{"id":99175,"date":"2026-04-02T00:37:37","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T19:07:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/?p=99175"},"modified":"2026-04-02T06:07:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T00:37:45","slug":"cat-exam-pattern","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/cat-exam-pattern\/","title":{"rendered":"CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Complete Guide &#038; Latest Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/CAT-Exam-Pattern-2025.png\" alt=\"CAT Exam Pattern 2025\" class=\"wp-image-574192\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" loading=\"eager\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/CAT-Exam-Pattern-2025.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/CAT-Exam-Pattern-2025-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/CAT-Exam-Pattern-2025-150x84.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"Article\",\n  \"headline\": \"CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Complete Guide & Latest Updates\",\n  \"description\": \"Complete details of the latest CAT exam pattern and preparation strategy for CAT 2026. Understand the question paper format and marking scheme.\",\n  \"author\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n    \"name\": \"KopyKitab\"\n  },\n  \"publisher\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n    \"name\": \"KopyKitab\",\n    \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\"\n  },\n  \"datePublished\": \"2026-04-02\",\n  \"dateModified\": \"2026-04-02\"\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"freshness-block\" style=\"background:#e8f5e9;padding:15px;border-left:4px solid #4caf50;margin:20px 0;border-radius:4px;\">\n<strong>Last Updated:<\/strong> April 02, 2026 | This article has been updated with the latest information for 2026.\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>CAT Exam Pattern 2026 : <\/strong>Along with the CAT 2026 announcement, the CAT exam pattern aur test structure will be released in July 2026 by the conducting IIM. Candidates jo <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/cat-exam\/\"><strong>CAT Exam<\/strong><\/a> ke liye register karna chahte hain should familiarize themselves with the most recent cat exam pattern. Yeh students ko help karega question paper format aur marking scheme ko samjhne mein. The IIMs have established the CAT 2026 exam pattern jo aspirants ke liye crucial hai. Read the article to have complete details of the latest CAT exam pattern aur preparation strategy.<\/p>\n<div class=\"key-takeaways\" style=\"background:#e3f2fd;padding:20px;border-left:4px solid #1976d2;margin:20px 0;border-radius:4px;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin:0 0 12px;color:#1565c0;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"key-takeaways\"><\/span>Key Takeaways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul style=\"margin:0;padding-left:20px;\">\n<li>Highlights of CAT Exam Pattern 2026<\/li>\n<li>Section-wise Time Allocation and Structure<\/li>\n<li>CAT Marking System 2026<\/li>\n<li>Must Check: CAT Syllabus 2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_47_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\" id=\"ez-toc-container\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a aria-label=\"ez-toc-toggle-icon-1\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" href=\"#\"><label aria-label=\"Table of Content\" for=\"item-69cdb9f4acedf\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;direction:ltr;\"><svg class=\"list-377408\" fill=\"none\" height=\"20px\" style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20px\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg baseprofile=\"tiny\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" height=\"10px\" style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" version=\"1.2\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"10px\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/label><input id=\"item-69cdb9f4acedf\" type=\"checkbox\"\/><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav>\n<ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-visibility-hide-by-default\">\n<li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/cat-exam-pattern\/#highlights-of-cat-exam-pattern-2026\" title=\"Highlights of CAT Exam Pattern 2026 \">Highlights of CAT Exam Pattern 2026 <\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/cat-exam-pattern\/#cat-exam-pattern-2026-%e2%80%93-time-limits-overall-and-sectional\" title=\"CAT Exam Pattern 2026 \u2013 Time Limits (Overall and Sectional)\">CAT Exam Pattern 2026 \u2013 Time Limits (Overall and Sectional)<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/cat-exam-pattern\/#cat-marking-system-2026\" title=\"CAT Marking System 2026 \">CAT Marking System 2026 <\/a>\n<ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\">\n<li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/cat-exam-pattern\/#important-points-to-consider-when-taking-the-cat-exam\" title=\"Important Points to Consider When Taking the CAT Exam\">Important Points to Consider When Taking the CAT Exam<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/cat-exam-pattern\/#must-check-cat-syllabus-2026\" title=\"Must Check: CAT Syllabus 2026 \">Must Check: CAT Syllabus 2026 <\/a>\n<ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\">\n<li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/cat-exam-pattern\/#faqs-related-to-cat-exam-pattern-2026\" title=\"FAQs Related to CAT Exam Pattern 2026 \">FAQs Related to CAT Exam Pattern 2026 <\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/cat-exam-pattern\/#in-the-cat-test-how-many-parts-are-there\" title=\"In the CAT test, how many parts are there?\">In the CAT test, how many parts are there?<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/cat-exam-pattern\/#is-there-any-negative-grading-on-the-cat-exam\" title=\"Is there any negative grading on the CAT exam?\">Is there any negative grading on the CAT exam?<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/cat-exam-pattern\/#is-it-okay-for-me-to-bring-a-calculator-to-the-cat-exam-center\" title=\"Is it okay for me to bring a calculator to the CAT Exam center?