CAT 2026 Quant Strategy to Score 25+ Marks & Get 95+ Percentile
Common Admission Test 2026 ( CAT )
Registration - To be notified
CAT Quantitative Aptitude has the potential of getting 100 percentile. If not 100, then 95+ percentile is very much possible. You should know how much and what to prepare. Here’s a plan for scoring 25+ marks in CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude and get 95+ percentile.
How to score 95+ percentile in CAT Quant section
Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT is often calculation intensive. It appears at the end of the paper, which makes it more taxing. Despite being on the tougher side, CAT Quants questions have the potential of 100 percent accuracy, more than VARC or DILR. If you can crack the basics of CAT Quantitative Aptitude, it can yield best results. What it requires is smart planning and consistent practice.
There are 22 questions in Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT and an attempt of 10-12 questions can easily get you 95+ percentile. Maximum questions are asked from Arithmetic. In fact, it has been seen in the past few years, that 7-8 questions are asked from Arithmetic. So, if you are planning to appear for CAT 2026 exam on November 29, you should know what to do. Here’s CAT 2026 quant strategy to score 25+ marks and get 95+ percentile.
- CAT Quantitative Aptitude: Important Topic
- CAT 2026 Quant Strategy to Score 25+ Marks
- CAT 2026 Quant Strategy to Get 95+ Percentile
CAT Quantitative Aptitude: Important Topic
CAT 2026 syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude mainly has four main topics – Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Number System and Modern Maths. Keep your focus on Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry.
| CAT Quantitative Aptitude Topics |
|
|---|---|
| Arithmetic |
Averages, Mean Median Mode, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss Mixtures and Allegations, Time and Work, Time Speed and Distance |
| Algebra |
Basics Algebraic Formulae, Linear Equations, Problems on ages, Number of integer solutions, Quadratic Equations, Finding out roots, Maxima and Minima, Higher Degree Equations, Descartes Rule of Signs, Inequalities, Logarithm, Functions, Modifications of Graphs, The Smallest Value in a Maximum Function |
| Number System |
Basics of Numbers, Properties of Numbers, Divisibility Rules, Divisibility and Factors, Highest Common Factor and Lowest Common Multiple, Finding Out the Last Digit, Finding Out Last Two Digits, Number of Trailing Zeroes, Finding out Remainders based on, Basic Divisibility Rules, Binomial Theorem, Simplifying the Dividend (Single and/or Multiple Divisors), Fermat’s Theorem, Euler’s Theorem, Pattern Recognition and Cyclicity of Remainders, Wilson’s Theorem, Base Systems, Conversion of Bases, Addition / Subtraction / Multiplication in different bases |
| Geometry |
Lines and Angles, Triangles – Basic Concepts, Area, Angles, Similar Triangles, Polygons, Circles, Solids / Mensuration – 3D Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry |
| Modern Maths |
Sequence and Series, Binomial Theorem, Set Theory, Permutation and Combination, Probability |
Also Read:
CAT 2026 Quant Strategy to Score 25+ Marks
In the last few years, questions have been asked from Factors, Log, Linear Equations, Functions, Inequality, Time Speed Distance, T&W, Simple Interest Compound Interest, Percentage, Ratio, PLD, Mixture, Maxima/Minima, P&C, Circle, Polygon and Coordinate Geometry. To score 25+ marks in Quantitative Aptitude, you should choose questions from your strength areas.
- We have already indicated that during CAT 2026 exam preparation, your focus should be on Algebra, Arithmetic and Geometry. To strengthen these, work on conceptual clarity.
- Algebra and Geometry are all about theorems so memorise them by heart. Understand the basic formulas of Arithmetic clearly for quick calculation.
- Practice a good number of sectional CAT mock tests, to be able to optimally utilize 40 minutes in exam for Quants. Analyse each mock test and work on problem areas.
- You must also solve equal number of overall CAT mock tests, so that you are used to solving Quants questions towards the end (with a partially exhausted mind).
- Check CAT question papers of last 5-10 years and solve questions from them to have complete control on Quants. It is rarely that the test deviates from previous trends.
Also Read:
- CAT Quantitative Aptitude: Topic wise preparation
- CAT Quantitative Aptitude questions with solutions FREE PDFs
CAT 2026 Quant Strategy to Get 95+ Percentile
- In the CAT 2026 exam, you should be very clear about which questions you will be attempting. Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT, tends to have 1-2 tricky or lengthy questions, which can break your rhythm.
- There is negative marking of -1 so don’t even think about doing guess work. CAT Quantitative Aptitude has Type In The Answer (TITA) questions too, and they don’t have negative marking. Take a risk on those. If you don’t get it correctly, you will not lose anything.
- Apply Mental Maths to save time and effort both so that you can focus on alternative questions. At the same time, have a pre decided exam strategy with a clear understanding of how many questions to attempt in each section of CAT.
- Since your target is 95+ percentile, you should aim to attempt between 10-12 questions out of 22, with 100 percent accuracy. If the time permits, go for more questions. But, again, don’t risk negative marking. Solve only what you know.
Explore colleges based on CAT
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
- Chat with our counselor
- Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
Read More:
Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates
5 Apr '26
31 Oct '25 - 12 Apr '26
15 Apr '26
19 Apr '26
1 Feb '26 - 15 Mar '26
12 Feb '26 - 16 Mar '26
5 Feb '26 - 17 Mar '26
22 Mar '26
14 Feb '26 - 10 Apr '26
Commonly asked questions
CAT is a speed-based test of analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or Commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advanced-level problems.
