CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Schemes, Preparation Tips

CAT Exam Pattern 2026: The Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) to offer candidates the opportunity for admission into the MBA courses of the top business schools in India. IIMs also design the CAT Exam Pattern 2026 and the exam syllabus.

Understanding the CAT Exam Pattern 2026 thoroughly helps the aspirants preparing to appear for the exam in 2026 to plan accordingly, study better and get good marks in the actual CAT 2026 exam. 

CAT Exam Pattern 2026 Overview

CAT Exam Pattern 2026 is expected to follow the latest structure used in recent years. Candidates appearing for the exam will be allowed 2 hours to solve 68 questions in CBT mode. There will be a total of 68 questions from three different sections. There are three major sections:

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Scoring well in all the sections is important to get good marks overall. Each of the three sections carries a sectional time limit of 40 minutes to complete. Candidates will find a mix of MCQs and non-MCQ types of questions in the exam. Non-MCQs are also called TITA (Type-In-The-Answer) questions. These do not have options. Students must type their answers.

CAT Exam Syllabus

The exam pattern and syllabus work together. The CAT Exam Pattern 2026 categorises the questions across the three different sections. The syllabus covers reading, grammar, puzzles, charts, tables, and mathematics from basic to advanced levels. The table below provides details on the CAT Exam Sections and the important topics associated:

CAT Exam Pattern Marking Scheme

CAT Exam Pattern 2026 follows a clear marking system. The total marks for the exam will be 204. The marking scheme included the CAT Exam pattern negative marking is as follows:

• +3 marks are awarded for each correct answer.

• –1 mark for every wrong MCQ answer

• 0 marks for skipped questions

• 0 marks for wrong TITA answers

Is CAT Exam MCQ or Written?

Several aspirants preparing to appear for the CAT Exam 2026 wonder whether the exam is written or online. The CAT Exam Pattern 2026 is fully computer-based. It does not include any written answers except TITA questions, where students have to type their response. There are two types of questions:

• MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions): Students choose one option from four available choices.

• Non-MCQs (TITA Questions): Students type the exact answer. There are no marks deducted for mistakes in TITA questions.

CAT 2026 Time Distribution

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern is expected to be similar to the most recent pattern. Candidates who will be appearing for the exam in 2026 will have to adhere to the sectional time limits strictly.  At the end of 40 minutes of a section, the screen will automatically navigate to the next section. No further changes can then be made by the candidates to the previous sections.

Tips for Preparing for CAT Exam

Preparing for the exam becomes simple when the aspirants are well-versed with the exam pattern. With the CAT Exam Pattern 2026 in mind, some of the effective CAT 2026 exam preparation tips are as follows:

• Understand the Pattern First: Know the number of questions. Know the timing. Know the marking scheme. This shapes the entire study plan.

• Build Strong Basics: Math, reasoning, and reading become easier when the basics are clear.

• Practice Daily: Solve questions from each section every day. Practice improves speed.

• Attempt Mock Tests: Mock tests help in identifying and understanding mistakes. They also teach time management.

• Do Section-wise Practice: Each section needs a different skill. Practice VARC reading, DILR puzzles, and QA calculations.

• Stay Updated About Changes: Patterns change often. Always check official updates. Do not depend only on past trends.

• Avoid Guesswork: Negative marking reduces the overall score if the answers are made on guesswork. Think carefully before answering.