CAT 2026 Exam Pattern: CAT stands for the Common Admission Test and one of the toughest competitive management examinations where approx. 3 lakh candidates appear every year to pursue their dream to enter in top IIMs or B-Schools in the country. Now, the CAT 2026 exam is the next phase for the aspirants to start early preparation. No doubt, the Common Admission Test completely works on a defined strategy that starts with understanding the CAT exam pattern 2026. The exam pattern for CAT exam comprises several components – “How many sections will there be in CAT 2026?”, “What is the sectional time limit?”, “What is the aligned order to solve sections according to the CAT exam pattern?”, “What will be the CAT 2026 marking scheme?” and more which will be discussed in a detailed manner. The competitive level of the CAT exam is increasing every year and candidates need a structured approach and well maintained time-table to target CAT 2026.
Are you an MBA aspirant or preparing for the CAT 2026 exam? Understanding the CAT exam pattern is really helpful for the candidates to figuring out how to approach all the three sections in the CAT exam – VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) and QA (Quantitative Ability). The CAT aspirants who either belong to the engineering and non-engineering background should comprehensively cover the CAT exam pattern to start with the defined strategy. Knowing the detailed syllabus and exam pattern for CAT both is crucial. You can strategize which section needs an extra effort and how much preparation hours you need to dedicate. In this blog. we will be covering detailed overview about the exam pattern for CAT, eligibility criteria, sectional time limit, marking scheme, number of questions asked, and more related to CAT exam pattern 2026.
CAT Exam Pattern 2026 (Overview)
CAT 2026 exam pattern covers an online computer-based test of 2 hours with 40 minutes allotted to each section in the exam. Now, the very first important component that a candidate needs to cover related to the CAT exam pattern is the total number of questions asked in the exam. This severity covers the beginning of preparation while focusing across each section. As per the latest CAT exam analysis, the number of questions asked is 68 questions. Out of 68 questions, 24 questions are directly asked from the VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), 22 questions from the rest both sections, DILR & QA. The CAT exam is well organized in a single day across different slots – morning, afternoon and evening. The difficulty level of the slot differs and therefore the scores obtained by the candidates are well normalized by the exam authority.
CAT exam pattern 2026 is expected to cover two different patterns of questions asked – MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) and TITA (Type in The Answer). For each correct answer, the aspirant will get 3 marks and 0 for unattempted questions. However, if you mark wrong for MCQ based questions, 1 mark will be deducted. Respectively, there is no negative marking for TITA based questions. CAT aspirants must carefully go through the CAT exam pattern as it not just explains the structure of the CAT exam paper but also covers the balance between the speed as well as accuracy across sections.
| CAT Exam Pattern (Key Aspects) | Description |
| Medium of Exam (CAT 2026) | English |
| CAT 2026 Exam Type | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| CAT 2026 Exam Day | 1 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Slots | 3 (Morning, Afternoon and Evening) |
| CAT 2026 Total Sections | 3 (VARC, DILR & QA) |
| Number of Sections in CAT 2026 | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Quantitative Ability (QA) |
| Number of Questions Asked in CAT 2026 | 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 2026 Eligibility Criteria
There is a common question that most of the CAT aspirants asked apart from CAT exam pattern is “What will be the eligibility criteria for CAT 2026?”. The eligibility criteria covers the candidates should cover a minimum 3 years of bachelor’s degree in any respective fields where minimum marks for General/ EWS/OBC is 50% or equivalent whereas the minimum marks for SC/ST/PwD is 45% or equivalent CGPA. Apart from these basic aspects, the work experience is not mandatory but will be benefitted if covered along with no limits on CAT attempts. The table mentioned below covers the detailed information.
| CAT Eligibility Criteria | Description |
| CAT 2026 Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (on a rotational basis) |
| Academic Qualification Required | Candidates should cover a minimum 3 years of bachelor’s degree in any respective field. |
| Minimum Marks (For General/EWS/OBC) | 50% or equivalent CGPA |
| Minimum Marks (For SC/ST/PwD) | 45% or equivalent CGPA |
| Final Year Students | Eligible for provisional admission |
| Work Experience | Not mandatory |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
| No. of CAT Attempts Allowed | No limits on CAT attempts |
Also Check – CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
CAT Exam Pattern 2026 – Sectional Time Limit
Understanding the sectional time limit while covering the CAT exam pattern plays an important role because it directly affects the defined strategy for the CAT 2026 preparation. Along with solving a good number of questions, completing the entire section within a specified time limit helps you to maximize overall scores. This fact is comprehensively covering the balance between speed and accuracy while attempting maximum questions among a total 68 questions. This will serve as a real challenge to appear for the CAT 2026 exam during attempting overall as well as sectional mocks as it is a sectional exam.
| CAT Exam Pattern 2026 – Sections | Sectional 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 Exam Pattern – Marking Scheme and Number of Questions Asked
The CAT exam have overall three major sections including the Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Ability respective to the total number questions asked is 68.
| CAT Exam Pattern – Number of Sections | Total Questions Asked in CAT exam |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 |
| Total | 68 |
Note : The CAT 2026 marking scheme is expected to cover 3 marks for the correct answer, 1 marks deducted for marking an MCQ wrong, 0 for unattempted questions and no deductions in case of TITA questions.
