Are six months enough to prepare for CAT?

While it is advised to dedicate at least 9 months to CAT preparation, six months of dedicated study can also help you crack the exam. You will need daily, weekly and monthly plan for syllabus coverage. Practice a good number of mock tests and study for about 8 hours daily.

Which CAT slot has the toughest question paper?

Difficulty level in CAT exam is not specific to any of the three slots. The difficulty level across slots may vary every year. Know how the CAT scores are normalised: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/articles/understanding-cat-normalization-process-blogId-9386 .

What to keep in mind for CAT Quantitative Aptitude preparation?

CAT Quantitative Aptitude has the potential of 100 percentile if you prepare well. The Quantitative Aptitude topics of CAT are advance level Mathematic topics from Class 9 and 10. So, for any candidate, the foundation is already there, they only need to work on it further. The important topics of CAT Quantitative Aptitude include Geometry, Ratios and Proportion, Inequalities, Trigonometry, In-equations, Quadratic and Linear Equations, Work and Time, Algebra, Surds and Indices, Percentages, Mensuration, Time-Speed-Distance, Logarithms, Partnership (Accounts), Number System, Square Root and Cube Root, Profit & Loss, Geometric Progression, Probability, Mean-Mode-Median, Binomial theorem, Simple interest and compound interest. Maximum questions are asked from Arithmetic and Geometry so keep the main focus on these two topic. Understand and memorise the formulas and theorems well, and practice enough questions to be thorough with their application.

Is CAT exam tough for an average student?

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!!!

Is the CAT syllabus difficult?

Yes CAT syllabus is difficult to crack if you do not have enough time. There are three subjects in CAT- VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. Most of candidates find RC passages tough to crack. In Quants, Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry pose significant challenge during preparation. In DILR, Reasoning questions often turnout to be tricky and confusion.

What are the factors to keep in mind to cover CAT syllabus timely?

CAT syllabus is vast. It has numerous topics from Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation. Covering the CAT syllabus also includes practicing a variety of sample questions on the topics included. Thus, it requires a lot of time. Candidates must given themselves atleast 3-4 months to cover CAT syllabus and keep in mind the following: · Check the previous years' CAT papers to know topics which carry more weightage so that you can focus on those topics more. · List down topicsin order of easy, moderate and tough and allot time to them accordingly. · Make sure to study about 6-8 hours per day to complete the syllabus 2-3 months before the exam. · After studying every topic, practice sample questions. Balance theory with practical.

Can I crack CAT exam if I have not studied Maths in 12th?

Yes, you can crack CAT exam even if you haven't studied Maths in class 12. CAT Quant and DI have Mathematical questions of advance level, from the topics studied in Class 9 and 10. You will only need to brush up the basic and practice advance level questions.

What are the important topics of CAT syllabus from which maximum questions are asked?

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.

From where can I download CAT question papers?

CAT question papers are released within a week of the exam in the form of a PDF as a response sheet and answer key. Response sheet hosts CAT exam questions and answers.

Is the structure of CAT mock test same as the actual exam?

CAT mock tests are a replica of the actual CAT exam. It is so because the purpose of the mock test is to prepare the candidate for a speed based test which requires quick decision making and quick calculation with 100 per cent accuracy. This can be achieved only if the candidates has been in such an environment multiple times. In the CAT mock test, candidate has to solve equal number of questions as the CAT exam, in the same time limit. This, helps them in mastering the art of solving 66 questions in 120 minutes with much ease and confidence. The CAT mock tests have questions of same or higher difficulty level than the actual exam. In many unofficial mock tests, the questions are of previous CAT exams. Candidates must solve a variety of mock tests so that they are well versed with CAT questions of all types and varieties.

How many CAT mock tests to practice to score 99 percentile?

