Complete Guide to IIM Indore CAT Marking Scheme TITA Questions 2026

The CAT 2026 exam follows a rigorous marking scheme where each correct answer earns +3 marks, while each incorrect multiple-choice answer incurs a -1 penalty. Crucially, TITA (Type-In-The-Answer) questions carry +3 marks for correct responses but carry zero negative marking, allowing candidates to attempt them without fear of penalty.

What is the Exam?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the gateway for admission into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and numerous other top-tier business schools across India. Conducted annually, the exam serves as the primary evaluation metric to assess a candidate's aptitude in Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability. When IIM Indore conducts the exam, candidates anticipate a unique blend of challenging TITA questions and a sophisticated logical structure that tests not just knowledge, but strategic decision-making under high-pressure constraints.

Key Highlights 2026

• Total Duration: 120 minutes (40 minutes per section).
• Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT).
• Sectional Constraints: Candidates cannot switch between sections; each is time-bound.
• Question Types: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and TITA questions.
• Scoring: +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect MCQs, 0 for incorrect TITA.

Syllabus 2026

At Exam Bhai, we emphasize that the syllabus remains consistent, though the depth of application varies year to year. Below is the breakdown:

Exam Pattern

The pattern is strictly defined by the IIM authorities. Understanding the balance between MCQs and TITA is essential for high-percentile scoring.

To effectively navigate these sections, we recommend that aspirants practice free mock tests for Management on Exam Bhai to get accustomed to the TITA interface. Furthermore, candidates should access top-tier Management sectional tests on Exam Bhai to master the transition between MCQ and non-MCQ formats.

Eligibility Criteria

According to the official IIM admission portal (iimcat.ac.in), candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD categories). Final-year students are also eligible to apply, provided they submit their degree certificate by the stipulated deadline set by the respective IIMs.

Application Process

1. Registration: Visit the official CAT website and generate your unique login credentials.
2. Form Filling: Enter personal, academic, and professional details carefully.
3. Document Upload: Attach scanned photographs, signatures, and category certificates.
4. Payment: Complete the application fee payment via digital modes.
5. Selection: Choose your preferred IIM programs and test cities.

Preparation Strategy

At Exam Bhai, our experts suggest a three-pronged approach. First, prioritize conceptual clarity in Quantitative Ability. Second, master TITA strategy—since there is no negative marking, these questions are your best bet for maximizing scores. You should regularly review detailed Management performance analytics on Exam Bhai to identify weak spots. Third, practice time management to ensure you do not get stuck on a single difficult question.

Cut-Off Trends

Cut-offs are determined by the participating IIMs based on historical data available on the official CAT portal. Generally, the top IIMs (A, B, C, I, L) maintain a sectional cut-off of 80-85 percentile, with an overall percentile requirement exceeding 98-99. Note that these are dynamic and change based on the difficulty level of the specific year's paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are TITA questions harder than MCQs? Not necessarily. TITA questions test your accuracy and conceptual foundation since you cannot guess the answer. Often, they are more straightforward if you know the method.

2. Is there negative marking for TITA questions in the IIM Indore CAT? No, there is no negative marking for TITA questions. You should always attempt them if you have time, even if you are unsure.

3. How many questions in total are TITA? While the exact count varies, usually 20-30% of the paper consists of TITA questions across the three sections.

4. Can I skip a section and go to another? No, the exam has a fixed sectional timing of 40 minutes per section. You must complete the section within the allotted time.

5. Does IIM Indore release the official answer key? Yes, the IIM body releases the provisional answer key, followed by a window to raise objections before the final results.

6. What is the best way to handle the DILR section? Prioritize set selection. Spend the first few minutes identifying the easiest sets. Use the TITA logic to your advantage by focusing on accurate calculations rather than guessing.