The CAT Syllabus 2026 is officially divided into three core sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
While IIMs do not release an official CAT syllabus, the CAT 2026 Syllabus PDF mentioned below is prepared based on the analysis of previous years' question papers.
Most questions are asked from Reading Comprehension, Arithmetic, Algebra, Logical Reasoning, and Data Interpretation, making these the highest-priority areas for CAT 2026 preparation.
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): Tests your reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, and ability to interpret written passages accurately.
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): This section tests your analytical thinking, logical reasoning, and ability to solve data-driven problems and puzzles.
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA): Assesses your mathematical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and conceptual understanding of quantitative topics.
As per the CAT's last exam Pattern, the CAT exam 2026 will be of 120 minutes (40 minutes per section) and will comprise 68 questions in a mix of MCQs and TITA (Type in the Answer) formats.
Note: Solving previous year question papers and mock tests is one of the most effective ways to understand the actual syllabus and identify high-weightage topics.
Related Links:
- CAT Exam Pattern 2026 - Topic Wise, Marking Scheme, Duration, Type of Questions, and Syllabus
- CAT Topic Wise Weightage for QA, VARC, and DILR, Check Previous Years’ Questions
| Table of Contents |
CAT 2026 Syllabus
The CAT 2026 syllabus is divided into three sections that assess a candidate's verbal, logical, and quantitative abilities. The table below lists the major topics covered in each section.
| Section | Major Topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd One Out, Para Completion |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs, Caselets, Seating Arrangement, Puzzles, Games & Tournaments |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Number System, Modern Mathematics |
Check: 15+ Sample Paper of CAT: Quantitative Aptitude & DILR with Solutions PDF
CAT Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Syllabus 2026
The Quant section tests basic mathematics concepts up to Class 10 level but with higher logical complexity.
- Algebra contributes 30–32% of Quant questions.
- Quadratic equations and inequalities are among the most frequently asked problems.
| Topic | Key Sub-topics | Approx. Number of Questions | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Percentages, Profit & Loss, Averages, Ratio & Proportion, Mixtures & Alligations, Time-Speed-Distance (TSD), Time & Work | 8–10 | 40% |
| Algebra | Linear & Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Progressions (AP/GP), Logarithms | 6–8 | 30% |
| Geometry & Mensuration | Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry, Mensuration (2D & 3D) | 3–5 | 20% |
| Number System | Divisibility, HCF & LCM, Remainders, Base Systems, Factors, Unit Digits | 2–4 | 10% |
| Modern Mathematics | Permutation & Combination, Probability, Set Theory, Basic Statistics | 2–3 | 10% |
Read More: CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026
CAT VARC Syllabus 2026
The VARC Section tests the verbal and reading ability of the students. As per the previous years' exam, the candidates have faced long and complex questions from this section, especially in Reading Comprehension.
- Reading Comprehension (RC) dominates VARC, contributing 65–70% weightage with around 16 questions.
- The remaining 30–35% comes from Verbal Ability topics, which have low individual weightage but together impact the overall score.
| Topic | Key Sub-topics | Approx. Number of Questions | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Philosophy, Economics, Sociology, Science, Abstract Passages | 16 | 65–70% |
| Para Jumbles | Sentence Arrangement (TITA-based questions common) | 2–3 | 10% |
| Para Summary | Identifying the correct summary of a paragraph | 2–3 | 10% |
| Odd One Out | Identify the irrelevant sentence in the paragraph | 2–3 | 10% |
| Para Completion | Fill missing sentence logically in the paragraph | 1–2 | 5% |
Read More: CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Syllabus 2026
CAT DILR Syllabus 2026
The DILR section tests the analytical and logical thinking ability of the students. In CAT 2025, this section was considered one of the most unpredictable, with a mix of data-based and logic-driven sets that require careful selection and time management.
- Logical Reasoning (LR) and Data Interpretation (DI) have a balanced weightage, each contributing around 40–50% with 8–10 questions.
