{"id":18356,"date":"2026-08-17T11:56:13","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T06:26:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.manabadi.co.in\/entrance-exams\/?p=18356"},"modified":"2026-08-17T11:56:14","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T06:26:14","slug":"cat-exam-pattern-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.manabadi.co.in\/entrance-exams\/cat-exam-pattern-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Section-Wise Questions, Marks, Time Limit and Marking Scheme"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Introduction<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>CAT Exam Pattern 2026<\/strong> is an important aspect for candidates preparing for the Common Admission Test and seeking admission to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other leading management institutes. The <strong>CAT 2026 notification was released on July 25, 2026<\/strong>, and the examination is scheduled to be conducted on <strong>November 29, 2026<\/strong>. The registration process began on <strong>August 3, 2026<\/strong>, and candidates can apply until <strong>September 15, 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>CAT 2026 Exam Pattern<\/strong> comprises three sections: <strong>Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA)<\/strong>. The examination is conducted in <strong>Computer-Based Test (CBT)<\/strong> mode and has a total duration of <strong>120 minutes<\/strong>, with <strong>40 minutes allotted to each section<\/strong>. The current structure consists of <strong>68 questions carrying 204 marks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates searching for <strong>CAT Exam Pattern 2026<\/strong>, <strong>CAT 2026 Exam Pattern<\/strong>, <strong>CAT 2026 Marking Scheme<\/strong>, <strong>CAT 2026 Total Questions<\/strong>, <strong>CAT 2026 Exam Duration<\/strong>, and <strong>CAT 2026 Section-Wise Questions<\/strong> can find the complete examination structure, marking scheme, sectional timing, question types and important rules in this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. CAT Exam Pattern 2026 Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Particular<\/th><th>Details<\/th><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Exam Name<\/strong><\/td><td>Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Conducting Body<\/strong><\/td><td>Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Conducting IIM<\/strong><\/td><td>IIM Indore<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Exam Mode<\/strong><\/td><td>Computer-Based Test (CBT)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Exam Date<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>November 29, 2026<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total Questions<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>68<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total Marks<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>204<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total Duration<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>120 minutes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Number of Sections<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>3<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Time Per Section<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>40 minutes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Section 1<\/strong><\/td><td>VARC \u2013 24 Questions<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Section 2<\/strong><\/td><td>DILR \u2013 22 Questions<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Section 3<\/strong><\/td><td>QA \u2013 22 Questions<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Correct Answer<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>+3 marks<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Wrong MCQ Answer<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>-1 mark<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Wrong TITA Answer<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>No negative marking<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Medium<\/strong><\/td><td>English<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>PwD Extended Duration<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>160 minutes in total<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. CAT 2026 Section-Wise Exam Pattern<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The CAT 2026 question paper consists of three sections. Candidates have to attempt the sections in a <strong>fixed sequence<\/strong> and cannot freely move between sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3.1 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first section of the <strong>CAT 2026 question paper<\/strong> is <strong>Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It contains <strong>24 questions<\/strong> and candidates receive <strong>40 minutes<\/strong> to complete this section. The section carries a maximum of <strong>72 marks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The VARC section generally focuses on reading comprehension and verbal ability skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The major areas include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Reading Comprehension (RC)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Para Jumbles<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Para Summary<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Odd Sentence Out<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sentence-based verbal reasoning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reading and interpretation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Logical understanding of passages<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recent CAT patterns have featured <strong>16 Reading Comprehension questions across four passages and 8 Verbal Ability questions<\/strong>, although the exact composition may vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Candidates should give special importance to Reading Comprehension because it forms a substantial portion of the VARC section.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3.2 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The second section is <strong>Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The section contains <strong>22 questions<\/strong>, with <strong>40 minutes<\/strong> available to candidates. It carries a maximum of <strong>66 marks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DILR generally tests a candidate&#8217;s ability to interpret information, identify relationships, analyse data and solve logical problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Important areas include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tables<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Charts and graphs<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Caselets<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data comparison<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arrangements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seating arrangements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Puzzles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Games and tournaments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Venn diagrams<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Logical conditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Missing data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data-based reasoning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DILR is generally presented in <strong>sets<\/strong>, with several questions connected to the same information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Candidates should learn to identify the most manageable sets quickly because spending too much time on one difficult set can affect the overall sectional score.