Updated on 24th June 2025 | 3:49 PM | #CATSyllabus2026
CAT 2026 Syllabus: The first step toward your CAT preparation should be gaining an in-depth understanding of the CAT exam syllabus. Though there is no defined syllabus for CAT 2026, the most common topics and questions can be deduced based on an analysis of previous papers.
To ease your task, we have curated a list of such topics that can be included in the CAT syllabus 2026 PDF. Download the CAT Exam Syllabus PDF and kickstart your preparation hassle-free and with a defined plan.
The CAT exam syllabus for MBA includes three main sections, including —Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning.
There's no fixed CAT syllabus listed by any conducting authority; however, based on past trends and previous CAT papers, a generalized list of topics covered in Class 9-10 is usually asked at a higher difficulty level. These are the important topics that candidates should study to get into top management schools in India.
In view of the vastness of CAT 2026 syllabus, candidates should learn how to maximize their scores in each section. It is essential to understand the section-wise breakdown of CAT topics, as knowing the weightage of these topics will help students identify the important areas that can improve their scores. The table below showcases CAT exam pattern, key topics covered under the CAT exam syllabus, and the weightage across all sections.
|
CAT Exam Sections |
MCQs |
Non-MCQs |
Total Questions |
Details |
Weightage |
|
VARC |
20 |
4 |
24 |
4 passages of RC with 4 questions each. 8 para jumbles, para completions, para summary, and odd sentence out |
36% |
|
DILR |
14 |
6 |
22 |
4 sets of 5 questions, each covering topics of bar graphs, missing data, and puzzles |
30% |
|
QA |
15 |
7 |
22 |
Dominated by arithmetic and algebra, with 3-4 questions of geometry & 1-2 questions of modern math |
34% |
|
Total |
49 |
17 |
68 |
It is extremely important for an aspirant to understand the battlefield before entering it. The table below presents the important points that a candidate must be familiar with to ace CAT 2026.
|
Features |
Details |
|
Mode of Exam |
Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
|
Medium of Exam |
English |
|
Exam Duration |
120 minutes (2 hours) |
|
Sectional Time Limit |
40 minutes per section |
|
Number of Sections |
3 |
|
Total Number of Questions |
68 |
|
Total Marks |
204 |
|
CAT Exam Sections |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension - 24 questions |
|
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning – 22 questions |
|
|
Quantitative Ability – 22 questions |
|
|
Question Types |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type In The Answer (TITA) |
|
CAT Marking Scheme |
For every correct attempt: +3; For every incorrect attempt: -1; No negative marking for TITA |
|
Exam Slots |
3 slots (Morning, Afternoon, Evening) |
We always strive to ease the burden on our students, which is why we have curated a CAT exam syllabus PDF based on the trends from the past year's CAT exam. This CAT syllabus pdf provides a detailed overview of the topics and their subtopics.
The CAT 2026 syllabus PDF includes —CAT Quant syllabus, CAT VARC syllabus, and CAT DILR syllabus, along with additional topics covered within these sections. It can be invaluable for your CAT 2026 preparation. Download CAT syllabus PDF below for fast-paced preparation, as it is the crucial first step toward acing any entrance exam.
Download the Latest CAT 2026 Syllabus PDFThe section-wise CAT exam syllabus provides a concise outline of the key topics to focus on for each segment of the exam. For the Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) section, candidates should prepare for reading comprehension, para jumbles, sentence correction, and vocabulary-based questions. The Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) section includes topics such as data interpretation, logical puzzles, and reasoning through tables and graphs. The Quantitative Ability (QA) section encompasses areas such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems. This section-wise breakdown will help candidates effectively organize their study plans.
