CAT Exam Pattern 2026

CAT Exam Pattern 2023 Important Points:

• During the exam, the candidate will be provided with an on-screen calculator.
• A digital clock will be displayed on the screen to show the remaining time for each section.
• A sheet will be provided for rough work and must be submitted after the exam.
• Candidates must complete one section before moving to the next; the screen automatically switches after 40 minutes, and returning to a previous section is not allowed.

The CAT test pattern divides the work into three sections, each with a time limit. Candidates cannot choose the order in which they will try the sections. Also, you cannot move back and forth between sections. Therefore, it is important to understand the time limit for each section in order to attempt the questions efficiently.

Marking Scheme:

It is highly important to maintain accuracy while solving the questions rather than focusing on the number of questions one can attempt. Therefore, understanding the marking scheme will help the candidate to select the best set and score better.

The CAT 2026 exam is computer-based. Therefore, candidates must enter their answers into the computer. Candidates must select one of the options offered when entering an answer:

• Save and Next: Candidates select and save an answer and proceed to the next question.
• Delete Answer: Candidates can delete the answer to the question they answered.
• Mark for Review and Next: Candidates can mark and answer unknown questions for review and proceed to the next question.

CAT 2026 Verbal Ability Pattern:

The Verbal Ability section of CAT has two major components:

Reading Comprehension:

4-5 sets with 4-5 questions for each set.

• It accounts for around 67% of the questions (16 out of 24 questions)
• Question format: MCQs and TITA (Type in the answer) questions

Verbal Ability:

• A relatively small subsection with only 8 questions
• Includes topics like para summary, para jumbles, para completion, odd one out etc.

CAT 2026 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Pattern:

• Includes topics like Tables and Graphs, Puzzles, Games and Tournaments, Circular arrangements etc.
• It is considered as one of the most complex sections of the exam.

CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude Pattern:

• The QA section of CAT 2021 consisted of a total of 22 questions with 8 non-MC questions
• Compared to compatriots, there are no specific subdivisions associated with more important subjects

CAT Exam Pattern Analysis: Changes Over the Years

Please note that the entire analysis is based on student feedback and top expert analysis and is indicative of nature.

• The CAT pattern has changed over the years although this year’s exam pattern is expected to be similar to the 2024 and 2025 exam pattern.
• The following is an overview of the test pattern over the last 10 years.
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Section wise difficulty heatmap:

CAT Exam Pattern vs Other MBA Entrance Exams – A Comparison

Please note that the entire analysis is based on student feedback and top expert analysis and is indicative of nature.

CAT v/s XAT

CAT v/s SNAP

Note: The SNAP exam can be taken up to 3 times a year. The best score of the 3 is taken into consideration for final percentile calculation.

CAT v/s CMAT

CAT v/s NMAT

CAT 2025 Exam Analysis:

Please note that the entire analysis is based on student feedback and top expert analysis and is indicative of nature.

CAT 2025 Exam Overview -

CAT 2025 Verbal Ability Overview:

Note: Para Jumbles questions appeared in CAT 2025 after being absent in previous year papers.

CAT 2025 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Overview:

Note: DILR was the most challenging section for CAT 2025 -
Puzzle-based and Venn Diagram sets were particularly time-consuming.
Set selection strategy was critically challenging.
Arrangement-based sets appeared in multiple slots and were of high complexity.

CAT 2025 Quantitative Ability Overview:

Note: Arithmetic was the most scoring topic while Modern Math was the toughest. The entire domain was more calculation intensive as compared to previous years.

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