- Mixed LRDI sets form about 20% of the section (4–6 questions), combining both logic and data interpretation.
| Topic | Key Sub-topics | Approx. Number of Questions | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Seating Arrangement, Scheduling, Games & Tournaments, Arrangements, Binary Logic | 8–10 | 40–50% |
| Data Interpretation | Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs, Caselets | 8–10 | 40–50% |
| Mixed Sets (LRDI) | Combination of LR + DI puzzles | 4–6 | 20% |
| Advanced Puzzles | Routes & Networks, Venn Diagrams, Distribution, Hybrid Sets | 2–4 | Included above |
Read More: CAT Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension Syllabus 2026
CAT Topic Wise Weightage 2026
- Although the IIMs do not provide any official topic-wise weightage, an analysis of the CAT 2025 question papers below shows that certain topics consistently contribute more questions than others.
- Prioritising these topics can help candidates maximise their scores while planning their preparation.
CAT 2025 DILR Slot-wise Topic & Question Distribution
CAT 2025 DILR showed clear slot-wise variation, with each slot having around 20- 22 questions across 4- 5 sets.
- Slot 1 was LR-heavy, with nearly 60–65% sets from arrangements and puzzles, leading to lower attempts around 10-12 questions.
- Slot 2 was balanced; it had caselets and graphs, allowing slightly higher attempts of 12-14 questions.
- Slot 3 focused on integrated DI-LR sets, with 60% mixed caselets and table-based DI, making it conceptually tougher.
CAT 2025 Slot 1 (DILR)
| Set No. | Topic | Sub-topic / Type | Description | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Logical Reasoning | Circular Arrangement + Movement | 4 people moving chairs with conditions across turns | 4 |
| 2 | Logical Reasoning | Games & Tournaments / Group Switching | Employee promotion/demotion across quarters with ratings | 5 |
| 3 | Data Interpretation | Charts (Radar + Bar) + Trade | Tariffs, imports, exports, trade surplus/deficit | 4 |
| 4 | Data Interpretation | Caselet (Train Seating) | Seat occupancy, segments, booking constraints | 5 |
| 5 | Logical Reasoning | Puzzle (Taps/Responses) | Coding of responses (Yes/No/Maybe) with constraints | 4 |
Source: - CAT 2025 DILR Slot 1 Question Paper
CAT 2025 Slot 2 (DILR)
| Set No. | Topic | Sub-topic / Type | Description | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Logical Reasoning | Arrangement / Ordering | Balls & hoops (size comparison via conditions) | 4 |
| 2 | Data Interpretation | Caselet (Weighted Average) | Pollution Index with cities & NUR | 5 |
| 3 | Data Interpretation | Charts (Bar/Line) | Research papers by authors (multi-variable analysis) | 4 |
| 4 | Data Interpretation | Graph Analysis | Sustainability Index across years (growth rates) | 4 |
| 5 | Logical Reasoning | Scheduling Puzzle | Guru–student timeline with overlaps | 5 |
Source: - CAT 2025 DILR Slot 2 Question Paper
CAT 2025 Slot 3 (DILR)
| Set No. | Topic | Sub-topic / Type | Description | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Data Interpretation + LR | Table + Missing Data | Call records between friends (matrix-based puzzle) | 4 |
| 2 | Logical Reasoning | Caselet + Currency/Travel | Multi-variable puzzle (countries, currency, travel cost) | 5 |
| 3 | Data Interpretation | Charts (Progress Tracking) | Puzzle-solving competition (time vs puzzles) | 4 |
| 4 | Logical Reasoning | Circular Arrangement + Passing | Passing object in a circle with rules | 4 |
| 5 | Data Interpretation | Caselet (Trade & Economics) | Trade balance, normalized trade, exports/imports | 5 |
Source: - CAT 2025 DILR Slot 3 Question Paper
CAT 2025 VARC Slot-wise Topic & Question Distribution
CAT 2025 VARC was RC-dominated across all slots, with 16–17 questions (67–70%) out of 24questions.
- Slot 1 focused on abstract, theory-heavy passages,
- Slot 2 emphasized science and tech-based RCs with a strong inference focus.
- Slot 3 featured inference-heavy RC along with logic-driven VA (para jumbles, insertion). Overall, inference-based questions were the most frequent.
