2026-2027

What is the exam pattern of CAT?

CAT 04 Mar 2026

Details regarding section structure, duration, and marking scheme.

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CAT is conducted as a computer-based test with a total duration of 120 minutes (2 hours). The exam is divided into three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. Each section is allotted 40 minutes, and candidates cannot switch between sections during the exam. The total number of questions is typically around 66 (VARC – 24, DILR – 20, QA – 22), though it may vary slightly each year. Questions are a mix of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type In The Answer (TITA) questions. MCQs carry negative marking for wrong answers (-1 for incorrect; +3 for correct), whereas TITA questions do not have negative marking. The structure may be revised by the conducting IIM, so candidates must check the official notification each year.

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