The CAT exam is being conducted as an online computer-based-test (CBT) in November 2025. The CAT exam has 66 questions in total, and the questions comprise of both MCQ form and TITA questions. While 1 mark is deducted for an incorrect MCQ answer, no marks are deducted for incorrect answers in Non-MCQ or TITA questions.
In this article, we aim to give a detailed view about what are the MCQ questions and TITA questions, marks distribution in these questions, number of questions asked in each form, and negative marking. The CAT exam is conducted for 120 minutes (2 hours) and 40 minutes are given for each section.
Also see → CAT exam analysis for CAT 2019 exam (IIM Kozhikode)
CAT question types → MCQ Vs. TITA questions (an analysis)
Candidates in this section can check a comparative analysis between the MCQ and TITA questions.
Feature | MCQ (Multiple Choice Question) | TITA / Non-MCQ (Type In The Answer) |
Answer Options | Yes (typically 4 options) | No options provided |
Input Method | Click the correct option | Type the answer manually |
Marking (Correct) | +3 marks | +3 marks |
Marking (Incorrect) | −1 mark | 0 mark (no negative marking) |
Marking (Unattempted) | 0 mark | 0 mark |
Guessing Possible? | Yes | Difficult / Not effective |
Sections Appeared In | All sections | Mostly in QA and DILR |
Difficulty Level | Varies (can use elimination) | Often higher (no elimination aid) |
Typical Count (2023-24) | 47–53 questions | 13–19 questions |
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Typical Section-wise Distribution
While exact numbers vary each year, based on recent CAT exams, the question type distribution generally looks like this:
Section | Total Questions | Approx. MCQs | Approx. TITA Questions |
Verbal Ability & RC | 24 | 19–21 | 3–5 |
DILR | 20 | 14–16 | 4–6 |
Quantitative Ability | 22 | 14–16 | 6–8 |
Total | 66 | 47–53 | 13–19 |
Note: The exact number of TITA vs. MCQ questions can change slightly each year depending on the exam-conducting IIM’s decision.
Key Observations → Questions in the CAT exam
Given below are a few key observations that the candidates must keep in mind while answering these questions.
- TITA questions are risk-free in terms of negative marking. Use this to your advantage.
- MCQs require more caution due to penalty for wrong answers.
- TITA questions are more concept-driven; no answer cues mean a better conceptual understanding is necessary.
- Time management becomes important—TITA questions may take longer, especially without options to guide your thinking.
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Preparation Tips by Question Type
Each question type asked in the CAT exam has a different preparation methodology and a different solving approach. Given below are a few tips to solve each of these types.
For MCQs -
- Focus on speed and accuracy.
- Learn techniques like option elimination and back-solving.
- Be careful with negative marking.
For TITA -
- Practice exact calculations.
- Avoid careless mistakes, especially in Quant.
- Attempt all TITA questions as there's no penalty.
