CAT 2026 Syllabus is not published as a topic-wise list by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). IIM Indore is conducting CAT 2026 on November 29, 2026, through the official website at iimcat.ac.in. The topic coverage in this article comes from analysis of CAT papers from 2020 to 2024. Use it alongside the official CAT 2026 Information Brochure to plan your preparation.
- CAT 2026 covers three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
- The exam has 68 questions worth a total of 204 marks, with 40 minutes per section and no carry-over time.
- The IIMs do not publish an official topic-wise syllabus — the topic list below is based on analysis of CAT papers from 2020 to 2024.
- VARC carries the highest marks allocation: 24 questions worth 72 marks, approximately 35% of the total paper.
- Reading Comprehension (RC) dominates VARC, contributing an estimated 16 of the 24 questions per paper.
- In QA, Arithmetic is the highest-frequency area, contributing an estimated 8–10 questions per paper.
- The official reference for CAT 2026 is the Information Brochure available at iimcat.ac.in.
Download the CAT 2026 Information Brochure from iimcat.ac.in before you begin — it is the only authoritative document covering the exam’s section structure.
CAT 2026 Syllabus PDF: Download the Official Information Brochure
CAT does not release a separate syllabus PDF. The CAT 2026 Information Brochure is the official document covering exam structure, eligibility, marking scheme, and section order. Download it from iimcat.ac.in before starting your preparation.
| Document | Official Link |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 Information Brochure (Official) | Download at iimcat.ac.in |
| CAT Previous Year Papers (2020–2024) | Available at iimcat.ac.in |
CAT 2026 Syllabus: Overview and No Official Topic List
The IIMs do not publish a topic-wise syllabus for CAT. This sets CAT apart from exams like JEE Main or NEET, which have prescribed topic lists. The CAT 2026 Information Brochure names three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. Individual topics are not specified in the brochure.
Build your preparation from five years of previous CAT papers (2020–2024). They are the most reliable guide to expected topics and difficulty.
| Section | Full Name | Questions | Marks | Key Topic Areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 24 | 72 | Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd Sentence Out |
| DILR | Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | 22 | 66 | Tables, Bar/Pie Charts, Games & Tournaments, Arrangements, Puzzles |
| QA | Quantitative Aptitude | 22 | 66 | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Modern Math |
| Total | — | 68 | 204 | — |
IIM Indore is the convening institute for CAT 2026. The exam runs in three sessions on November 29, 2026, at centres across India. You must attempt sections in the fixed order — VARC first, then DILR, then QA — with no time carry-over between sections.
CAT 2026 Important Dates
The table below lists upcoming events first, followed by completed events, as of October 23, 2026.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Admit Card Download Window | November 4 – November 29, 2026 | Upcoming |
| CAT 2026 Exam | November 29, 2026 (Sunday) | Upcoming |
| CAT 2026 Result | January 2027 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| CAT 2026 Official Notification Released | July 25, 2026 | Over |
| CAT 2026 Registration Opens | August 3, 2026 | Over |
| CAT 2026 Registration Closes | September 15, 2026 | Over |
Source: iimcat.ac.in
CAT 2026 Syllabus for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
VARC is the first section in CAT 2026, with 24 questions worth 72 marks. Reading Comprehension (RC) makes up the majority of this section. Verbal Ability (VA) questions test your ability to work with sentence logic and paragraph structure.
Prioritise RC practice above all other VARC preparation — it accounts for approximately 70% of the section’s marks.
