The CAT exam pattern 2026 plays an important role in the preparation strategy of MBA aspirants. The CAT exam is a door not just for the IIMs but also for the other top business schools in India along with the structure, total number of questions, CAT marking scheme as well as the difficulty level of sections gives candidates a clear picture about the exam. The competition in CAT is increasing every year and every candidate needs a proper plan to stay updated with the notifications and CAT exam pattern so that they will plan their preparation smartly, manage their time as well as maximize their overall exam percentile.
Understanding the CAT exam pattern 2026 is the first step for the CAT aspirants aiming to secure their admission in top B-schools across the country. The CAT exam not only tests knowledge but also evaluates proper time management, accuracy as well as speed under exam pressure. So, by analyzing the section-wise breakup of marking scheme, questions as well as difficulty level then candidates can design a proper strategic plan. A clear understanding of the exam pattern ensures that CAT aspirants attempt a right mix of TITA and MCQ questions properly to maximize the CAT 2026 scores.
Are you preparing for CAT 2026? Understanding the CAT exam pattern helps aspirants figure out how to approach all the three sections of the CAT exam – Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Ability (QA). Aspirants belong to both engineering and non-engineering backgrounds, thus, their hold on the sections differ. Understanding the exam pattern for CAT 2026 is therefore crucial. You can strategize which sections need extra effort and how much of preparation hours you need to dedicate for these sections. This article explains in detail the CAT 2026 exam pattern. Once you go through it, you are not required to visit the section every time you re-strategize your preparation routine.
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About CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
CAT 2026 is an online computer-based test of 2 hours with 40 minutes allotted in each section. The total number of questions asked in the CAT is 68, out of which 24 questions are asked from Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), 22 from Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and 22 from Quantitative Ability (QA) section. The exam is organized in a single day in three slots – morning, afternoon and evening. The difficulty level of the slots differ and therefore the scores obtained by the candidates are normalized.
Aspirants must carefully go through the CAT exam pattern 2026 as it not just explains the structure of the CAT exam but also covers the balance between speed as well as accuracy in every section. The CAT exam includes both TITA and MCQ questions along with the sectional time limits where understanding the CAT 2026 exam pattern in advance help candidates in managing time effectively and prioritize questions as well.
In the CAT, two different types of questions are asked – MCQ (Multiple Choice Question) and TITA (Type in the Answer). For each correct answer, you will get 3 marks and 0 for Unattempted questions. However, if you mark and answer wrong for MCQ based questions, 1 mark will be deducted. There is no negative marking for TITA based questions. Provided below are some of important highlights regarding CAT exam pattern 2026:
CAT Exam Pattern 2026 Highlights (Expected)
This section covers the CAT exam pattern 2026 overview and cover components such as CAT exam type, exam slots, total number of sections are there in CAT exam, total questions asked in the entire paper, marking scheme for MCQ as well as TITA. The entire information is mentioned in the table below:
| Particulars | Highlights |
| CAT 2026 Exam Medium | English |
| CAT 2026 Exam Type | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| CAT 2026 Exam Days | 1 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Slots | 3 |
| CAT 2026 Total Sections | 3 |
| CAT 2026 Sections | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)Quantitative Ability (QA) |
| CAT 2026 Total Questions Asked | 68 |
| CAT 2026 Total Time Allotted | 120 minutes |
| CAT 2026 Total Marks | 204 |
| Marks for Correct Answer | +3 |
| Negative Marking for MCQ | -1 |
| Negative Marking for TITA | No Negative Marking |
CAT Exam Pattern 2026 – Section-Wise
Understanding the entire syllabus and CAT exam pattern both are very important aspects for the aspirants because before starting the CAT exam preparation, it is required to plan the timetable and pattern strategically so that aspirants will not skip any section behind and also go with the balance of accuracy as well as speed. As the common pattern for CAT exam paper 2026 will expected to say that VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) section contains 40 minutes, DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning) section as well as QA (Quantitative Aptitude) section both also will cover 40 minutes. So the total time expected to cover is 120 minutes in the CAT exam pattern 2026 as 40 minutes is equally divided across sections.
