CAT Quant Syllabus with Topic Wise Weightage; 240+ Quant Practice Questions

Common Admission Test 2026 ( CAT )

shadow

CAT 2026 Registration Window

3 Aug '26 - 15 Sep '26

Abhishek
Abhishek Dhawan
Deputy Manager - MBA & BBA Content
Updated on Jul 8, 2026 20:00 IST
Some of the key areas of CAT Maths syllabus are percentages, profit & loss, interest, ratio-proportion, equations, inequalities, series, triangles, circles, mensuration permutations, combinations, probability, number systems, including divisibility rules, remainders, and LCM/HCF.

CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus is essentially Class 9 and 10 Maths topics of advanced level. CAT 2026 aspirants can check here full list of Maths topics included in CAT Quants syllabus.

CAT Quant Syllabus and Practice Questions

CAT Quant Syllabus and Practice Questions

CAT syllabus for Quants includes all important topics from Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry. The syllabus of Quantitative Aptitude for CAT is vast and requires dedicated preparation. Some of the key areas of CAT Maths syllabus are percentages, profit & loss, interest, ratio-proportion, equations, inequalities, series, triangles, circles, mensuration, permutations, combinations, probability, number systems, including divisibility rules, remainders, and LCM/HCF. If you are preparing for the CAT 2026, you must ensure your give special attention to Arithmetic, as most of the questions will be asked from it.

Check the table below for the key topics of the CAT Quants syllabus. Aspirants must study these topics in a focused manner to score high in CAT 2026.

🎓
Shiksha CAT Daily Targets on Telegram
Telegram Join Group ➔
Table of contents
  • CAT Quants Syllabus
  • CAT QA Syllabus 2026: Topic-wise weightage
  • Tips to Cover CAT Quants Syllabus

CAT Quants Syllabus

The syllabus of quantitative aptitude for CAT is broadly divided into four sections. Check here CAT Quants syllabus, section wise:

  • Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, Time Speed and Distance, Ratios and Proportions, Simple and Compound Interest, Averages.
  • Geometry and Mensuration: Shapes, Circles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Solids, Coordinate Geometry, Mensuration of 2D and 3D figures.
  • Number System: LCM and HCF, Factorisation, Remainders, Divisibility, Base Systems.
  • Algebra: Logarithms, Progressions, Polynomials, Inequalities, Linear and Quadratic Equations.
  • Modern Maths: Permutations and Combinations, Set Theory, Venn Diagram, Probability.
  • Miscellaneous: Trigonometry, Inequalities, Mean, Mode, Median, Logarithms, Linear Surds and Indices, Partnership, Binomial Theorem

Also Read:

Free CAT Quant Practice Papers with Solutions (PDF)
✔ 12 Practice Papers (240 Questions) ✔ Easy, Medium & Difficult Levels ✔ Detailed Solutions PDF
📘 CAT Quant Practice Paper 1
Easy 20 Questions • Detailed Solutions
Medium 20 Questions • Detailed Solutions
Difficult 20 Questions • Detailed Solutions
📘 CAT Quant Practice Paper 2
Easy 20 Questions • Detailed Solutions
Medium 20 Questions • Detailed Solutions
Difficult 20 Questions • Detailed Solutions
📘 CAT Quant Practice Paper 3
Easy 20 Questions • Detailed Solutions
Medium 20 Questions • Detailed Solutions
Difficult 20 Questions • Detailed Solutions
📘 CAT Quant Practice Paper 4
Easy 20 Questions • Detailed Solutions
Medium 20 Questions • Detailed Solutions
Difficult 20 Questions • Detailed Solutions

CAT QA Syllabus 2026: Topic-wise weightage

Given below is the CAT 2025 question paper break-up for Quantitative Aptitude. This will give you an idea of how many questions to expect from which topic in CAT 2026. Focus on the CAT Maths syllabus according to the weightage given below for during exam preparation.