\">Is it okay for me to bring a calculator to the CAT Exam center?<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/cat-exam-pattern\/#in-cat-2026-how-many-mcqs-and-non-mcqs-will-there-be\" title=\"In CAT 2026, how many MCQs and Non-MCQs will there be?\">In CAT 2026, how many MCQs and Non-MCQs will there be?<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/cat-exam-pattern\/#in-the-cat-test-what-is-the-sectional-time-limit\" title=\"In the CAT test, what is the sectional time limit?\">In the CAT test, what is the sectional time limit?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"highlights-of-cat-exam-pattern-2026\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"highlights-of-CAT-exam-pattern-2026\"><\/span><strong>Highlights of CAT Exam Pattern 2026 <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>The CAT question paper is broken down into three sections, each with its own time restriction &#8211; VARC, DILR, aur QA<\/li>\n<li>In 2025, the total number of questions was 66, with both MCQ and non-MCQ formats. The time given to answer these questions was 120 minutes (2 hours).<\/li>\n<li>There is a 40-minute time restriction for each section jo aspirants ko strictly follow karna padta hai.<\/li>\n<li>The exam is offered in an online format at numerous test centers across India.<\/li>\n<li>The CAT 2026 exam pattern may continue with the current 66 questions in 120 minutes format, though changes will be announced by the conducting IIM.<\/li>\n<li>In October 2026, the test administrators will issue a CAT tutorial to help students understand the exam interface aur pattern.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure>\n<div style=\"overflow-x:auto\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>CAT Exam Pattern<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Number of sections<\/td>\n<td>3\u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Duration of exam<\/td>\n<td>40 minutes per section<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Number of questions<\/td>\n<td>76<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Total marks<\/td>\n<td>228<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Language of question paper<\/td>\n<td>English<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Number of answer choices<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"section-wise-time-allocation-and-structure\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"CAT-exam-pattern-2026-%e2%80%93-time-limits-overall-and-sectional\"><\/span><strong>Section-wise Time Allocation and Structure<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The CAT exam has a sectional time restriction, which means candidates cannot switch between sections. Aap ko har section ko sequentially complete karna hoga. Once you finish one section, you automatically move to the next one. The sections will be organized in the following order:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)<\/strong> &#8211; Isme RC passages ka major portion hota hai, lagbhag 70% of the section<\/li>\n<li><strong>Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)<\/strong> &#8211; Complex data sets aur logical puzzles<\/li>\n<li><strong>Quantitative Ability (QA)<\/strong> &#8211; Mathematical concepts aur problem-solving<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Aspirants must keep in mind that they will have exactly 40 minutes to finish each section. After that time expires, the screen will automatically move to the next section. No modifications or revisions will be permitted once you move forward.<\/p>\n<figure>\n<div style=\"overflow-x:auto\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>CAT 2025 Section<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Questions<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Allotted Time<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Quantitative Aptitude (QA)<\/td>\n<td>26<\/td>\n<td>40 minutes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Logical Reasoning &amp;\u00a0Data Interpretation (LRDI)<\/td>\n<td>24<\/td>\n<td>40 minutes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)<\/td>\n<td>26<\/td>\n<td>40 minutes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Total<\/td>\n<td>76<\/td>\n<td>120 minutes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>The table above summarizes the number of questions asked in each section of the CAT exam, along with the time allocation. Most serious CAT aspirants take 2-3 attempts to crack top IIMs like IIM-A (which requires 99+ percentile) and IIM-B\/C (which need 98+ percentile).<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"cat-marking-system-2026\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"CAT-marking-system-2026\"><\/span><strong>CAT Marking System 2026 <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Before taking the test, you should familiarize yourself with the CAT marking scheme so that you can decide which questions to attempt aur which ones to skip. Smart strategy is crucial here!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The total marks for the CAT 2026 exam will be 198 marks (66 questions \u00d7 3 marks each)<\/li>\n<li>Each correct answer will fetch you 3 marks<\/li>\n<li>For each incorrect MCQ response, there will be a -1 penalty (negative marking)<\/li>\n<li>Non-MCQ questions don&#8217;t have negative marking &#8211; agar galat hai to sirf 0 marks milenge<\/li>\n<li>If a candidate chooses not to attempt a particular question, no marks will be deducted<\/li>\n<li>Some questions in each section may be Type-in-the-Answer (TITA) format, where you&#8217;ll have to type your numerical answer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The marking scheme for CAT 2026 is summarized in the table below:<\/p>\n<figure>\n<div style=\"overflow-x:auto\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Type of Questions<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Correct Answer<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Incorrect Answer<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>MCQ<\/td>\n<td>+3<\/td>\n<td>-1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Non-MCQ<\/td>\n<td>+3<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"important-points-to-consider-when-taking-the-cat-exam\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"important-points-to-consider-when-taking-the-CAT-exam\"><\/span><strong>Important