How to Tackle TITA Questions in CAT 2026? Tips & Strategies

Overview: How to tackle TITA questions in CAT exam 2026? Read on to know more about the types of TITA questions and key strategies to solve them with us!

Key Facts About TITA in CAT 2026

• Approx. 30% of questions are TITA (non-MCQs).
• Distribution roughly: VARC - 2 TITA, DILR - 10 TITA, Quant - 8 TITA.
• No negative marking in TITA questions.
• Accurate concept application and calculation speed are crucial.

Download FREE Study Material for CAT 2026 by Supergrads

Why TITA Questions Matter

• Test Real Problem-Solving: Without options, you rely entirely on your concepts, reasoning, and calculations.
• No Guesswork Penalty: Since there is no negative marking, you can attempt confidently, but guessing wastes time randomly.
• Strong Weightage in LRDI: CAT TITA questions are significant in the Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation section, where solving even a couple of sets accurately can improve your percentile.
• Boosts Analytical Skills: Answering CAT TITA questions develops step-by-step problem-solving skills functional beyond CAT.

By the end of this blog, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of tita questions in CAT and how to incorporate them into your CAT strategy.

What are TITA Questions in CAT Exam?

TITA stands for Type In The Answer questions in the CAT 2026 Exam. These are non-MCQ questions in which candidates must type the exact answer rather than choose from options.

TITA questions appear across all three sections — VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude.

An effective CAT 2026 TITA strategy involves careful reading, clear conceptual thinking, and effective time management. Since TITA questions carry no negative marking, attempting them wisely can help maximise your overall score.

Overview of CAT TITA-Type Questions

The Type In The Answer (TITA) questions in the CAT exam are non-MCQ questions in which candidates must manually enter the answer rather than selecting from the given options.  These questions appear in all three sections — VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude (QA) — and play a key role in determining overall performance. 

Over the years, the proportion of TITA questions has varied, reflecting changes in exam pattern and difficulty level. Below is a year-wise breakdown of TITA question distribution across sections from CAT 2015 to CAT 2023.

CAT Year	CAT TITA Questions in DI & LR	TITA Questions in CAT QA	TITA Questions in CAT VARC	% of CAT TITA Questions Every Year
CAT 2024	6	8	5	18%
CAT 2023	5	7	5	16%
CAT 2022	6	8	3	17%
CAT 2021	5	8	5	18%
CAT 2019	8	7	10	25%
CAT 2018	8	12	7	27%
CAT 2017	6	7	7	20%
CAT 2016	8	7	10	25%
CAT 2015	24	14	10	32%

The data indicates that the number of TITA questions has gradually reduced in recent years, with the share dropping from over 30% in 2015 to around 16–18% by 2024. 

However, the QA section consistently includes the highest number of TITA questions, emphasising the importance of strong conceptual and calculation-based preparation.

CAT TITA vs MCQ Questions

The CAT exam features two primary question types: TITA and MCQ. Both assess conceptual understanding, but their answering methods and scoring rules differ significantly.

Criteria	TITA Questions	MCQ Questions
Answer Method	You must solve the problem and type in the exact answer without any options or hints.	You choose the correct answer from four given options, sometimes using elimination or estimation.
Negative Marking	No negative marking for incorrect answers; safer to attempt.	Negative marking applies for wrong answers, so risky guesses can reduce your score.
Use of Options	No answer choices — you rely entirely on your concept and calculation.	Options can guide thinking, help confirm your solution, or allow intelligent guessing.
Risk and Reward Strategy	Offers scoring potential without penalty — worth attempting if you can make an educated guess.	Requires calculated risk-taking; guessing incorrectly leads to a mark deduction.
Time Management	It may take longer since you must compute the exact value without shortcuts.	It can be faster through elimination or estimation, but tricky options may cause overthinking.

Types of TITA Questions in CAT 2026

TITA (Type In The Answer) questions in CAT 2026 challenge you to demonstrate accuracy, conceptual clarity, and quick calculation skills.

Since no options are given, you must type the exact answer, whether it’s a numerical value or a logical outcome.

