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CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Check CAT Paper Pattern, Total Marks & Marking Scheme

12 June, 2026
Ankit Arora

Key Highlights

✔️ CAT 2026 is expected to follow the CAT pattern with 68 questions across VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude, carrying a total of 204 marks.

✔️ The exam duration is 120 minutes, with a strict sectional time limit of 40 minutes for each section.

✔️ VARC contains 24 questions, while DILR and Quantitative Aptitude have 22 questions each, including both MCQ and TITA formats.

✔️ The marking scheme awards +3 marks for every correct answer and deducts -1 mark for every incorrect MCQ response.

 

CAT Exam Pattern 2026: The CAT 2026 exam will likely have three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA), with a total of 68 questions. VARC will have 24 questions worth 72 marks, while DILR and QA will have 22 questions each, worth 66 marks each. The exam includes both Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), which have negative marking (−1 for wrong answers, +3 for correct), and Non-MCQs/TITA questions, which do not have negative marking (+3 for correct). The test is computer-based, lasts 2 hours (40 minutes per section with strict timing), and is conducted in English.

CAT 2025 followed the same 68-question, three-section format as CAT 2024, with no changes to section distribution or timing. The IIMs have indicated that CAT 2026 will mostly keep this structure, with only small changes possible, like the balance between MCQs and TITA questions or the mix of question types. So, candidates should practice each section with timed sessions and watch for any official updates about minor changes before the exam.

 

CAT Exam Pattern 2026 – Latest Changes in the Exam Pattern

  1. CAT 2026 will likely keep the 68-question format first used in CAT 2024. The exam has three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. You will get 2 hours in total, with 40 minutes for each section.
  2. The biggest recent change happened in CAT 2024, when the total questions went up from 66 to 68 and the DILR section grew from 20 to 22 questions.
  3. If you are preparing for CAT 2026, expect a moderately tough paper. Focus on being accurate and managing your time well. Remember, score-to-percentile cutoffs can change, so use them as a guide, not a rule.

Read More: CAT Exam 2025: Date, Registration, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation Tips, Cutoff

What is the expected CAT Exam Pattern 2026?

The organisation that administers the CAT also notifies of the exam pattern annually. The exam pattern focuses on the evaluation of a candidate’s aptitude for resolving mathematical and reasoning problems. According to the pattern, there are three exam portions: DILR, VARC, and QA. 

  1. The CAT VARC section with 24 questions and a weightage of 72 marks. 
  2. The CAT DILR section with 22 questions and a weightage of 66 marks. 
  3. The CAT Quantitative Aptitude section with 22 questions and a weightage of 66 marks.

Read More – CAT Syllabus: Sections, Weightage, Exam Pattern, Tips to Prepare

Overview of CAT Exam Pattern 2026

CAT exam has a total of 68 questions and a total examination time of 120 minutes, with a 40-minute sectional time limit. According to the CAT exam pattern, officials can quickly assess a candidate’s logical and mathematical abilities. Candidates who intend to take future exams should become familiar with the CAT exam pattern.

Expected CAT Exam Pattern 2026 & Exam Mark Distribution 

Here is a detailed analysis of the latest CAT marks distribution based on last year’s exam pattern:

Section MCQs Non-MCQs Total No. of Questions CAT Exam Duration
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)  22  2  24  40 min
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI & LR)  12  10  22  40 min
Quantitative Ability (QA)  14  8  22  40 min
Total  48  20  68  120 (2 hours)

Read More – CAT Previous Years’ Papers – Click here to take CAT in test format

CAT Exam Pattern 2026: CAT Exam Duration

CAT sections have a fixed time limit. The following are the sectional timings and slot-by-slot information for the most recent CAT Exam Pattern:

CAT Exam Sections  CAT Sectional Time 
VARC  40 minutes 
QA  40 minutes 
DILR  40 minutes 
Total  120 minutes 

Read More – MBA from IITs – Admission, eligibility, fees, placements  |

Quantitative Aptitude – CAT Exam Pattern 2026

CAT Quantitative Aptitude consists of numerically based questions drawn from a range of math topics. In the current pattern, this section has 22 questions, and CAT 2026 is expected to continue with the same structure.

