CAT (Common Admission Test)

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CAT

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Content Writer Papri Dutta

Updated On Date: Jun 30, 2026

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

CAT 2026 – Exam Pattern

Click here for CAT 2026 Syllabus

The CAT 2026 examination is designed as a 120-minute Computer-Based Test (CBT). It is structured into three mandatory sections, each with a strict sectional time limit. You cannot navigate between sections; you must complete the current section before moving to the next.

Overall Structure

Total Duration: 120 Minutes (2 hours).
Sectional Time Limit: 40 minutes per section.
Total Questions: Typically ranges from 66 to 68.
Navigation: You are prohibited from switching between sections. Once your 40 minutes for a section are up, the system automatically moves you to the next one.

Sectional Breakdown

Section	No. of Questions (Approx)	Topics Covered
VARC	24	Reading Comprehension (RC), Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd-one-out.
DILR	20	Data Interpretation (Charts, Tables), Logical Reasoning (Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Games & Tournaments).
QA	22	Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Number System, Modern Math.

Question Types

CAT features two distinct types of questions:

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): Each question has 4 options. You must select the correct one.
Type-In-The-Answer (TITA): These are non-MCQs where you must type the numerical answer into the provided text box. There are no options for these questions.

Marking Scheme

The marking scheme is consistent across all three sections:

Correct Answer: +3 Marks.
Incorrect MCQ: -1 Mark.
Incorrect TITA: No negative marking. (This makes TITA questions a strategic priority during the exam).
Unattempted Questions: 0 Marks.

Key Operational Features

On-Screen Calculator: A basic on-screen calculator is provided for the Quantitative Aptitude (QA) and Data Interpretation sections. You do not have access to a physical calculator.
Navigation Palette: On the right side of the screen, you will see a palette indicating the status of your questions (e.g., "Not Visited," "Not Answered," "Answered," "Marked for Review").
No Sectional Skipping: You must work through the sections in the order provided by the system: VARC DILR QA. You cannot change the order of the sections.
Reviewing: You can "Mark for Review" a question, which allows you to revisit it later within that 40-minute window.

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