In this article, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of the CAT Exam Pattern 2026, including the official marking scheme, question formats, exam duration, and marks distribution.
Candidates planning to appear for the CAT 2026 exam must thoroughly understand the exam pattern to build an effective preparation strategy. The CAT Exam Pattern is specifically structured to evaluate a candidate's problem-solving speed and accuracy in quantitative and logical reasoning.
CAT Exam Pattern 2026
The CAT exam is designed to test a management aspirant’s communication, quantitative, and logical skills. To complete the test with maximum accuracy and efficiency, candidates must understand the exam pattern. As per the CAT Exam Pattern, the exam has three sections, namely VARC, DILR, and Quant. Each of these three sections has MCQs as well as TITA-type questions.
CAT Exam Pattern and Structure 2026
This guide covers the exam pattern in detail, featuring the latest marking scheme, key topics, and other essential guidelines. Candidates who clear the CAT Exam 2026 will become eligible for admission to top MBA colleges across India, including the prestigious IIMs.
The CAT 2026 exam will be held on 29th November 2026 in computer-based mode. The exam consists of 66 questions for a total of 198 marks. The questions will be based on MCQs and non-MCQs. The time duration for the CAT exam is 120 minutes, which is divided into 40 minutes for each section.
The CAT Exam comprises three core sections designed to comprehensively assess your aptitude:
- Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
| Sections | No. of Questions | Marks | Time Duration |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 66 | 40 minutes |
| LRDI | 20 | 60 | 40 minutes |
| VARC | 24 | 72 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 66 | 198 | 120 minutes |
Types of Questions in the CAT Exam
The CAT Exam will consist of 3 sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability. Two types of questions will be asked in all 3 sections: MCQs and Non-MCQs (TITA). The section-wise question distributions in the CAT exam and related marks are discussed below.
| CAT Section | Questions | Maximum Marks |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 22 | 66 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 60 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 24 | 72 |
| Total | 66 | 198 |
CAT Exam 2026 Marking Scheme
In the CAT Exam 2026, multiple-choice questions form a major part of the test. Candidates are awarded 3 marks for every correct answer, while 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect response under the negative marking scheme.
| VARC | 24 | 03 | -1 |
| DILR | 20 | 03 | -1 |
| QA | 22 | 03 | -1 |
CAT Exam Pattern 2026- FAQs
Q1. What are Non-MCQs in CAT exam?
Non-MCQ or TITA (Type in the Answer) questions were introduced in the CAT exam by IIM Ahmedabad in 2015. Since then, they have remained a permanent fixture of the test format, featuring prominently across all sections.
Q2. What is the time duration for CAT Exam 2026?
The total time duration allocated for the CAT Exam 2026 is strictly 120 minutes, featuring sectional time limits of 40 minutes per section.
Q3. What is the marking scheme CAT Exam 2026?
For the CAT Exam 2026, candidates will be awarded 03 marks for every correct answer, while 01 mark will be deducted for every incorrect response.
Q4. How many questions will be asked in CAT Exam 2026?
A total of 66 questions will be asked across all sections in the CAT Exam 2026.
Recommended Reads
- CAT Exam 2026: Notification, Eligibility, Online Form, & Exam Dates
- MP Patwari Notification 2026 Out For 200 Vacancies, MP Patwari Bharti Apply Online
- CAT Eligibility 2026: Age Limit, Educational Qualifications & Reservation Policy
- IBPS PO & SO Application Correction Window 2026: Official Link & Fees
- RRB Isolated Categories Answer Key 2026 Out, Download CBT Exam Response Sheet PDF
- IIM CAT 2026 Notification Released: Apply Online for Common Admission Test, Exam Dates, & Eligibility
Never miss another exam update!
Get the fastest exam results, recruitment news, and educational guides delivered directly to your phone.