CAT Marking Scheme 2026: Getting your head around the CAT Marking Scheme is step one in building a targeted preparation strategy. This guide breaks down the CAT scoring process across all three sections —VARC, DILR, and QA, along with the number of questions in each section, the type of questions asked in the CAT exam, and shares smart tactics to optimise marks and minimise risk.
Table of Contents
CAT 2026 Marking Scheme: Marks Distribution & Number of Questions
A total of 120 minutes is allotted for the CAT exam, with each section lasting for 40 minutes. The table below provides an accurate vision of the section-wise CAT 2026 exam pattern along with the number of questions and their mark distribution:
| CAT Exam Sections | No of questions | MCQs | Non-MCQs | Marks Distribution | Sectional Weightage |
| VARC | 24 | 20 | 4 | 72 Marks | 36% |
| DILR | 22 | 14 | 6 | 66 Marks | 30% |
| QA | 22 | 15 | 7 | 66 Marks | 34% |
| Total | 68 | 49 | 17 | 204 Marks |
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Start learning →TITA vs MCQ Questions in CAT 2026
Each section in the CAT exam includes TITA and MCQ questions. TITA stands for “Type in the Answer”, meaning that candidates have to type the answer in the box provided. Also, TITA questions don’t carry any negative marking for wrong answers.
| Question Type | Correct Response |
| MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) | +3 marks |
| TITA (Type-In-The-Answer) | +3 marks |
- MCQs reward accuracy but come with a penalty for incorrect answers.
- TITA questions are safer—there’s no negative marking even if you’re wrong.
Also Read- CAT Syllabus 2026 Section-wise, Download PDF
CAT 2026 Negative Marking Scheme
The CAT exam has negative marking only for multiple-choice questions (MCQs), where each incorrect attempt will lead to a deduction of one mark. The non-MCQ questions, often known as Type In The Answer (TITA), do not have negative marking. This lets candidates attempt TITA questions without fear of losing marks for incorrect responses.
| Question Type | Incorrect Response | Unattempted
Questions |
| MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) | –1 mark | 0 |
| TITA (Type-In-The-Answer) | 0 marks | 0 |
Also Read – CAT Exam Date 2026, Exam Schedule
CAT Exam Sectional Time Limit 2026
CAT 2026 will be held in three different slots throughout the day. Each candidate will be allocated a specific time slot and CAT exam centre, which will be available on their admit cards. Here’s how the exam is divided by slot:
| CAT Exam Sections | CAT Sectional Time Limit |
| VARC | 40 minutes |
| DILR | 40 minutes |
| QA | 40 minutes |
| Total | 120 minutes |
Is Extra Time Given for PWD Students?
Candidates who are differently abled have a total of 160 minutes to finish the test, with 53 minutes and 20 seconds for each of the three parts.
CAT 2026 Exam Timings
Each candidate will have a specific time slot assigned to them, which will be indicated on their CAT admit card. Here’s the breakdown of the CAT exam slots for your reference:
| CAT Exam Slots | CAT Exam Time Duration |
| Morning | 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM |
| Afternoon | 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM |
| Evening | 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
Check out: CAT 2025 Important Topics
CAT Marking Scheme 2026: Conclusion
It’s not just enough to know the CAT Marking Scheme 2026; the more important task is to balance accuracy with a correct exam-taking strategy. Candidates should attempt the questions that they can solve in under a minute first. They should pay more attention to MCQs, as they have options that can give them an idea of the correct answer or any option closer to it. Additionally, they should use TITA questions carefully, as there is no negative marking. Afterwards, move towards the questions with clear concepts that can be solved but are time-consuming. This allows for the chance to attempt the questions without the fear of losing marks, and you should be disciplined about how much time you spend on mock tests.
Check out: CAT Important Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the marking scheme for CAT 2026?
A: The marking scheme for CAT 2026 is given below:
- For every correct answer, +3 marks will be given
- For every wrong answer, -1 will be deducted
- No penalty for unattended questions.
- There will be no negative marking for the ‘TITA’ type of questions. The negative marking is only for ‘MCQ’ type questions.
Q: How many marks does CAT exam 2026 worth in total?
A: CAT exam 2026 total marks are 204, divided into three sections: VARC – 72 marks, DILR – 66 marks, QA – 66 marks
Q: Is there negative marking in CAT 2026?
A: Yes, there is negative marking in CAT 2026 exam. 1 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer in the ‘MCQ’ type of questions. No negative marking for the ‘TITA’ type of questions.
Q: How many TITA and MCQ questions are there in CAT 2026?
A: On average, CAT 2026 includes 8 TITA questions in the QA section, 6-8 questions in DILR and 3-4 questions in VARC.
Q: How does CAT negative marking affect the percentile score?
A: Repeated negative marking in CAT 2025 can affect your raw score, which could lower your scaled score and percentile. This could directly have an impact on your ranking, so candidates have to make sure to focus on their accuracy to rank better.