However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.
Hope it was helpful!!!
CAT exam is a national level MBA entrance exam conducted by the IIM. Every year, over 2.3 lakh candidates apply for it. Since the last two years, the competition has increased further with oveer 3 lakh candidates applying for the exam.
The CAT score is accepted by the Iims and all top MBA colleges in India. To select the best candidates from over 3 lakh test takers there is a need for stringent criteria. That's why, the CAT exam is tougher than other MBA entrance exams. Even though the syllabus of CAT is same as that of other MBA entrance exams, the question paper set by the IIM faculty always has tough questions. Moreover, CAT has sectional time limit for each section which is not there in any other exam except XAT. Having a time limit for each section adds pressure on candidates to complete solving adequate number of questions in a section within the time limit. If a student is weak in a particular subject, they can't use the time as per their need. CAT's Reading Comprehension passages are long and dense unlike other MBA exams. This is one more reason why most candidates feel CAT is tougher than any other MBA entrance exam.
Commonly asked questions
Yes, it is possible to score 99.99 percentile in CAT in first attempt. Many toppers of previous years' are such candidates. One must study in a focussed manner and do a lot of mock test practice. Exam day strategy is also crucial for better performance.
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
Jul '26 | XAT 2027 registration dates |
Sep '26 | XAT 2027 mock test |
9 Jan '26 | SNAP 2025 result announcement |
20 Dec '25 | SNAP 2025 session 3 |
Aug '26 | NMAT 2026 Registration Window |
Aug '26 | NMAT 2026 Scheduling Window |
17 Oct '24 - 5 Dec '24 | IIFT 2025 registration and app... |
8 Mar '26 | MAT Feb 2026 CBT |
5 Mar '26 | MAT Feb 2026 CBT admit card |
Jul '26 | IBSAT 2026 Registration |
27 Dec '26 - 28 Dec '26 | IBSAT 2026 Exam Date |
17 Feb '26 | CMAT 2026 result |
31 Jan '26 - 2 Feb '26 | CMAT 2026 exam answer key obje... |
7 Apr '26 - 8 Apr '26 | MAH MBA CET 2026 exam |
9 May '26 | MAH MBA CET 2026 exam 2 |
Mar '26 | TANCET notification 2026 |
Mar '26 | TANCET registration window |
Mar '25 | IRMASAT 2025 Final Result Anno... |
Feb '25 | IRMASAT Personal Interviews |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
Yes, IBSAT syllabus is based on CAT syllabus. The IBSAT question paper covers similar topics as of CAT exam. However, IBSAT is comparatively an easier exam whereas, CAT exam has exhaustive syllabus and difficulty level is moderate to hard. IBSAT exam is conducted for a duration of duration of two ho
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
Common Admission Test (CAT) or ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test (IBSAT) serves different purpose. Among CAT or IBSAT exam, better option can be decided upon the preferred college.
If a candidate is seeking admission to top B-schools like IIMs, IITs, FMS, SPJIMR, then CAT is better option to appear
D
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 days ago
GIBS Business School Bangalore offers 8-10 week summer internships with 80+ companies across IT, finance, FMCG, consulting, and manufacturing, achieving near 100% placement.
Live Projects
Students undertake cross-functional live projects in marketing, sales, finance, HR, operations, and business devel
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
CAT is one of the accepting exams for admission to Udaybhansinhji Regional Institute of Cooperative Management. The institute also considers scores in MAT, CMAT, ATMA, etc. for admission. Selected candidates also need to pass a GDPI round.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 5 days ago
CAT is the top most accepting entrance exam in the best MBA colleges in Guwahati. Listed below are some ofr the top colleges with their tuition fees -
| Top Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| IIT Guwahati | INR 20,000 |
| Royal Global University | INR 6 lakh |
| North Eastern Regional Institute of Management | INR 3.4 lakh |
| Assam Institute of Management (AIM- Assam) | INR 3.2 lakh |
| Don Bosco Institute of Management | INR 3.79 lakh |
Source: Official site and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
CAT is one of the accepting exams for admission to MBA programme at Nirmala College of Management Studies. The college also considers scores in CMAT or KMAT. Aspirants with scores in any of the accepted entrance exams can get admission provided they also meet the eligibility criteria.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered a week ago
Yes, FIIB Delhi accepts admissions to its FPM courses through CAT. Students having a valid score in CAT can apply for admission. After applying, they have to appear for an interview before final selection. The college also accepts the scores of JRF/ NET XAT, CMAT, GMAT and ATMA. Students who does n
C
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
EIILM-Kolkata Centre for Leadership and Ethics accepts CAT scores for admission to MBA programme. Candidates can also get into MBA via MAT, ATMA or VUMAT scores. Aspirants must also meet eligibility to apply for MBA programme.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered a week ago
CAT is one of the accepting exams for admission to MBA programme at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology. Aspirants can also get into MBA via their scores in MAT, CMAT, etc. Candidates can also appear for KIITEE Management conducted by KIIT.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered a week ago
Yes, IIRM Hyderabad does consider CAT marks for admissions. Students can submit national or state-level entrance tests for selection. CAT is one of the accepted tests. The other exams are MAT/ CMAT/ ATMA/ XAT/ GMAT/ IIRMCET.
M
Contributor-Level 10
Vipra Shrivastava is MA in English Literature from Delhi University with extensive experience in content writing of over 14 years. She has been handling content for Management, Accounting and Commerce streams for 8
Read Full Bio