Experts recommend that aspirants must practice at least 40 CAT mock tests to score above 99 percentile well in the exam. Most of the CAT test takers take up to 50 mock tests of various types and difficulty level. CAT toppers in previous years have practiced even up to 80 mock tests during their preparation. However, candidates must decide the number of CAT mock tests depending on their control and confidence on topics as the exam day comes closer. Mock tests are the best way to judge your performance viz. The important topics of CAT. The more one practices CAT mock tests, the more accurate they get in solving questions from all subjects. It is very important to know which formula to apply to which type question to solve the problem accurately. Mock tests help candidates in this aspect which is why practicing mock tests is most important in CAT preparation.

How can I prepare for DILR section of CAT?

CAT DILR preparation is completely based on practice papers and mock tests. You should obtain recommended CAT DILR sample papers and mock test series. Make sure to cover all types of question. Also practice DILR questions of past year with the help of CAT question papers.

Is it compulsory to attempt all sections in CAT?

While it is not mandatory to attempt all sections in CAT, the IIMs and all top B School consider sectional percentiles too for selecting candidates for admission. Thus, you cannot afford to skip a CAT section all together. You can skip some questions though.

What is the latest CAT exam pattern?

As per the latest CAT exam pattern, there will be 68 questions. The format will be MCQ and non-MCQ. VARC will have 24 questions, DILR will have 22 questions and QA will have 22 questions. Each question will carry 3 marks and there will be negative marking of -1 for incorrect answer. Sectional time limit will be 40 minutes.

Are CAT books enough to cover exam syllabus?

CAT books by Arun Sharma, Nishit Sinha, RS Agarwal and Abhijit Guha are good and exhaustive, but you should refer to more study material like sample test papers and mock tests for a complete preparation.

What are the maximum marks in CAT exam?

Maximum marks in CAT is 204. There are 68 questions each carrying 3 marks. VARC is of 72 marks and DILR and Quants are of 66 marks each.

Is the CAT exam MCQ type?

Yes, CAT exam is MCQ type, meaning there are no subjective type questions wherein you have to write a lot. In CAT every question is to be answered in one word or option. However, all questions don't have MCQ options, some are Type In The Answer (TITA) questions.

What is the duration of CAT exam?

CAT exam is of 120 minutes. Each section is of 40 minutes. PwD candidates get extra time of 53 minutes and 20 seconds per section.

CAT 2026 Syllabus (Free PDF): Section wise Topics with Weightage

Updated on Jun 7, 2026 23:56 IST

By Abhishek Dhawan, Assistant Manager – Editorial Content

Overview

CAT syllabus 2026 includes all the important topics of Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The syllabus is prepared and prescribed by the IIM after careful deliberation of skills and ability required for management roles in every field and industry. While VARC is a test of English communication, DILR is a test of reasoning and problem solving. Quantitative Aptitude is the test of analytical skills and key mathematical calculations. Those planning to appear for CAT 2026 must cover the syllabus end-to-end for best results. Explore details of CAT 2026 syllabus on this page.

Table of contents

CAT 2026 Syllabus PDF Download
CAT VARC Syllabus 2026
CAT DILR Syllabus 2026
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
CAT 2026 Preparation Strategy
FAQs on CAT Exam Syllabus 2026

CAT 2026 Syllabus PDF Download

This CAT syllabus PDF prepared by Shiksha section wise important topics and weightage.If you are preparing for the CAT 2026 exam, then you should download this PDF and check topics, sub-topics, weghtage, etc. and plan the preparation strategy accordingly.

Download CAT syllabus PDF 2026 by Shiksha, link for which is given here:

CAT 2026 syllabus PDF

CAT VARC Syllabus 2026

VARC section is the first section of the CAT question paper and has 24 questions. The section is divided into two sub-parts, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. There are no vocabulary questions. CAT VARC is usually considered tough due to presence of 12-14 RC based questions. But parajumbles can also be confusing. Composition of CAT VARC section is usually the same every year. Given below is the weightage and difficulty level of VARC as per CAT 2025 question paper. Candidates can expect the same in CAT 2026.