| Sub-Section | Topic Types | Estimated Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension (RC) | 4–5 passages (3–4 questions each); all MCQ format | 16–18 |
| Verbal Ability (VA) | Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd Sentence Out; mostly TITA | 6–8 |
VARC: Reading Comprehension Topics
| Passage Domain | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences and Humanities | Passage types covered — Click Here Philosophy, psychology, sociology, economics, and history passages. These are the most frequent domain in CAT RC. Passages are 300–600 words and test inference, author tone, and main idea questions. |
| Science and Technology | Passage types covered — Click Here Environmental issues, scientific discoveries, and technology policy. Questions test the main idea, inference, and vocabulary in context. These passages tend to be more factual in structure. |
| Business and Economy | Passage types covered — Click Here Global economics, trade policy, corporate strategy, and market trends. These appear 1–2 times per paper. Questions frequently include specific-detail and inference types. |
| Literature and Art | Passage types covered — Click Here Book excerpts, literary criticism, and art history. These appear less frequently. Questions require careful attention to author opinion and tone, which are common question types in this domain. |
VARC: Verbal Ability Topics
| Topic | Description | Question Format |
|---|---|---|
| Para Jumbles | Arrange 4–5 jumbled sentences into a coherent paragraph | TITA (no negative marking) |
| Para Summary | Choose the best one-line summary of a paragraph from four options | MCQ |
| Odd Sentence Out | Identify the sentence that does not fit logically into the paragraph | TITA (no negative marking) |
CAT 2026 VARC Topic-Wise Weightage (Past 5 Years)
| Topic | Approx. Questions per Paper | Approx. Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 16–18 | 48–54 |
| Para Jumbles | 2–3 | 6–9 |
| Para Summary | 2 | 6 |
| Odd Sentence Out | 2 | 6 |
CAT 2026 Syllabus for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
DILR is the second section in CAT 2026, with 22 questions worth 66 marks. The section uses 4–5 sets, each with 4–6 questions. DI sets present data through tables, charts, or caselets. LR sets use puzzles, arrangements, or game-based scenarios.
DILR is the most unpredictable section — the IIMs regularly introduce new set formats, so you need flexibility in approach rather than format memorisation alone.
| Sub-Type | Topic Area | Estimated Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation (DI) | Tables, Bar Charts, Pie Charts, Line Graphs, Caselet DI | 10–12 |
| Logical Reasoning (LR) | Games and Tournaments, Scheduling, Arrangements, Venn Diagrams, Hybrid Sets | 10–12 |
DILR: Data Interpretation Topics
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Tables | Sub-topics of Tables DI — Click Here Multi-variable data tables involving ratios, percentages, averages, and growth rates. These are the most common DI format and appear in every CAT paper. Questions require calculation accuracy and speed. |
| Bar and Line Charts | Sub-topics of Charts DI — Click Here Grouped bar charts, double-axis line graphs, and comparative charts. Questions require comparison across time periods or categories. Stacked bar charts testing proportional analysis have appeared in recent papers. |
| Pie Charts | Sub-topics of Pie Chart DI — Click Here Single and multiple pie charts involving proportions and percentage shares. Combined pie chart sets (two charts linked by a common variable) appear frequently in recent papers and require cross-chart calculations. |
| Caselet DI | Sub-topics of Caselet DI — Click Here Numerical data embedded in a paragraph with no chart. You extract relationships from text and answer calculation-based questions. Caselet DI tests both reading comprehension and arithmetic speed simultaneously. |
DILR: Logical Reasoning Topics
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Games and Tournaments | Sub-topics of Games and Tournaments — Click Here Round-robin, knockout, and league-based scenarios. Questions test win/loss counts, point tallies, rankings, and match outcomes. These sets appeared in 4 out of 5 CAT papers from 2020 to 2024 and have a predictable internal logic once you learn the format. |
| Arrangements and Scheduling | Sub-topics of Arrangements — Click Here Linear and circular arrangements, floor-based seating, and timetable scheduling. A set of conditions narrows down possible positions or timeslots for people or items. Drawing a grid before attempting questions saves time on constraint-heavy arrangements. |
| Venn Diagrams and Set Theory | Sub-topics of Venn Diagrams — Click Here Two- and three-circle Venn diagrams with conditional membership and population data. These are often combined with numerical calculations on overlaps and exclusions. They appear more frequently as part of hybrid sets since CAT 2021. |
| Hybrid and Novel Sets | Sub-topics of Hybrid Sets — Click Here Sets that combine DI data with LR logic in a single scenario. These have appeared in every CAT since 2020. They require both data reading and deductive reasoning at the same time, making them the highest-difficulty set type in DILR. |
CAT 2026 DILR Topic-Wise Weightage (Past 5 Years)
| Topic | Approx. Frequency | Estimated Questions per Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Tables and Charts (DI) | 1–2 sets per paper | 6–10 |
| Games and Tournaments (LR) | 1 set per paper | 4–6 |
| Arrangements and Scheduling (LR) | 1 set per paper | 4–6 |
| Hybrid / Caselet Sets | 1 set per paper | 4–6 |
CAT 2026 Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
QA is the third section in CAT 2026, with 22 questions worth 66 marks. Questions are individual (not set-based like DILR). Class 10–12 mathematics forms the base for almost every QA topic. Arithmetic is the highest-frequency area.
