SRMHCAT Exam Pattern 2026: Revised Marking Scheme, Section Wise Questions and Negative Marking

SRMHCAT 2026 (SRM University Haryana Common Aptitude Test) is conducted by SRM University, Sonepat, Haryana for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The exam is a 90-minute computer-based test with 100 MCQ questions carrying a total of 300 marks, spread equally across 5 sections. The SRMHCAT 2026 exam is scheduled for June 7, 2026 — carry your admit card and a valid photo ID to the exam centre.

• SRMHCAT 2026 is a 90-minute computer-based test with 100 questions for 300 marks.
• The exam has 5 equal sections: English & Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical & Abstract Reasoning, Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge & Current Affairs.
• Each section carries 20 questions worth 60 marks — all sections carry equal weightage.
• Correct answer earns +3 marks; a wrong answer deducts 1 mark.
• There is no sectional time limit — you can manage the full 90 minutes across sections in any order.
• SRMHCAT 2026 duration has been reduced from 150 minutes (2025) to 90 minutes — every practice session must now use the shorter window.
• General Knowledge & Current Affairs and English sections reward consistent daily reading and offer the most predictable marks.

SRMHCAT Exam Pattern 2026: Overview

SRMHCAT 2026 is conducted by SRM University, Sonepat as a computer-based aptitude test. The exam tests students across five skill areas in a combined 90 minutes with no fixed time limit per section, rewarding flexible time management.

SRMHCAT 2026 is a 90-minute computer-based test with 100 MCQ questions for 300 marks.

SRMHCAT Exam Pattern 2026: Important Dates

The SRMHCAT 2026 exam is scheduled for June 7, 2026. The admit card has been released and results are expected shortly after the exam. The table below lists key events — upcoming events appear first, followed by completed ones.

Source: SRM University Official Admissions Portal

SRMHCAT 2026: Detailed Exam Pattern

SRMHCAT 2026 has 5 sections with 20 questions each, all carrying equal marks. There is no sectional time limit — you can attempt sections in any order within the combined 90-minute window.

Note: All five sections carry equal marks — 20 questions for 60 marks each. You have roughly 18 minutes per section if you plan to attempt all 100 questions within the 90-minute window.

SRMHCAT Marking Scheme 2026

SRMHCAT 2026 follows a +3/−1 marking scheme applied uniformly across all five sections. Each correct answer earns 3 marks, each wrong answer costs 1 mark, and unattempted questions carry zero marks.

Negative marking of 1 mark applies to every wrong MCQ answer — avoid random guessing, especially in Data Interpretation and GK where an incorrect attempt quickly negates three correct ones.

With a +3/−1 scheme over 100 questions, the maximum score is 300 marks. If you attempt 80 questions, answer 60 correctly and 20 incorrectly, your score is 160 marks (60 × 3 − 20 × 1). This shows why selective attempts outperform blind guessing under negative marking.

SRMHCAT Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2026

Each of the five SRMHCAT sections tests a distinct skill area. The topic distribution within each section is indicative based on previous years; the exact split may vary by paper.

Section 1: English & Verbal Ability

Section 2: Quantitative Aptitude

Section 3: Logical & Abstract Reasoning

Section 4: Data Interpretation

Section 5: General Knowledge & Current Affairs

SRMHCAT Question Types 2026

SRMHCAT 2026 consists entirely of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Each question presents four options and exactly one correct answer — no multi-select or numerical/integer-type questions appear.

SRMHCAT does not include numerical/integer-type answers or multi-select (MSQ) questions. You do not need a virtual calculator for this exam — all Quantitative Aptitude questions use standard arithmetic solvable by approximation and mental calculation.

SRMHCAT Exam Pattern: Changes in 2026 vs Previous Year

SRMHCAT 2026 brings a significant structural change compared to 2025. The exam duration has been reduced from 150 minutes to 90 minutes, while the core structure of 100 questions and 300 marks remains identical. The practical implication is that you now have roughly 54 seconds per question instead of the earlier 90 seconds.

The SRMHCAT pattern has changed in 2026: the total duration dropped from 150 to 90 minutes — any mock test you practised at the earlier duration will underestimate the real exam pressure.

How to Prepare Based on SRMHCAT Exam Pattern

Your preparation strategy must account for the 90-minute time constraint, the +3/−1 marking scheme, and the equal 20-question weightage across all five sections. These seven tips are directly derived from the SRMHCAT 2026 pattern.

• Reset every mock test to 90 minutes immediately. The duration dropped from 150 minutes in 2025. Old mock tests at the longer duration will not replicate real exam pressure — every practice session from today must use the 90-minute window.
• Start with your two strongest sections. There is no sectional time limit, so opening with high-scoring sections banks marks early and reduces the pressure on weaker areas.
• Apply a soft 18-minute cap per section in mocks. Dividing 90 minutes across 5 sections gives you 18 minutes each. Practising with this internal cap trains pacing without a forced timer.
• Use a skip-and-return strategy for Data Interpretation and GK. In these sections, unfamiliar or time-heavy questions can trigger incorrect guesses. Mark them, move on, and return only if time allows.
• Drill mental calculation shortcuts for Quantitative Aptitude. With 54 seconds per question on average, written long-form working is too slow. Practise approximation, ratio shortcuts, and percentage tricks until they become automatic.
• Read current affairs daily up to the exam date. The GK & Current Affairs section (20 questions, 60 marks) tests recent events. A 10-minute daily digest over the final weeks adds guaranteed, guessing-free marks.
• Never guess blindly under negative marking. The +3/−1 scheme means three wrong answers cancel nine marks of correct answers. Skip questions you cannot reason through in 90 seconds and revisit only if time remains.