Exam Details
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most important MBA entrance exam in India, conducted for admission to management programs offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools. The CAT exam is held once a year, usually in November, and is known for its high difficulty level and intense competition.
If you are preparing for the CAT Exam 2026, you need to have a clear study plan and a strong understanding of the CAT 2026 syllabus. Regular practice, solving previous year CAT question papers, and attempting full-length mock tests are essential to succeed in CAT 2026. With consistent effort and the right guidance, you can improve your chances of securing admission to top IIMs.
Eligibility
Exam Pattern
CAT Exam Question Types & Negative Marking:
The CAT exam consists of two types of questions—Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type in the Answer (TITA). The detailed explanation of both question types is given below.
| Question Category | Description | Number of Options | Negative Marking |
| MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) | Candidates need to choose the correct answer from the given options | 4 options | -1 mark for each wrong answer |
| TITA (Type in the Answer) | Candidates type the answer using the on-screen keypad | Not applicable | No negative marking |
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Section-Wise Number of Questions & Maximum Marks
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 72 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 60 |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 | 66 |
| Total | 66 | 198 |
Selection Process
CAT Exam 2026 Selection Process: Step-by-Step Admission Procedure
Round 1:
IIMs use CAT scores along with other criteria given below to shortlist candidates for the further rounds of the admission process.
- CAT Score: Your percentile (overall & sectional) is a primary filter, but it is not the only factor for your admission at IIMs.
- Academic Profile: Your marks in 10th, 12th & graduation are given certain weightage
- Work Experience: Point are also awarded for the duration, relevance and quality of your work experience.
- Divesity Score: Non engineers and female students earn bonus points.
- Composite Score: Each IIM calculates its own CS score and invite candidates based on this score for the further round.
- Personal Interview (PI) – mandatory
- Written Ability Test (WAT) or Essay Writing
- Group Discussion (GD) (used by some IIMs, phased out by others
Round 2: At Newer IIMs (Common Admission Process – CAP)
Most newer IIMs participate in the Common Admission Process (CAP), which is a centralized Round 2 process. In CAP, no Group Discussion (GD) is conducted; instead, a centrally conducted Personal Interview (PI) is held, and the performance report is shared with all participating IIMs.
Previous Year Papers
| Year | Title | Access | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 |
SLOT 1: Quantitative Aptitute (QA) |
Free | Download |
| 2024 |
SLOT 1: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
Free | Download |
| 2024 |
SLOT 1: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
Free | Download |
| 2024 |
SLOT 2: Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
Free | Download |
| 2024 |
SLOT 2: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
Free | Download |
| 2024 |
SLOT 2: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
Free | Download |
| 2024 |
SLOT 3: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
Free | Download |
| 2024 |
SLOT 3: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
Free | Download |
| 2024 |
CAT SLOT 1 QA 2024 Previous Year Paper CAT SLOT 1 QA 2024 |
Free | Download |
Practice Quizzes
Frequently Asked Questions
For top institutes like the IIMs, candidates typically need a high overall percentile along with sectional cut-offs in VARC, DILR, and QA. Final selection also depends on academic profile, work experience, diversity factors, and performance in the interview stage, not just the CAT score.
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