If your mathematics foundation is weak, start with Arithmetic before moving to Algebra and Geometry — Arithmetic alone can account for 8–10 questions per paper.
| Area | Topics | Estimated Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Arithmetic topics in CAT 2026 — Click Here Percentages, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Time-Speed-Distance, Trains and Relative Speed, Time and Work, Pipes and Cisterns, Ratio and Proportion, Mixtures and Alligation, Averages, Partnership. | 8–10 |
| Algebra | Algebra topics in CAT 2026 — Click Here Linear and Quadratic Equations, Functions and Graphs, Inequalities, Logarithms, Progressions (AP, GP, HP), Modulus Functions, Maxima and Minima. | 5–7 |
| Geometry and Mensuration | Geometry topics in CAT 2026 — Click Here Lines and Angles, Triangles (similarity, congruence, area, Pythagoras), Circles (chord, tangent, arc), Polygons, Coordinate Geometry, Solid Geometry (cubes, cylinders, cones, spheres). | 4–6 |
| Number System | Number System topics in CAT 2026 — Click Here HCF and LCM, Remainders and Cyclicity, Divisibility Rules, Unit Digits, Factors and Multiples, Factorials (trailing zeros, highest power), Prime Numbers, Base Conversions. | 3–4 |
| Modern Mathematics | Modern Math topics in CAT 2026 — Click Here Permutation and Combination, Probability, Set Theory, Venn Diagrams (2–3 sets), Binomial Theorem (basic applications). | 2–4 |
CAT 2026 QA Topic-Wise Weightage (Past 5 Years)
| Topic Area | Approx. Questions per Paper | Priority Level |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | 8–10 | High — cover first |
| Algebra | 5–7 | High |
| Geometry and Mensuration | 4–6 | Medium-High |
| Number System | 3–4 | Medium |
| Modern Mathematics | 2–4 | Medium |
CAT 2026 Section-Wise Weightage Based on 5-Year Trend Analysis
The table below consolidates topic frequency from CAT papers (2020–2024). These figures are estimates from coaching-institute analyses. The IIMs do not publish official topic-wise weightage data. Use this table to allocate your preparation time across topics.
| Section | Topic | Frequency (CAT 2020–2024) | Approx. Questions per Paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | Reading Comprehension | Every year | 16–18 |
| VARC | Para Jumbles | Every year | 2–3 |
| VARC | Para Summary | Every year | 2 |
| VARC | Odd Sentence Out | Every year | 2 |
| DILR | Tables and Bar/Pie Charts | Every year | 6–10 |
| DILR | Games and Tournaments | 4 out of 5 years | 4–6 |
| DILR | Arrangements and Scheduling | Every year | 4–6 |
| DILR | Hybrid / Novel Sets | Every year since 2020 | 4–6 |
| QA | Arithmetic | Every year | 8–10 |
| QA | Algebra | Every year | 5–7 |
| QA | Geometry and Mensuration | Every year | 4–6 |
| QA | Number System | Every year | 3–4 |
| QA | Modern Mathematics | Every year | 2–4 |
Note: All figures are estimates based on coaching-institute paper analyses (2020–2024). The IIMs do not publish official topic-wise distribution data.
Each section is separately timed and separately percentiled. A strong VARC score cannot compensate for a weak DILR score. Build a minimum threshold in all three sections rather than maximising just one or two.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The CAT 2026 exam pattern is based on the structure confirmed in the official Information Brochure. The exam uses two question formats: MCQ (multiple choice) and TITA (Type In The Answer). Only wrong MCQ answers attract negative marking.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time Limit | Approx. MCQ : TITA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 72 | 40 minutes | ~18 MCQ : ~6 TITA |
| DILR | 22 | 66 | 40 minutes | ~16 MCQ : ~6 TITA |
| QA | 22 | 66 | 40 minutes | ~16 MCQ : ~6 TITA |
| Total | 68 | 204 | 120 minutes | — |
CAT 2026 Marking Scheme
| Scenario | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct answer (MCQ or TITA) | +3 |
| Wrong answer — MCQ only | −1 |
| Wrong answer — TITA | 0 (no penalty) |
| Unattempted question | 0 |
Always attempt TITA questions even when unsure — a wrong TITA answer costs you nothing, while a correct one earns +3 marks.