Tabulated is the CAT exam pattern 2026 section-wise. Aspirants can check the sectional timing, total questions asked in each section and total marks allotted for each section below:
CAT 2026 Section-wise Exam Pattern – Time Allotted
The table mentioned below covers the CAT 2026 section-wise time allotted.
| CAT Section | Time Allotted |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 40 minutes |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 40 minutes |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 40 minutes |
| Total | 120 minutes |
CAT 2026 Section-wise Exam Pattern – Total Questions Asked
| CAT Section | Total Questions |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 |
| Total | 68 |
CAT 2026 Section-wise Exam Pattern – Total Marks
| CAT Section | Total Marks |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 52 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 66 |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 66 |
| Total | 204 |
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CAT Exam Pattern 2026 – Previous Year Analysis
In the last decade, the total marks remained the same from 2015 to 2019. Gradually, the total number of questions decreased to 76 questions from earlier 100 questions. It further decreased by 10 questions and remained the same from 2021 to the next three consecutive years. In 2024, two questions were further added for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), totaling to 68 questions and 204 marks. The following table highlights the total marks and total questions in CAT for the previous years:
| Year | Total Marks | Total Questions |
| 2024 | 204 | 68 |
| 2023 | 198 | 66 |
| 2022 | 198 | 66 |
| 2021 | 198 | 66 |
| 2020 | 228 | 76 |
| 2019 | 300 | 100 |
| 2018 | 300 | 100 |
| 2017 | 300 | 100 |
| 2016 | 300 | 100 |
| 2015 | 300 | 100 |
CAT Marking Scheme 2026 (Expected)
In the CAT exam pattern 2026, it is important for candidates to know the expected CAT marking scheme 2026 where VARC, DILR and QA section covers 3 marks per question and negative marking of 1 for each wrong answer. The table mentioned below covers the no of questions across sections, marks per questions as well as negative marking scheme.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Negative Marking (MCQ) |
| VARC (Verbal & RC) | 24 | 3 | –1 |
| DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) | 22 | 3 | –1 |
| QA (Quantitative Ability) | 22 | 3 | –1 |
| Total / Overall | 68 | 3 (uniform) | –1 for wrong MCQ |
CAT Exam Pattern 2026: CAT Timings
| Item | Expected Timing / Duration |
| Total Exam Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Sectional Time Limit | 40 minutes per section |
| Slot Timings (Tentative) | Slot 1: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM Slot 2: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM Slot 3: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Difficulty Level & Expected Changes
The CAT exam pattern 2026 is expected to be the same as the past year patterns but the difficulty level of exam section wise may vary. So, based on previous year trends, the VARC section in CAT exam is likely to be having moderate difficulty level, whereas the DILR section continues to be the toughest one as well as tricky due to the length of data sets and puzzles. Quantitative Aptitude section in the CAT exam is a mix of algebra and arithmetic based questions which is making it moderately difficult for most of the aspirants.
| Sections | Expected Difficulty |
| VARC | Moderate |
| DILR | Difficult |
| QA | Moderate–Difficult |
Why it is Important for CAT aspirants to understand CAT exam pattern 2026?
Understanding the CAT exam pattern 2026 is important because it gives CAT aspirants a clear picture about how the exam is structured and includes the number of questions, sectional time limits as well as marking scheme. With 40 minutes fixed for each section, candidates cannot switch between the CAT exam sections that are VARC, DILR as well as QA which is making it important to plan time management in advance. A proper understanding of the CAT exam pattern ensures that the aspirants know well how to approach MCQ and TITA questions properly with avoiding the unnecessary negative marking in exam as well as improving speed and accuracy.
On the other hand, being familiar with the CAT 2026 exam pattern helps aspirants design a targeted preparation strategy properly. This allows them to identify the weaker as well as stronger sections which allocate the proper study hours as well as practice mock test papers to reflect the actual exam environment. This approach will completely boost confidence level and enhance the performance on the actual exam day as well as giving candidates a better chance of securing higher percentile and admission in top B-Schools & Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
CAT Exam Preparation 2025
The difficulty level of the past 10 years’ question paper is considered to be moderate to difficult. Also, if you are targeting the top IIMs, you need to get 99+ percentile. Given the tough competition, knowing the exam pattern is only a part of your preparation essentials. You need to know the syllabus, clear the concepts, practice questions and mocks on a regular basis. Also, you need to study in the right manner, get the right study materials and segregate appropriate timings for all the three sections as per your requirement.
