CAT Syllabus 2026 - Overview
The CAT exam is conducted by premier Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis. The specific IIM responsible for organising the exam is typically announced in the July preceding the exam year.
Here is the overview to understand the CAT exam 2026:
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CAT Exam Syllabus overview |
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Components |
Details |
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Mode of CAT exam |
Computer-based test |
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Sections in CAT 2026 |
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Section-wise duration of CAT exam |
40 minutes per section (Total 120 minutes) |
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Exam Slots |
3 Slot (Morning, Afternoon, Evening) |
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Total number of questions in CAT 2026 |
68 (Expected) |
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No. of Questions Section-wise (Expected) |
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Medium of CAT exam |
English |
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Type of questions |
Mix of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type-In-The-Answer (TITA/non-MCQs) |
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Marking Scheme for CAT 2026 |
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Above all, this exam is designed to evaluate a candidate's ability to handle pressure under given circumstances, while also assessing their time management skills. Each candidate is given only 40 minutes to solve a particular section, with a timer constantly ticking above their head throughout.
CAT 2026 Syllabus & Exam Pattern Expected
Get comprehensive details on the CAT exam syllabus and the CAT Exam pattern 2026. Get the CAT paper pattern & their weightage of each section given below. Each section of CAT is to be completed in 40 minutes.
- Verbal Ability And Reading Comprehension: The VARC section of CAT consists of 72 marks and 24 questions
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning: The DILR section has 22 questions, consisting of 66 marks.
- Quantitative Aptitude: The QA section of CAT consists of 66 marks and 22 questions.
CAT Exam 2026 Syllabus PDF Download
We have curated a CAT syllabus PDF based on the past year's trends of the CAT exam that provides a detailed description of these topics, along with their subtopics.
This CAT syllabus PDF consists of the CAT quant syllabus, CAT VARC syllabus, and CAT DILR syllabus, as well as further topics covered under these sections. It can be very useful for your CAT 2026 preparation. Download the CAT syllabus PDF below for fast-paced preparation, as it is the first step toward acing any entrance exam.
CAT Exam Syllabus 2026: Complete Section-Wise Syllabus & Latest Exam Pattern (Expected)
For CAT 2026 aspirants, understanding the CAT exam syllabus thoroughly should be the first step towards effective CAT 2026 preparation. This approach will definitely lead to better preparation, and candidates will be more familiar with the subjects and topics essential for the exam.
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CAT Exam Pattern And Important Topics |
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CAT Sections |
Important Topics |
Expected Weightage |
Expected No. of MCQs |
Expected No. of Non-MCQs |
Total Question |
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Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension |
RC passages, Para jumbles, Para summary, Odd sentence out, and Inferences |
36% |
20 |
4 |
24 |
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Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation |
Blood Relations, Syllogism, Directions, Clocks and Calendars, Tables, Graphs, Charts, and other forms of visualisation |
30% |
14 |
6 |
22 |
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Quantitative Aptitude |
Geometry, Trigonometry, Averages, Percentages, Number Systems, Arithmetic, Mensuration |
34% |
15 |
7 |
22 |
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Total |
100% |
49 |
17 |
68 |
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Related Questions -
The CAT syllabus for 2026 is expected to remain largely unchanged from recent years. CAT does not release an official syllabus; instead, the exam pattern is inferred from previous papers, covering VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude with a focus on application-based questions.
The CAT 2026 exam is expected to have three sections, VARC, DILR, and QA, each carrying different weightage. While the exact number of questions may vary, all three sections play an equally important role in determining overall percentile and sectional cut-offs.
No single section dominates the CAT exam. However, DILR is often considered the most unpredictable and can significantly impact overall percentile. Consistent performance across all three sections is crucial for securing high percentiles and clearing sectional cut-offs.
Yes, the CAT syllabus is the same for all candidates, irrespective of background or category. However, preparation strategies may differ based on individual strengths, weaknesses, and prior exposure to mathematics or reading-intensive sections.
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Enrol For CAT Online Coaching TodayCAT Exam Syllabus 2026: Detailed Section-Wise Important Topics & Weightage
Aspirants must deeply analyse the CAT 2026 syllabus to increase the chances of cracking the CAT exam. For this purpose, we have provided the section-wise analysis and covered CAT topics in detail.
We have compiled a list of topics covering each section based on the previous year's papers and past analysis. Here is the section-wise breakup of the CAT syllabus 2026 for your reference:
CAT VARC Syllabus 2026 - Important Topics & Weightage
The first section of the exam is the VARC section of the CAT syllabus. The time duration for the exam is 40 minutes. The reading comprehension part of the section dominates with approximately 67% weightage of the total score of this section, while the other 33% is reserved for verbal ability. The following topics fall under the VARC section of the CAT exam:
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CAT VARC Important Topics |
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Reading Comprehension |
Para-completion |
Para jumbles |
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Para Summary |
Odd one out |
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CAT Reading Comprehension Topics in Past Years
In recent CAT exams, Reading Comprehension (RC) passages cover a broad spectrum of topics. Each passage in RC has around 600 words and 4-5 questions that follow.
