CAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Marking Scheme, Syllabus, Section, Topic-Wise Weightage
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CAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus consist of 3 sections, 68 questions, and a total duration of 120 minutes. The three sections — Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA) — are strictly time-bound at 40 minutes each. CAT Exam Date 2026 is expected to fall on November 29, 2026. Read this article for a detailed overview of CAT 2026 Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Marking Scheme, etc.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Overview
CAT 2026, expected to be conducted by IIM Indore on November 29, 2026, is a 120-minute computer-based test comprising 68 questions across 3 sections, totalling 204 marks. Tabulated below is an overview of CAT Exam 2026 .
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | IIM Indore (expected) |
| Exam Date | November 29, 2026 (expected) |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions | 68 |
| Total Marks | 204 |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Number of Sections | 3 |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +3 |
| Negative Marking (MCQ) | –1 |
| Negative Marking (TITA) | None |
Which IIM Will Make CAT Exam 2026 Paper?
IIM Indore is expected to conduct and set the CAT 2026 paper. Each year, the responsibility rotates among the top IIMs. However, this doesn't significantly change the exam pattern—all major IIMs are involved in the question-setting process, and the structure stays consistent regardless of who's conducting it.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Section-Wise Breakdown
CAT 2026 exam pattern has three sections. You get 40 minutes per section, and you cannot switch between sections during a slot. Check the table below for a detailed explanation.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 72 | 40 minutes |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 | 66 | 40 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 66 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 68 | 204 | 120 minutes |
Also Check: CAT 2026 5 months Strategy
CAT Exam 2026 Marking Scheme
Understanding the marking scheme helps you make smarter decisions during the exam — especially around which questions to attempt and which to skip. Check the marking scheme as displayed below.
| Question Type | Correct Answer | Wrong Answer | Unattempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ | +3 | –1 | 0 |
| TITA (Type In The Answer) | +3 | 0 | 0 |
Key takeaway: TITA questions have no negative marking, so always attempt them. For MCQs, skip if you're unsure — a wrong answer costs you 4 marks in the aggregate (you lose 1 instead of gaining 3).
What Is the Total Marks in CAT Exam 2026?
The total marks in CAT 2026 is 204. Each of the 68 questions carries 3 marks for a correct answer. With sectional time limits in place, managing your pace across all three sections is as important as accuracy.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Topic-Wise Weightage
CAT 2026 tests candidates across 3 sections – VARC, DILR, and QA, each demanding a distinct skill set. From RC-heavy verbal reasoning to set-based logical puzzles and arithmetic-dominated quant, the syllabus is broad yet predictable in its weightage patterns. Refer to the table below for a clear understanding of CAT Exam Syllabus 2026.
| CAT Section | High-Priority Topics | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) | Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd One Out | Reading Comprehension carries the highest weightage and contributes the majority of VARC questions. |
| DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) | Arrangements, Caselets, Data Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Blood Relations, Seating Arrangement, Puzzles | DILR focuses heavily on set-based questions requiring logical analysis and data interpretation skills. |
| QA (Quantitative Aptitude) | Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work), Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, Modern Math | Arithmetic and Algebra consistently account for the largest share of questions in the QA section. |
CareerChoice360 Tip: Focus your first 60 days on Arithmetic and RC — together they account for the majority of scoring opportunities across VARC and QA.
How Does CAT 2026 Normalisation Work?
CAT 2026 will be held in three slots on the same day. Since different slots may have varying difficulty levels, IIM uses a normalisation process to ensure fairness.
Your raw score is converted into a scaled score using the mean and standard deviation of all candidates in your slot. This scaled score is then used to compute your percentile.
In simple terms — if you got a tough slot, normalisation adjusts for that. You're not disadvantaged by it.
What Is the Cutoff for CAT 2026?
The CAT 2026 cutoff varies significantly by IIM and category:
| Institute Category | Expected Cutoff |
|---|---|
| IIM A, B, C (Top 3) | 99+ percentile for General category |
| New IIMs | 90–95 percentile range |
| Other top MBA colleges accepting CAT | 80–90 percentile |
Cutoffs are announced after results, typically in January. They depend on the overall difficulty of the paper, the number of test takers, and individual college policies.
Is 37 a good score in CAT?
A raw score of 37 out of 204 would place you below the 50th percentile in most years. For top IIMs, you'd need a significantly higher score. Aim for 120+ raw marks if you're targeting the top 10 IIMs.
How to Score 99 Percentile in CAT 2026?
This question comes up constantly — and the answer is always the same: smart preparation, not just hard work. Here's what actually moves the needle:
1. Master high-weightage topics first. Arithmetic in QA, RC in VARC, and Set-based DILR — these alone can make up 50–60% of your score.
2. Attempt mock tests early and often. Start full-length mocks at least 3 months before the exam. Analyse every mock in detail — your error log is your best study material.
3. Build your TITA strategy. Since TITA questions carry no negative marking, they're free attempts. Many toppers score heavily here.
4. Work on sectional cutoffs, not just overall. CAT shortlisting is sectional — even a 99 overall percentile won't help if one section is below the cutoff.
5. Don't ignore accuracy. Speed without accuracy kills your score. Aim for 85%+ accuracy before chasing speed.
CAT 2026 Registration Date: When Can You Apply?
Based on past trends, CAT 2026 registration is expected to open in the first week of August 2026 on the official portal (iimcat.ac.in). Registration typically closes in mid-September. The CAT 2026 admit card is expected around the second week of November 2026.
CAT 2026 registration fee is ₹2,600 for General/EWS/OBC candidates and ₹1,300 for SC/ST/PwD candidates. Mark these dates and don't miss the window — late registration isn't possible.