- CAT 2026 Slot 1 was conducted on October 31, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM across test centres in India.
- The overall difficulty of Slot 1 was rated Moderate to Difficult by students and coaching experts.
- DILR was the toughest section in Slot 1; VARC was Moderate; QA was Moderate.
- Students targeting 90+ percentile should aim for 36–40 accurate attempts out of 66 questions.
- For 95+ percentile, the recommended accurate attempt count is 42–46 questions.
- QA had approximately 8 TITA questions; arithmetic and algebra dominated the section.
- Based on today’s paper, IIM A/B/C cutoffs are expected around 99–99.5 percentile.
CAT 2026 Slot 1 Paper Analysis: Overview
CAT 2026 Slot 1 was conducted on October 31, 2026, in computer-based test (CBT) mode from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. The exam was held across test centres in multiple cities across India. CAT 2026 Slot 1 was rated Moderate to Difficult overall by most students and coaching experts.
The exam followed the standard three-section format — Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA) — with 40 minutes allotted to each section. The total question count was 66, with 22 questions per section.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Slot 1 Date | October 31, 2026 |
| Slot 1 Timing | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions | 66 |
| Sections | VARC, DILR, QA (22 questions each) |
| Time per Section | 40 minutes (sectional time limit) |
| Marking Scheme | +3 (correct MCQ), −1 (wrong MCQ), 0 (wrong TITA) |
| Overall Difficulty | Moderate to Difficult |
CAT 2026 Slot 1 Paper Analysis: Overall Difficulty
CAT 2026 Slot 1 was rated Moderate to Difficult by most coaching experts who reviewed the paper. DILR emerged as the most challenging section, while VARC was at a moderate level. QA was manageable for students with strong fundamentals.
| Section | No. of Questions | MCQ | TITA | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts (90+ %ile) | Good Attempts (95+ %ile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 22 | 16 | 6 | Moderate | 13–15 | 15–17 |
| DILR | 22 | 16 | 6 | Moderate to Difficult | 9–11 | 11–13 |
| QA | 22 | 14 | 8 | Moderate | 13–15 | 15–17 |
| Overall | 66 | 46 | 20 | Moderate to Difficult | 36–40 | 42–46 |
The good attempt count for 90+ percentile in CAT 2026 Slot 1 is approximately 36–40 questions out of 66. For 99+ percentile, you need around 49–53 accurate attempts.
CAT Section-Wise Paper Analysis
VARC Section Analysis — CAT 2026 Slot 1
The VARC section was rated Moderate by most students. There were 4 Reading Comprehension passages with a total of 16 questions, and 6 Verbal Ability questions. RC passages were based on varied themes — science and technology, political philosophy, cultural history, and economics. Students found the passages lengthy but inference-based questions manageable.
Verbal Ability included 3 Para Jumble questions, 2 Para Summary questions, and 1 Odd Sentence Out question. These were mostly TITA type, requiring accuracy and careful time management.
| Topic | No. of Questions | Question Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension (4 passages) | 16 | MCQ | Moderate |
| Para Jumble | 3 | TITA | Moderate |
| Para Summary | 2 | MCQ | Easy to Moderate |
| Odd Sentence Out | 1 | TITA | Moderate |
| Total | 22 | — | Moderate |
Students aiming for 95+ percentile in VARC should attempt 15–17 questions accurately. RC passage 3 (scientific theme) and passage 4 (economics) were considered the most demanding by Slot 1 students.
DILR Section Analysis — CAT 2026 Slot 1
DILR was Moderate to Difficult in CAT 2026 Slot 1 and was the most time-consuming section overall. There were 4 sets — 2 Data Interpretation sets and 2 Logical Reasoning sets, each with 5–6 questions. One DI set involved a complex multi-variable table, while the LR set on Games and Tournaments was particularly tricky.
Students reported that two sets were doable within the time limit, while the other two demanded careful selection and focused effort. Choosing the right sets to attempt was crucial for a good DILR score in Slot 1.
| Set | Type | No. of Questions | Question Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Set 1 | DI – Multi-variable Table | 5 | MCQ + TITA | Moderate to Difficult |
| Set 2 | DI – Bar Graph + Line Chart | 5 | MCQ | Moderate |
| Set 3 | LR – Circular Arrangement | 6 | MCQ + TITA | Moderate |
| Set 4 | LR – Games & Tournaments | 6 | MCQ | Difficult |
| Total | — | 22 | — | Moderate to Difficult |
QA Section Analysis — CAT 2026 Slot 1
QA was rated Moderate in CAT 2026 Slot 1. The section had a solid mix of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number system questions. There were approximately 8 TITA questions. Students with strong calculation skills found this section manageable within the 40-minute window.