The best way to master these is by using reliable CAT study material to recognise common patterns and formulas. Here’s a breakdown of the key types you’ll encounter:

1. Arithmetic-Based TITA Questions

You can expect questions from topics like percentages, ratios, averages, time-speed-distance, work-time, and simple or compound interest. Precision is crucial — even a slight rounding error can change your final answer. Apply formulas step-by-step, double-check units, and verify totals before entering your response.

2. Algebra & Sequence TITA Questions

This category includes linear and quadratic equations, arithmetic and geometric sequences, inequalities, and functional relations.

You’ll need to identify variables correctly and substitute values carefully. Referring to formula sheets and solved examples from trusted CAT prep material helps speed up calculations and reduce mistakes.

CAT & OMETs Products by Supergrads To Boost Your Prep

Here are the exclusive CAT & OMETs products that will help you improve your preparation. Check them now!

CAT & OMETs 2026 Batches	Watch Demo Now
CAT & OMETs Test Series Batches	Attempt Now
CAT Experience Program Batch @ 99	Check Details

3. Geometry & Mensuration TITA Questions

Geometry and mensuration-based TITA questions test your understanding of areas, volumes, perimeters, coordinate geometry, and trigonometry.

Every formula application must be accurate — a single misstep can lead to an incorrect answer. Consistent formula revision and practice help build confidence and boost problem-solving speed.

4. Permutation, Combination & Probability TITA Questions

Here, you’ll tackle problems involving counting techniques, factorials, arrangements, and probability. Choosing the right formula is essential, as one wrong assumption or overlooked condition can throw off your answer. Revisiting topic-wise solved examples strengthens your conceptual clarity and enhances calculation precision.

5. Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation TITA Questions

In this section, you’ll face puzzles, arrangements, matrix sets, and data-based questions involving bar graphs, pie charts, or line charts.

Each TITA problem expects a specific numeric or logical output; there’s no scope for guesswork. By practising regularly with targeted LR-DI study material, you can recognise patterns faster and improve accuracy under time pressure.

How to Tackle TITA Questions in CAT 2026?

TITA (Type In The Answer) questions have been part of CAT since 2015. In CAT 2026, you will need to type answers directly on the screen without any options to select from.

To score well and secure your dream IIM seat, it’s important to approach TITA questions smartly under strict sectional time limits.

1. Build Clear Concepts

You must have a strong understanding of Quantitative topics, Logical Reasoning puzzles, and VARC comprehension. Start from the basics using trusted CAT books and gradually solve practice problems, moving up in difficulty.

2. Write Every Step When Practising

Unlike MCQs, you get no hints here. Writing down each step reduces careless mistakes and helps you verify your calculations.

3. Practice Under Timed Conditions

Use mock tests and timers to simulate actual exam pressure. Allocate realistic time per TITA question to build speed and accuracy.

4. Attempt Questions You Understand Well

Don’t waste time random guessing. Focus on questions where your answer is clear or where partial solving can help.

5. Pay Attention to Answer Format

Make sure to input answers with correct units, decimal places, or fractions as specified. Small formatting errors can cost marks.

CAT 2026 TITA Questions Strategy

TITA (Type In The Answer) questions in CAT 2026 are designed to test your precision, reasoning, and conceptual clarity.

Since there are no answer options, you must rely completely on your understanding and calculations. With the right approach, you can use TITA questions to your advantage and improve your overall percentile.

Here’s a simple, easy-to-follow strategy to handle TITA questions effectively:

1. Strengthen Your Core Concepts

Your first step is to build a strong conceptual foundation. TITA questions do not provide any hints through options, so a deep understanding of key topics is essential.

Whether it’s solving equations in Quant, analysing sets in DILR, or interpreting passages in VARC, your clarity of concepts will determine your accuracy.

• Begin with basic examples and gradually advance to moderate and complex ones.
• Avoid jumping into higher-level problems before you’ve mastered fundamentals.
• Refer to trusted study resources such as the best CAT books for topic-wise preparation.

A strong grasp of the basics helps you handle non-MCQ questions confidently and minimises errors.

2. Practise Step-by-Step Solving

While practising, write every step clearly. Since you cannot rely on multiple-choice options to double-check answers, a single missed calculation can change your result.

