CAT 2026 : Exam Pattern

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

CAT 2026 is a computer-based exam conducted for taking admissions into MBA and various other postgraduate programs in some of the best management schools in India, like IIM and B-schools.

CAT 2026 will probably be conducted by IIM Indore, and it is expected that the test will be conducted on Sunday, November 29, 2026.

The pattern has remained unchanged since CAT 2024, and thus, you can plan your preparation confidently without worrying about any changes.

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Key Highlights

Particulars	Details
Total Sections	3 (VARC, DILR, QA)
Total Questions	68 (expected)
Total Marks	204
Question Types	MCQs and TITA (non-MCQs)
Exam Mode	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Total Duration	2 hours (120 minutes)
Time per Section	40 minutes
Marks for Correct Answer	+3 marks
Negative Marking	–1 mark (only for MCQs)
No Negative Marking For	TITA and unattempted questions
Section Order	Fixed (VARC → DILR → QA)
Number of Slots	3 (on the same day)
Language	English

Section-Wise Breakdown

The paper has three sections, and you must attempt them in a fixed order:

VARC — Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
DILR — Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
QA — Quantitative Aptitude

Here's the expected question and mark distribution:

Section	Questions	Marks	Time Limit
VARC	24	72	40 minutes
DILR	22	66	40 minutes
QA	22	66	40 minutes
Total	68	204	120 minutes

MCQ vs TITA Split

This exam consists of a combination of both types of questions. There are around 45 questions of MCQ type while there are about 23 questions of TITA.

In MCQ, there is an option out of four provided. However, in TITA question, there are absolutely no options provided. You simply have to answer that question directly on the computer screen. This is the reason why TITA requires very clear concepts.

CAT 2026 Marking Scheme

For MCQ-type questions:

Response Type	Marking
Correct answer	+3 marks
Incorrect answer	–1 mark
Unanswered	No deduction

For TITA (non-MCQ) questions:

Response Type	Marking
Correct answer	+3 marks
Incorrect answer	No deduction
Unattempted	No deduction

This is an important thing to remember. As there is no negative marking for TITA questions, try answering all those which you are able to do. In the case of MCQs, don’t make a random guess unless you are sure that two of the answer options are not correct.

CAT 2026 Exam Duration

The total time is 120 minutes. Every section has its own time limit and comes in the same order as mentioned above. There is no provision to change sections or transfer time from one section to another.

Section	Time Limit
VARC	40 minutes
DILR	40 minutes
QA	40 minutes
Total Duration	120 minutes

When you are done with your 40 minutes allotted for a particular section, it will automatically go to the next section. This also applies to candidates with disability.

Tools Available on the Exam Screen

During the test, you'll have a few on-screen options:

Save and Next — save your answer and move to the next question.
Clear Response — remove the answer you've marked.
Mark for Review — flag a question you want to revisit within the same section.
On-screen calculator — a basic calculator you can use for simple calculations.

How the Pattern Has Changed

The largest change that took place was in CAT 2024 where the total number of questions increased from 66 to 68 and DILR questions increased from 20 to 22. The structure remained the same in CAT 2025. Since this pattern is consistent for two years now, CAT 2026 is also likely to be the same.

How to Prepare for CAT 2026

Prepare each section separately.
Practice regularly through mock tests and previous year’s question papers.
Work on improving accuracy and time management skills, rather than trying more.
Practice TITA questions which do not have answer choices.
For DILR, learn how to select the correct set as that would make all the difference to your scores.
Focus mostly on Arithmetic and Algebra in QA as they hold the maximum weightage.

Keep checking the website of the exam for updates on the syllabus/pattern change.