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 Takeaway
Verified SummaryThe CAT 2026 exam pattern consists of 66 questions carrying 198 total marks administered over 120 minutes with strict 40-minute sectional countdown locks. The examination is divided into three sections: Section I (VARC: 24 questions - 16 RC, 8 VA), Section II (DILR: 20 questions - 4 sets of 5 questions each), and Section III (QA: 22 questions - ~9 Arithmetic, ~8 Algebra, ~3 Geometry, ~2 Modern Math). Marking awards +3 marks for every correct response, deducts -1 mark for incorrect Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), and carries ZERO negative marking penalty for Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) numerical entry questions (~16 to 18 TITA questions across the paper). An on-screen non-scientific virtual calculator is provided for arithmetic computations.
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 | ~36–40 Marks |
| DILR (Section II) | 20 Qs (60 M) | 40 Minutes | 4 Caselets (5 Qs each) | ~26–30 Marks |
| QA (Section III) | 22 Qs (66 M) | 40 Minutes | 14–16 MCQ + 6–8 TITA | ~30–33 Marks |
| Overall Paper | 66 Qs (198 M) | 120 Minutes | ~48 MCQ + ~18 TITA | ~78–84 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.
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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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