The VARC section of CAT 2026 syllabus is the first section of the exam, which must be completed in 40 minutes. The Reading Comprehension part of the section dominates with approximately 67% weightage of the total score of this section.
|
CAT Syllabus for VARC |
||
|
Topics |
Weightage |
|
|
Reading Comprehension (RC) |
Reading Comprehension Passages (from varied topics like literature, science, economics, and philosophy) |
24% |
|
Verbal Ability (VA) |
Para Jumble, Para Completion, Para Summary, Odd One Out |
12% |
The second section of the CAT exam, the DILR section, is the most undefined as compared to the other sections in the CAT exam Syllabus. The two subsections of the DILR section in the syllabus are:
|
CAT DILR Syllabus 2026 |
||
|
Topics |
Weightage |
|
|
Data Interpretation |
Bar Graph, Line Graph, Pie Chart, Tables, Caselet, Combination of Graphs, Special Charts, Data change over a period, etc. |
15% |
|
Logical Reasoning |
Arrangements, Venn Diagram, Constraint-based Puzzles, Matching Puzzles, Data Arrangement Sets, Games and Tournaments, Logical Sequence, Selection with Conditions, Quant-based LR, Table with missing Values, etc. |
15% |
The number of questions in the DI and LR sub-sections is generally equally distributed, which means that the students who are more comfortable in one of the sub-sections can still clear the cut-off if they attempt that part of the CAT 2026 paper well. However, the CAT DILR Section has been changing slightly in recent years. The questions are a combination of DI and LR rather than the regimented, separate DI and LR questions that were tested earlier.
Get the Latest Detailed DILR SyllabusThe QA section of CAT syllabus 2026 has the maximum weightage as it includes all mathematical concepts studied in school. This section is the most predictable one and requires the maximum practice, as consistency in quant is the only way to ace this section.
|
CAT Arithmetic Syllabus |
||
|
Averages |
Profit and Loss |
Simple & Compound Interest |
|
Mixtures & Allegations |
Percentages |
Speed, Time & Distance |
|
Pipers and Cisterns |
Ratio & Proportion |
Simplification |
|
CAT Algebra Syllabus |
||
|
Graphs |
Linear Equations |
Quadratic Equations |
|
Higher Order Equation |
Logarithms |
Modulus |
|
Inequalities |
Maxima and Minima |
Sequence and Series |
|
CAT Number System Syllabus |
||
|
Base System |
Divisibility |
LCM & HCF |
|
Complex Numbers |
Factors |
Remainders |
|
Digits |
Higher Powers |
Surds and Indices |
|
CAT Geometry Syllabus |
||
|
Circles |
Polygons |
Trigonometry |
|
Coordinate Geometry |
Quadrilaterals |
Angles |
|
Mensuration |
Triangles |
Parallel Lines |
|
CAT Modern Math Syllabus |
||
|
Permutations & Combinations |
Geometric Arrangements |
Sequences & Series |
|
Probability |
Progressions |
Roots |
Consistency is the key to acing CAT 2026. However, an effective strategy along with rigorous mock tests, can help you achieve a good score. Here are a few preparation tips covering the entire CAT syllabus 2026 for aspirants:
The CAT Syllabus 2026 has not been explicitly mentioned on the official CAT website, as the exam occasionally presents surprises for candidates. However, every question in CAT is solvable, as it tests candidates' understanding of the fundamentals. Therefore, all candidates should ensure they are well-prepared in the basics. By studying according to past trends of the syllabus, candidates can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering unexpected challenges on the exam.
To excel in the Quantitative Ability section, candidates should focus on building a strong foundation in areas like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, and modern mathematics. Regular practice and working through a variety of problems in each topic will enhance both accuracy and speed. Using resources like CAT Daily Target can be very helpful for mastering this section.
In the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section, it's important to read newspapers, journals, and books to improve both comprehension skills and vocabulary. Practicing different types of verbal questions, such as para jumbles and sentence completion, will help you master this area. Developing a reading habit is key, and students can find a variety of online articles on CAT Daily Articles to enhance their skills.
To do well in the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section, candidates should practice interpreting complex data sets and solving logical puzzles. Working with timed practice sets is essential, as this section demands quick thinking and accuracy under pressure. Reviewing CAT Previous Papers is a great way to get familiar with the types of questions you can expect in the exam. This will give you a solid understanding of the kinds of sets featured in CAT exam.
Overall, the CAT has a moderate level of difficulty, but it can feel more manageable for those who start their preparation early and consistently practice all three sections. With a good plan in place, you can definitely crack CAT. The questions asked are mainly from the 10th and 12th-level mathematics and are analytically based.
No subject is difficult to learn once you dedicate your time, and have the right course material and guidance. Based on previous years' CAT exams, the difficulty level of the DILR section is rated moderate to difficult, so you might need to focus on the DILR syllabus more.