Here’s a clean table for CAT 2025 slot-wise weightage based on the section-wise pattern reported in CAT 2025 analyses. The overall paper had 68 questions: VARC 24, DILR 22, and QA 22, with section weightage of about 35%, 32%, and 32% respectively.

CAT 2025 slot-wise weightage

Section Questions Marks Approx. weightage
VARC 24 72 35%
DILR 22 66 32%
QA 22 66 32%
Total 68 204 100%

 

Arithmetic Algebra Geometry Modern Math
Percentages Linear Equations Lines and Angles Permutations and Combinations
Ratio and Proportion Quadratic Equations Triangles Probability
Averages and Mixtures Inequalities Circles Set Theory
Profit, Loss, and Discount Functions Quadrilaterals Venn Diagrams
Simple and Compound Interest Logarithms Polygons Binomial Theorem
Time, Speed, and Distance Progressions (AP, GP, HP) Mensuration (2D and 3D) Functions and Graphs
Time and Work Sequences and Series Coordinate Geometry
Pipes and Cisterns Maxima and Minima Trigonometry
Boats and Streams Polynomials Similarity of Triangles
Partnerships   Properties of Circles

 

Number System:

Numbers
Number System:

Natural Numbers, Whole Numbers, Integers

Rational and Irrational Numbers

Real Numbers
Divisibility and Remainders
Factors and Multiples
HCF and LCM
Prime Numbers and Composite Numbers
Cyclicity and Factorials
Base System
Indices and Surds

 

Read More – CAT Exam 2026: Date, Registration, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation Tips, Cut Off  | MBA vs PGDM – Which one is better?

 

Marks distribution graph of Quantitative Aptitude topics:

Below is the marks distribution graph of quantitative aptitude question distribution based on the 2025 CAT exam pattern:

  1. 11–12 questions were from arithmetic and algebra, making them the core focus areas.
  2. CAT 2025 also included a mix of MCQs and TITA questions in Quant, with TITA questions continuing to carry no negative marking.
  3. The CAT quantitative aptitude section was generally reported as moderate to difficult.

 

Read More – CAT Score vs Percentile 2025 – Section-wise analysis of CAT scores and percentiles.

 

VARC – CAT Exam Pattern 2026

This evaluates candidates on their English language skills, their ability to interpret paragraphs, and their understanding of the core ideas. CAT 2025 had 24 questions in VARC, and CAT 2026 is expected to follow the same pattern.

In CAT 2025, the VARC section included TITA (type-in-the-answer) questions with no answer options, requiring candidates to type their responses. Besides, analysts reported that the difficulty level of both the reading comprehension and verbal ability parts of VARC has been trending upward.

CAT exam pattern, check section wise CAT exam pattern

Read More – CAT Cutoff – Find out CAT cutoffs for IIMs and other top colleges.

 

Reading Comprehension:

Reading Passage Type Weightage
Descriptive Passages Less
Narrative Passages Less
Argumentative Passages Most
Analytical Passages Most
Abstract Passages Less

 

Types of RC Questions:

Main Idea
Inference-based
Specific Details Questions
Tone, Style, and Source
Application Questions
Logical Structure

 

Verbal Ability:

Verbal Ability Question Types
Para-jumbles
Para-summary
Odd-one-out
Para-completion

 

Read More – CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026

 

DILR – CAT Exam Pattern 2026

CAT DILR section evaluates the candidates’ ability to interpret data and understand logical assumptions.

The questions will vary from inequalities to symbol operations, direct sense tests, etc. Besides, this section’s questions are easily solvable, and hence, they let you score higher. 

Interpreting the data is difficult and time-consuming. However, candidates should be able to comprehend the data sets thoroughly so that they can answer the full set of questions. Meanwhile, data interpretation on the CAT should be conducted cautiously, as a single mistake may result in candidates incorrectly attempting all questions from each set. 

