The Common Admission Test is a very important management entrance exam that is conducted once every year, usually in the month of November, by the older Indian Institutes of Management. This exam has a high reputation of being one of the prestigious entrance exams in our country. There are thousands of students every year who are waiting to appear for the CAT exam. Students make sure that they not only prepare in a way that helps them to cram the syllabus, but rather they go in depth about learning everything regarding the exam because they understand the importance that the entrance exam holds in their goal completion. If the students score well in the CAT exam, they will be able to see themselves in the dream institutions that they have aimed for.

There are many students who also understand the importance of seeking the right kind of coaching in the preparation of the CAT exam. Therefore, many students like to go to institutions like Hitbullseye, which will properly tell them about the CAT exam pattern and truly help them achieve their goal. Whether it is giving the right kind of information regarding the exam or telling the students about the various details that are necessary for them to keep in mind or the material that the institution provides, in every aspect the main goal of the coaching institution is to help the students realize their goal and work towards it. When the students are serious in their preparation and they utilize the guidance that's provided by Hitbullseye, they will truly see the difference in their preparation.

CAT Exam Pattern 

Overall, the CAT exam pattern has remained the same over the years. There are in total 3 sections of the CAT exam. The first section is Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. The second section is Data Interpretation and logical Reasoning. The third section is Quantitative Aptitude. There are a total of 24 questions in the VARC section. There are 22 questions in the DILR section, and there are 22 questions in the QA section. This makes the total number of questions on the exam 68. There is a strict sectional time limit of 40 minutes for each section, and the total overall time duration of the CAT exam is 120 minutes.

Question Typology According To CAT 2026 Exam Pattern 

When the students look into the CAT exam pattern, they will see that there are mainly two types of distinct questions that are put up in the exam question paper. The first type of questions, which are found in the majority, are the multiple-choice questions. For these types of questions, students will always find that there are options provided, and the students have to make the correct choice amongst the options provided. The second type of questions are the type in the answer-type questions. For these questions, the students will see that there are no options provided; rather, the space is given for students to type the answer that they feel is appropriate.

Marking Scheme of the CAT Exam

When the students look into the CAT paper pattern, they will see that three marks are awarded for every correct answer in the CAT exam. There is a negative marking in the exam, which means that students have to be careful because for every incorrect answer there will be 1 mark deducted. But this is only for the incorrect multiple-choice answers. There is no negative marking on the exam for the type-in answer type questions. Therefore, students can answer those questions without the fear of their marks being deducted.

Section-Wise Information According To the CAT Exam Pattern 

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension - this section aims to assess the understanding of grammar and the vocabulary of the students. Para jumbles, sentence completion, summary-based questions, odd one outs, etc. are all topics whose questions come in this section. Students need to have a strong grip over the English language in order to solve this section easily.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning—this section tests the data analysis skills and reasoning skills of the students. There are graphs, tables, charts, caselets, arrangements, puzzles, blood relations, etc. available in this section. There are usually 4 sets within this section, and each set contains approximately 5 questions.

Quantitative Reasoning—this section tests the mathematical ability of the students. There are questions on percentages, ratios, equations, geometry, mensuration, permutations, combinations, profit and loss, etc. All these questions test the calculation speed of the students. 

Conclusion

Students actually have to be very careful when they are looking into the CAT pattern because the information that they get from the CAT exam pattern is what will help them to move ahead with their preparation. In order to make sure that the students have the right information, they need to look into the resources that they're getting the information from. The places that students trust should be reliable, and if the students are a part of a coaching institution, then they need to rest assured that all the correct information will be given to them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many questions are there in each section of the CAT exam?

There are a total of 68 questions. VARC has 24 questions, DILR has 22 questions, and QA has 22 questions. Students will see in the CAT exam all the sections are divided properly, and this will give the students more clarity.

2. What type of questions are asked in the CAT exam?

According to the CAT exam pattern, there are both MCQ type questions and type-in-the-answer-type questions. 70%–75% of the exam consists of MCQ type questions only. There are a few questions in each section that are TITA based. There is no negative marking for TITA based questions.

3. Can students switch between different sections while attempting the CAT exam?

No, each section is time bound in the CAT exam. Students cannot move from one section to another without completing the time. After the time is over, the next section will automatically appear. Students don't have the option to move back or forth while the exam is going on and the sectional time limit is on.