There are mainly three types of Reading Comprehension passages in CAT exam: Analytical, Descriptive & Data Driven. Over the past years, passages have frequently drawn from the following areas:
- Science & Technology
- Social Issues & Philosophy
- Economics & Business
- History & Politics
- Arts, Literature & Culture
Passages are typically sourced from articles, essays, and academic journals, ensuring a good mix of factual, analytical, and opinion-based content. This diversity helps test-takers demonstrate versatility in handling varied vocabulary, tones, and complexity levels—essential for mastering the CAT RC section.
- Argumentative / Opinion-Based: Author presents an argument, conclusion, or opinion; you may need to infer assumptions or reasoning.
- Descriptive / Informative: Explains a concept, process, or phenomenon; questions focus on understanding and summarizing.
- Contrasting / Comparative: Compares two ideas, theories, or perspectives; questions often ask about differences or inferences.
- Narrative / Anecdotal: Uses a story or example to illustrate a broader concept; usually shorter and more contextual.
Types Of Questions Asked In the CAT Reading Comprehension Section
Here are the types of questions that are asked in the CAT VARC reading comprehension section. Go through the questions so that it makes your preparation better.
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CAT 2026 RC Question Type |
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Question Type |
Description and Question example |
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Central theme question |
The reader is asked to identify the central purpose or the theme of the question. Q: “What is the main argument of the author in the passage?” |
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Inference-based question |
It requires you to draw the logical conclusions that are not directly mentioned in the passage. Q: “Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?” |
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Detail-oriented question |
It is mostly a direct question asking for a detail mentioned in the passage. Q: “According to the passage, which of the following is true?” |
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Vocabulary in context |
These questions ask about the meaning of a word or a certain vocabulary used in the passage. Q: “What does the word ‘x’ mean in the context of the passage?” |
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Strengthen/weaken the argument |
You might be asked which argument might strengthen or weaken the author’s argument. Q: “Which of the following, if true, would weaken the author’s position?” |
CAT 2026 Verbal Ability Syllabus - Topics-wise Weightage
Here is a breakdown of the number of questions covered in each topic in the CAT 2025 VARC section:
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CAT VARC Topicwise Weightage |
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CAT VARC Topic |
Slot 1 |
Slot 2 |
Slot 3 |
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Reading Comprehension |
16 |
16 |
16 |
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Para Summary |
2 |
2 |
2 |
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Para Jumble |
2 |
2 |
2 |
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Para Completion |
2 |
2 |
2 |
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Odd one out |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Types Of Questions Asked In the CAT Verbal Ability Section
Check out the questions that are asked in the verbal ability section of the CAT and plan your preparation accordingly.
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Question Type |
Description |
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Para Jumbles |
A set of 4–5 jumbled sentences must be arranged into a coherent paragraph. |
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Odd sentence out |
You’re given 4-5 sentences, and you need to identify the one that does not fit with the rest. |
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Para summary |
You will be given a short paragraph, and you must choose the option that best summarises it. |
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Sentence completion |
A sentence with one or more blanks must be completed with the most appropriate word/phrase. |
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Grammar and vocabulary |
These questions will ask you to test the usage of a word in the context, instead of grammar rules. |
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Related Articles |
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Related Questions -
The CAT VARC syllabus 2026 broadly includes Reading Comprehension (RC) and Verbal Ability (VA). Key topics covered are reading comprehension passages, para jumbles, para summaries, odd sentence out, and sentence completion. Grammar-based direct questions are rarely asked; instead, CAT focuses on comprehension, logic, and language application.
The VARC section in the CAT exam typically consists of 24 questions, contributing 72 marks in total. Reading Comprehension forms the majority of this section, usually accounting for about 65-70% of the questions, making it the most important component of the CAT VARC syllabus.
Yes. Reading Comprehension is the backbone of the CAT VARC syllabus. Most VARC questions are RC-based, and strong reading ability directly impacts accuracy and speed. Aspirants preparing for CAT 2026 should prioritise RC practice over isolated verbal rules or grammar drills.
CAT does not test grammar directly through rule-based questions. However, grammatical understanding is assessed indirectly through para jumbles, sentence completion, and RC questions. For CAT preparation online, grammar should be treated as a supporting skill rather than a standalone topic.