Data Interpretation:

Data Interpretation – Types of Graphs Key Concepts in DI Logical Reasoning
 Key Concepts in LR
Bar graphs Percentages and Ratios Seating Arrangements Deductive Reasoning
Pie charts Averages and Weighted Averages Blood Relations Inductive Reasoning
Line graphs Profit and Loss Direction Sense Critical Thinking
Venn diagrams Growth Rates Syllogisms Problem-Solving
Caselets Data Comparison Clocks and Calendars
Combination of multiple graphs Coding-Decoding
Number Series
Logical Sequences
Puzzles
Games and Tournaments

 

Key Points to Keep in Mind for the CAT Exam 2026

  • The exam is a computer-based test. 
  • The use of an onscreen calculator allows for computation during the exam. 
  • CAT is conducted in multiple slots, but each candidate takes only one 2-hour test  
  • The CAT 2025 exam carried a total of 204 marks. Note that candidates cannot switch between sections during the test, so plan your time and strategy accordingly.
  • The onscreen clock will help candidates to keep a tab on the time during the exam. 
  • For each incorrect answer in MCQs, 1 mark will be deducted.
  • The sheets of paper are provided for rough work. As soon as the exam is over, they must be submitted to the exam centre. 
  • Candidates cannot start their tests before the time is up and can only log in after the invigilator announces it.

Read More – Top MBA Colleges in India 

Evolution of CAT Exam Pattern Over the Years

CAT exam patterns have been modified several times over the years.

Below is a table that provides an overview of how it has evolved over time.
Year Number of Questions Difficulty Level CAT exam time duration Conducting Body
2024 68 Easy to moderate 2 hours IIM Calcutta
2022 66 Moderate 2 hours IIM Bangalore 
2021 66 Moderate to High 2 hours IIM Ahmedabad 
2020 76 Moderate to High 2 hours IIM Indore 
2019 100 Moderate to High 3 hours IIM Kozhikode 
2018 100 Moderate to High 3 hours IIM Calcutta 
2017 100 Moderate 3 hours IIM Lucknow 
2016 100 Moderate to difficult 3 hours IIM Bangalore
2015   100 Moderate to difficult 3 hours IIM Ahmedabad 
2014   100 Moderate to Easy 2.50 hours IIM Indore 
2013   60 Moderate to Easy 2:20 hours IIM Indore
2012 60 Moderate to Easy 2.20 hours IIM Indore
2011 60 Moderate 2.20 hours IIM Calcutta

Read More: CAT vs XAT

CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Conclusion

CAT is a computer-based test (CBT) divided into 3 sections of 68 questions: VARC, DILR, and QA. Each section will have 40 minutes. Meanwhile, the exam paper will have MCQ and TITA, and most questions will be MCQ-based. This guide on CAT paper patterns will help the CAT aspirants to get familiar with the latest patterns and prepare accordingly. 

How many sections will be there in CAT 2026?

The CAT 2026 will have three sections:
a. Section 1: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
b. Section 2: Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation
c. Section 3: Quantitative Ability

What is the marking scheme for the CAT exam?

According to the CAT exam marking scheme, the candidates will get +3 for every correct answer. Furthermore, each incorrect answer will result in a deduction of -1.

According to the CAT exam pattern, how many non-MCQs are in each section?

The IIMs have provided no information regarding the number of non-MCQ questions. However, the number may differ depending on the section and the year.

 

CAT Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Most IIMs and top institutes have sectional and overall cut-offs.

To prepare for the CAT, start by understanding the exam pattern and building strong fundamentals across Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning. Practice regularly through topic-wise questions, sectional tests, and full-length mocks to improve speed and accuracy. Analyze every mock in detail to identify gaps and fine-tune your strategy. Maintain a consistent study schedule with regular revision while balancing preparation with work or college commitments.

 Yes, CAT preparation forms the base for most MBA entrance exams including CET and CMAT.

Partially. CAT covers Quant, LR, and Verbal, but General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship need separate preparation.

MH- CET is speed-based and requires accuracy and time management, unlike CAT which is more concept-heavy.

Yes. CET requires additional focus on speed, reasoning, and verbal accuracy.

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national level management aptitude test for aspirants to make a career in management and business administration. This computer-based exam assesses the aptitude of graduates who intend to pursue management education. The exam can be taken in English and the minimum eligibility requirement is a bachelor’s degree with at least 50%. CAT is held once a year, usually on the last Sunday of November.

In the present form, CAT consists of 3 sections namely Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). In CAT 2025 the number of questions in each section were as follows:
VARC: 24 questions to be solved over 40 minutes
DILR: 22 questions to be solved over 40 minutes
QA: 22 questions to be solved over 40 minutes