VARC Topics for CAT	No. of Questions in CAT Exam	Level of Difficulty
Reading Comprehension	16	Moderate to Difficult
VA-Parajumbles	3	Moderate to Difficult
VA-Odd Sentence	2	Easy to Moderate
VA-Summary	3	Easy to Moderate
Overall	24	Moderate to Difficult

CAT Reading Comprehension Passages of Previous Years

CAT Reading Comprehension questions form the two-third of VARC section. There are about four to five RC passages with 12-14 questions. These passages can be asked from any field and are often long and dense. Check below, the Reading Comprehension topics of CAT 2025 and 2024.

CAT RC Passages	Slot 1	Slot 2	Slot 3
CAT 2025	Income Inequality Electronic Music Mental Insanity Complex System	Blind Fish Literature Use Of Language In AI Human being- Ecology	Artificial Intelligence (Ethics) Tribal Artists Dams Forest Officials
CAT 2024	Utility & Human Economics Entertainment/ Netflix Australian Species Craftsmanship	Spice Trade Unintended Consequences of Technology Peer Review of Research Carnivore-Human Conflict	Impact of AI Languages Chinese Moutai Saving outer space and other planets

Get below slot wise CAT RC topics and their details from 2018 to 2025:

Download CAT RC Passages 2018-2025

Check Out:

CAT DILR Syllabus 2026

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) is the second section of the CAT question paper having 22 questions to be solved in 40 minutes. There are two sub sections - Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. CAT 2026 question paper is expected to have 11 question each from both sub sections. Most of the questions are asked in sets of 3-4, Only a few questions in LR are standalone ones. This section requires a lot of practice and one should solve a good number of practice questions from all topics. Take a look at important CAT Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation topics.

CAT DILR	Syllabus	No. of Questions	Level of Difficulty
Data Interpretation	Tables, Charts, Bar Graphs, Data Sufficiency	11	Easy to Moderate
Logical Reasoning	Blood Relations, Clocks and Calendars, Syllogism, Statements, Direction, Coding-Decoding, Seating Arrangement, Sets & Caselets, Family Tree, Data Arrangement, Binary Logic, Puzzles, Assumptions	11	Moderate to Difficult
Overall	22	22	Moderate

Check Out:

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026

Quantitative Aptitude is the last section of CAT question paper. It is usually the toughest section. To master CAT QA, candidates need to be thorough with the fundamentals of Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Mensuration. Memorising theorems and formulae is the key. Take a look at the important topics of CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus and some key points:

CAT Syllabus: Important Topics for Quantitative Aptitude
CAT Arithmetic Topics	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
CAT Algebra Topics	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
CAT Number System Topics	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
CAT Geometry Topics	Lines and Angles, Triangles – Basic Concepts, Area, Angles, Similar Triangles, Polygons, Circles, Solids / Mensuration – 3D Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry
CAT Modern Maths Topics	Sequence and Series, Binomial Theorem, Set Theory, Permutation and Combination, Probability

CAT Quant syllabus 2026: Topic wise weightage

In CAT Quantitative Aptitude, maximum questionsa are asked from Arithmetic, followed by Algebra. Check the below table for topic wise weightage and difficulty level.

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Topics	No. of Questions	Level of Difficulty
Arithmetic	8-10	Moderate to High
Algebra	5-7	Moderate to High
Geometry	1-3	Moderate to High
Modern Maths	2-4	Moderate to High
Overall	22	Moderate to High

Check Out:

CAT Quantitative Aptitude (QA) solved questions for practice PDFs

CAT 2026 Quant Preparation Strategy

CAT 2026 Quant Strategy to score 25 marks and get 95+ percentile

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

CAT is a speed based exam and thus there is no subjective type questions. Candidates have to choose ecorrect answer from the given options only. Check the below table for the latest CAT exam pattern.