Step-by-step solving improves your focus and ensures accuracy under pressure.

Many aspirants try to solve mentally to save time, but this often leads to careless errors. A systematic approach builds consistency and accuracy, forming the foundation of an effective CAT 2026 preparation plan.

3. Simulate Exam Conditions Regularly

Practising TITA questions under timed conditions is one of the best ways to boost speed and accuracy. Solving without time limits doesn’t truly prepare you for the real exam environment.

Even if you’re preparing for CAT without coaching, you can still train strategically through self-study:

• Use a stopwatch or online timer while solving.
• Allocate time per question as per the real CAT exam.
• Aim to solve a fixed set of TITA questions daily to build consistency.

This habit not only improves time management but also enhances mental endurance for the actual exam day.

4. Attempt Only When Confident

Although TITA questions don’t have negative marking, random guessing can still cost you valuable time. Focus on questions you can solve accurately and skip the ones that seem uncertain after a reasonable effort.

A selective attempt strategy works better than trying to answer everything. On average, aiming to solve 55–60% of the total questions accurately can put you in a strong percentile range, depending on the difficulty level of your exam slot.

For detailed guidance, you can explore: How many questions should you attempt in the CAT to get a 99th percentile?

Mistakes to Avoid While Solving CAT 2026 TITA Questions

TITA (Type In The Answer) questions in the CAT Mock Test 2026 can be advantageous if solved carefully.

However, many aspirants lose marks due to minor, avoidable mistakes. Since these questions have no answer options, accuracy, clarity, and focus become even more critical.

Understanding common errors will help you attempt TITA questions in CAT confidently and improve your score in the actual exam.

Practising and analysing TITA questions in CAT during mock tests can significantly enhance your familiarity and boost accuracy under pressure.

1. Skipping Rough Work

Trying to solve TITA questions mentally often leads to minor calculation errors. Always use rough paper to note down steps, CAT Important formulas, and intermediate results. This not only ensures accuracy but also helps when revisiting questions later for verification.

Context link: You can practice this habit effectively through official mocks. Explore the CAT Mock Test 2026 to simulate exam-like conditions and strengthen your approach.

2. Spending Too Much Time on One Question

TITA questions can sometimes take longer than expected. If the solution doesn’t seem clear within a minute, bookmark it, move ahead, and return later. Getting stuck on one question can break your rhythm and reduce your total attempts.

Tip: During mock practice, set strict time limits for each question. This trains you to judge when to move on without anxiety.

3. Ignoring Units or Number Formats

When typing answers, be careful with units, decimal points, and number formats. A simple typo like “1.5” instead of “15” or writing “20” instead of “20%” can result in an incorrect answer.

Pro tip: Before submitting your response, quickly recheck units — especially in Quant and DILR questions.

4. Guessing Randomly

While TITA questions carry no negative marking, random guessing wastes valuable time. Instead, make an educated attempt using logic or elimination.

Focus your efforts on questions where you can apply reasoning or partial solving to arrive at a potential range.

Interlink: If you want to understand optimal attempt strategies, check the guide on  How many questions to attempt for 99 percentile in CAT

5. Misreading the Question

CAT questions are often framed in tricky ways — confusing “average” with “total” or “percentage” with “fraction.” Read the question carefully to understand exactly what is being asked before solving.

Best practice: While practising, underline or note key terms (like “difference,” “ratio,” or “number of ways”) to stay focused on what the problem demands.

By avoiding these simple but common errors, you can attempt TITA questions more accurately and confidently. Combine this awareness with regular timed practice from the official CAT mock tests to master both speed and precision before exam day.

Conclusion

TITA questions in CAT 2026 are unique challenges that reward precision, clear concepts, and careful time management. Unlike MCQs, they do not allow guesswork or options to select from, so you must be confident in your problem-solving skills.

By strengthening your fundamentals, practising step-by-step calculations, managing your time wisely, and focusing on accuracy, you can turn TITA questions into valuable scoring opportunities.

Regularly taking official CAT mock tests will sharpen your approach and boost your confidence in handling these non-MCQs effectively.

With consistent effort and smart strategy, you can enhance your overall CAT score and give yourself an edge in the competitive admission process.