CAT 2026 syllabus weightage helps aspirants understand the important topic for VARC, DILR, and QA. IIM Indore will not release an official syllabus for CAT 2026. The CAT syllabus weightage is derived from consistent patterns observed in previous years.
- CAT 2026 is expected to have 68 questions, totaling 204 marks.
- Reading Comprehension holds the highest weightage in VARC (around 65-70%).
- Arithmetic has the most weightage in QA, with 40-45% in every paper.
- DILR weightage depends on the number of sets. Accurately solving 4-5 sets can fetch 40+ marks.
- A well-balanced preparation focusing on high-weightage topics can help you score 110-130+ marks.
The CAT exam has a total of 68 questions divided into three sections: VARC (24 questions, 40 minutes), DILR (22 questions, 40 minutes), and QA (22 questions, 40 minutes).
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CAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus Overview
CAT 2026 will be conducted by IIM Indore. It will be a computer-based test (CBT). The total duration is 120 minutes with strict sectional timing of 40 minutes each. There is no option to switch between sections.
- CAT 2026 is expected to have 68 questions in total.
- All correct answers get +3 marks.
- Incorrect MCQs will deduct 1 mark.
- TITA questions have no negative marking.
- All questions in CAT 2026 carry equal marks.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration | Syllabus Overview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 72 | 40 min | RC Passages, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd Sentence Out, Sentence Completion |
| DILR | 22 | 66 | 40 min | Sets based on Tables, Bar/Pie Charts, Line Graphs, Venn Diagrams, Binary Logic |
| QA | 22 | 66 | 40 min | Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit-Loss, SI-CI, Time-Speed-Distance, Ratios), Algebra , Geometry & Mensuration, Number System, |
| Total | 68 | 204 | 120 min | - |
Source: Exam Notification for CAT
Also Read: CAT Syllabus 2026- Download Syllabus PDF
Ques. How many TITA questions are expected in CAT 2026?
Ans. Around 12-15 TITA questions are expected across all sections combined. These are crucial as they carry no negative marking.
Ques. Is the syllabus the same for all IIMs and other participating institutes?
Ans. Yes. The CAT syllabus and pattern are common for all IIMs and over 1,000+ B-schools that accept CAT scores.
Ques. Can candidates with non-engineering background crack CAT 2026?
Ans. Absolutely. Many toppers from commerce and humanities backgrounds succeed by focusing more on VARC and Arithmetic. Consistent practice is the key.
CAT 2026 Section-wise Weightage
CAT 2026 follows a balanced section-wise weightage across its three sections. VARC carries the highest weightage. DILR and QA have almost equal weightage.
- Candidates get only 40 minutes per section with no option to switch.
- VARC section holds a weightage of 35–36% with 24 questions
- DILR section accounts for 32% of the exam. Ideal score for top IIMs in this section is 38.
- To score 99+ percentile, answer 15 to 18 questions in QA. It carries 32% weightage
| Section | Questions | Marks | Weightage (%) | Good Attempts (for 99+ %ile) | Ideal Score for Top IIMs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 72 | 35-36% | 18-20 | 48-55+ |
| DILR | 22 | 66 | 32% | 14-16 | 38-45+ |
| QA | 22 | 66 | 32% | 15-18 | 42-50+ |
| Total | 68 | 204 | 100% | 47-54 | 130-145+ |
Source: CAT Syllabus for MBA 2026 | Topic-wise Weightage + Free Syllabus PDF
Also Read: CAT College Predictor 2026
Ques. How does section-wise weightage affect the overall percentile calculation?
Ans. Percentile is calculated on the basis of raw scores normalised across slots, so performing well in high-weightage VARC gives a stronger buffer even if one section is slightly weaker.
Ques. Is it possible to get IIM calls with low marks in one section?
Ans. It is risky. Most IIMs enforce minimum sectional percentiles (usually 70-80+), so candidates cannot afford to ignore any section despite the overall weightage.
Ques. How should working professionals utilise section-wise weightage in their preparation?
Ans. They should dedicate more weekend hours to DILR and QA sets while practising VARC RC daily during weekdays for consistent improvement.
CAT Syllabus 2026: VARC Topic-wise Weightage
VARC section in CAT 2026 carries 24 questions. This section is dominated by Reading Comprehension, which usually takes up 65-70% of the paper.
- RC has 16 questions divided across 4 passages with 4 questions each. The passages include social issues, science, business, literature, and philosophy.
- Verbal Ability is 30% to 40% of the section. It has 8 questions in total.
- VA include Para-jumbles, Para-summary, Odd Sentence Out, and Para-completion. Para-jumbles are presented as Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) questions.
