CAT Exam Pattern 2027: Section-wise Pattern, Questions & Marking Scheme
The CAT Exam Pattern explains the structure of the Common Admission Test, including its sections, number of questions, duration, question types, and marking scheme.
CAT consists of three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
The latest completed CAT exam, CAT 2025, had 68 questions to be answered in 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allotted to each section.
Important: CAT 2027 details may change when the official notification is released. The pattern below is based on the latest available CAT pattern and should be updated after the official CAT 2027 notification.
CAT Exam Pattern Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions | 68* |
| Total Duration | 120 Minutes* |
| Sections | VARC, DILR & QA |
| Sectional Time | 40 Minutes* |
| Question Types | MCQ & TITA |
| Correct Answer | +3 Marks |
| Incorrect MCQ | -1 Mark |
| Incorrect TITA | No Negative Marking |
| Section Order | VARC → DILR → QA |
Based on CAT 2025; the official CAT 2027 notification will determine the final pattern.
CAT Section-wise Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Maximum Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 72 | 40 Minutes |
| DILR | 22 | 66 | 40 Minutes |
| QA | 22 | 66 | 40 Minutes |
| Total | 68 | 204 | 120 Minutes |
The CAT 2025 official media release confirms the 24-22-22 distribution and 120-minute duration.
1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The VARC section tests reading comprehension and verbal ability.
Topics generally include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Para Summary
- Para Jumbles
- Odd Sentence Out
- Verbal Reasoning
Questions: 24
Time: 40 minutes
Maximum Marks: 72
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
DILR evaluates your ability to interpret information, identify patterns, and solve logical problems.
Topics generally include:
- Tables and Charts
- Graphs
- Caselets
- Seating Arrangements
- Puzzles
- Arrangements
- Logical Games
Questions: 22
Time: 40 minutes
Maximum Marks: 66
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)
QA tests mathematical concepts and numerical problem-solving skills.
Topics generally include:
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Number System
- Modern Mathematics
Questions: 22
Time: 40 minutes
Maximum Marks: 66
CAT Marking Scheme
CAT uses different marking rules for MCQs and TITA questions.
| Response | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct MCQ | +3 |
| Incorrect MCQ | -1 |
| Correct TITA | +3 |
| Incorrect TITA | 0 |
| Unattempted | 0 |
The CAT 2025 paper followed +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect MCQs, and no negative marking for TITA questions.
CAT Sectional Time Limit
Each section has a fixed time limit. Candidates cannot freely move between sections during the examination.
| Section | Time |
|---|---|
| VARC | 40 Minutes |
| DILR | 40 Minutes |
| QA | 40 Minutes |
| Total | 120 Minutes |
The latest official CAT information confirms 40 minutes per section, with extended timing for eligible PwD candidates.
Related CAT Resources
| Guide | What You’ll Learn |
|---|---|
| CAT Overview | Complete information about the CAT examination and admission process. |
| CAT Syllabus | Explore the section-wise VARC, DILR, and QA syllabus. |
| CAT Eligibility | Check educational qualifications and eligibility requirements. |
| CAT Preparation Strategy | Learn how to prepare for CAT with an effective study plan. |
| CAT Previous Year Question Papers | Practice previous CAT papers and understand question trends. |
| CAT Colleges | Explore MBA colleges accepting CAT scores. |
CAT Exam Pattern: Key Points to Remember
Understanding the CAT exam structure is important for planning your preparation effectively. Since each section has a fixed time limit, candidates should practice solving questions within the allotted time.
Important Points
- CAT has three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA.
- Each section has a separate time limit.
- Candidates cannot switch between sections during the examination.
- Both MCQ and TITA questions can appear.
- Incorrect MCQs carry negative marking.
- TITA questions generally do not have negative marking.
- Unattempted questions receive no marks.
- The actual number of questions and exam structure can change in future editions.
How to Prepare According to the CAT Exam Pattern
Your preparation should match the structure of the examination.
VARC
Focus on reading comprehension and verbal ability. Practice reading passages regularly and learn to identify the main idea, author’s argument, and supporting information quickly.
DILR
Practice different types of data sets and logical reasoning problems. Focus on identifying the right set to attempt and solving it accurately within limited time.
QA
Build strong fundamentals in Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Number System. Regular calculation practice can help improve both speed and accuracy.
CAT Exam Pattern Preparation Strategy
| Preparation Focus | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Sectional Practice | Practice each section separately before attempting complete mocks. |
| Time Management | Practice completing questions within the 40-minute sectional limit. |
| Question Selection | Learn to identify easy and difficult questions quickly. |
| Mock Tests | Take full-length CAT mock tests regularly. |
| Mock Analysis | Analyze incorrect and unattempted questions after every test. |
| Previous Year Papers | Solve past CAT papers to understand question patterns and difficulty. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the CAT exam pattern?
The CAT exam consists of three sections: VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Ability (QA). Each section has a separate time limit.
2. How many questions are there in CAT?
The latest CAT pattern had 68 questions: 24 in VARC, 22 in DILR, and 22 in QA. The exact number may change in future exams.
3. What is the duration of the CAT exam?
The latest pattern has a total duration of 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allotted to each section.
4. Is there negative marking in CAT?
Yes. Generally, an incorrect MCQ carries a negative mark, while incorrect TITA questions do not carry negative marking.
5. Can I switch between CAT sections?
No. Candidates must complete each section within its allotted time and cannot freely move between sections.
6. What are the three sections in CAT?
The three sections are:
- VARC – Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
- DILR – Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
- QA – Quantitative Ability
7. How many marks is each correct CAT question worth?
A correct question generally carries 3 marks.
8. Are all CAT questions MCQs?
No. CAT includes both Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type In The Answer (TITA) questions.
9. Which section should I attempt first?
The section order is fixed in the examination. Therefore, candidates should focus on performing well in each section rather than choosing their preferred starting section.
10. Does the CAT exam pattern change every year?
The CAT pattern can change. Candidates should always check the latest official CAT notification for the final number of questions, duration, and marking scheme.
Related CAT Guides
Continue exploring our detailed CAT resources to understand the exam structure, syllabus, preparation strategy, and admission opportunities.
| Guide | What You’ll Learn |
|---|---|
| CAT Exam | Understand the CAT examination, its sections, eligibility, and admission pathway. |
| CAT Eligibility | Check the educational qualification, minimum marks, age requirements, and eligibility criteria for CAT. |
| CAT Syllabus | Explore the complete VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Ability syllabus and important topics. |
| How to Prepare for CAT | Follow a structured preparation strategy to improve concepts, accuracy, speed, and exam performance. |
| CAT Previous Year Question Papers | Practice previous CAT questions to understand question types, difficulty levels, and exam trends. |
| Top IIM Colleges in India | Explore leading IIMs, their rankings, MBA programmes, and CAT admission process. |