The CAT exam pattern has changed multiple times during the last decade. However, CAT 2025 continued with three sections and a total of 68 questions.
Around 2.58 lakh candidates appeared for CAT 2025 out of around 2.95 lakh registered candidates. Based on recent trends, CAT 2026 is also expected to follow a similar structure with minor modifications.
Read ahead to know the how many sections will be there is CAT 2026 exam along with expected changes and section-wise analysis.
How Many Sections Are Expected in the CAT 2026 Exam?
CAT 2026 is expected to have three sections. These sections evaluate verbal ability, logical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude skills.
VARC is expected to have 24 questions, DILR may have 22 questions, and QA comprises 22 questions. The CAT 2026 exam pattern may remain unchanged because the previous year’s exam followed the same structure successfully.
Here is the expected CAT 2026 section for candidates’ reference.
| CAT 2026 Section | Expected Number of Questions |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 |
| Total | 68 |
CAT 2026 VARC Section: Expected Pattern
The VARC section remains the largest section in the CAT exam. Reading Comprehension is likely to dominate the VARC section.
Candidates usually spend more time on this area. It usually contributes more than one-third of the total questions. Check the expected VARC Structure in CAT 2026:
| Topic | No. of Questions (Approximate) | Approximate Weightage |
| Reading Comprehension | 16 questions | 67-68% |
| Para Jumble | 3-4 questions | 12-13% |
| Summary | 3-4 questions | 12-13% |
| Odd Questions | 2-3 questions | 7-8% |
CAT 2026 DILR Section: Expected Pattern
The CAT DILR section is known for its unpredictable nature. Difficulty levels can vary significantly every year. Candidates generally need strong selection skills because solving every set is rarely possible.
Check the expected DILR Structure in CAT 2026:
| DI & LR Topics | No. of Questions (Approximate) | Approximate Weightage (%) |
| Tables and Charts | 3-6 | 45–50% |
| Puzzle and Seating Arrangements | 2-4 | 55-60% |
| Scheduling and Blood Relations | 2-4 | 5-10% |
| Games and Tournaments | 4-5 | 10-20% |
| Scheduling and Blood Relations | 4-5 | 5-10% |
| Venn Diagrams & Hybrid Sets | 2-3 | 5-10% |
CAT 2026 QA Section: Expected Pattern
The CAT Quantitative Ability section usually contains arithmetic-heavy questions. Algebra and geometry also contribute regularly.
Arithmetic has remained the highest-weightage area in recent CAT examinations. Check the expected QA Topic Distribution below:
| Topic Name | No. of Questions (Approximate) |
| Number System | 2-3 |
| Averages, Ratios and Proportion | 4-5 |
| Progressions and Series | 1-2 |
| Time, Work and Distance | 2-3 |
| Logarithms, Surds and Indices | 2-3 |
| Profit, Loss and Interest | 2-3 |
| Geometry | 2-3 |
| Inequalities and linear equations | 1-2 |
| Functions and Graphs | 1-2 |
| PnC and Probability | 1-2 |
| Quadratic Equations | 2-3 |
CAT Quant Topic-Wise Weightage
| Topic | Weightage |
| Number System | 5-10% |
| Arithmetic | 35-50% |
| Algebra | 30-35% |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 10-15% |
| Modern Maths | 5-10% |
Expected Time Limit for CAT 2026 Sections
CAT follows sectional time limits. Candidates cannot move freely between sections during the exam. PwD candidates may receive additional time according to CAT guidelines.
Here is the expected time limit for CAT 2026 sections:
| Section | Expected CAT Exam Duration |
| VARC | 40 Minutes |
| DILR | 40 Minutes |
| QA | 40 Minutes |
| Total Duration | 120 Minutes |
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Expected Changes
Although no official notification has been released, some areas could see minor modifications. Major structural changes appear unlikely based on recent CAT patterns.
Here are the possible changes based on recent trends:
| Area | CAT 2025 | CAT 2026 Expectation |
| Number of Sections | 3 | Likely 3 |
| Total Questions | 68 | 66-70 |
| Exam Duration | 120 Minutes | 120 Minutes |
| Sectional Time Limit | 40 Minutes | 40 Minutes |
| MCQ and TITA Mix | Present | Likely Present |
CAT 2026 Section-Wise Weightage Analysis
Understanding CAT section-wise weightage helps candidates allocate preparation time effectively. The distribution shows that all three sections remain equally important for a high percentile.
Here is the expected weightage in CAT 2026 for reference:
| Section | Questions | Approximate Weightage |
| VARC | 24 | 35% |
| DILR | 22 | 32% |
| QA | 22 | 33% |
Why Understanding CAT 2026 Sections Is Important
Many candidates focus only on Quantitative Ability. However, CAT percentile depends on sectional performance as well.
Candidates who understand the CAT exam pattern often prepare more strategically. Here are some benefits of knowing the CAT 2026 Exam Pattern:
| Preparation Advantage | Impact |
| Better Time Management | Improves sectional attempts |
| Smarter Study Planning | Improves preparation efficiency |
| Balanced Preparation | Reduces sectional weaknesses |
| Better Mock Analysis | Improves score tracking |
CAT 2026 Marking Scheme
Understanding the CAT 2026 marking scheme is important before starting preparation. CAT follows a combination of MCQ and Non-MCQ questions.
Based on the past exam trends, the marking structure is expected to remain unchanged. Here is the expected CAT 2026 marking scheme for reference:
| Response Type | Marks Awarded |
| Correct Answer | +3 marks |
| Incorrect MCQ Answer | -1 Mark |
| Incorrect Non-MCQ Answer | No Negative Marking |
| Unattempted Question | 0 Marks |
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern at a Glance
The expected CAT 2026 structure may remain similar to previous years. Here is the expected CAT 2026 exam pattern for reference:
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Sections | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Quantitative Ability (QA) |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Sections | 3 |
| Total Questions | 68 |
| Maximum Marks | 204 |
| Sectional Time Limit | 40 minutes each |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for correct answer-1 for incorrect answer (MCQs) |
CAT Exam Pattern Over the Years
Here is the year-wise CAT exam pattern changes over the years in terms of the number of questions and exam duration shared below:
| CAT Year | Number of questions | Time duration |
| 2025 | 68 | 120 minutes |
| 2024 | 68 | 120 minutes |
| 2023 | 66 | 120 minutes |
| 2022 | 66 | 120 minutes |
| 2021 | 66 | 120 minutes |
| 2020 | 76 | 120 minutes |
Conclusion
CAT 2026 is expected to continue with three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. Based on CAT 2025 data, the total number of questions may remain close to 68 with a 120-minute duration.
Candidates should focus on understanding the CAT 2026 exam pattern early because sectional preparation is crucial in achieving a high percentile.
For structured preparation, regular mock tests, and expert guidance, students can join MBA KARO CAT Online Coaching.
The program provides live classes, detailed performance analysis, sectional strategies, and CAT-focused mentorship designed for CAT 2026 aspirants.