Arithmetic was the dominant area with 7–8 questions. Time-speed-distance and profit/loss questions were relatively straightforward, while 2–3 number theory and higher algebra questions required deeper conceptual clarity.
| Topic | No. of Questions | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic (TSD, Work, Profit/Loss, Percentages) | 7–8 | Easy to Moderate |
| Algebra (Equations, Functions, Progressions) | 5–6 | Moderate |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 3–4 | Moderate |
| Number System (HCF, LCM, Remainders) | 3–4 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Modern Math (P&C, Probability, Logarithms) | 2–3 | Moderate |
| Total | 22 | Moderate |
Also check: CAT 2026 Answer Key | CAT 2026 Response Sheet
CAT Topic Distribution 2026 — Slot 1
The table below shows the complete topic-wise question distribution for CAT 2026 Slot 1 based on memory-based student reports collected after the exam.
| Section | Topics Asked | No. of Questions | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | RC – Science & Technology | 4 | Moderate |
| VARC | RC – Political Philosophy | 4 | Moderate |
| VARC | RC – Cultural History | 4 | Moderate |
| VARC | RC – Economics | 4 | Moderate to Difficult |
| VARC | Para Jumble | 3 | Moderate |
| VARC | Para Summary | 2 | Easy to Moderate |
| VARC | Odd Sentence Out | 1 | Moderate |
| DILR | DI – Multi-variable Table | 5 | Moderate to Difficult |
| DILR | DI – Bar Graph + Line Chart | 5 | Moderate |
| DILR | LR – Circular Arrangement | 6 | Moderate |
| DILR | LR – Games & Tournaments | 6 | Difficult |
| QA | Arithmetic (TSD, Profit/Loss, Work, Percentages) | 7 | Easy to Moderate |
| QA | Algebra (Quadratic Equations, Functions) | 5 | Moderate |
| QA | Geometry & Mensuration (Circles, Triangles) | 4 | Moderate |
| QA | Number System (HCF, LCM, Remainders) | 3 | Moderate to Difficult |
| QA | Modern Math (P&C, Probability, Logarithms) | 3 | Moderate |
CAT Paper Analysis 2026: Expert Review
Coaching experts from major MBA preparation institutes reviewed the CAT 2026 Slot 1 paper soon after students exited the exam centres. Here is a summary of what experts said:
- On overall difficulty: Experts from TIME rated Slot 1 Moderate to Difficult, noting that DILR was the biggest differentiator this year. They found the overall paper tougher than CAT 2025 Slot 1.
- On VARC: IMS faculty noted that VARC was largely predictable with no major surprises. RC passages were long but inference-based questions were manageable for well-prepared students.
- On DILR: Career Launcher experts said the Games and Tournaments LR set was unusually difficult and most students should have skipped it. The DI set with bar graph and line chart was the most doable in the section.
- On QA: Experts highlighted that QA was student-friendly for those with solid arithmetic basics. Number system questions required careful calculation and were the trickiest part of the section.
CAT Student Reactions 2026 — Slot 1
Here is a summary of student feedback collected from outside exam centres and across social media after Slot 1 concluded:
- Most students described DILR as the most time-consuming section, with many finding it difficult to complete all four sets within 40 minutes.
- VARC was seen as manageable by the majority of students; those who read regularly found the RC passages approachable.
- In QA, students noted that arithmetic questions were the most straightforward, while number system and algebra questions took more time.
- Several students said the overall paper felt slightly tougher than CAT 2025 and recommended focusing on accuracy over raw attempts in DILR.
- A common Slot 1 strategy was to attempt 3 out of 4 DILR sets and leave the Games and Tournaments set aside.
CAT Expected Cutoff Based on Paper
Based on the overall difficulty of CAT 2026 Slot 1 and student reactions, here are the expected cutoffs for various IIMs and top B-schools. The expected CAT 2026 cutoff for IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta is 99–99.5 percentile.