VARC Topic-wise Weightage CAT 2026 (Expected)
| Topic | Expected Questions | Weightage (%) | Difficulty Level | Preparation Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 16 | 60-70% | Moderate to High | 4 Passages (400-600 words) |
| Para Jumbles | 2-3 | 10-12% | Moderate | Practice 50+ sets |
| Para Summary | 2-3 | 10-12% | Easy to Moderate | Focus on the main idea |
| Odd Sentence Out | 1-2 | 5-8% | Moderate | Logical flow |
| Sentence Completion / Others | 1-2 | 5% | Easy | Grammar & Vocabulary |
Source: Topic-Wise Weightage For CAT 2025!! ( VARC IMP TOPICS HIGHLIGHTED)
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Ques. What type of RC passages are expected in CAT 2026?
Ans. Passages are usually abstract or opinion-based. Expect topics from sociology, environment, psychology, and business.
Ques. How many questions per RC passage should I attempt?
Ans. Aim to solve 3-4 questions accurately from each passage. Accuracy matters more than attempting all.
Ques. What are TITA questions in CAT VARC?
Ans. Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) questions do not have multiple-choice options. You must type your answer directly using the on-screen keyboard. In VARC, these typically appear as Para Jumbles and Odd One Out questions and do not carry negative markings.
CAT Syllabus 2026: DILR Topic-wise Weightage
DILR is one of the most crucial sections in CAT 2026 with 22 questions carrying 66 marks. This section is entirely set-based. The weightage depends on how quickly candidates can identify and solve sets.
- Aspirants who answer 3-4 sets accurately in 40 minutes can score 35+ marks easily
- Caselets and Logical Puzzles carry the highest weightage 40% to 45%
- Tables, Graphs, and Charts are expected to have 6-8 questions
- Venn Diagrams and Binary Logic ranges from easy to moderate difficulty.The key preparation strategy is to master overlapping sets.
DILR Topic-wise Weightage CAT 2026 (Expected)
| Topic Type | Expected Questions | Weightage (%) | Difficulty Level | Key Preparation Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caselets & Logical Puzzles | 8-10 | 40-45% | Moderate to High | Practice variety of puzzles |
| Tables, Graphs & Charts | 6-8 | 30-35% | Moderate | Focus on quick calculations |
| Arrangements (Linear/Circular) | 4-6 | 20-25% | Moderate | Draw diagrams carefully |
| Venn Diagrams & Binary Logic | 2-4 | 10-15% | Easy to Moderate | Master overlapping sets |
| Miscellaneous (Routes, Games) | 1-2 | 5% | Variable | Solve previous year sets |
Source: Most important DILR topics for CAT
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CAT Syllabus 2026: QA Topic-wise Weightage
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section in CAT 2026 carries 22 questions for 66 marks. This section is known for its predictability.
- Mastering high-weightage topics in QA can help aspirants score 40+ marks.
- Most questions are from Class 10-12 level but require strong concept
- Arithmetic is most important section with a 40% to 45% weightage
- Geometry and Mensuration accounts for 15% to 20% of the overall weightage.
QA Topic-wise Weightage CAT 2026 (Expected)
| Topic | Expected Questions | Weightage (%) | Difficulty Level | Key Areas to Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | 8-10 | 40-45% | Easy to Moderate | Percentages, Ratio-Proportion, Time-Speed-Distance, Profit-Loss, SI-CI |
| Algebra | 5-7 | 20-25% | Moderate to High | Equations, Inequalities, Logarithms, Sequences & Series |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 3-5 | 15-20% | Moderate | Triangles, Circles, 3D Figures, Coordinate Geometry |
| Number System | 2-3 | 10-12% | Easy to Moderate | Factors, Divisibility, HCF-LCM |
| Modern Math (P&C, Probability) | 1-2 | 5-8% | Moderate | Permutations, Combinations, Probability |
Source: CAT Quants Topicwise Weightage
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Ques. How many questions from Arithmetic should I attempt in CAT 2026?
Ans. Try to solve at least 7-8 questions from Arithmetic accurately as it is the most scoring and consistent area.
Ques. Are there many questions from Geometry in recent CAT exams?
Ans. Geometry questions have reduced slightly in the last 2-3 years, but 3-4 questions can still appear, especially from triangles and circles.
Ques. What is the best approach for TITA questions in QA?
Ans. TITA questions usually appear in Arithmetic and Algebra. Since they have no negative marking, attempt them if you are 70-80% sure of the answer
Previous Year CAT Weightage Trends (2021-2025)
Over five years VARC has a consistent weightage between 65% and 70%. Arithmetic has had topic shows a steady weightage between topic shows a steady weightage fluctuating between 38% and 45%.
