MICAT Exam Pattern 2026 – What’s New This Year?
The MICAT 2026 exam is a 135-minute CBT with 3 sections. Key updates in MICAT 2026 exam pattern include Section A (Psychometric) as a mandatory qualifier and strict sequential navigation. Section B (Descriptive) involves creative story writing from abstract images.
To master the MICAT 2026 exam pattern, you must navigate through 135 minute computer based test. The test is divided into three distinct sections that act as sequential hurdles. Your first roadblock is section A, which is a 30-minute psychometric test followed by an 80-minute aptitude test. In section C, which is your aptitude test, you will be tackling verbal and quantitative ability, general awareness, and divergent and convergent thinking. You must be precise in this section, as an incorrect response can cost you 0.25 marks under negative marking.
InMICAT 2026, the rigid time-locking and evolving nature of the descriptive section, which is section B, is new. In this section, you will be given 25 minutes to prove your creative mettle through essay writing and story construction. You will be required to use abstract images that would demand you find logic in the images. Section B is time-specific, so you will be required to answer within the allotted time. So, if you are eager to know more about theMICAT 2026 exam pattern, then you can check what's new this year, along with the preparation tips to get good scores.
Also Read:What's a Good MICAT 2026 Score? Target MICA Admission
MICAT 2026 Exam Pattern Overview
Before you understand what's new in the MICAT 2026 exam pattern, you must peek into the key features of the exam first. Check a brief about the MICAT 2026 exam pattern stated below.
Particulars | Overview |
Mode of examination | Computer-based (CBT) |
Number of sections | Three sections, namely: Section A: Psychometric Test Section B: Descriptive Test Section C: with four sub-sections
|
Number of questions | Section A: 150 Section B: 4 Section C: 70 |
Question type | Section A: Objective Section B: Subjective Section C: Objective |
Maximum marks | Section A: Qualifier only Section B: 70 Section C: 70 |
Exam Language | English |
Frequency | Twice in one admission cycle |
Duration of the test | 135 minutes |
Also Read:How to Attempt MICAT 2026: Tips to Approach Every Section of MICAT
MICAT 2026 Exam Pattern: What’s New?
The MICAT exam authorities have introduced new features in the exam pattern, such as time limit, sectional navigation, etc. For example, there are 150 questions in section A, and the recent 2026 changes analysis shows a shift of 68 to 70 questions. Check out the MICAT 2026 new exam pattern given below.
Section | Question Type/ Format | Time Limit | Questions | Marking Scheme |
Section A: Psychometric | Personality, behavioural, and situational judgment questions. | 30 Mins | 150 | Qualifying Only. No negative marking. |
Section B: Descriptive | 3 Argument/Essay questions + 1 Story writing from images. | 25 Mins | 4 | No negative marking. Scaled based on creativity. |
Section C: Aptitude | VA, QA-DI, General Awareness, and Divergent-Convergent Thinking. | 80 Mins | ~70-80 | +1 for Correct; -0.25 for Wrong. |
Also Read:MICAT 2026 Exam Day Instructions & Guidelines
Key MICAT 2026 Exam Pattern Updates to Know
The major shift in the MICAT 2026 exam pattern is that you must pass the Psychometric test to have your aptitude or Section C evaluated. Only after clearing section C will you have the chance to sit for the Descriptive writing test. Below are the key changes in the MICAT 2026 exam pattern.
- Sequential Navigation:You cannot skip between sections anymore; you have to follow a sequential pattern. Once your 30 minutes in Section A are up, you are logged out and moved to Section B. However, you can navigate freely between sub-sections in Section C, such as jumping from Quant to general awareness questions.
- Qualifying Hurdles:While other management exams that you appeared earlier, such as CAT/ XAT/ GMAT marks, can only get you to the door. Yet, if you are marked unfit in Section A or the psychometric tests, then you are completely disqualified.
- General Awareness Focus:In 2026, the GA subsection has a heavy emphasis on Media, Advertising, Brand Logos and Mergers rather than standard current affairs. You must make sure that you study these topics by heart.
- The “Story” Twist:The Descriptive section now frequently uses abstract or unrelated images to test how well you can find the logical thread between disparate concepts.
In conclusion, you must approach the MICAT 2026 exam not as a test of logic but rather as a test of mental agility and creative endurance. With the 2026 shift toward industry-specific General Awareness and more towards abstract Descriptive prompts, your preparation mustbe beyond formulas. By mastering the 135-minute sequence and respecting the strict sectional locks, one can stand out in MICA’s highly specialised selection process. In case you are still confused about the MICAT 2026 exam pattern, then do log on to ourCollegeDekho Q&A Zoneor contact us on our toll-free helpline number 18005729877.