Best Books for CAT 2026
CAT has no prescribed textbooks. The books below are widely recommended by coaching institutes and CAT toppers. Use previous year papers (2017–2024) after completing each topic in a concept book — paper practice builds the speed and difficulty tolerance the exam demands.
| Section | Book Name | Author / Publisher | Why This Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| QA | Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Verma / Arihant | 5,000+ practice problems across all QA topics; the go-to book for CAT-level difficulty |
| QA | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Arun Sharma / McGraw-Hill | Level-based approach from beginner to advanced; includes calculation shortcuts for speed |
| VARC | How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay / McGraw-Hill | Covers all VA question types and RC passage categories; well-structured for self-study |
| VARC | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis / Pocket Books | Best vocabulary builder; improves RC reading comprehension and passage navigation speed |
| DILR | How to Prepare for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning for CAT | Arun Sharma / McGraw-Hill | Covers DI chart types and LR puzzle formats with graded difficulty levels per topic |
| DILR | Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha / Pearson | Includes complex caselets and high-difficulty hybrid sets close to actual CAT difficulty |
| All Sections | CAT 25 Years’ Solved Papers | Arihant Experts / Arihant | Essential for understanding real exam difficulty and historical topic distribution across all sections |
How to Download CAT 2026 Information Brochure PDF
Follow these steps to download the official CAT 2026 Information Brochure from the IIM CAT website.
- Visit the official website at iimcat.ac.in.
- Look for the "Information Brochure" or "Downloads" link on the homepage.
- Click the link — a PDF will open in a new tab.
- Press Ctrl + S (Windows) or Cmd + S (Mac) to save the file to your device.
- Alternatively, click the download icon in your PDF viewer to save the file directly.
Note: The IIMs do not release a separate chapter-wise syllabus PDF for CAT. Bookmark iimcat.ac.in for all CAT 2026 official updates, including the admit card and result.
CAT 2026 Preparation Strategy
CAT 2026 is on November 29, 2026. With roughly six weeks remaining from mid-October, this is the final preparation phase. Focus on mock tests, error analysis, and selective revision — not on starting new topics.
VARC Preparation Tips
- Read long-form quality articles daily from sources such as The Economist, The Atlantic, and The Hindu. This builds the reading speed and comprehension depth that CAT RC demands.
- Practice RC passages specifically from previous CAT papers (2017–2024). CAT RC style is distinct from other MBA entrance exams.
- For Para Jumbles, identify the mandatory first and mandatory last sentence before attempting full ordering.
- Solve Para Summary within 60 seconds per question. CAT Para Summary rewards students who identify the central argument quickly.
- Do not spend more than 8 minutes on a single RC passage — move on and return only if time allows.
DILR Preparation Tips
- Practise set selection — spend 30–60 seconds scanning all available sets before deciding which ones to solve first.
- Solve 2–3 DILR sets daily from CAT papers published between 2021 and 2024. These contain hybrid set formats that now appear regularly.
- Time yourself strictly to 10–12 minutes per set. Abandon a set that yields no progress after 10 minutes.
- Solving 3–4 sets cleanly and accurately is enough to score well in DILR — accuracy matters more than attempting all sets.
- Practise Games and Tournaments sets specifically — they appear in about 4 out of 5 CAT papers and reward students who learn the format.
Quantitative Aptitude Preparation Tips
- Start with Arithmetic if you have gaps — it is the highest-yield topic in QA, with 8–10 questions per paper.
- Learn 5–6 core shortcuts per topic (for example, remainder theorems and time-work formulas). CAT QA rewards calculation speed.
- Practise mental calculation daily to reduce errors from long division and approximation steps.
- Target 14–16 correct answers in QA to approach the 99 percentile overall — this typically requires attempting 18–20 questions with 80%+ accuracy.
- Do not skip Geometry — 4–6 questions per paper come from this area and are solvable with strong formula recall.