- Arithmetic is the core of QA section. The lowest Arithmetic weightage of 38% occurred in 2023.
- DILR section has changed significantly each year. The focus shifted from calculation-heavy sets in 2021.
- The total number of questions remained constant at 66 for four consecutive years.
Previous Year CAT Weightage Trends (2021-2025)
| Year | VARC (RC %) | QA (Arithmetic %) | DILR (Key Focus) | Total Questions | Notable Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 65-70% | 40-45% | Caselets & Graphs | 68 | Balanced difficulty |
| 2024 | 68% | 42% | Logical Puzzles | 66 | Slightly easier QA |
| 2023 | 66% | 38% | Arrangements & Venn | 66 | Tougher Algebra |
| 2022 | 70% | 45% | Mixed Sets | 66 | High RC weightage |
| 2021 | 65% | 40% | Data Heavy Sets | 66 | Calculation-intensive DILR |
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Ques. Has the weightage of Geometry reduced in recent CAT exams?
Ans. Yes. Geometry questions have come down from 6-7 in 2021 to 3-4 in recent years, making Arithmetic even more important.
Ques. How useful is solving CAT papers from 2021-2023 for CAT 2026 preparation?
Ans. Extremely useful. These papers reflect the current pattern and difficulty level followed by IIMs.
Ques. Do CAT weightage trends change with the conducting IIM?
Ans. No major change. The overall topic distribution remains similar regardless of which IIM conducts the exam.
CAT 2026 Section Wise Preparation Strategy
1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The VARC section evaluates linguistic ability, logical structure, and inferential reasoning.
- Every day, 1 hour reading The Hindu, The Indian Express, Mint, and Aeon Essays to build concentration for on-screen comprehension.
- Practice 1 to 2 RC passages and 5 to 10 basic Verbal Ability questions
- Focus on identifying the central theme, author’s tone, assumptions, and critical reasoning.
- Establish a strong grammatical foundation using High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
The DILR section is the most unpredictable and challenging portion of the CAT exam. There are no set formulas; success relies on logic, systemic arrangement, and fast data processing.
- Solve 3 to 4 complex sets daily under timed constraints.
- Focus heavily on sets that blend data calculation with logical reasoning (e.g., Venn diagrams with maximization/minimization, scatter plots with logical constraints, and points tables from games and tournaments
- Always attempt Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) questions within your selected sets, as they carry no negative marking.
- Use these books for practice: Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey.
- Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha
3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
The Quantitative Aptitude section evaluates your mathematical understanding, conceptual application, and question selection
- Practice 20 to 30 Level of Difficulty 2 (LOD 2) and Level of Difficulty 3 (LOD 3) questions daily.
- Prioritize completing Arithmetic and Algebra modules first. Then transition to Geometry, Modern Math, and Number System
- Maintain a dedicated "Formula Book" or "Cheat Sheet". Write down important theorems, proofs, and shortcuts daily.
- If you are a beginner or have a non-engineering background, clear your basic concepts using NCERT Mathematics textbooks for Classes 8 through 10.
FAQ’s
Ques. When is CAT 2026 expected to be conducted?
Ans. CAT 2026 is expected to be held in the last week of November 2026. The official notification is likely to be released in July/August 2026 on the website iimcat.ac.in.
Ques. What is a good overall score in CAT 2026 for admission to top IIMs?
Ans. A score of 130-145+ marks (99.5+ percentile) with balanced sectional scores is generally required for calls from IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, or Calcutta.
Ques. How many mocks should I take in the last 2 months before CAT 2026?
Ans. Aspirants should take at least 25-30 full-length mocks with detailed analysis. Focus on improving accuracy and time management in weak areas.
Ques. What are the best books for CAT 2026 preparation according to weightage?
Ans. For VARC: How to Prepare for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension by Arun Sharma. For DILR: Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation by Nishit K. Sinha. For QA: Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma or R.S. Aggarwal.
Ques. Can I crack CAT 2026 if I start preparing from June 2026?
Ans. Yes. With 5-6 months of dedicated preparation (4-5 hours daily), focused on high-weightage topics like Arithmetic, RC, and DILR sets, it is possible to achieve 99+ percentile.
Ques. What should be my sectional percentile strategy for IIM calls?
Ans. Most IIMs require 70-85+ percentile in each section. Focus on clearing all sectional cutoffs first and then maximise overall score.
Ques. How can non-engineering background students prepare effectively?
Ans. Strengthen VARC and Arithmetic first. Use NCERT books (Class 8-10) for basics and dedicate more time to consistent practice and mocks.
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