CAT 2026 Syllabus PDF Download: Section-wise Important Topics with Weightage
Common Admission Test 2026 ( CAT )
CAT 2026 admit card download
4 Nov '26 - 29 Nov '26
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.
- CAT Syllabus 2026: Highlights
- 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 Syllabus 2026: Highlights
CAT exam syllabus is vast and requires strategic planning for time bound coverage. Those preparing for CAT 2026 exam, must first understand the requirements for the exam syllabus and then start the coverage. CAT 2026 syllabus includes a lot of topics and sub topics. Candidates should aim to cover all the topics included in CAT syllabus, the main focus should stay on the most importan topics. Check the below table for sectional weighatge.
| CAT Sections |
Number of Questions |
Marks |
|---|---|---|
| VARC |
24 |
72 |
| DILR |
22 |
66 |
| Quantitative Aptitude |
22 |
66 |
| Total |
68 |
204 |
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.
CAT syllabus 2026: Most Important Topics
CAT syllabus coverage should be complimented with practice sessions of sample questions related to the topics. While studying the topics, candidates need to first understand the concept, then the theorem and its application. Check the table below for CAT exam syllabus break up and topic wise weightage to make a plan according maximum and minimum weightage.
| CAT topics | Number of questions | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| CAT Verbal Ablity | 8 questions | 33.34% |
| CAT Reading Comprehension | 16 questions | 66.67% |
| CAT Data Interpretation | 11 questions | 50% |
| CAT Logical Reasoning | 11 questions | 50% |
| CAT Arithmetic | 8-10 questions | 40% |
| CAT Algebra | 5-7 questions | 30% |
| CAT Number System | 1-2 questions | 7% |
| CAT Geometry | 1-3 questions | 15% |
| CAT Modern Math | 2-4 question | 15% |
Commonly asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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. The 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 |
| 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 |
|
|
|
| CAT 2024 |
|
|
|
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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:
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!!!
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.
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.
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
Commonly asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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 |
Commonly asked questions
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.
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.
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 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.
CAT Preparation Tips for VARC
- The first and foremost thing to do to crack CAT VARC is develop the habit of reading books of diverse genres.
- A lot of time CAT RCs are based on philosophy, scientific research, economics or sociological study.
- While reading focus on narrator’s tone, intention, structure of the main argument.
- English grammar or vocabulary are not directly a part of CAT syllabus, but you need to study them having a strong control over language will help in cracking the passages faster and more accurately.
- Practice parajumbles, para summary and odd sentence regularly during CAT 2026 preparation. Analyse your both correct and incorrect answers.
- In the exam, focus on tone, main idea and inference to get to the right answer. Use the process of elimination.
Also Read: CAT 2026 VARC strategy to score 30 marks and get 95+ percentile
CAT Preparation Tips for DILR
- Go through the most common question types in CAT DILR syllabus, such as arrangements (linear/circular), Venn diagrams, games, tournaments, and truth and lies puzzles, etc.
- Solve 2–3 DI or LR sets daily with complete focus and analyse the answers. How much time did it take, how much accuracy did you receive and whether there is a faster way to get to the correct answer?
- Practice mental calculation as it will be immensely helpful in Data Interpretation.
- Develop the skill of choosing questions smartly. Skim the questions in 2-3 minutes and see which ones you can answer without using too much time.
- DILR questions are in sets of 4-5. Aim to get 2-3 questions correct in each set. It will take you above 95 percentile.
Also Read: CAT 2026 DILR strategy to score 26 marks and get 95 + percentile
CAT Preparation Tips for Quantitative Aptitude
- Strengthen the core fundamentals of Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Mensuration.
- While practicing QA questions, work on finding 2-3 different ways of solving the same question. The aim should be to find the shortest method.
- Keep a log of formulae, theorems, short notes, repeated errors, calculation mistakes, etc.
- CAT QA section is usually calculation intensive and time consuming, so work on time management.
Also Read: CAT 2026 Quant strategy to score 25 marks and get 95 + percentile
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 by Shiksha 1 | Download questions | Download solutions |
| CAT Mock Test by Shiksha 2 | Download questions | Download solutions |
CAT Books for Syllabus Coverage
Candidates must refer to CAT books recommeneded by experts. Some the most popular books for CAT preparation have been written by RS Agarwal, Nishit Sinha and Arun Sharma. Here we have listed dowb some of most helpful and most popular books for CAT syllabus coverage:
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha
- Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma
- Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit Sinha
- Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal
- A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by RS Aggarwal
- How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma
- How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma
- Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit Sinha
- Data Interpretation by Nishit Sinha
- CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Nishit Sinha
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin
- 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary by Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis
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 |
|
|---|---|
Commonly asked questions
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.
FAQs on CAT Exam Syllabus 2026
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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CAT Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 4 days ago
No, CAT is not compulsory for MBA at SOA University. Candidates without CAT scores can appear for SAAT conducted by SOA for admission in MBA. Aspirants can choose any of these of admission pathways.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 4 days ago
Yes, candidates can get admission to specific executive or online MBA programs at IIM Mumbai without the CAT by using alternative exams like GMAT or GRE, or by clearing the institute's own entrance test. However, the regular, full-time flagship MBA programme strictly requires a valid CAT score.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
CAT coaching institutes in Ludhiana that offer weekend batches are TIME, IMS, Master Mind, Bulls Eye and Career Launcher.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
To choose the best CAT Coaching institute in Ludhiana, candidates must consider the following points:
- Ask about batch size, number of full-length mocks, recorded sessions/notes
- Compare classroom vs. online/hybrid formats
- Final fee structure and refund/installment policy.
- Success Rate of the centre.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
The average fee in Ludhiana is from ₹50,000 to ₹85,000 for offline classroom courses and ₹18,000 to ₹35,000 for online courses.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
CAT coaching institutes in Kerala that offer weekend batches are IMS (Kochi), Career Launcher (Trivandrum) and T.I.M.E.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
To choose the best CAT Coaching institute in Kerala, 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
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
The average fee ranges in Kerala from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000 for offline classroom courses and ₹18,000 to ₹35,000 for online courses.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
CAT coaching institute in Goa that offers weekend batches is T.I.M.E. IMS is also said to run the batches on weekends.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
To choose the best CAT Coaching institute in Goa, 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
Contributor-Level 10
1719 Institutes accepting CAT
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