Mock Tests and Final Phase Strategy
- Take one to two full-length mocks per week for the next six weeks. Analyse every error after each mock to identify specific improvement areas.
- Track sectional accuracy and timing across mocks. Identify the 2–3 topics with the most errors and revise those specifically.
- The 40-minute sectional limit is strict — unused time from one section cannot be applied to another section.
- In the final week before the exam, shift to formula revision and RC strategy review. Avoid new mocks in the last seven days.
CAT 2026 Syllabus FAQs
Ques. Is there an official topic-wise syllabus PDF for CAT 2026?
Ans. No. The IIMs do not publish an official topic-wise syllabus for CAT. The CAT 2026 Information Brochure at iimcat.ac.in specifies only three sections — VARC, DILR, and QA — without individual topics. The topic list in this article is built from analysis of past CAT papers (2020–2024).
Ques. Is the CAT 2026 syllabus the same as last year?
Ans. Yes. The topic distribution and section structure for CAT 2026 are consistent with CAT 2025 and CAT 2024. The three sections (VARC: 24 questions, DILR: 22 questions, QA: 22 questions) and the marking scheme (+3 correct, −1 wrong MCQ, 0 wrong TITA) remain unchanged.
Ques. Which section has the highest weightage in CAT 2026?
Ans. VARC has the highest marks allocation — 24 questions worth 72 marks — compared to 22 questions (66 marks each) for DILR and QA. In percentage terms, VARC carries approximately 35% of total CAT marks. However, each section is separately percentiled, so strong performance in all three sections matters.
Ques. What is the most important topic in VARC for CAT 2026?
Ans. Reading Comprehension (RC) is the most important VARC topic. It contributes approximately 16–18 of the 24 VARC questions per paper. Improving your RC accuracy has the most direct impact on your VARC score.
Ques. How many questions come from Arithmetic in CAT QA?
Ans. Based on CAT papers from 2020 to 2024, Arithmetic contributes approximately 8–10 of the 22 QA questions per paper. Key sub-topics include Percentages, Time-Speed-Distance, Time and Work, and Ratio and Proportion.
Ques. What is the difference between MCQ and TITA questions in CAT?
Ans. MCQ questions have four options — a wrong MCQ answer carries a penalty of −1 mark. TITA (Type In The Answer) questions have no options and no negative marking — you type the numerical answer directly. You should attempt all TITA questions since there is no penalty for an incorrect TITA response.
Ques. Has the CAT 2026 syllabus been revised compared to CAT 2024?
Ans. No official revision has been announced. CAT does not prescribe a formal syllabus, so there is no topic list to revise. The section structure and marking scheme are the same as CAT 2024. Use previous year papers for the most accurate picture of expected topics.
Ques. What are the best books for the CAT 2026 QA syllabus?
Ans. The two most recommended QA books are *Quantum CAT* by Sarvesh Verma (Arihant) and *How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT* by Arun Sharma (McGraw-Hill). Both cover all QA topics with problems at CAT-level difficulty.
Ques. Is DILR more difficult than QA in CAT?
Ans. Most students find DILR harder than QA. DILR set difficulty varies significantly from paper to paper. A poorly chosen set can waste 10 or more minutes. QA difficulty is more consistent year-to-year. Strong set-selection strategy makes DILR more manageable than it initially appears.
Ques. How long is the CAT 2026 exam?
Ans. CAT 2026 is a 120-minute (two-hour) exam with 40 minutes allocated per section. Each section has a strict time limit — unused time from one section cannot be carried to the next.
Ques. Can I use a calculator in CAT 2026?
Ans. Yes. CAT provides a basic on-screen calculator within the exam interface. Physical calculators are not permitted. The on-screen calculator has limited functionality — practise mental math and estimation to reduce dependence on it and improve your solving speed.
Ques. How should I cover the CAT 2026 syllabus in the remaining weeks?
Ans. With the exam on November 29, 2026, you have roughly six weeks from mid-October. Focus on: (1) one to two full mock tests per week with detailed error analysis; (2) daily RC practice from past CAT papers; (3) two to three DILR sets per day with set-selection drills; and (4) QA revision targeting Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry. Avoid starting new topics at this stage — consolidate and strengthen what you already know.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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