1. Introduction
The CAT Exam Pattern 2026 is an important aspect for candidates preparing for the Common Admission Test and seeking admission to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other leading management institutes. The CAT 2026 notification was released on July 25, 2026, and the examination is scheduled to be conducted on November 29, 2026. The registration process began on August 3, 2026, and candidates can apply until September 15, 2026.
The CAT 2026 Exam Pattern comprises three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The examination is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and has a total duration of 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allotted to each section. The current structure consists of 68 questions carrying 204 marks.
Candidates searching for CAT Exam Pattern 2026, CAT 2026 Exam Pattern, CAT 2026 Marking Scheme, CAT 2026 Total Questions, CAT 2026 Exam Duration, and CAT 2026 Section-Wise Questions can find the complete examination structure, marking scheme, sectional timing, question types and important rules in this article.
2. CAT Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
| Conducting IIM | IIM Indore |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
| Total Questions | 68 |
| Total Marks | 204 |
| Total Duration | 120 minutes |
| Number of Sections | 3 |
| Time Per Section | 40 minutes |
| Section 1 | VARC – 24 Questions |
| Section 2 | DILR – 22 Questions |
| Section 3 | QA – 22 Questions |
| Correct Answer | +3 marks |
| Wrong MCQ Answer | -1 mark |
| Wrong TITA Answer | No negative marking |
| Medium | English |
| PwD Extended Duration | 160 minutes in total |
3. CAT 2026 Section-Wise Exam Pattern
The CAT 2026 question paper consists of three sections. Candidates have to attempt the sections in a fixed sequence and cannot freely move between sections.
3.1 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The first section of the CAT 2026 question paper is Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC).
It contains 24 questions and candidates receive 40 minutes to complete this section. The section carries a maximum of 72 marks.
The VARC section generally focuses on reading comprehension and verbal ability skills.
The major areas include:
- Reading Comprehension (RC)
- Para Jumbles
- Para Summary
- Odd Sentence Out
- Sentence-based verbal reasoning
- Reading and interpretation
- Logical understanding of passages
Recent CAT patterns have featured 16 Reading Comprehension questions across four passages and 8 Verbal Ability questions, although the exact composition may vary.
Candidates should give special importance to Reading Comprehension because it forms a substantial portion of the VARC section.
3.2 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
The second section is Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR).
The section contains 22 questions, with 40 minutes available to candidates. It carries a maximum of 66 marks.
DILR generally tests a candidate’s ability to interpret information, identify relationships, analyse data and solve logical problems.
Important areas include:
- Tables
- Charts and graphs
- Caselets
- Data comparison
- Arrangements
- Seating arrangements
- Puzzles
- Games and tournaments
- Venn diagrams
- Logical conditions
- Missing data
- Data-based reasoning
DILR is generally presented in sets, with several questions connected to the same information.
Candidates should learn to identify the most manageable sets quickly because spending too much time on one difficult set can affect the overall sectional score.
3.3 Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
The third and final section is Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
The QA section consists of 22 questions and carries 66 marks. Candidates receive 40 minutes to complete this section.
The section mainly tests mathematical concepts and problem-solving ability.
Important topics include:
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Number Systems
- Mensuration
- Modern Mathematics
- Percentages
- Profit and Loss
- Ratio and Proportion
- Averages
- Time, Speed and Distance
- Time and Work
- Equations
- Functions
Arithmetic and Algebra are particularly important areas for CAT preparation, while Geometry and Number Systems should also be covered thoroughly.
4. CAT 2026 Section-Wise Question Distribution
The section-wise distribution of the CAT 2026 Exam Pattern is given below.
| Section | Questions | Maximum Marks | Time |
| VARC | 24 | 72 | 40 minutes |
| DILR | 22 | 66 | 40 minutes |
| QA | 22 | 66 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 68 | 204 | 120 minutes |
Each question carries 3 marks for a correct answer, making the maximum possible raw score 204 marks.
5. CAT 2026 Question Types
The CAT 2026 question paper includes two broad types of questions.
5.1 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
MCQs provide candidates with multiple answer choices. Candidates have to select the most appropriate answer.
For an MCQ:
- Correct answer: +3 marks
- Wrong answer: -1 mark
- Unattempted: 0 marks
Therefore, candidates should avoid making random guesses in MCQs when they have no reasonable basis for selecting an option.
5.2 Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) Questions
TITA questions, also known as Type in the Answer questions, do not provide conventional answer choices.