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3.3 Quantitative Aptitude (QA)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The third and final section is <strong>Quantitative Aptitude (QA)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The QA section consists of <strong>22 questions<\/strong> and carries <strong>66 marks<\/strong>. Candidates receive <strong>40 minutes<\/strong> to complete this section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The section mainly tests mathematical concepts and problem-solving ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Important topics include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Arithmetic<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Algebra<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Geometry<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Number Systems<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mensuration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Modern Mathematics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Percentages<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Profit and Loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ratio and Proportion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Averages<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Time, Speed and Distance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Time and Work<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Equations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Functions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Arithmetic and Algebra are particularly important areas for CAT preparation<\/strong>, while Geometry and Number Systems should also be covered thoroughly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. CAT 2026 Section-Wise Question Distribution<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The section-wise distribution of the <strong>CAT 2026 Exam Pattern<\/strong> is given below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Section<\/td><td>Questions<\/td><td>Maximum Marks<\/td><td>Time<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>VARC<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>24<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>72<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>40 minutes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>DILR<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>22<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>66<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>40 minutes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>QA<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>22<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>66<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>40 minutes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>68<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>204<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>120 minutes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each question carries <strong>3 marks for a correct answer<\/strong>, making the maximum possible raw score <strong>204 marks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. CAT 2026 Question Types<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>CAT 2026 question paper<\/strong> includes two broad types of questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5.1 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MCQs provide candidates with multiple answer choices. Candidates have to select the most appropriate answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For an MCQ:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Correct answer: +3 marks<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wrong answer: -1 mark<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unattempted: 0 marks<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, candidates should avoid making random guesses in MCQs when they have no reasonable basis for selecting an option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5.2 Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) Questions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">TITA questions, also known as <strong>Type in the Answer<\/strong> questions, do not provide conventional answer choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates have to enter their answer using the examination interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For TITA questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Correct answer: +3 marks<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wrong answer: 0 marks<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unattempted: 0 marks<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No negative marking<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The exact number of TITA questions can vary by section and examination slot, so candidates should not rely on a fixed MCQ-to-TITA distribution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. CAT 2026 Marking Scheme<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>CAT 2026 marking scheme<\/strong> is designed to reward correct responses while penalising incorrect MCQ responses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Response<\/td><td>MCQ<\/td><td>TITA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Correct Answer<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>+3<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>+3<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Incorrect Answer<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>-1<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>0<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Unattempted<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>0<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>0<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6.1 Correct Answer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A candidate receives <strong>3 marks<\/strong> for every correctly answered question, irrespective of whether it is an MCQ or TITA question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6.2 Incorrect MCQ Answer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An incorrect MCQ response results in a <strong>negative marking of 1 mark<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, candidates should consider accuracy while attempting MCQs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6.3 Incorrect TITA Answer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is <strong>no negative marking for an incorrect TITA response<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This makes TITA questions different from MCQs in terms of attempt strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. CAT 2026 Sectional Time Limit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most important features of the <strong>CAT Exam Pattern 2026<\/strong> is the strict sectional time limit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates receive:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>40 minutes for VARC<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>40 minutes for DILR<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>40 minutes for QA<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The total examination duration is therefore <strong>120 minutes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7.1 Fixed Section Order<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates must follow the prescribed section order:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>VARC \u2192 DILR \u2192 QA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates cannot select which section they want to attempt first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7.2 No Section Switching<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates cannot switch freely between sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the allotted <strong>40 minutes<\/strong> for a section are over, the examination system moves the candidate to the next section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7.3 No Backtracking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After moving to the next section, candidates <strong>cannot return to the previous section<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, time management within every section is extremely important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. CAT 2026 PwD Examination Timing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates eligible for applicable <strong>PwD accommodations<\/strong> receive additional examination time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The extended timing is approximately <strong>53 minutes and 20 seconds per section<\/strong>, resulting in a total examination duration of <strong>160 minutes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Category<\/td><td>Time Per Section<\/td><td>Total Time<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Regular Candidates<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>40 minutes<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>120 minutes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Eligible PwD Candidates<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>53 minutes 20 seconds<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>160 minutes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates seeking accommodations should carefully follow the requirements specified in the official CAT notification and application