CAT Sections	CAT Pattern Details
Format of questions	MCQ and non-MCQ
Number of answer options	4
Marking Scheme	+3 for correct attempt -1 for incorrect attempt 0 for unanswered questions 0 for incorrect MCQs 0 for incorrect TITA questions
Marks per section	VARC – 72 DILR – 66 QA- 66
Total time	120 minutes
Sectional time limit	40 minutes per section

CAT 2026 Preparation Strategy

For CAT 2026 preparation, make a plan that includes syllabus coverage, mock test practice and revision. The first stage of preparation is coverage of CAT syllabus in a limited time period. For Reading Comprehension, you will need to start early preparation as developing speed reading skill will take time. Read books and novels extensively.

After covering the CAT exam syllabus, dedicate about 2-3 months in mock test practice and sample papers. Mere theoretical knowledge is not enough to crack CAT exam, so practice as much as you can.

Practice CAT Mock Tests

Shiksha has created free CAT Mock Tests for aspirants to practice and prepare for the exam. These CAT mock tests are based on actual CAT questions to keep the level of difficulty same.

CAT_Mock_Test_2	CAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions
CAT_Mock_Test_2	CAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions

CAT Preparation: Expert Tips on How to cover CAT syllabus 2026

Go through the articles listed below for expert tips on CAT preparation:

Tips and Tricks for CAT Preparation
1. How to Prepare for CAT in 6 months
2. How to Prepare for CAT in 3 months
3. CAT Exam: Last month preparation tips
4. What is the best time to start CAT preparation?
5. Advantages of giving CAT for final year student
6. CAT Exam: Simple tips to optimize exam preparation
7. CAT Exam: How to prepare without quitting your job
8. How to approach CAT question paper: Tips by toppers

FAQs on CAT Exam Syllabus 2026

Find some important FAQs related to CAT syllabus below:

Q: How many vocabulary questions are asked in CAT?

There are no straight forward vocabulary questions in CAT. Out of the total of 24 questions in VARC section, 12-14 questions are Reading Comprehension based and rest of them comprise parajumbles, para completion and odd sentence. CAT is the only MBA entrance exam, which does not have direct vocabulary and grammar questions. However, one needs to have strong vocabulary and grammar to be able to solve RC, parajumble, para completion and odd sentence questions.

Q: Can I crack CAT through self-study?

Yes, you can crack CAT through self study but it will require a lot of discipline and consistency on daily basis. You will need the most recommended books, best mock test series and online practice sessions. Join YouTube channels for online tutorial. Give yourself 9 months and study for 8 hours daily.

Q: What makes CAT tougher than other MBA entrance exams?

India's premiere b-schools accept CAT for MBA admissions. More than 2.5 lakh candidates fighting for limited seats at these institutes make the exam tough to crack.

Q: What is the marking scheme of CAT?

CAT has 68 questions. Each question carries three marks. There is negative marking of minus one for incorrect attempts. There is no deduction of marks for unanswered questions. Total marks in 204.

Q: What is the sectional weightage of DILR in CAT?

The total number of questions in the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section of CAT exam is 22 (as per CAT 2024 question paper). Earlier, the number of DILR questions was 20.

There is equal number of question distribution between Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, which means both sections have 11 questions each. The total marks for DILR is 66. The questions on Data Interpretation as based on Tables, Graphs, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram, whereas Logical Reasoning questions are based on Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Caselets and Syllogism. This section of the CAT is usually moderate in terms of difficulty level and about 12-14 correct attempts are good enough to score high marks. Some of the other important topics include Series, Proposition, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, Assumptions, Clocks and Calendars, Statements, Binary Logic, Data Structures, Data Sufficiency and Data Arrangement. To score high in this section, candidates must practice a good number of practice tests and sectional mock tests. The better you learn to interpret given data and apply reasoning to a given situation, the better you get at solving related questions.

Q: What is the overall difficulty level of CAT exam?

Overall difficulty level of CAT exam has always been moderate to high. CAT is of higher difficulty level than all other MBA entrance exams in India.

Q: Which topics have the highest weightage in CAT exam?

In CAT Quantitative Aptitude, Arithmetic has the highest weightage with 7-8 questions in every shift. In VARC, Reading Comprehension has the maximum weightage with about 16 questions. In DILR, the number of questions are equally distributed.