CAT Exam Pattern 2026 – Exam Timings & Number of Questions Asked
Recognizing the entire syllabus and CAT exam pattern both are very important aspects for the CAT aspirants because before starting the CAT exam preparation, it is required to plan the well-structured timetable and pattern strategically so that aspirants will not skip any section behind and also go with the balance of accuracy and 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 which is equally divided across sections.
Tabulated is the section-wise CAT exam pattern 2026. 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
This section covers the information about total marks that are expected in CAT 2026 section-wise because it is important to understand for streamlining entire CAT preparation strategy across VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) and QA (Quantitative Ability). The detailed table for the same is mentioned below.
| CAT Section | Total Marks |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 52 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 66 |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 66 |
| Total | 204 |
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 Exam Pattern – Who Will Conduct CAT 2026 Exam?
The CAT exam pattern covers different difficulty level of the CAT exam by analyzing the past year trends. The detailed table is mentioned below that shows “Which IIM will conduct CAT 2026 exam?“.
| Year | IIM | VARC | DILR | QA |
| 2025 | IIM Kozhikode | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| 2024 | IIM Calcutta | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| 2023 | IIM Lucknow | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate | Difficult |
| 2022 | IIM Bangalore | Moderate | Difficult | Moderate |
| 2021 | IIM Ahmedabad | Moderate to Difficult | Difficult | Moderate |
| 2020 | IIM Indore | Moderate to Difficult | Difficult | Moderate |
| 2019 | IIM Kozhikode | Moderate | Moderate to difficult | Moderate |
| 2018 | IIM Calcutta | Moderate | Difficult | Difficult |
| 2017 | IIM Lucknow | Moderate | Moderate to difficult | Easy |
CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Important LRDI Topics to Cover
According to the CAT exam pattern, there are three important sections which are VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), LRDI (Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation) and QA (Quantitative Ability). Among all the three sections, LRDI covers tricky questions along with covering good competitive level to cover CAT percentile among pool of candidates. To cover good amount of questions in LRDI and maintaining accuracy, candidates have to explore important topics revolve around LRDI section. You will be able to download most important questions in CAT LRDI section (topic-wise) PDF here to streamline your overall CAT 2026 preparation journey.
Also Check: Most Important CAT LRDI Topics
CAT Exam Pattern 2026: CAT Exam Timings
CAT exam timings are covered in three different sections where the schedule goes according to morning, afternoon and evening shifts and sectional time limits in CAT is covering 40 minutes with the total duration of 2 hours. The complete information related to the CAT exam pattern is expected to be mentioned in the table below.
| 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 |
Why it is Important to understand CAT exam pattern 2026?
Understanding the CAT exam pattern 2026 is really important for the candidates because it gives CAT aspirants a clear picture about – “How the CAT 2026 exam is structured and includes number of questions, sectional time limits and CAT marking scheme”. The sectional time limit of 40 minutes across each section is fixed where candidates cannot switch between the CAT exam sections that are VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) and QA (Quantitative Ability) which is making it comprehensively important to plan an overall time management in advance.
On the other hand, being familiar with the CAT exam pattern 2026 help CAT aspirants design a targeted preparation strategy properly. This allows them to identify the weaker and stronger sections that represents 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 Pattern 2026 – Download PDF
The PDF covers the detailed information about the CAT Exam Pattern, CAT Syllabus across VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) and QA (Quantitative Ability) is mentioned in a detailed manner which will be very helpful for aspirants towards their CAT 2026 preparation.
Download the detailed PDF for the CAT exam pattern 2026 by joining the group as per clicking the button specified below.
CAT Exam Preparation
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 are planning for self-study, you need to make sure that everything should be 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, especially 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 |
Start Your CAT 2026 Preparation Journey with CAT Time Table
Competitive exams are quite different which covers the structured preparation approach and well-structured study plan to serve your CAT 2026 journey without any hassle. CAT time table maintains a strategy where you will cover detailed routine along with syllabus to serve streamlined preparation. iQuanta has designed a detailed study plan according to weeks where a proper strategy is defined which help CAT aspirants to decide preparation early. You will be able to download the CAT study time-table by clicking on the button mentioned below that help aspirants in CAT 2026 journey.
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.
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.
There are total 3 sections covering the VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) and QA (Quantitative Ability).
Talking about the expected number of questions to be asked in CAT 2026 is mentioned below.
VARC – 24 questions
DILR – 22 questions
QA – 22 questions
Yes, the detailed study plan for CAT 2026 is really very helpful if aligned early in the starting because the CAT preparation is having intense competition level due to lakhs of aspirants. Candidates who are carrying detailed syllabus to target CAT 2026 will cover CAT syllabus with a proper strategy that overall help them cover good CAT percentile in exam.
