Common Admission Test Exam Pattern
Common Admission Test Exam Pattern
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level computer-based examination conducted every year for admission to postgraduate management programmes such as MBA and PGP at the Indian Institutes of Management and other top business schools.
The CAT exam evaluates candidates on verbal ability, logical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude through a structured online test format. Understanding the exam pattern helps candidates prepare strategically and manage time effectively during the exam.
Table of Contents
CAT Exam Pattern 2026 Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Duration | 120 Minutes (2 Hours) |
| Total Questions | Approximately 68 Questions |
| Total Marks | 204 Marks |
| Medium | English Only |
Overall CAT Exam Structure
The CAT exam is conducted as a 120-minute computer-based test divided into three mandatory sections. Each section has a fixed time limit of 40 minutes and candidates cannot switch between sections.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test |
| Total Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Sectional Time Limit | 40 Minutes per section |
| Question Types | MCQ and TITA (Non-MCQ) |
| Section Order | VARC → DILR → QA |
Section-wise Breakdown
Section 1: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Total Questions: 24
- Total Marks: 72
- Includes reading comprehension passages and verbal ability topics.
- Topics: Para jumbles, para summary, and odd-one-out.
Section 2: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Total Questions: 22
- Total Marks: 66
- Includes data sets, puzzles, and logical reasoning.
- Topics: Tables, charts, seating arrangements, and caselets.
Section 3: Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Total Questions: 22
- Total Marks: 66
- Focus on arithmetic and algebra.
- Additional topics include geometry, number systems, and modern maths.
CAT Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: +3 marks
- Incorrect MCQ: -1 mark (negative marking)
- Incorrect TITA: No negative marking
- Unattempted Question: 0 marks
Candidates should attempt questions carefully as negative marking applies to MCQs. Non-MCQ questions do not have negative marking, allowing safer attempts.
Key Features of CAT Exam
- On-screen basic calculator available for calculations.
- Exam conducted in three slots on a single day.
- Slots: Morning, Afternoon, and Evening.
- Scores are normalized across slots for fairness.
- Sectional timing is fixed with no switching allowed.
FAQs on CAT Exam Pattern
Q1: What is the overall exam pattern of the Common Admission Test and how much time is given to complete the exam?
The CAT exam is a computer-based test with a total duration of 120 minutes. It is divided into three sections with 40 minutes allotted to each section. Candidates must follow the fixed order of sections during the exam. The test includes both MCQ and non-MCQ questions. Proper time management is essential to attempt all sections effectively.
Q2: How many questions are asked in the CAT exam and what is the total marks distribution for all sections combined?
The CAT exam usually contains around 68 questions in total. The maximum marks for the exam are 204. Each correct answer carries three marks. The marks are divided among VARC, DILR, and QA sections. Candidates must perform well in all sections to achieve a high percentile.
Q3: Is there negative marking in the CAT exam and how does the marking scheme apply to MCQ and non-MCQ questions?
Yes, negative marking applies only to multiple-choice questions. One mark is deducted for each incorrect MCQ answer. Non-MCQ or TITA questions do not have negative marking. Each correct answer gives three marks. Candidates should attempt questions carefully to avoid losing marks.
Q4: Can candidates switch between sections during the CAT exam or is there a fixed sectional time limit?
Candidates cannot switch between sections during the CAT exam. Each section has a fixed time limit of 40 minutes. Once the time for a section ends, the next section begins automatically. Candidates must attempt questions within the allotted time. Proper time planning is important to maximize score.
Q5: Is a calculator allowed during the CAT exam and how are scores normalized across different exam slots?
A basic on-screen calculator is provided during the CAT exam. Candidates cannot carry personal calculators to the exam centre. The exam is conducted in multiple slots on the same day. Scores are normalized to ensure fairness across slots. This ensures equal evaluation despite varying difficulty levels.
Q6: In how many slots is the CAT exam conducted in a day and what are the typical timings of these slots?
The CAT exam is generally conducted in three slots on a single day. These include morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. Exact timings are mentioned on the admit card. Candidates must report to the exam centre well before time. Following instructions ensures smooth entry and exam process.