If you planning to self-study, you need to make sure you are well aligned with the CAT exam – the type of questions asked in each section in the last 5-6 years, the important topics that are repeatedly asked, quality materials for clearing the concepts of getting your doubts cleared, quality mock and analysis, to name a few. Self-study allows you to at your own pace, however, enrolling in CAT courses offered by iQuanta will save you a considerable amount of time gathering resources, studying, clearing doubts, practicing mocks and many more. Also, you get experts at your hands who are ready to solve your doubts 24/7. Provided below is everything you wish to know about CAT 2026 course by iQuanta:
iQuanta’s CAT 2026 Course
Before we start with the CAT 2026 courses by iQuanta, here are a few facts that one should be aware of – iQuanta provides India’s No. 1 CAT Online Coaching with 500+ CAT 99%ilers in 2024. It is known for its dual-pedagogy learning methodologies where you get to learn the concepts and apply those concepts soon after in the live application classes. You get access to an expert mentor who can help you draft your preparation strategy based on your skills. Moreover, your doubts are solved within just 8 minutes on average – 15 seconds in live sessions and 20 minutes in private groups consisting of both preparing and already qualified CAT aspirants.
Upon enrolling in the CAT 2026 course you will get access to the following:
- CAT 2026 Syllabus Revised Twice for Better Retention
- QA Module for Non-Engineers: Simple, beginner-friendly videos that build strong fundamentals in Quant, specially designed for those who struggle with mathematics.
- VARC Module for Engineers: Discover how engineers approach the CAT VARC section with 100 comprehensive videos covering key concepts and proven strategies.
- VARC Essentials: Master frequently asked Reading Comprehension (RC) themes, essential vocabulary, and common passage types found in the CAT exam.
- LRDI Inception: Includes 50 handpicked, high-quality LRDI sets that every serious aspirant should solve to boost accuracy and speed.
- LRDI Essentials: Step-by-step guidance on LRDI fundamentals including charts, graphs, tables, and data interpretation techniques.
- CAT Marathon: Take full-length, CAT-level mock tests after each topic to evaluate your progress and simulate real exam conditions.
- Topic-wise Mocks: Strengthen your concepts with AI-powered topic-specific mock tests after every class. You’ll get –
- 35 Full Syllabus Mocks with Video Solution
- 15 Unproctored Mocks (Time-based with Peer-Performance Comparison) with Video Solution
- 45 Sectional Mocks with Video Solution
- 2 NMAT Full Mocks
- 2 XAT Full Mocks
- 2 CMAT Full Mocks
- 2 MHCET Full Mocks
- 50 Topic-wise Practice Questions: Each topic comes with 50 well-curated questions to ensure thorough practice and concept clarity.
- Latest Pattern CAT Mocks: Full-length mock tests updated to match the most recent CAT exam pattern for accurate exam simulation.
Other CAT 2026 Online Courses Offered by iQuanta
| Course Name |
| CAT 2026 Full Course |
| CAT 2026 Full Course + Hard Copy |
| CAT 2026 Full Course Pro |
| CAT 2026 + IIM ABC Batch |
| Maha MBA 2026 Course |
| IIM ABC Practice Batch 2026 |
Conclusion: CAT Exam Pattern 2026
To crack one of the toughest management entrance exams in India, understanding the CAT exam pattern 2026 is the first step of management aspirants along with the structure which is expected to be the same as the past year patterns of CAT exam. Aspirants need to prepare with a proper preparation plan to get better percentile in all the three sections of CAT exam and those are VARC, LRDI as well as Quantitative Aptitude and there are some sectional time limits of every section in the CAT exam. By staying updated with the CAT exam pattern 2026, candidates can not only plan their studies properly but also boost their confidence to secure the admission in top B-schools in India.
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iQuanta CAT Course 2026
CAT Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
CAT exam pattern 2026 will be a 2-hour computer-based test, divided into three sections: VARC (24 questions), DILR (22 questions), and QA (22 questions). Each section has a time limit of 40 minutes. The exam includes both MCQs and TITA-type questions. Candidates receive +3 for correct answers and -1 for wrong MCQs, while TITA questions have no negative marking.
Yes, CAT 2026 is expected to have 68 questions in total, slightly higher than CAT 2023 and 2022 which had 66 questions each. There is an increase in the VARC section, which now has 24 questions. The marking scheme remains the same with a total of 204 marks.
Knowing the CAT 2026 exam pattern helps aspirants plan their preparation effectively. It allows you to allocate time wisely across VARC, DILR, and QA sections, understand question types, manage speed and accuracy, and take CAT mocks aligned with the latest format. This ensures better confidence and performance on the actual exam day.