Candidates have to enter their answer using the examination interface.
For TITA questions:
- Correct answer: +3 marks
- Wrong answer: 0 marks
- Unattempted: 0 marks
- No negative marking
The exact number of TITA questions can vary by section and examination slot, so candidates should not rely on a fixed MCQ-to-TITA distribution.
6. CAT 2026 Marking Scheme
The CAT 2026 marking scheme is designed to reward correct responses while penalising incorrect MCQ responses.
| Response | MCQ | TITA |
| Correct Answer | +3 | +3 |
| Incorrect Answer | -1 | 0 |
| Unattempted | 0 | 0 |
6.1 Correct Answer
A candidate receives 3 marks for every correctly answered question, irrespective of whether it is an MCQ or TITA question.
6.2 Incorrect MCQ Answer
An incorrect MCQ response results in a negative marking of 1 mark.
Therefore, candidates should consider accuracy while attempting MCQs.
6.3 Incorrect TITA Answer
There is no negative marking for an incorrect TITA response.
This makes TITA questions different from MCQs in terms of attempt strategy.
7. CAT 2026 Sectional Time Limit
One of the most important features of the CAT Exam Pattern 2026 is the strict sectional time limit.
Candidates receive:
- 40 minutes for VARC
- 40 minutes for DILR
- 40 minutes for QA
The total examination duration is therefore 120 minutes.
7.1 Fixed Section Order
Candidates must follow the prescribed section order:
VARC → DILR → QA
Candidates cannot select which section they want to attempt first.
7.2 No Section Switching
Candidates cannot switch freely between sections.
Once the allotted 40 minutes for a section are over, the examination system moves the candidate to the next section.
7.3 No Backtracking
After moving to the next section, candidates cannot return to the previous section.
Therefore, time management within every section is extremely important.
8. CAT 2026 PwD Examination Timing
Candidates eligible for applicable PwD accommodations receive additional examination time.
The extended timing is approximately 53 minutes and 20 seconds per section, resulting in a total examination duration of 160 minutes.
| Category | Time Per Section | Total Time |
| Regular Candidates | 40 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Eligible PwD Candidates | 53 minutes 20 seconds | 160 minutes |
Candidates seeking accommodations should carefully follow the requirements specified in the official CAT notification and application process.
9. CAT 2026 Important Exam Dates
The important dates for the CAT 2026 examination are given below.
| Event | Date |
| CAT 2026 Notification Release | July 26, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Registration Starts | August 3, 2026, 10:00 AM |
| CAT 2026 Registration Last Date | September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Form Correction Window | September 24–27, 2026 (expected) |
| CAT 2026 Admit Card | November 4, 2026 onwards |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Answer Key | Expected in December 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Result | Expected in December 2026 |
The July 26, 2026 notification release, August 3 registration start, September 15 application deadline, and November 29 examination date have been reported following the official CAT 2026 announcement. Later answer-key and result dates should be treated as tentative until officially announced.
10. CAT 2026 Examination Sessions
The CAT 2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted in three sessions on November 29, 2026.
The reported session timings are:
| Session | Exam Timing |
| Slot 1 | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM |
| Slot 2 | 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM |
| Slot 3 | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
Candidates should check the CAT 2026 Admit Card for their exact examination centre, reporting time and session details.
11. CAT 2026 Computer-Based Test Features
The examination is conducted through a computer-based testing system.
11.1 On-Screen Calculator
A basic on-screen calculator is available during the examination.
Candidates should not carry or use a physical calculator unless specifically permitted by the examination authorities.
11.2 On-Screen Question Interface
Candidates answer questions using the computer-based examination interface. TITA questions require the answer to be entered directly into the provided response field.
11.3 Section Timer
A timer displays the remaining time for the active section.
Once the sectional timer reaches zero, the system automatically moves the candidate to the next section.
12. CAT 2026 Rough Work and Examination Centre Rules
Candidates may need to perform calculations and logical working during the examination.
The test centre provides the permitted material for rough work according to the examination instructions.
Candidates should:
- Follow the instructions given by the invigilator.
- Use only the material permitted at the test centre.
- Return examination-centre materials as instructed.
- Avoid carrying prohibited electronic devices.
- Follow identity verification and security procedures.
Candidates should read the instructions on the CAT admit card carefully before appearing for the examination.
