CAT Exam Syllabus: Sections, Timings, and Preparation

If you are someone who is preparing for the CAT exam, you must know how important it is to understand the exam pattern. CAT 2026 preparations become easy if you are well aware of how the exam is designed. Before understanding the full Exam syllabus, it is very important to know how the paper is divided, how much time you have to cover it, and what difficulty level of questions you may face. Let us begin from the very basics and understand the pattern in detail.

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Overview of the CAT Exam Syllabus 2026

The syllabus for the CAT 2026 examination consists of three sections:

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension,
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning,
and Quantitative Aptitude.

VARC tests the language skills of candidates in reading comprehension, grammar, and verbal reasoning. DILR tests for an analytical aptitude through data analysis, interpretation, and logic puzzles. QA tests a candidate's mathematical ability on topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems.

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The types of questions asked in the examination are MCQs and TITA questions, where the candidate has to write the answer without any options. A marking scheme consists of +3 marks for each correct answer and -1 for wrong answers on MCQs, while there is no negative marking for TITA questions. The total time given for attempting the paper is 120 minutes, while each section is given 40 minutes. The total number of questions in the paper is approximately 68, divided among these three sections. This format essentially tests the candidate for speed, accuracy, and problem-solving skills consistently across all sections. Understanding this breakdown of the syllabus will be useful in focused and efficient preparation for CAT 2026.

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What's new in the CAT exam syllabus 2026?

The syllabus for CAT 2026 is constantly evolving to align with current trends and emphases of the examination board. A noticeable change is that in VARC, the reading comprehension has seen a shift from classical or ancient philosophy passages to more contemporary issues, while the topics have been on pure economics and business themes. In the DILR section, many unusual question types have come up, such as puzzles on sports tournaments, data games, and logic-driven problems aimed at deeper analysis, reasoning, and checking. There is also an increasing presence of TITA questions, where candidates will be required to provide answers without choices. Consequently, the focus will also be more on understanding rather than mere guesswork. Such questions do not have any negative marking, which would help aspirants in an attempt to try all questions. On one hand, the quantitative section is vast and is likely to place greater emphasis on application-based problem-solving rather than mere rote memorization.

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CAT 2026 Exam Format: Section-wise Breakdown

CAT 2026 has three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA, each timed precisely for 40 minutes. The VARC section consists of 24 questions on reading comprehension passages, para jumbles, sentence completion, and verbal reasoning. The DILR section will also have approximately 22 questions, consisting of a mix of data sets, puzzles, and logical reasoning problems testing quantitative reasoning and data interpretation.

In the QA section, roughly 22 questions will be asked to test arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and other math topics. The time limits are fixed for each section, and candidates cannot switch between sections during the test. Overall, there will be approximately 68 questions, evenly distributed across the paper. This ensures that candidates display their expertise in verbal, quantitative, and logical domains within a uniform time frame.

Number of questions in CAT 2026: Section and Total

CAT 2026 will have approximately 68 questions in all, divided into three sections. The VARC section consists of approximately 24 questions aimed at the language and comprehension skills of the test-takers. The DILR section holds about 22 questions on the analytical thinking and data interpretation skills of a candidate. Similarly, the Quantitative Aptitude section holds about 22 questions on arithmetic, algebra, and other mathematical concepts. There are both MCQs and TITA (Type In The Answer) kinds of questions.

The pattern remains the same as it has been for the last couple of years, with not much variation in the total number of questions. Aspirants need to be more accurate because there is a -1 mark for every wrong MCQ. However, the wrong TITA question has no penalty at all.

The way the questions are divided within the sections allows one to prepare on focused areas, keeping in mind the sectional time to be maintained during the test.

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CAT Exam Syllabus 2026 Duration and Time Allocation

The time limit for the CAT 2026 exam is fixed at 120 minutes, equally divided into three sections of 40 minutes each. The candidate needs to attempt all questions in one section before entering the next section. Once the candidate has entered a section, he/she cannot go back to the previous section. Each section gets equal time, which upholds the importance of preparation on equal grounds between VARC, DILR, and QA.

CAT 2026 is a computer-based test that will be conducted in multiple sessions during the day to accommodate a large number of test-takers. Time management plays an important role here because every section has a fixed number of questions, and the difficulty level of the questions also differs. So, it would be better if the student utilizes each section's time effectively by tactically balancing speed and accuracy to score maximum marks. Extra time per section is not available, and time left in a section cannot be transferred to another section. Therefore, practice in timing is also essential for CAT 2026 aspirants.

