CAT 2026 Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Topic-Wise Weightage
Complete blueprint of 66 questions, 198 marks, 40-minute non-negotiable sectional timers, +3/-1/0 marking scheme, and topic-wise distribution across VARC, DILR & QA.
Executive Briefing & Key Takeaways
Official Benchmark & Strategic Decision Snapshot
Mandatory sequence: VARC (40m) → DILR (40m) → QA (40m). Section hopping is strictly locked.
+3 for correct, -1 for wrong MCQs, and 0 negative penalty on TITA. Maximizing TITA attempts is a zero-risk score booster.
VARC is 67% RC (4 passages). DILR consists of 4 caselets (5 Qs each). QA is 75% Arithmetic and Algebra.
Key Facts & Action Items
CAT 2026 Section-Wise Question & Mark Distribution
Complete breakdown of the 66-question, 198-mark blueprint:
| Section | Questions | Time Limit | MCQ vs TITA | 99%ile Score Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VARC (Section I) | 24 Qs (72 M) | 40 Minutes | 16 RC (4 Passages) + 8 VA | 34–37 Marks |
| DILR (Section II) | 20 Qs (60 M) | 40 Minutes | 4 Caselets (5 Qs each) | 23–26 Marks |
| QA (Section III) | 22 Qs (66 M) | 40 Minutes | 14–16 MCQ + 6–8 TITA | 28–31 Marks |
| Overall Paper | 66 Qs (198 M) | 120 Minutes | ~48 MCQ + ~18 TITA | 75–78 Marks (99.0%ile) |
High-Yield QA Topic Weightage
Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, Percentages, Profit-Loss, Mixtures, Averages, Simple/Compound Interest.
Linear & Quadratic Equations, Polynomials, Inequalities, Modulus, Logarithms, Functions, Sequences & Series.
Triangles, Circles, Coordinate Geometry, Permutation & Combination, Probability, Number Systems.
Explore CAT 2026 Intelligence Guides & Tools
ThinkCAT HubFrequently Asked Questions
Can I switch between sections during the CAT 2026 exam?
No, CAT strictly enforces 40-minute non-switchable sectional timer locks in a fixed sequence: Section I (VARC), Section II (DILR), and Section III (QA). You cannot revisit or pre-empt another section.
Is a physical calculator allowed in CAT 2026?
No physical calculators are permitted. An on-screen digital non-scientific virtual calculator with basic arithmetic (+, -, *, /, sqrt) is provided on the computer interface.
What are TITA questions in CAT and do they have negative marking?
TITA (Type-In-The-Answer) questions require candidates to enter numerical values using an on-screen keypad instead of choosing from options. TITA questions carry ZERO negative marking penalty for incorrect attempts.
Which topics carry the highest weightage in CAT QA?
Arithmetic (TSD, Time & Work, Percentages, Profit-Loss, Mixtures) and Algebra (Linear/Quadratic Equations, Polynomials, Inequalities, Logarithms, Functions) collectively comprise over 70–75% of the QA section.
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