Points to Consider When Taking the CAT Exam<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>During the exam, you will be able to use an on-screen calculator for calculations &#8211; physical calculator allowed nahi hai<\/li>\n<li>During the exam, an on-screen clock will help you track time for each section<\/li>\n<li>Rough work sheets will be provided at the test center, which must be returned after the exam completion<\/li>\n<li>Candidates will not be permitted to begin the exam before the scheduled time. Only after the invigilator&#8217;s announcement will the computer screen activate<\/li>\n<li>All computer systems in the test hall will start simultaneously<\/li>\n<li>Candidates must sit in their allocated seats; agar kahi aur baith gaye to disqualification ho sakti hai<\/li>\n<li>Mock tests are extremely important &#8211; at least 30-40 mocks should be taken before the actual exam<\/li>\n<li>Section-wise time management is crucial &#8211; don&#8217;t spend too much time on difficult questions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"mock-test-strategy-aur-time-allocation-tips\"><\/span><strong>Mock Test Strategy aur Time Allocation Tips<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Successful CAT aspirants follow a structured mock test approach:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>VARC Section (40 minutes):<\/strong> Spend 25-28 minutes on RC passages (4-5 passages) and 12-15 minutes on VA questions<\/li>\n<li><strong>DILR Section (40 minutes):<\/strong> Attempt 2-3 sets maximum &#8211; don&#8217;t try to solve all 4 sets<\/li>\n<li><strong>QA Section (40 minutes):<\/strong> Focus on your strong topics first, then move to moderate difficulty questions<\/li>\n<li>Take at least one mock test every alternate day in the last 2 months<\/li>\n<li>Analyze your performance after each mock &#8211; identify weak areas aur work on them<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"alternative-exams-for-mba-aspirants\"><\/span><strong>Alternative Exams for MBA Aspirants<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Many CAT aspirants also prepare for other MBA entrance exams as backup options:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>XAT:<\/strong> For XLRI Jamshedpur and other Xavier schools<\/li>\n<li><strong>SNAP:<\/strong> For Symbiosis institutes<\/li>\n<li><strong>NMAT:<\/strong> For NMIMS and other participating institutes<\/li>\n<li><strong>IIFT:<\/strong> For Indian Institute of Foreign Trade<\/li>\n<li><strong>TISSNET:<\/strong> For Tata Institute of Social Sciences<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These exams have different patterns, so make sure to check their specific requirements on the <a href=\"https:\/\/iimcat.ac.in\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">official IIM CAT website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-articles\" style=\"background:#fff3e0;padding:20px;border-left:4px solid #ff9800;margin:24px 0;border-radius:4px;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin:0 0 12px;color:#e65100;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"you-may-also-like\"><\/span>You May Also Like<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul style=\"list-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:8px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/category\/cat\/\" style=\"color:#1565c0;text-decoration:none;font-weight:500;\">\u2192 CAT Preparation Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:8px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/category\/cat\/\" style=\"color:#1565c0;text-decoration:none;font-weight:500;\">\u2192 MBA Entrance Exams<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:8px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/category\/cat\/\" style=\"color:#1565c0;text-decoration:none;font-weight:500;\">\u2192 Management Exam Tips<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:8px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/category\/exam-preparation\/\" style=\"color:#1565c0;text-decoration:none;font-weight:500;\">\u2192 Exam Preparation Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cta-box\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(135deg,#e8f5e9,#c8e6c9);padding:24px;border-radius:8px;margin:24px 0;text-align:center;border:1px solid #a5d6a7;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin:0 0 8px;color:#2e7d32;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"explore-study-materials\"><\/span>Explore Study Materials<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;color:#333;\">Get comprehensive study materials, practice tests, and expert guides for your exam preparation.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/competitive-exam-books\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#2e7d32;color:#fff;padding:12px 32px;border-radius:6px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;\">Browse Study Materials \u2192<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"must-check-cat-syllabus-2026\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"must-check-CAT-syllabus-2026\"><\/span><strong style=\"font-size: inherit; background-color: initial;\">Must Check: CAT Syllabus 2026 <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The CAT syllabus covers all essential topics in business aptitude and communication skills. Despite exam pattern changes over the years, the core syllabus remains consistent:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"varc-verbal-ability-and-reading-comprehension\"><\/span><strong>VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension):<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Reading Comprehension passages (70% of this section)<\/li>\n<li>Para jumbles and para completion<\/li>\n<li>Odd sentence out<\/li>\n<li>Grammar and vocabulary-based questions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"dilr-data-interpretation-and-logical-reasoning\"><\/span><strong>DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning):<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Data interpretation from charts, graphs, tables<\/li>\n<li>Logical reasoning puzzles<\/li>\n<li>Set theory and Venn diagrams<\/li>\n<li>Blood relations and seating arrangements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"qa-quantitative-ability\"><\/span><strong>QA (Quantitative Ability):<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Arithmetic (percentages, profit &amp; loss, time &amp; work)<\/li>\n<li>Algebra and number systems<\/li>\n<li>Geometry and mensuration<\/li>\n<li>Modern mathematics (permutation, combination, probability)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For detailed syllabus breakdown, check our comprehensive <strong>CAT Syllabus 2026<\/strong> guide.