CAT 2026 Exam Pattern includes mode of entrance exam, subjects, marking scheme, etc. The Common Admission Test (CAT) is national level management entrance test conducted by Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) on rotation basis.
IIM Indore will be conducting CAT Exam 2026 in Computer Based Test mode >>
The scores of CAT are accepted by 20 IIMs as well as 100 B-schools of India. The exam is organised once every year in three shifts.
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It include details about number of sections in exam, number of question and marking scheme. In this article, we are providing information about CAT Exam Pattern 2026.
CAT 2026/ 2027 Exam Pattern
It is very important to get familiar with the exam pattern before starting preparation. The CAT 2026 admit card is provided via online mode only. Candidates can check the exam pattern of CAT 2026/ 2027 from below:
- Exam Mode: CAT is the computer based test (CBT) which will be conducted in 156 cities.
- Sections: The Common Admission Test will comprise three sections, i.e. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning & Quantitative Ability.
- Type of Questions: The question paper contains both MCQ as well as non-MCQ type questions.
- No. of Question: Total 68 questions will be asked in the exam. The authority removed para jumbles completely from pattern.
- Duration of Exam: The exam duration will be 120 minutes (2 hours); 40 minutes will be given for each section.
Section wise Weightage of Question:
Here we have mentioned the section wise weightage of questions of CAT 2026 examination:
| Sections | Number of Questions |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 24 |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | 22 |
| Quantitative Ability | 22 |
| Total | 68 |
Ratio of CAT MCQs & TITA/ Non-MCQs Questions:
According to the changes in CAT pattern, out of total questions in the exam, there were 48-50 questions in MCQs part and 18-20 questions in TITA or Non-MCQs type of questions.
The ratio of MCQs: TITA is 3:1. The DILR section has highest TITA/ Non-MCQs proportion. Check below section wise breakdown of questions:
| Section | MCQs | Non-MCQs/ TITA | Total |
| DILR | 12 | 10 | 22 |
| QA | 14 | 8 | 22 |
| VARC | 20 | 4 | 24 |
CAT 2026/ 2027 Syllabus
CAT 2026/ 2027 Syllabus contains different topics from various subjects of Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, Reading Comprehension and quantitative ability. For complete & detail syllabus candidates can go through CAT 2026 Syllabus.
Also Check:
| CAT Books | CAT Preparation Tips |
CAT Exam Marking Scheme
Below we have given the marking scheme of CAT 2026 examination:
- Marking Scheme: Candidates are awarded with 3 marks for each right answer. All the question (MCQ type and Non-MCQ type questions) contain equal marks.
- Negative Marking: For every wrong answer (MCQs), one mark is deducted. However, there is no negative marking for Non-MCQ type questions.
It is important for candidates to know in detail about exam pattern. With the help of pattern, candidates get aware of no. of questions, question mode, marking scheme, time duration, language, and various other mandatory details.
CAT Preparation Tips 2026
Here we are providing some tips & tricks which will be helpful for candidates while preparing for CAT:
- Make proper time table & strictly follow it.
- Study from good study material.
- Go through complete syllabus & exam pattern.
- Make short notes & revise it on regular basis.
- Take healthy & nutritious diet.
- Take proper 8 hours sleep.
- Keep yourself fit & calm. Do exercise yoga & meditation.
- Keep atleast last one week only for revision.
For any further assistance about CAT 2026/ 2027 Exam Pattern, you may leave your queries in the comment box given below.
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