Topics

Description

No. of Questions

Difficulty Level

Number System

Factors-1

Digits Based-1

Set Based -1 

3

Easy to Moderate

Algebra

Log-1

Linear Equations-2

Functions-2

Inequality-1

6

Moderate

Arithmetic

TSD-1

 T&W-1

SI CI-1

Percentage-1

Ratio-1

PLD-1

Mixture-1

Maxima/Minima -1

8

Moderate

Modern Math

P&C -1

1

Easy

Geometry & Mensuration

Circle- 1

Polygon-1

Coordinate Geometry - 2

4

Moderate

Also Read:

Tips to Cover CAT Quants Syllabus

To master this section of CAT, one not only needs to know the basics but also need to know various aspects related to a particular topic, such as which formula is to apply to which questions, what mathematical calculation to be used for quick solution. How many possible answers can be there for a particular question and which one is the correct answer. Another aspect to coverage of CAT quantitative aptitude syllabus is speed. One need to know which type of question can be solved in how much time as, CAT is a speed based test and has sectional time limit of 40 minutes. Here are some tips you might find helpful in covering CAT syllabus for Quant.

  • Start CAT 2026 preparation for Quantitative Aptitude with listing down tough topics according to easy, moderate and tough
  • Now start with easy topics and plan daily routine for address CAT quant syllabus. All 2-4 hours for it daily.
  • Understand the concepts of topics of first and practice a few sample questions to learn application. It is extremely important to learn application of the concepts in Quantitative Aptitude as there can be slight variation in questions from the same topic.
  • Learn Mathematical calculation tricks for quickly solving the questions
  • Learn Mental Math as it comes in handy while solving Arithmetic and Mensuration questions.
  • Learn table up to 20, square, square roots, cube, cube roots, Pi, etc. These are critical for practice.
  • CAT will have 22 questions on Quantitative Aptitude to be solved in 40 minutes. Most of the questions will be calculation-intensive, so while preparing for it, learn to us onscreen calculator. This is important as part of CAT exam day preparation.
  • Join online study groups and doubt-clearing forums to be able to get the right guidance at the right time.

Read More:

Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates

MAT

LIVE
IBSAT 2026 Mock Test

26 Sep '26

NMAT 2026 Registration Window

20 Aug '26 - 10 Oct '26

XAT 2027 Form Correction

14 Oct '26 - 17 Oct '26

MICAT (I) Registrations

30 Sep '26 - 20 Nov '26

SNAP 2026 Registration Process

21 Aug '26 - 25 Nov '26

CMAT 2027 registration and app...

24 Oct '26 - 28 Nov '26

SRCC GBO Registration 2027

12 Dec '26

XGMT registration

30 Sep '26 - 31 Dec '26

KIITEE MBA 2027 Registrations

10 Oct '26 - 11 Jan '27

Staying updated about the latest educational events is just a click away
Enter Mobile Number
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the important topics of CAT syllabus from which maximum questions are asked?
A: 

CAT lays a lot of emphasis on analytical skills so the questions are asked mostly from those topics which require deep learning and practice. The three sections of CAT question paper are designed in such a way that candidates have to use their ability of minute observation and fast calculation. Shared below are the section wise main topics from which questions are asked in CAT. Verbal Ability: Parajumbles, Parasummary, Sentence Completion and Inferences

  • Reading Comprehension: Questions based on passages, Para meaning, Order of sentences 
  • Data Interpretation: Tables, Graphs, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram, Data Sufficiency
  • Logical Reasoning: Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Sets and Caselets, Family Tree, Assumptions
  • Quantitative Aptitude: Geometry, Algebra Number System Modern Math, Arithmetic, Mensuration

The difficulty level of CAT questions is usually moderate to high. Only a few questions are easy and quick to solve. To crack the CAT exam, one needs to pay attention to the abovementioned topics.

Q:   What is the syllabus for CAT exam?
A: 

CAT syllabus includes all the important topics of subjects that are relevant for business aptitude. For CAT exam, candidates have to study, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension VARC Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. Given below are the key topics included in the CAT syllabus.

  • VARC topics:  Parajumbles, Paracompletion, Parasummary, Verbal Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. 
  • Quantitative Aptitude topics: Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra Trigonometry Modern Math, Number System and Mensuration.
  • DILR topics: Puzzles, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram, Tables and Bar Graphs, etc.
Q:   What are the best books for CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension preparation?
A: 

There are a range of books available for preparation of Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section of CAT. However, the most recommended books are mentioned below:

  1. How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
  2. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Nishit Sinha 
  3. Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis 
  4. High School Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin 
  5. 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary by Wilfred Funk and Norman Lewis/Simon and Schuster 
  6. For English Grammar and Vocabulary, High School Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin is the best book. 

For Verbal Ability preparation, practice questions of different difficulty levels are a major part of preparation. The abovementioned books are the best resources of Verbal Ability and practice questions. To prepare for Reading Comprehension, candidates should read books, novels, magazines, research papers, newspaper editorials, etc. Along with these books.