CAT DILR Syllabus 2026 - Important Topics & Expected Weightage
CAT DILR syllabus is divided into two parts: Data Interpretation (DI) and Logical Reasoning (LR), with around 10 questions each. Most questions appear in sets of 3-4, while only a handful in LR are standalone.Since this section demands speed, accuracy, and smart selection, consistent practice is crucial. Solving a wide variety of questions across all topics will help you build the required edge. Here are the key topics you should focus on for CAT Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation.
- Data Interpretation: Data will be presented in the form of a graph, chart, or another form of visualisation, and you will be required to answer the questions based on the information given.
- Logical Reasoning: Here, you may be given information in a non-structured manner, and you may be required to structure it and derive the outcome to solve the questions given.
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CAT 2026 Exam Syllabus For DILR |
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Arrangements |
Games and Tournaments |
Networks |
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Set Theory |
Logical Sequence |
Tables |
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Bar Graphs |
Line Charts & Pie Charts |
Logical Sequence |
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Matching/ Puzzles |
Venn Diagrams |
Combination of two or more types linked to each other |
In recent years, the CAT DILR Section has changed, with questions combining elements of both DI and LR rather than the previous format of distinct DI and LR questions. The DI and LR sections usually have an equal distribution of questions, with 2 sets of DI questions and 2 sets of LR questions. This setup allows students who are more proficient in solving a particular sub-section to meet the cut-off by excelling in their preferred area of expertise.
Types Of Questions Asked in the Data Interpretation Section of The CAT
Check out the questions that are typically asked in the Data Interpretation section of the DILR in CAT and enhance your CAT prep!
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Question Type |
Description |
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Tables |
Data is presented in a tabular format, and questions are asked about it. |
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Bar and line graphs |
Data is presented across time or categories, shown with lines and Vertical or horizontal bar charts showing comparisons. |
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Pie charts |
Data is presented as circular charts divided into sectors. |
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Caselets |
Numerical information is given in word format instead of charts. |
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Venn Diagrams |
You are asked about the data in the overlapping categories. |
Types Of Questions Asked in the Logical Reasoning Section Of The CAT
Here are the questions that are asked in the DILR logical reasoning section of the CAT, and practice accordingly.
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Question Type |
Description |
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Arrangements & Puzzles |
Questions related to the arrangement of items with conditions and clues. |
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Selection & Distribution |
You will be asked about the problems where candidates/items must be chosen or distributed based on given constraints |
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Ranking & Ordering |
Questions involving ordering or ranking people/items by height, marks, position, etc. |
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Blood Relations & Family Trees |
Relationship-based questions where family members are connected by conditions. |
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Syllogisms and logical deductions |
You will be asked about the statementsfollowed by conclusions, and you have to check which one follows the statement logically. |
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Related Articles |
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Related Questions -
Although, iimcat does not officially release CAT exam pattern, it is expected that the DILR section in the CAT exam 2026 will have 22 questions, like CAT 2025, carrying 66 marks in total. These questions are usually divided into 4-5 sets, with each set containing multiple interlinked questions that must be solved together.
DILR is considered unpredictable because there is no fixed question pattern, and the difficulty level varies significantly across sets. Selecting the right sets to attempt is crucial, as spending too much time on a difficult set can severely impact overall performance and percentile.
CAT does not release an official DILR syllabus, but the core topics remain largely consistent year after year. However, the structure, complexity, and context of DILR sets can change, which is why preparation should focus on developing logical frameworks and set-selection skills rather than memorising question types.
CAT Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Syllabus 2026 - Important Topics & Expected Weightage
The QA section of CAT 2026 syllabus carries the maximum weightage as it includes all mathematical concepts studied in school. This section is the most predictable one and requires consistent practice, as consistency and dedication in quant are the only ways to ace this section.
The Quant Syllabus For CAT 2026 And Topic-wise Weightage
Given below is the table indicating chapter-wise important topics that are a part of CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus. Candidates must plan their Quantitative Aptitude preparation on the basis of the following topics.
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CAT 2026 QA Exam syllabus and weightage |
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CAT QA Sections |
Expected QA Weightage |
Expected No. Of Questions |
CAT QA Topics |
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Arithmetic |
40% |
8-10 |
Averages, Profit and Loss, Percentages, Simple and compound interest, mixtures and allegations, percentages, speed, time and distance, pipes and cisterns, Ratio and proportion, simplification |
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Algebra |
30% |
5-7 |
Graphs, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Higher order Equation, Logarithms, Modulus, Inequalities, Maxima and Minima, Sequences and Series. |
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Number System |
7% |
1-2 |
Base system, Divisibility, LCM and HCF, Complex numbers, factors, remainders, digits, higher powers, surds and indices. |
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Geometry |
15% |
1-3 |
Circles, polygons, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, quadrilaterals, angles, mensuration, triangles, parallel lines |
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Modern Maths |
15% |
2-4 |
Permutations & combinations, geometric arrangements, sequences and series, probability, progressions, roots, binomial theorem, set theory |
Question Samples Types Asked in QA Section of The CAT 2026
Check out the question samples for the Topic-wise QA CAT 2026 syllabus and prepare for the CAT exam 2026 accordingly.
