IIMs do not officially publish a syllabus for the CAT exam. An Information Brochure is released around the last week of July. It provides general information about the test sections. The core syllabus generally remains consistent. However, the CAT exam pattern and question types can vary from year to year.
Experts and coaching institutes deduce the syllabus by analyzing previous years' papers. It consists of important topics for all three sections of CAT: VARC, DILR and QA.
- VARC Syllabus focuses on Reading Comprehension (majority questions), Para Jumbles, Summary, and Odd Sentence Out.
- DILR Syllabus emphasises Caselets, Arrangements, Graphs, Tables, and Logical Puzzles.
- QA Syllabus gives the highest weightage to Arithmetic, followed by Algebra, Geometry & Mensuration, and Number System.
- CAT 2026 is expected to have 68 questions for a total of 204 marks.
- A well-balanced preparation focusing on high-weightage topics can help you score 110-130+ marks.
Related Articles:
- CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Section-wise Pattern, Marking Scheme, Syllabus, Question Paper
- CAT 2026 Syllabus Weightage: Check Topic-wise Distribution
- CAT Preparation 2026: 6 Month Strategy, Self-Preparation
Download CAT 2026 Syllabus PDF
The exam conducting body of CAT (the IIMs) does not release an official syllabus or a prescribed syllabus PDF. The syllabus is generated through paper trends.
You can download expert-compiled syllabi and weightage PDF from below:
| CAT 2026 Syllabus PDF | CAT 2026 Syllabus PDF Download Link |
CAT Syllabus 2026 Exam Pattern
The CAT 2026 exam pattern is expected to remain largely consistent with recent years. It is conducted as a computer-based test (CBT) with three sections and strict sectional time limits. Each question carries 3 marks, with a negative marking of 1 mark for incorrect MCQs. Non-MCQ (TITA) questions have no negative marking. Total duration is 120 minutes (40 minutes per section).
- CAT 2026 is projected to have 68 questions carrying 204 marks in total.
- VARC section typically includes 24 questions (72 marks), with a heavy focus on Reading Comprehension.
- DILR section is expected to have 20-22 questions (60-66 marks), divided into 4-5 sets.
- QA section usually features 22 questions (66 marks), testing core mathematical concepts.
- Candidates cannot switch between sections; the order is fixed as VARC → DILR → QA.
CAT 2026 Expected Exam Pattern & Section-wise Breakup
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time Allotted | Question Types | Expected Good Attempt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 72 | 40 minutes | RC Passages (16), Verbal Ability (8) | 18-20 questions |
| DILR | 20-22 | 60-66 | 40 minutes | 4-5 Sets (Caselets, Graphs, Arrangements) | 13-16 questions |
| QA | 22 | 66 | 40 minutes | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry | 15-18 questions |
| Total | 68 | 204 | 120 minutes | - | 46-54 questions |
Source: CAT Paper Pattern 2026 and Marking Scheme
Also Read:
Ques. How does the sectional timing affect strategy in CAT 2026?
Ans. With only 40 minutes per section, candidates must prioritise easy-to-medium sets/questions first and maintain high accuracy to avoid negative marking penalties.
Ques. What is the ideal number of attempts for a 99+ percentile?
Ans. Around 46-54 questions with 85-90% accuracy across sections, varying by individual strengths.
Ques. Are there any changes expected in the number of questions in CAT 2026?
Ans. The pattern has been stable at 66-68 questions in recent years; any minor variation will be confirmed closer to the exam on the official IIM website.
CAT Syllabus 2026: VARC Syllabus & Weightage
VARC section in CAT 2026 evaluates reading skills, logical inference, and verbal reasoning ability. It is the highest scoring section for many candidates due to its predictable structure dominated by Reading Comprehension passages.
- For VARC focus on inference-based questions as direct factual questions have reduced in recent years.
- Reading Comprehension consistently accounts for 16 questions out of 24 (around 65-70% weightage).
- Verbal Ability topics like Para Jumbles, Para Summary, and Odd Sentence Out make up the remaining 8 questions.
- Passages are usually 400-600 words long, drawn from diverse areas such as business, science, history, and philosophy.
- A good attempt with high accuracy (18+ questions) can easily fetch 50+ marks in VARC.
CAT 2026 VARC Topic-Wise Weightage & Expected Questions
| Topic | Expected Questions | Weightage (%) | Difficulty Level | Key Skills Tested |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 16 | 65-70% | Moderate to High | Inference, Main Idea, Vocabulary |
| Para Jumbles | 2-3 | 10-12% | Moderate | Logical Flow & Sequencing |
| Para Summary | 2-3 | 10-12% | Easy to Moderate | Concise Understanding |
| Odd Sentence Out | 1-2 | 5-8% | Moderate | Contextual Relevance |
Source: Topic-Wise Weightage For CAT 2025!! ( VARC IMP TOPICS HIGHLIGHTED)
Also Read:
Ques. Which type of RC passages appear most frequently in CAT?
Ans. Passages from economy, psychology, and abstract philosophy have been common in the last 3-4 years.
Ques. How many RC passages are expected in CAT 2026 VARC?
Ans. Usually 4-5 passages of varying lengths, with 3-4 questions per passage.
Ques. What accuracy level is needed for 99+ percentile in VARC?
Ans. Attempting 18-20 questions with 85-90% accuracy is generally sufficient for top percentiles.
CAT Syllabus 2026: DILR Syllabus & Weightage
DILR section in CAT 2026 is one of the most decisive parts of the exam. It tests a candidate’s ability to analyse complex data sets, solve puzzles, and make logical decisions under time pressure. The section consists of 4-5 sets, and accuracy in solving complete sets is more important than attempting all questions.
