CAT 2026 Quant topic wise weightage is expected to follow recent trends, with Arithmetic carrying the highest weightage in the section.
Focus on Percentages/Ratios (base for many problems), Logarithms, and Linear Equations for high returns. Approximately 8 questions will be Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) and will carry no negative marks.
- Out of the expected 22 questions, Arithmetic may contribute 8-10 questions, while Algebra is likely to account for 5-7 questions.
- Geometry could add another 3-5 questions, making these three topics the most important areas for preparation.
- Together, they are expected to cover more than 85% of the QA section, with questions emphasizing conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills rather than direct formula-based calculations.
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- CAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
- CAT QA Previous Year Analysis
- CAT Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions
Expected CAT 2026 Quant Topic Wise Weightage
Arithmetic forms the foundation of the CAT QA section. It consists most number of questions. Algebra has application-based or mixed problems. Geometry, Number System, and Modern Math topics have fewer but high-value questions.
Analysing the recent CAT exam trends,
- Arithmetic and Algebra control up to 80% of the entire section (13–17 out of 22 questions)
- Number System and Modern Math are the lowest priority sections. Only 4-5 questions are expected combined.
Expected Topic-Wise Distribution for CAT 2026 (22 Questions Total)
| Topic | Expected Questions | Weightage (%) | Key Sub-Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | 8-10 | 35-45 | Percentages, Ratios & Proportions, Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, SI/CI, Mixtures & Alligations, Averages |
| Algebra | 5-7 | 25-35 | Linear & Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Sequences & Series, Logarithms, Progressions |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 3-4 | 10-15 | Triangles, Circles, 2D/3D Mensuration, Coordinate Geometry, Polygons |
| Number System | 2-3 | 5-10 | HCF/LCM, Divisibility, Remainders, Surds & Indices, Base System |
| Modern Math | 1-2 | 5-8 | Permutations & Combinations, Probability |
Source: CAT 2025: 12 High Weightage Quant Topics that you can't skip
Also Read:
Ques. Which sub-topics within Arithmetic are most likely to appear as sets in CAT 2026?
Ans. Time-Speed-Distance combined with Ratios or Mixtures often form 1-2 sets. These application-heavy questions test multiple concepts together and appear across multiple slots.
Ques. Has the weightage of Geometry changed significantly in the last 3 years?
Ans. It remains steady at 3-4 questions but now includes more coordinate geometry and mensuration-based problems rather than pure theory.
Ques. How important are Modern Math topics for a 99+ percentile in QA?
Ans. While only 1-2 questions are expected, they are usually straightforward and can act as quick scorers if basics of P&C and Probability are strong. Skipping them entirely may cost 3-6 marks.
Previous Year Trends in CAT Quant Section
Trends from CAT 2020 to CAT 2025 indicate that QA section usually features 22 questions (except in 2020).
- Over five years Arithmetic has had the highest number of questions in QA. It has 8-9 questions on average.
- Algebra follows is the second most important.
- Together, Arithmetic and Algebra consistently dictate 13–16 out of the 22 total questions
- Geometry has a highly predictable trend, consistently contributing 3–4 questions each year.
- Modern Math is the lowest priority section contributing only 1–2 questions.
5-Year Average Questions (Approx. across slots):
| Year / Topic | Arithmetic | Algebra | Geometry & Mensuration | Number System | Modern Math |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 2025 | 8-9 | 6-7 | 3-4 | 2-3 | 1-2 |
| CAT 2024 | 8-9 | 5-6 | 3-4 | 2-3 | 1-2 |
| CAT 2023 | 7-8 | 6-7 | 2-3 | 2-3 | 1-2 |
| CAT 2022 | 7-8 | 6-7 | 3-4 | 2-3 | 1-2 |
| CAT 2021 | 8-10 | 5-6 | 3-4 | 2-3 | 1-2 |
| Overall Average | 8-9 | 5-7 | 3-4 | 2-3 | 1-2 |
Source: Topicwise Weightage of Quant Section in Previous CAT Exams | CAT Preparation | Patrick Dsouza
Also Read: Tricks to Solve QA Questions in 1 Minute
Ques. How did the difficulty of Arithmetic questions evolve from CAT 2023 to CAT 2025?
Ans. Questions became more application-oriented with longer word problems and hybrid elements, but core concepts like Time & Work and Ratios remained scoring for well-prepared students.
Ques. Which topic showed the most fluctuation across slots in recent years?
Ans. Geometry has varied slightly between 2-4 questions depending on the slot, with some years featuring more coordinate geometry while others focused on mensuration.
