Your Gateway to IIMs
Exam Pattern
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
Quantitative Aptitude
Why Prepare With Us?
Sectional Tests
Full-Length Mocks
Percentile Analysis
Expert Guidance
Previous Year CAT Questions
The CAT exam pattern 2026 is expected to be similar to the CAT 2025. Thus, it is the perfect time for all the CAT 2026 aspirants to kickstart their CAT 2026 preparation if they want to land in their dream B-schools. Some of the major points to keep in mind concerning the CAT 2026 paper pattern are:
• Total Duration: 120 minutes (40 minutes strictly allotted per section).
• Total Questions: 68 Questions.
• Total Marks: 204 Marks.
The exam features two types of questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type in the Answer (TITA) non-MCQ questions.
Correct Response: +3 marks for all questions
Incorrect MCQ: -1mark
Incorrect TITA: 0 Marks (no negative marking)
Unattempted Questions: 0 marks
Important Rules to Remember
1. Fixed Section Order: Candidates must attempt the sections in a fixed sequence: VARC , DILR , QA.
2. No Section Shifting: You cannot jump between sections. Once the 40-minute timer for a section expires, the screen automatically moves to the next, and you cannot return to the previous one.
3. On-Screen Calculator: A basic on-screen calculator is available for the Quant and DI calculations.
Key Eligibility Highlights:
• No Age Restriction: Neither an upper nor lower age limit exists.
• No Attempt Limit: You can take the exam as many times as you want.
• Educational Qualification: You must hold a completed Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, and PwD categories) or equivalent professional qualifications (like CA, CS, ICWA).
• Final-Year Students: Candidates in their final year of graduation can also apply, provided they submit the required proof of completion during the admission process
.
CAT EXAM DURATION
1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
This section tests your English proficiency, comprehension, and vocabulary in context.
• Reading Comprehension (RC): Passages covering topics like philosophy, science, history, and economics.
• Verbal Ability:
o Para Jumbles
o Para Summary
o Odd Sentence Out
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
This section evaluates your ability to organize data and solve complex puzzles.
• Data Interpretation: Tables, bar charts, pie charts, line graphs, caselets, and data-based puzzles.
• Logical Reasoning: Seating arrangements, blood relations, calendars, clocks, games & tournaments, and Venn diagrams.
3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
This section covers foundational and advanced mathematics.
• Arithmetic: Percentages, profit & loss, averages, ratios, mixtures & alligations, simple & compound interest, time & work, and time, speed & distance.
• Algebra: Basic algebraic formulas, linear & quadratic equations, logarithms, inequalities, functions, and sequences (AP, GP, HP).
• Number System: Properties of numbers, LCM & HCF, divisibility, and remainder theorems.
• Geometry & Mensuration: Triangles, circles, polygons, coordinate geometry, and 3D shapes.
• Modern Math: Permutations & combinations, probability, and set theory.