- Caselets and Logical Reasoning dominate with 8-10 questions.
- Arrangements, Graphs, and Data Interpretation together contribute 12-16 questions.
- Hybrid sets combining multiple concepts appeared frequently in recent years.
- A good attempt of 13-16 questions with high accuracy can fetch 95+ percentile.
- Expected safe score for top IIM calls is 42+ marks in DILR.
CAT 2026 DILR Topic-Wise Weightage & Expected Questions
| Topic | Expected Questions | Weightage (%) | Difficulty Level | Common Formats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caselets & Logical Puzzles | 8-10 | 40-45% | Moderate to High | Tables, Venn Diagrams, Scheduling |
| Arrangements & Sequencing | 6-8 | 30-35% | Moderate | Linear, Circular, Matrix |
| Graphs & Data Interpretation | 4-6 | 20-25% | Moderate | Bar, Pie, Line, Tables |
| Hybrid/Mixed Sets | 2-4 | 10-15% | High | Combination of above |
Source: Most important DILR topics for CAT
Also Read:
Ques. How many sets are usually there in CAT DILR?
Ans. Typically 4-5 sets of 4-6 questions each, making up 20-22 questions total.
Ques. Which DILR topics have increased in frequency recently?
Ans. Hybrid sets and complex arrangements have become more common since CAT 2024.
Ques. What strategy works best for DILR in 40 minutes?
Ans. Scan all sets quickly, solve 2-3 easy-to-medium sets completely, and leave the toughest one if time is short.
CAT Syllabus 2026 QA Syllabus & Weightage
QA section in CAT 2026 tests fundamental mathematical concepts and problem-solving speed. Arithmetic continues to dominate every year, making it the most scoring area for well-prepared candidates. Strong command over concepts helps in solving questions quickly within the 40-minute limit.
- Arithmetic holds the highest weightage at 40-45%, covering topics like Percentages, Ratios, Profit & Loss, and Time-Speed-Distance.
- Algebra follows with significant importance, including Equations, Inequalities, and Sequences.
- Geometry & Mensuration and Number System appear consistently but with lower weightage.
- Questions range from easy calculation-based to moderate application-based problems.
- Solving 15-18 questions accurately can yield 45+ marks, which is crucial for 99+ percentile.
CAT 2026 QA Topic-Wise Weightage & Expected Questions
| Topic | Expected Questions | Weightage (%) | Difficulty Level | High-Yield Sub-Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | 8-10 | 40-45% | Easy to Moderate | Percentages, Ratios, TSD, SI-CI |
| Algebra | 5-7 | 25-30% | Moderate to High | Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Logs |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 3-5 | 15-20% | Moderate | Triangles, Circles, 3D Figures |
| Number System | 2-3 | 8-12% | Easy to Moderate | Factors, Divisibility, Remainders |
| Modern Math / Others | 1-2 | 5-8% | Moderate | Functions, Probability, Permutations |
Source: CAT Quants Topicwise Weightage
Also Read:
- CAT 2026 Quant Topic Wise Weightage: Check Expected Questions
- CAT Preparation of Quantitative Aptitude
- CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
Ques. Which QA topic should be prioritised first for beginners?
Ans. Start with Arithmetic as it forms the base for many other topics and carries the maximum weightage consistently.
Ques. How many Geometry questions can one expect in CAT 2026?
Ans. Usually 3-5 questions; focus more on Plane Geometry and basic Mensuration formulas.
Ques. What accuracy is recommended in QA for top IIM shortlists?
Ans. Maintaining 80-85% accuracy while attempting 15+ questions is ideal to cross the 40+ marks threshold safely.
CAT Preparation 2026 : Reddit Discussion
A CAT aspirant on Reddit is inquiring about preparation for the exam. He is looking to restart his preparation to secure an MBA admission by 2027.
- Many users recommend online coaching platforms for their flexibility.
- One user suggests opting for physical, weekend batch coaching centers to stay disciplined.
- For VARC users suggested to read The Hindu, Indian Express, and Aeon Essays o build reading comprehension skills.
- Experienced members emphasize that balancing work and CAT preparation requires building a strict schedule (minimum 2 hours daily).
Source: Reddit Discussion
FAQs
Ques. What is the syllabus for CAT 2026?
Ans. There is no official syllabus released by IIMs. The syllabus is based on previous year trends: VARC: Reading Comprehension (65-70%), Para Jumbles, Summary, Odd Sentence. DILR: Caselets, Arrangements, Graphs, Tables, Hybrid Sets.QA: Arithmetic (40-45%), Algebra, Geometry & Mensuration, Number System.
Ques. What score is 99.9 percentile in CAT?
Ans. A raw score of around 115-122 marks (depending on slot difficulty) is expected to fetch 99.9 percentile in CAT 2026.
Ques. What is the subject of CAT 2026?
Ans. CAT 2026 has three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). There are no separate subjects like in school exams.
Ques. Which IIM will prepare CAT 2026?
Ans. IIM Indore is expected to conduct and prepare CAT 2026, following the rotational pattern among the IIMs.
Ques. Is 70 marks a good score in CAT?
Ans. Yes, 70 marks is a decent score and can fetch around 95-97 percentile (slot dependent), which is good for several newer IIMs and other top B-schools, though top IIM calls usually need higher marks.
Ques. Which IIM has 100% placement?
Ans. Several IIMs including IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, and IIM Indore have consistently achieved 100% placement in recent years for their flagship PGP programmes.
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