process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9. CAT 2026 Important Exam Dates<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The important dates for the <strong>CAT 2026 examination<\/strong> are given below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Event<\/td><td>Date<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>CAT 2026 Notification Release<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>July 26, 2026<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>CAT 2026 Registration Starts<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>August 3, 2026, 10:00 AM<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>CAT 2026 Registration Last Date<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Form Correction Window<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>September 24\u201327, 2026 (expected)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>CAT 2026 Admit Card<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>November 4, 2026 onwards<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>CAT 2026 Exam Date<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>November 29, 2026<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>CAT 2026 Answer Key<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Expected in December 2026<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>CAT 2026 Result<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Expected in December 2026<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>July 26, 2026 notification release<\/strong>, <strong>August 3 registration start<\/strong>, <strong>September 15 application deadline<\/strong>, and <strong>November 29 examination date<\/strong> have been reported following the official CAT 2026 announcement. Later answer-key and result dates should be treated as tentative until officially announced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10. CAT 2026 Examination Sessions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The CAT 2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted in <strong>three sessions on November 29, 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The reported session timings are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Session<\/td><td>Exam Timing<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Slot 1<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>8:30 AM \u2013 10:30 AM<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Slot 2<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>12:30 PM \u2013 2:30 PM<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Slot 3<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>4:30 PM \u2013 6:30 PM<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates should check the <strong>CAT 2026 Admit Card<\/strong> for their exact examination centre, reporting time and session details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>11. CAT 2026 Computer-Based Test Features<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The examination is conducted through a computer-based testing system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">11.1 On-Screen Calculator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A basic <strong>on-screen calculator<\/strong> is available during the examination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Candidates should not carry or use a physical calculator unless specifically permitted by the examination authorities.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>11.2 On-Screen Question Interface<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates answer questions using the computer-based examination interface. TITA questions require the answer to be entered directly into the provided response field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>11.3 Section Timer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A timer displays the remaining time for the active section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Once the sectional timer reaches zero, the system automatically moves the candidate to the next section.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>12. CAT 2026 Rough Work and Examination Centre Rules<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates may need to perform calculations and logical working during the examination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The test centre provides the permitted material for rough work according to the examination instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates should:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Follow the instructions given by the invigilator.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use only the material permitted at the test centre.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Return examination-centre materials as instructed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid carrying prohibited electronic devices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Follow identity verification and security procedures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Candidates should read the instructions on the CAT admit card carefully before appearing for the examination.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>13. CAT 2026 Syllabus and Important Topics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>CAT syllabus 2026<\/strong> broadly covers three areas corresponding to the three sections of the examination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>13.1 VARC Important Topics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Important VARC areas include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Reading Comprehension<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Para Jumbles<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Para Summary<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Odd Sentence Out<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Verbal reasoning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sentence interpretation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vocabulary and contextual understanding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>13.2 DILR Important Topics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Important DILR areas include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Data Interpretation<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tables<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Graphs<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Charts<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Caselets<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Arrangements<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Puzzles<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Games and tournaments<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Logical conditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Venn diagrams<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">13.3 QA Important Topics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Important QA areas include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Arithmetic<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Algebra<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Geometry<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Number Systems<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mensuration<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Percentages<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Profit and Loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ratio and Proportion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Averages<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Time and Work<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Time, Speed and Distance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Equations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The exact topic-wise weightage is not permanently fixed, so candidates should prepare across the complete syllabus rather than depending on a predicted question distribution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>14. How to Prepare According to the CAT 2026 Exam Pattern<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding the paper pattern is only the first step. Candidates should design their preparation around the <strong>40-minute sectional restriction<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>14.1 Prepare VARC with Regular Reading<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates should develop a habit of reading editorials, essays, articles and other analytical material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Regular reading improves comprehension speed and helps candidates understand complex passages.