempted
MCQ	+3	-1	0
TITA (Non-MCQ)	+3	0	0

Note: If any change is announced in the official CAT 2026 notification, it will be updated here.

CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Overall and Sectional Time Limit

The CAT 2026 exam 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.

The CAT exam pattern 2026 is expected to have a total duration of 120 minutes, with a strict 40-minute sectional time limit for each section (VARC, DILR, and QA).

• You must attempt each section within its allotted 40 minutes.
• Once a section’s time ends, the next section opens automatically.
• You cannot move back to a previous section or switch sections in between.

Section order (as followed in recent CAT papers): VARC → DILR → QA.

Read More | CAT 2026 Maths Syllabus Section-wise

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; 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 VARC, improve your reading speed, comprehension, and vocabulary.
• For DILR, practice interpreting data and solving logical reasoning problems.
• For QA, focus on arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.

✅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.

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.