Ques. What trend is visible in TITA questions within Quant?
Ans. TITA (non-MCQ) questions have stayed around 6-8 per paper, mostly appearing in Algebra and Arithmetic, offering scoring opportunities without negative marking.
High-Scoring Topics & Preparation Strategy for CAT 2026
Arithmetics and Algebra stands as the most scoring sections in QA. Toppers suggest that first they should clear the fundamentals of Arithmetics. Then students should move to high application based question practice.
- Dedicate 2-3 hours to Arithmetic practice, 1-1.5 hours to Algebra, and 45 minutes each to Geometry and revision of formulas.
- Arun Sharma’s QA book for topic-wise preparation, followed by previous 5 years’ CAT papers.
- Regular mock test analysis helps identify personal strengths and fix calculation speed issues.
High-Scoring Topics with Expected Questions & Strategy Tips:
| Topic | Expected Questions | High-Scoring Sub-Topics | Preparation Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | 8-10 | Percentages, Ratios, Time & Work, Profit & Loss, SI/CI, Mixtures | Build speed with 50+ word problems daily. Focus on shortcuts and unit consistency. |
| Algebra | 5-7 | Linear/Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Logarithms | Solve 30-40 mixed problems weekly. Emphasise graph-based and hybrid sets. |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 3-4 | Triangles, Circles, Coordinate Geometry, 2D/3D Mensuration | Memorise key formulas and theorems. Practice visualisation with diagrams. |
| Number System | 2-3 | HCF/LCM, Remainders, Surds & Indices | Quick revision drills. Master divisibility rules for fast solving. |
| Modern Math | 1-2 | Permutations & Combinations, Probability | Focus on standard formulas and basic counting principles. |
Source: CAT 2026 Quant Strategy that works | Complete Plan for Beginners & Students weak in Maths
Also Read:
Ques. How should working professionals or candidates with limited time prioritise high-scoring topics in the final 2-3 months?
Ans. Focus 60-70% of your limited study hours on Arithmetic and Algebra only. Solve previous 5 years’ CAT papers daily and take one full QA sectional test every 3-4 days to improve accuracy without spreading effort too thin across low-weightage areas.
Ques. What is the best way to analyse mocks for improving performance in high-scoring sub-topics like Ratios and Inequalities?
Ans. After every mock, categorise errors by sub-topic and note time taken per question. Re-solve only the missed Arithmetic and Algebra questions within 24 hours. Track improvement in accuracy for hybrid sets over 8-10 mocks to reach 85%+ in these areas.
CAT 2026 Quant Topic Wise Weightage Reddit Discussion
A MBA aspirant has posted a query on Reddit seeking advice on preparation strategy for the Quantitative Ability (QA / Quants) section of CAT. He states he is weak in Mathematics/Quants and is feeling confused about which study materials to rely on for practice.
Consistent practice and solving Arun Sharma's Quantitative Aptitude book, focusing on Level of Difficulty 1 (LOD 1) and Level of Difficulty 2 (LOD 2) questions is advised.
Source: Reddit Discussion
FAQ’s
Ques. Is 37 a good score in CAT?
Ans. A score of 37 marks in CAT 2026 (overall) is moderate and may fetch around 85-90 percentile depending on the slot difficulty. It is usually not sufficient for top IIM calls but can help secure admission in newer IIMs or other good B-schools.
Ques. Is 72 a good score in CAT?
Ans. Yes, 72+ marks overall in CAT 2026 is considered a strong score and can comfortably place you in the 97-98+ percentile range. This opens doors to several top IIMs and premier management institutes, especially if sectional scores are balanced.
Ques. How many marks is Quant in CAT?
Ans. The Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section in CAT 2026 carries 22 questions for a total of 66 marks (3 marks per correct answer). It is allotted 40 minutes.
Ques. What is 90 percentile in Quant CAT?
Ans. For CAT 2026, a 90 percentile in the Quant section typically requires around 28-32 marks (roughly 10-12 correct attempts with high accuracy), though this can vary slightly by slot difficulty.
Ques. What percentile is 40 marks in CAT Quant?
Ans. 40 marks in CAT Quant generally corresponds to 94-96 percentile. This is a solid score that meets the sectional cutoff for most IIMs and significantly boosts your chances for shortlisting.
Ques. How difficult is Quant in CAT?
Ans. Quant in CAT is usually rated moderate to difficult. Arithmetic and Algebra dominate with application-based and hybrid questions. With strong fundamentals and regular practice, it remains one of the most scoring sections.
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