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>14.2 Practise DILR Sets<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DILR preparation should focus on solving complete sets rather than only individual questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates should practise different types of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tables<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Charts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arrangements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Puzzles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Games<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Caselets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>14.3 Strengthen QA Fundamentals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates should first build strong conceptual understanding in <strong>Arithmetic and Algebra<\/strong>, followed by Geometry, Number Systems and other areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>14.4 Take Full-Length Mock Tests<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mock tests are particularly important because CAT has strict sectional timing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates should analyse:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Number of attempts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accuracy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Time spent per question<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Questions left unanswered<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Section-wise performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mistakes and weak topics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mock-test analysis is as important as taking the mock test itself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>15. CAT 2026 Time Management Strategy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The CAT examination provides approximately <strong>1.76 minutes per question on average<\/strong>, but candidates should not attempt to divide the time equally among all questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>15.1 VARC Strategy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates should avoid spending excessive time on one difficult Reading Comprehension question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read strategically, identify the central idea and eliminate incorrect options carefully.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>15.2 DILR Strategy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Set selection is critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates should first identify sets that appear manageable and avoid getting trapped in a highly time-consuming puzzle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>15.3 QA Strategy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates should quickly identify questions based on familiar concepts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Do not spend several minutes on a single difficult calculation when easier questions remain.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>16. Important Rules Candidates Should Remember<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The following points are particularly important for the <strong>CAT 2026 Exam Pattern<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The examination has 68 questions.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The maximum marks are 204.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The total examination duration is 120 minutes.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Each section receives 40 minutes.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The section order is VARC \u2192 DILR \u2192 QA.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Candidates cannot return to a completed section.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Correct answers carry +3 marks.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wrong MCQs carry -1 mark.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>TITA questions have no negative marking for incorrect answers.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A basic on-screen calculator is available.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The examination is conducted in computer-based mode.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Eligible PwD candidates receive extended examination time.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>17. CAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Quick Comparison<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Feature<\/td><td>CAT 2026<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total Questions<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>68<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total Marks<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>204<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Duration<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>120 minutes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Sections<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>3<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>VARC<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>24 Questions<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>DILR<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>22 Questions<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>QA<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>22 Questions<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Sectional Time<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>40 minutes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Correct Answer<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>+3<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Wrong MCQ<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>-1<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Wrong TITA<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>0<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Exam Mode<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>CBT<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Exam Date<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>November 29, 2026<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">18. Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>CAT Exam Pattern 2026<\/strong> is structured around <strong>68 questions, 204 marks and 120 minutes<\/strong>, divided equally into three 40-minute sections: <strong>VARC, DILR and QA<\/strong>. The fixed sectional timing makes time management and question selection extremely important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates should understand the difference between <strong>MCQs and TITA questions<\/strong>, remember the <strong>+3\/-1 marking scheme<\/strong>, practise under the <strong>40-minute sectional limit<\/strong>, and regularly take mock examinations.With the <strong>CAT 2026 exam scheduled for November 29, 2026<\/strong>, aspirants should use the available preparation time to strengthen fundamentals, improve accuracy, practise sectional tests and analyse full-length mock tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the latest <strong>CAT 2026 notification, registration, admit card, exam date, answer key, result and other MBA entrance exam updates<\/strong>, candidates should regularly check the official CAT website and reliable education portals such as Manabadi.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>1. Introduction The CAT Exam Pattern 2026 is an important aspect for candidates preparing for the Common Admission Test and seeking admission to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other leading management institutes. The CAT 2026 notification was released on July 25, 2026, and the examination is scheduled to be conducted on November 29, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":18358,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13192,14780,14847,14782,14848],"tags":[13200,13194,14790,14842,13203,14206,14843,13199,14212,14844,14201,14845,14846,12873],"class_list":["post-18356","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cat","category-cat-2026","category-competitive-exams","category-entrance-exams-2","category-exam-pattern","tag-cat-2026","tag-cat-2026-exam-date","tag-cat-2026-marking-scheme","tag-cat-2026-questions","tag-cat-2026-syllabus","tag-cat-admit-card-2026","tag-cat-dilr","tag-cat-exam-2026","tag-cat-exam-pattern-2026","tag-cat-preparation","tag-cat-registration-2026","tag-cat-varc","tag-iim-admission","tag-mba-entrance-exam"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - 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