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CAT QA Question Type |
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Question Topic |
Question Sample |
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Arithmetic |
A shopkeeper increases the price of a book by 20% and then offers a discount of 10%. If the selling price is â¹540, what was the cost price of the book? |
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Mixed Concept |
A car travels at 60 km/h for 2 hours and 80 km/h for the next 3 hours. What is its average speed for the entire journey? |
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Geometry |
In a right-angled triangle, the hypotenuse is 13 cm and one side is 5 cm. Find the area of the triangle. |
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Number System |
What is the remainder when 71007^{100}7100 is divided by 25? |
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Related Articles |
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Related Questions -
CAT QA is largely logic and application-based rather than formula-heavy. While knowing formulas is essential, CAT focuses more on problem interpretation, number sense, and choosing the most efficient solving method under time pressure.
Arithmetic carries the highest and most consistent weightage in the CAT QA syllabus, often accounting for nearly 40-45% of the questions. Topics like percentages, ratios, time & work, and averages are especially important for CAT 2026 preparation.
CAT Quant is designed to test Class 10-level mathematics, making it accessible to non-engineers as well. With structured practice and concept clarity, aspirants from non-math backgrounds can score competitively in QA.
No. CAT does not include calculus, trigonometry, or advanced mathematics. The QA syllabus is based on fundamental concepts, but questions are framed in a way that tests analytical thinking and time management.
CAT Free Mock Test Series
Prepare smarter for the CAT exam with our CAT 2026 syllabus-aligned free mock test series. Each mock test is expertly designed to practice for VARC, DILR, and QA, mirroring the actual CAT 2026 syllabus pattern and question style. Boost your performance and confidence with real exam simulation, detailed analysis, and insights that ensure your preparation is perfectly mapped to the latest CAT 2025 syllabus and exam trends.
Take a Free CAT Mock Today!Best Books for CAT 2026 Preparation: Comprehensive Guide to the CAT Syllabus 2026
The best or ideal preparation material for CAT should be one covering all the important topics of CAT 2026 syllabus from each section, providing more than one solution to each question for better understanding.
So, here are the best books for CAT that you can refer to to begin your CAT 2026 preparation and brush up on your basics, as follows:
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Best Books for Overall CAT Preparation |
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CAT Sections |
Best Books for CAT Preparation |
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VARC |
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DILR |
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QA |
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Feel like it’s too much on your plate? —Look no further! Get CL's CAT study material, which is updated every year based on the changes in the actual examination and covers all the relevant questions. It also offers solution videos as part of the premium package to help analyze weaker areas and develop an efficient exam strategy.
CAT 2026 Preparation Tips and Strategies
CAT preparation tips for VARC, DILR and QA will help you get ahead of your competitors. Below are some of the sectionwise CAT preparation strategies for your reference:
CAT VARC Preparation Tips
- Get into the habit of reading to improve your speed and expand your vocabulary.
- Make it a daily practice to learn new words and revise Grammar rules.
- Practise with mocks to test your time management and work on your weaknesses.
- Work on your test-taking strategy and improve it based on your attempts in mocks.
CAT DILR Preparation Tips
- Set aside half an hour to an hour daily to practice DILR sets.
- After practising a set, review the answer and reattempt sets you are unable to answer.
- Set a time limit when attempting sets. It will help you improve your speed and accuracy.
- Attempting to review past years' papers will help you familiarise yourself with the topics covered in CAT.
CAT QA Preparation Tips
- Past year's papers provide great insight into the structure & key topics of the section.
- Do not try preparing the entire syllabus; only practice the frequently asked topics.
- In MCQs, shortcuts are used to estimate answers instead of calculating the exact ones.
- Attempt mocks to reinforce concepts and formulae while improving speed and accuracy.
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Latest Changes in CAT Syllabus |
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Exam Year |
Number of Questions |
Time Allotted |
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CAT 2024-2025 |
68 |
2 hours |
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CAT 2021-2023 |
66 |
2 hours |
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CAT 2020 |
76 |
2 hours |
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CAT 2015-2019 |
100 |
3 hours |
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CAT 2014 |
100 |
2 hours 50 minutes |
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CAT 2013 |
60 |
2 hours 20 minutes |
CAT Previous Year Question Papers
Now that you have gone through the CAT 2026 syllabus for MBA, it is important to understand what goes into the actual examination
Download the CAT previous year question papers to understand the question patterns and make a practice schedule for yourself. Thus, it is imperative that students check out the CAT Previous Year Question Papers to map the important subjects and check what kind of questions come from those important topics.
Attempt CAT Previous Year Papers