13. CAT 2026 Syllabus and Important Topics
The CAT syllabus 2026 broadly covers three areas corresponding to the three sections of the examination.
13.1 VARC Important Topics
Important VARC areas include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Para Jumbles
- Para Summary
- Odd Sentence Out
- Verbal reasoning
- Sentence interpretation
- Vocabulary and contextual understanding
13.2 DILR Important Topics
Important DILR areas include:
- Data Interpretation
- Tables
- Graphs
- Charts
- Caselets
- Arrangements
- Puzzles
- Games and tournaments
- Logical conditions
- Venn diagrams
13.3 QA Important Topics
Important QA areas include:
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Number Systems
- Mensuration
- Percentages
- Profit and Loss
- Ratio and Proportion
- Averages
- Time and Work
- Time, Speed and Distance
- Equations
The exact topic-wise weightage is not permanently fixed, so candidates should prepare across the complete syllabus rather than depending on a predicted question distribution.
14. How to Prepare According to the CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the paper pattern is only the first step. Candidates should design their preparation around the 40-minute sectional restriction.
14.1 Prepare VARC with Regular Reading
Candidates should develop a habit of reading editorials, essays, articles and other analytical material.
Regular reading improves comprehension speed and helps candidates understand complex passages.
14.2 Practise DILR Sets
DILR preparation should focus on solving complete sets rather than only individual questions.
Candidates should practise different types of:
- Tables
- Charts
- Arrangements
- Puzzles
- Games
- Caselets
14.3 Strengthen QA Fundamentals
Candidates should first build strong conceptual understanding in Arithmetic and Algebra, followed by Geometry, Number Systems and other areas.
14.4 Take Full-Length Mock Tests
Mock tests are particularly important because CAT has strict sectional timing.
Candidates should analyse:
- Number of attempts
- Accuracy
- Time spent per question
- Questions left unanswered
- Section-wise performance
- Mistakes and weak topics
Mock-test analysis is as important as taking the mock test itself.
15. CAT 2026 Time Management Strategy
The CAT examination provides approximately 1.76 minutes per question on average, but candidates should not attempt to divide the time equally among all questions.
15.1 VARC Strategy
Candidates should avoid spending excessive time on one difficult Reading Comprehension question.
Read strategically, identify the central idea and eliminate incorrect options carefully.
15.2 DILR Strategy
Set selection is critical.
Candidates should first identify sets that appear manageable and avoid getting trapped in a highly time-consuming puzzle.
15.3 QA Strategy
Candidates should quickly identify questions based on familiar concepts.
Do not spend several minutes on a single difficult calculation when easier questions remain.
16. Important Rules Candidates Should Remember
The following points are particularly important for the CAT 2026 Exam Pattern:
- The examination has 68 questions.
- The maximum marks are 204.
- The total examination duration is 120 minutes.
- Each section receives 40 minutes.
- The section order is VARC → DILR → QA.
- Candidates cannot return to a completed section.
- Correct answers carry +3 marks.
- Wrong MCQs carry -1 mark.
- TITA questions have no negative marking for incorrect answers.
- A basic on-screen calculator is available.
- The examination is conducted in computer-based mode.
- Eligible PwD candidates receive extended examination time.
17. CAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Quick Comparison
| Feature | CAT 2026 |
| Total Questions | 68 |
| Total Marks | 204 |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Sections | 3 |
| VARC | 24 Questions |
| DILR | 22 Questions |
| QA | 22 Questions |
| Sectional Time | 40 minutes |
| Correct Answer | +3 |
| Wrong MCQ | -1 |
| Wrong TITA | 0 |
| Exam Mode | CBT |
| Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
18. Conclusion
The CAT Exam Pattern 2026 is structured around 68 questions, 204 marks and 120 minutes, divided equally into three 40-minute sections: VARC, DILR and QA. The fixed sectional timing makes time management and question selection extremely important.
Candidates should understand the difference between MCQs and TITA questions, remember the +3/-1 marking scheme, practise under the 40-minute sectional limit, and regularly take mock examinations.With the CAT 2026 exam scheduled for November 29, 2026, aspirants should use the available preparation time to strengthen fundamentals, improve accuracy, practise sectional tests and analyse full-length mock tests.
For the latest CAT 2026 notification, registration, admit card, exam date, answer key, result and other MBA entrance exam updates, candidates should regularly check the official CAT website and reliable education portals such as Manabadi.