| Institute | Expected Cutoff (General) | Expected Cutoff (OBC) | Expected Cutoff (SC) | Expected Cutoff (ST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | 99–99.5 percentile | 97–98 percentile | 85–90 percentile | 80–85 percentile |
| IIM Bangalore | 99–99.5 percentile | 97–98 percentile | 85–90 percentile | 80–85 percentile |
| IIM Calcutta | 99–99.5 percentile | 97–98 percentile | 85–88 percentile | 80–84 percentile |
| IIM Lucknow / Kozhikode / Indore | 98–99 percentile | 95–97 percentile | 80–85 percentile | 75–80 percentile |
| IIM Shillong / Ranchi / Udaipur | 95–97 percentile | 92–95 percentile | 75–80 percentile | 70–75 percentile |
| FMS Delhi / MDI Gurgaon | 97–98 percentile | 94–96 percentile | 80–85 percentile | 75–80 percentile |
| SPJIMR / XLRI / IIFT | 95–97 percentile | 92–94 percentile | 78–82 percentile | 72–76 percentile |
Also check: CAT 2026 Expected Cutoff | CAT 2026 Marks vs Percentile
CAT 2026 vs CAT 2025: Paper Comparison
Here is how CAT 2026 Slot 1 compares with CAT 2025 Slot 1 across key parameters:
| Parameter | CAT 2026 Slot 1 | CAT 2025 Slot 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Difficulty | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate |
| Total Questions | 66 | 66 |
| VARC Difficulty | Moderate | Easy to Moderate |
| DILR Difficulty | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate |
| QA Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate |
| Good Attempts (90+ %ile) | 36–40 | 40–44 |
| Good Attempts (95+ %ile) | 42–46 | 46–50 |
| Toughest Section | DILR | DILR |
| Surprise Topics | Games & Tournaments (LR) | Venn Diagram (DI) |
| Expected Cutoff (IIM A/B/C) | 99–99.5 percentile | 99–99.5 percentile |
CAT 2026 Slot 1 Paper Analysis FAQs
Was CAT 2026 Slot 1 paper tough?
CAT 2026 Slot 1 was rated Moderate to Difficult overall. DILR was the toughest section, while VARC was Moderate and QA was Moderate. The paper was slightly tougher than CAT 2025 Slot 1, mainly due to a more difficult DILR section.
What is the good attempt for CAT 2026 Slot 1?
For 90+ percentile, a good attempt is 36–40 questions out of 66. For 95+ percentile, aim for 42–46 accurate attempts. For 99+ percentile, you need around 49–53 accurate attempts in CAT 2026 Slot 1.
Which section was the toughest in CAT 2026 Slot 1?
DILR was the most difficult section in CAT 2026 Slot 1. The Games and Tournaments LR set and the multi-variable DI table set were particularly challenging for most students. Experts recommend attempting only 3 out of 4 DILR sets strategically.
How many TITA questions were there in CAT 2026 Slot 1?
There were approximately 20 TITA (Type in the Answer) questions in CAT 2026 Slot 1 — about 6 each in VARC and DILR, and 8 in QA. TITA questions carry no negative marking, so you should attempt them even if unsure.
What is the expected CAT 2026 cutoff for IIM Ahmedabad?
Based on the difficulty of CAT 2026, the expected cutoff for IIM Ahmedabad for the General category is 99–99.5 percentile. The OBC cutoff is expected around 97–98 percentile, SC around 85–90 percentile, and ST around 80–85 percentile.
How was the VARC section in CAT 2026 Slot 1?
VARC was rated Moderate in CAT 2026 Slot 1. There were 4 RC passages with 16 questions and 6 VA questions (Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd Sentence Out). Students who read regularly found VARC manageable within the 40-minute time limit.
How was the QA section in CAT 2026 Slot 1?
QA was rated Moderate in CAT 2026 Slot 1. Arithmetic dominated the section with 7–8 questions. There were about 8 TITA questions. Number system questions were slightly tricky, but most arithmetic problems were approachable for students with solid basics.
What is the good attempt for DILR in CAT 2026 Slot 1?
For 90+ percentile in DILR, a good attempt is 9–11 questions. For 95+ percentile, aim for 11–13 accurate attempts. Experts suggest strategically picking 3 out of 4 DILR sets and not attempting the Games and Tournaments set unless time permits.
How does CAT 2026 Slot 1 compare to CAT 2025 Slot 1?
CAT 2026 Slot 1 was slightly tougher than CAT 2025 Slot 1, mainly due to a harder DILR section. The good attempt count is about 4–5 questions lower than last year’s Slot 1. VARC and QA difficulty remained comparable.
When will CAT 2026 results be declared?
CAT 2026 results are typically declared in the first or second week of January, about 6–8 weeks after the exam date. Check the official IIM CAT website for the exact result declaration date once announced.
Also check: CAT 2026 Result | CAT 2026 Counselling
Disclaimer: The CAT 2026 Slot 1 paper analysis on this page is based on memory-based student reports collected immediately after the exam. Question counts, topic distribution, and difficulty ratings are indicative and may vary from the actual paper. For accurate information, refer to the official CAT 2026 answer key released by the conducting IIM.
Comments