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Is CAT Exam Online or Offline? CAT Exam Mode Explained (2026)
March 19, 2026
Overview: Is CAT exam online or offline? The Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted in online mode as a computer-based test (CBT) at designated exam centres across India.
Key Takeaways
- The CAT exam is conducted in online mode (Computer-Based Test).
- Candidates must appear at a designated test centre, not from home.
- The exam is conducted once a year by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
- CAT is typically held in three shifts on the last Sunday of November.
- The CAT exam duration is 120 minutes and consists of three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA.
- Questions include MCQs and non-MCQ (TITA) questions.
What You Will Get in This Blog: You will learn whether the CAT exam is online or offline, and how the exam is conducted + CAT exam mode + exam pattern + test centre process, and important details about the computer-based test format.
Is the CAT Exam Online or Offline?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted in online mode as a Computer-Based Test (CBT). This means candidates take the exam on a computer at designated test centres rather than on paper.
Unlike traditional offline exams, where answers are marked on paper, CAT questions appear on a computer screen, and responses are submitted digitally through the exam interface.
However, it is important to understand that “online” does not mean you can take the exam from home. Candidates must still visit the allotted CAT exam centre to appear for the test.
What Does Computer-Based Test (CBT) Mean in CAT?
A computer-based test means the entire exam is conducted through a computer interface at the test centre.
In CAT:
- Questions appear on the screen
- Candidates select answers using a mouse
- Rough sheets are provided for calculations
- A built-in on-screen calculator is available
- Answers are submitted digitally
This format ensures standardisation, faster evaluation, and improved exam security.
Is the CAT Exam Conducted From Home or at test centres?
No. The CAT exam cannot be taken from home.
Even though the exam is conducted online, candidates must:
- Visit the assigned exam centre
- Carry the CAT admit card and a valid ID proof
- Take the test on a computer provided by the exam authorities
More than 150–170 cities across India host CAT exam centres to accommodate lakhs of candidates every year.
CAT Exam Day Process at the Test Centre
On CAT exam day, candidates typically go through the following steps:
- Entry verification at the exam centre
- Biometric verification and document check
- Seat allocation and system login
- Instructions displayed on the screen
- The exam begins according to the scheduled slot
The CAT exam is generally conducted in three slots: morning, afternoon, and evening.
Key Instructions for the CAT Computer-Based Test
Here are the important instructions you must follow during the CAT Computer-Based Test:
1. Follow Sectional Time Limits
The CAT exam is divided into three sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Each section has a fixed time limit of 40 minutes, and you cannot switch between sections until the allotted time ends.
2. Follow the Question Types
The CAT exam includes two types of questions:
- MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) – Negative marking applies.
- TITA (Type In The Answer) – No negative marking.
3. Use the On-Screen Calculator
The CAT exam provides a basic on-screen calculator. Candidates are not allowed to bring personal calculators into the exam hall.
4. Use the “Mark for Review” Option
You can use the “Mark for Review” feature to flag questions you want to revisit later within the same section.
There are three possible statuses for questions:
- Not Visited
- Answered
- Marked for Review
This helps you manage time and track unanswered questions.
5. Navigation Between Questions
You can navigate between questions in the same section using the question palette displayed on the screen. However, you cannot move to another section before the timer ends.
6. Keep an Eye on the Timer
A countdown timer is displayed on the screen for each section. Once the time ends, the system will automatically move you to the next section.
7. Do Not Leave the System
Candidates cannot leave their seats or access other applications during the exam. The test is conducted in a controlled environment, and any suspicious activity may lead to disqualification.
8. Submit the Test Carefully
Once all sections are completed, you will see the final submission option. After submission, the responses cannot be changed.
Conclusion
The CAT exam is conducted online in computer-based mode but at designated exam centres. Candidates cannot take the test from home and must appear physically at the allotted centre.
Understanding the CAT exam mode, computer interface, and exam pattern beforehand can help aspirants feel more confident on exam day.
Practising with computer-based mock tests is the best way to become familiar with the format and maximise your performance in the CAT exam.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is CAT exam online or offline?
Can we give CAT exam from home?
Are calculators allowed in the CAT exam?
Who will conduct the CAT exam in 2026?
Is CAT exam conducted in multiple shifts?
Lalita Vishwakarma
Content Writer
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