The CAT 2026 examination is expected to follow a similar pattern to recent years while maintaining a total of 68 questions. Experts anticipate a slight increase in overall difficulty, mainly driven by the Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) section. The Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) section is likely to remain stable and consistent with previous years. Quantitative Ability (QA) is expected to be on similar lines but may lean marginally tougher with emphasis on speed and accuracy. Due to the projected rise in difficulty level, especially in DILR, the overall cut-offs are expected to see a mild downward shift this year.

CAT 2026, conducted by IIM Kozhikode, will be held in three slots. The following section-wise expected analysis will help aspirants understand the probable question types, topic weightage, and ideal attempt strategy.

Expected sectional distribution for Slot 1:

Expected Analysis: The pattern is likely to remain exactly the same as last year. DILR and Quant sections are expected to be comparatively tougher, while VARC should stay moderate and on familiar lines. A smart scan of the paper will help identify easier questions quickly. An attempt of 45–50 questions with decent accuracy is projected to be safe for 99th percentile.

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): Expected to be moderate, similar to CAT 2025. There will likely be 4 RC passages of medium length.

Expected Good Attempt: 14–18 questions with high accuracy for 99%ile.

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): Expected to be the toughest section this year with increased complexity. 4 LR sets + 1 DI set with higher number of TITA questions (~10).

Expected Good Attempt: 9–12 questions with good accuracy for 99%ile.

Quantitative Aptitude (QA): Expected to be moderate to slightly tough with focus on Algebra and Arithmetic.

Expected Good Attempt: 13–17 questions with good accuracy for 99%ile.

Expected sectional distribution for Slot 2:

Expected Analysis: DILR is expected to be slightly easier than Slot 1, while QA may feel more calculation-intensive. VARC should remain stable. An attempt of 45–50 is still considered ideal for top percentile.

VARC: Moderate difficulty.

Expected RC Topics: Cave Fish, Scientific Instruments, AI/ChatGPT, Discoveries in Biology & Physics.

Expected Good Attempt: 14–18 with high accuracy.

DILR: Moderate to slightly tough (3 LR + 2 DI sets).

Expected Sets: Authors & Books, Sustainability Index Chart, Hoops & Basketballs, Gurus-Students Arrangement, 3 States Index.

Expected Good Attempt: 10–14 questions.

QA: Tougher and calculation heavy.

Expected Good Attempt: 11–15 questions.

Expected sectional distribution for Slot 3:

Expected Analysis: Slot 3 is projected to be the most difficult among the three, with both Quant and DILR being time-consuming and calculation-intensive. Accuracy will be extremely important. Overall attempts may drop in this slot.

VARC: Slightly more challenging.

Expected RC Topics: AI & Robots, Art & Tribalism, Forest Act, Impact of Dams on Ecology.

Expected Good Attempt: 14–18.

DILR: Difficult and lengthy.

Expected Good Attempt: 8–11 questions.

QA: Most calculation-intensive slot.

Expected Good Attempt: 9–12 questions.

CAT 2026 is expected to surprise candidates with a higher proportion of TITA questions. While VARC is likely to remain consistent, DILR and QA sections are projected to be more calculation-oriented and time-consuming. This may lead to lower overall attempts compared to last year. Aspirants are advised to focus on accuracy and selective question picking rather than raw attempts.