IIM Indore CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Complete Section-Wise Pattern

The IIM Indore CAT Exam Pattern 2026 has been announced along with the official details of CAT 2026.

As per the official press release, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore will conduct the CAT 2026 exam on November 29, 2026 (Sunday) in three sessions.

The computer-based test will be conducted for 120 minutes and will comprise 68 questions carrying a maximum of 204 marks.

The CAT 2026 question paper will have three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).

Each section will have a fixed 40-minute time limit, and candidates cannot move between sections during the exam.

The paper will contain both MCQs and TITA (Type In The Answer) questions. MCQs carry negative marking, whereas TITA questions do not.

IIM Indore CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Highlights

Here are the key highlights of the CAT 2026 exam pattern for reference:

Particulars	Details
Conducting Institute	IIM Indore
Exam Name	CAT 2026
Exam Date	November 29, 2026 (Sunday)
Exam Mode	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam Sessions	Three Sessions
Total Duration	120 Minutes
Total Questions	68
Maximum Marks	204
Number of Sections	3
Time Per Section	40 Minutes
Section Switching	Not Allowed
Question Types	MCQs & TITA (Non-MCQs)

IIM Indore CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Section-Wise Pattern

The CAT 2026 exam conducted by IIM Indore consists of three mandatory sections. Every candidate gets 40 minutes to complete each section.

Once the allotted time is over, the exam automatically moves to the next section. Check section-wise CAT exam duration and number of questions below:

Section	Exam Duration	Number of Questions
Section I: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)	40 Minutes	24
Section II: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)	40 Minutes	22
Section III: Quantitative Ability (QA)	40 Minutes	22
Total	120 Minutes	68

Key Points

• Total exam duration is 120 minutes.
• Each section has a fixed 40-minute time limit.
• Candidates cannot switch between sections.
• The exam is conducted in three sessions on the same day.

IIM Indore CAT 2026 Total Questions and Marks

CAT 2026 will consist of 68 questions carrying a total of 204 marks. Every correct answer awards 3 marks.

The paper includes both Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type In The Answer (TITA) questions.

Particular	Details
Total Questions	68
Maximum Marks	204
Marks for Correct Answer	3

IIM Indore CAT Marking Scheme 2026

The CAT 2026 marking scheme is straightforward. Negative marking is applicable only for incorrect MCQs. There is no CAT negative marking for TITA questions.

Response Type	Marks
Correct Answer	3
Incorrect MCQ	-1
Incorrect TITA (Non-MCQ)	0
Unattempted Question	0

CAT Score Calculation Formula

CAT Score = (3 × Number of Correct Answers) − (1 × Number of Incorrect MCQs)

Candidates should remember that only wrong MCQs attract negative marking. Incorrect answers in TITA questions do not reduce the overall score.

What are TITA Questions in IIM Indore CAT 2026?

TITA stands for Type In The Answer questions. Instead of selecting an option, candidates have to type the final answer using the on-screen keyboard provided during the exam.

Important Features of TITA Questions

• No answer options are provided.
• Candidates must type the final answer.
• There is no negative marking.
• Incorrect answers receive zero marks.
• Accuracy is important because only correct answers earn marks.

Sectional Time Limit in IIM Indore CAT 2026

CAT 2026 follows a fixed sectional timing format. Candidates cannot revisit or attempt questions from a previous section after moving to the next one. Therefore, time management within each section is important.

• VARC: 40 minutes
• DILR: 40 minutes
• QA: 40 minutes

Mock Test for IIM Indore CAT 2026

To help candidates understand the actual exam interface and question format, a mock test will be made available on the official CAT website before the examination.

Candidates should attempt the mock test to become familiar with the sectional navigation, question types, and answer submission process. 

Till then, candidates can strengthen their preparation with MBA KARO CAT Mock Tests. The platform offers 15 full-length CAT mocks, 10 VARC, 10 DILR, and 10 QA sectional mocks based on the latest CAT exam pattern.

Each mock includes detailed performance analysis to help you identify strengths, improve weak areas, and maximise your CAT score.

Important Points About the IIM Indore CAT Exam Pattern 2026

• IIM Indore will conduct CAT 2026 on November 29, 2026.
• The exam will be held in three sessions.
• The total duration is 120 minutes.
• The paper consists of 68 questions carrying 204 marks.
• The exam has three sections.
• Each section has a 40-minute time limit.
• Section switching is not allowed.
• The paper includes both MCQs and TITA questions.
• MCQs have -1 negative marking for incorrect answers.
• TITA questions have no negative marking.

Conclusion

Understanding the IIM Indore CAT Exam Pattern 2026 is the first step towards planning your preparation effectively. Knowing the total questions, sectional time limit, and marking scheme allows you to build an exam strategy that matches the actual test structure. 

Along with understanding the pattern, regular mock tests and section-wise practice are equally important for improving speed and accuracy.

If you are preparing for CAT 2026, MBA KARO CAT Online Coaching can help you with structured classes, expert mentorship, comprehensive study material, and mock tests designed according to the latest CAT exam pattern.