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CAT 2026 Question Types: MCQs and Non-MCQs

There are two types of questions in CAT 2026: Multiple Choice Questions and Type In The Answer - TITA or Non-MCQ. MCQs come with four options, out of which one is correct. Each correct answer carries a mark of +3, while every wrong answer loses one mark (-1). TITA questions require candidates to enter the correct answer without options given, eliminating possible options to search for the correct one. No negative marking is attached to TITA questions, and thus, there is no harm in attempting those questions. This blend tests conceptual clarity and the ability for quick decision-making simultaneously. The increasing percentage of TITA questions indicates an inclination towards testing more on understanding, application rather than rote learning. Both types of questions are to be mastered and practiced; speed, precision, and sound fundamentals are required for preparation.

Important Instructions - CAT Exam Day 2026

On the day of the CAT 2026 exam, candidates will be required to carry the printed admit card and a valid government photo identification to the test center.
Report at least 90 minutes before your reporting time to avoid any last-minute hassles. Clothes should not have large pockets or buttons to save time during security checks. Instructions given by the invigilators must be strictly followed.
Any form of communication or misconduct on the part of the candidates will result in disqualification.
Only the rough sheet provided by the examination conducting authorities can be used for doing all calculations.
Bio-breaks are only allowed in case of urgency since no extra time is awarded.
No electronic devices, study material, or personal items are allowed inside the examination room.

Be well-prepared with documents and follow the instructions; this will ensure a smooth examination experience devoid of any avoidable distractions or penalties.

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Best Strategy for Preparation Based on the CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

A systematic and disciplined study plan will help the candidates prepare effectively for CAT 2026, keeping in mind their sectional strengths and weaknesses. Master the concepts and formulas, particularly in Quantitative Aptitude.

Attempt questions in rounds:

Understand the method, increase the level of accuracy, and work on speed.
Take frequent MBA CAT mock tests, simulate exam conditions, analyze the errors, and adjust strategies as required.

Candidates can distribute time day-to-day to each section:

Building vocabulary and reading comprehension for VARC, solving puzzles for DILR, and mental calculations for QA.
Practice gradually with TITA questions to get confidence and without the fear of negative marking.

Revision through consistent efforts and focused practice helps maintain good time management skills and orient the candidate toward the balanced sectional time limits in CAT 2026.

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CAT 2026 Exam Pattern FAQs

How many questions will be there in the CAT 2026?

The CAT exam syllabus test will have roughly 68 questions divided into three sections: approximately 24 VARC, approximately 22 DILR, and approximately 22 QA.

What is the duration of the CAT 2026 exam, and how is the time divided across sections?

There are 120 minutes of total time divided into three sections, each lasting 40 minutes. Candidates must complete one section before proceeding to the next.

What is the marking scheme of MCQs and non-MCQs in CAT 2026?

For every correct MCQ, +3 marks will be awarded; for every wrong answer, -1 mark will be deducted. For non-MCQs, that is, Type In The Answer questions, +3 marks will be awarded with no negative marking for wrong attempts.

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Is section switching allowed in the CAT exam?

No, moving between sections is not allowed. Candidates have to finish the given section within that duration only.

Are there any changes in the CAT 2026 syllabus compared to that of previous years?

Yes, CAT 2026 introduced more contemporary reading comprehension topics in VARC and a greater number of unconventional DILR puzzles, coupled with an increase in non-MCQ/ TITA questions.

What type of questions can I expect in DI and LR?

The DILR section comprises data sets, puzzles, and logical reasoning questions on graphs, tables, seating arrangements, and complex data games.

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Is there negative marking for Type In The Answer (TITA) questions?

No, TITA questions do not have negative marking. Candidates are encouraged to attempt all such questions.

What documents should I carry on the day of the CAT exam?

All candidates will have to report to the examination venue with an admit card in printed form along with a valid photo identification card issued by the government.

Sum up

Understanding the pattern of the CAT exam syllabus is of utmost importance for smart preparation. Knowing how much time each section will take-VARC, DILR, and QA-how many questions are there, and what types of questions there are, will help you strategize well. Practice with MCQs and TITA questions, work on your speed and accuracy, and take mock tests to improve. You cannot toggle between sections, and so time management is key. Following instructions on exam day will help you avoid unnecessary issues. Focused and disciplined preparation will certainly enable you to tackle the CAT exam confidently and maximize your chances of securing a good score.

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