<\/p>\n<p>We have covered everything related to the cat exam pattern for 2026. The exam dates and detailed notification will be announced by the conducting IIM. Keep checking the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iimcat.ac.in\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">official CAT website<\/a> for updates. If you have any doubts related to the CAT exam, feel free to ask in the comment section below.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"faqs-related-to-cat-exam-pattern-2026\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"faqs-related-to-CAT-exam-pattern-2026\"><\/span><strong>FAQs Related to CAT Exam Pattern 2026 <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-block\" id=\"rank-math-faq\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list-item\" id=\"faq-question-1624794488374\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"in-the-cat-test-how-many-sections-are-there\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"in-the-CAT-test-how-many-parts-are-there\"><\/span><strong>in the CAT test, how many sections are there?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n<p>There are three sections in the CAT question paper:<br \/>Section 1: VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)<br \/>Section 2: DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning)<br \/>Section 3: QA (Quantitative Ability)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"rank-math-list-item\" id=\"faq-question-1624794512866\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"is-there-any-negative-marking-in-the-cat-exam\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"is-there-any-negative-grading-on-the-CAT-exam\"><\/span><strong>is there any negative marking in the CAT exam?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n<p>Yes, each incorrect MCQ answer receives -1 mark in the CAT exam. However, non-MCQ (TITA) questions and unattempted questions don&#8217;t have negative marking.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"rank-math-list-item\" id=\"faq-question-1624794553262\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"can-i-bring-a-calculator-to-the-cat-exam-center\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"is-it-okay-for-me-to-bring-a-calculator-to-the-CAT-exam-center\"><\/span><strong>can I bring a calculator to the CAT exam center?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n<p>No, as per the CAT exam pattern, candidates cannot bring a calculator or any other electronic device to the exam center. An on-screen calculator will be available on every candidate&#8217;s computer system.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"rank-math-list-item\" id=\"faq-question-1624794582632\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"in-cat-2026-how-many-mcqs-and-non-mcqs-will-there-be\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"in-CAT-2026-how-many-mcqs-and-non-mcqs-will-there-be\"><\/span><strong>in CAT 2026, how many MCQs and non-MCQs will there be?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n<p>Based on recent patterns, there are typically 4-6 non-MCQ (TITA) questions in each section. The exact distribution for CAT 2026 will be revealed after the exam notification is released.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"rank-math-list-item\" id=\"faq-question-1624794603896\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-is-the-sectional-time-limit-in-the-cat-exam\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"in-the-CAT-test-what-is-the-sectional-time-limit\"><\/span><strong>what is the sectional time limit in the CAT exam?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n<p>As per the CAT exam pattern, each section has a time limit of 40 minutes for General category candidates and 60 minutes for PwD category candidates. You cannot switch between sections during the exam.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last Updated: April 02, 2026 | This article has been updated with the latest information for 2026. CAT Exam Pattern 2026 : Along with the CAT 2026 announcement, the CAT exam pattern aur test structure will be released in July 2026 by the conducting IIM. Candidates jo CAT Exam ke liye register karna chahte hain &#8230; <a title=\"CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Complete Guide &#038; Latest Updates\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/cat-exam-pattern\/\" aria-label=\"More on CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Complete Guide &#038; Latest Updates\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":246,"featured_media":574192,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/static.kopykitab.com\/blog\/blog-images\/2026\/04\/mba_cat\/cat-exam-pattern-1775090252.webp","fifu_image_alt":"Student studying CAT exam pattern 2026"},"categories":[2926,4931],"tags":[76007,3044,115351,115352],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99175"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/246"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=99175"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99175\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":575065,"href":"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99175\/revisions\/575065"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/574192"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=99175"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=99175"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kopykitab.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=99175"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}