Q:   What are the best books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude preparation?
A: 

The best books for Quantitative Aptitude preparation of CAT exam are listed below. These books are recommended by experts and mentors not only for CAT but also for other MBA entrance exams.

  1. NCERT Mathematics books (Class 9-10) 
  2. How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma 
  3. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha 
  4. Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verm
  5. Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit Sinha 
  6. Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal 

The NCERT Mathematics book is recommended for CAT preparation because it is the best source of building or revisiting the fundamentals of Algebra Geometry, Trigonometry Mensuration and Arithmetic. The NCERT books are extremely helpful to students from non-Engineering background. Quantitative Aptitude books by Arun Sharma, Abhijit Guha, Sarvesh Verma, Nishit Sinha and RS Aggarwal are the main books for CAT preparation as they cover all the topics at advanced level. They also have 1000s of sample questions of easy, moderate and high difficulty levels for practice.

Videos you may like
About the Author
author-image
Abhishek Dhawan
Deputy Manager - MBA & BBA Content

Abhishek Dhawan is a content writer and editor with 7+ years of experience in education journalism. He holds a BA degree from the University of Delhi. At Shiksha, Abhishek primarily covers MBA and BBA entrance

Read Full Bio
Download Important Dates for MBA/PGDM Exams

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News

Explore Other Exams

15 Jul '26 -

6 Dec '26

XAT 2027 Registration

Oct '26

XAT 2027 Form Correction

21 Aug '26 -

25 Nov '26

SNAP 2026 Registration Process

7 Dec '26

SNAP 2026 admit card session 1...

20 Aug '26 -

10 Oct '26

NMAT 2026 Registration Window

20 Aug '26 -

22 Oct '26

NMAT 2026 Scheduling Window

17 Oct '24 -

5 Dec '24

IIFT 2025 registration and app...

10 Sep '26 -

13 Sep '26

MAT September 2026 PBT Admit C...

22 Jun '26 -

14 Sep '26

MAT September 2026 Registratio...

26 Sep '26

IBSAT 2026 Mock Test

24 Oct '26

IBSAT 2026 Mock Test

The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in
qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 days ago

Students pursuing PGDM from Jaipuria Institute of Management Jaipur and having 65% CAT score can get scholarship of INR 1.50 lakh. Students must have documents proving their eligibility to avail the scholarship benefit.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered a week ago

Yes, you can strongly aim for interview calls from IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta if you have a stellar high school profile and a high CAT score. Top IIMs calculate interview shortlists using strict mathematical formulas. These formulas evaluate your CAT score, Class 10 marks, Class 12 marks

...Read more

A

Akanksha Yadav

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, you can and should attempt previous year papers and mock tests as part of your preparation for CAT 2026. You can attempt it on official CAT website.

A

Akanksha Yadav

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Students interested in MBA at any of the Symbiosis Institutes need to take the Symbiosis National Aptitude (SNAP) Computer Based Test which will be conducted at designated test centres. 

However, the institute does offer special pathways to Indian students allowing them to register for classes even i

...Read more

A

Akash Gaur

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes. Candidates can apply for Executive MBA course at IIM Kashipur Dehradun campus, without CAT or GMAT score, because the institute also accepts candidates score in EMAT exam, which is conducted directly by IIM Kashipur.

A

Al Kashaf

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

T.I.M.E., Career Launcher, Bulls Eye and Kautilya Academy offer weekend coaching in Bilaspur.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

To choose the best CAT Coaching institute in Bilaspur, candidates must consider the following points:

  • Final fee structure and refund/installment policy.
  • Compare classroom vs. online/hybrid formats
  • Ask about batch size, number of full-length mocks, recorded sessions/notes
  • Success Rate of the centre

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The average fee ranges in Bilaspur from ₹50,000 to ₹65,000 for offline classroom courses and ₹18,000 to ₹35,000 for online courses.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Coaching centres in Bareilly, like Career Launcher, BIGS ADDA Education and TF Classes, have not specifically mentioned their weekend classes. Candidates must visit these coaching centres or contact them to know about the classes.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

To choose the best CAT Coaching institute in Bareilly, candidates must consider the following points:

  • Success Rate of the centre
  • Compare classroom vs. online/hybrid formats
  • Ask about batch size, number of full-length mocks, recorded sessions/notes
  • Final fee structure and refund/installment policy.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10