CAT 2025 Slot 1 VARC
| Section Type | Topic | No. of Questions | Question Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension (RC) | Electronic Music & Aesthetics | 4 | MCQ |
| Complex Systems, Contagion & Markets | 4 | MCQ | |
| Insanity, Law & Alienists | 4 | MCQ | |
| Income Inequality & Economic Growth | 4 | MCQ | |
| Verbal Ability (VA) | Para Jumbles (4 sentences) | 2 | TITA |
| Para Jumbles (5 sentences – odd one out) | 2 | TITA | |
| Para Summary | 2 | MCQ | |
| Sentence Insertion | 2 | MCQ |
Source: - CAT 2025 VARC Slot 1 Question Paper
CAT 2025 Slot 2 VARC
| Section Type | Topic | No. of Questions | Question Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension (RC) | Humans & Biodiversity | 1 | MCQ (Summary-based) |
| Literary Geography & Interdisciplinary Studies | 4 | MCQ | |
| AI, Big Tech & Bias | 4 | MCQ | |
| Cavefish Evolution & Adaptation | 4 | MCQ | |
| Science & Instrumentation (Astronomy vs Biology) | 4 | MCQ | |
| Verbal Ability (VA) | Para Summary | 3 | MCQ |
| Para Jumbles (4 sentences) | 2 | TITA | |
| Odd One Out (5 sentences) | 2 | TITA | |
| Sentence Insertion | 2 | MCQ |
Source: - CAT 2025 VARC Slot 2 Question Paper
CAT 2025 Slot 3 VARC
| Section Type | Topic | No. of Questions | Question Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension (RC) | Artificial Intelligence & Ethics | 4 | Inference, Summary, Assumption, Vocabulary |
| Forest Act & Colonial Policy | 4 | Inference, Main Idea, Critical Reasoning | |
| Dams & Environmental Impact | 4 | Vocabulary, Inference, Author’s Argument | |
| Tribal Imagination & Art | 4 | Inference, Conceptual Questions | |
| Memory & Philosophy | 1 | Summary | |
| Verbal Ability (VA) | Para Insertion | 2 | Sentence Placement |
| Para Jumble | 2 | Sentence Sequencing | |
| Odd Sentence Out | 2 | Odd Sentence Identification | |
| Summary Questions | 2 | Passage Summary |
Source: - CAT 2025 VARC Slot 3 Question Paper
CAT 2025 QA Slot-wise Topic & Question Distribution
CAT 2025 QA was dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra across all slots (70–80% weightage) with 22–23 questions each.
- Slot 1 was Arithmetic-heavy (45–50%), Slot 2 was more balanced between Arithmetic and Algebra (40–45% each).
- Slot 3 was more diverse and concept-driven with mixed/advanced questions (18%), making it slightly tougher overall.
CAT 2025 Slot 1 QA
| Topic | Key Sub-topics | No. of Questions | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Profit & Loss, SI/CI, Ratio & Mixtures, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work | 10–11 | 45–50% |
| Algebra | Linear & Quadratic Equations, Logarithms, Exponents, Functions, Inequalities | 6–7 | 27–32% |
| Geometry & Mensuration | Circles, Coordinate Geometry, Mensuration (Rhombus), Chords | 3–4 | 14–18% |
| Modern Mathematics | Permutation & Combination, Inequalities (Integer solutions) | 2 | 9% |
| Number System | Digits, Factors, Series (Patterns) | 2–3 | 9–11% |
| Total | — | 22 | 100% |
Source: - CAT 2025 QA Slot 1 Question Paper
Check: CAT 2026 QA Chapter-Wise Weightage: High-Priority Topics
CAT 2025 Slot 2 (QA)
| Topic | Key Sub-topics | No. of Questions | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Ratio, Averages, Percentages, Profit & Loss, CI, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, Mixtures | 9–10 | 40–45% |
| Algebra | GP, Logarithms, Exponents, Functions, Modulus, Quadratics, Equations, Minimization | 8–9 | 36–41% |
| Geometry & Mensuration | Circles (Tangents), Polygons, Triangles | 4–5 | 18–23% |
| Number System | Divisors, Powers, Digits | 2–3 | 9–11% |
| Total | — | 22–23 | 100% |
Source: - CAT 2025 QA Slot 2 Question Paper
CAT 2025 Slot 3 QA
| Topic | Key Sub-topics | No. of Questions | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Ratio & Mixtures, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, Profit & Loss, Averages | 7 | 32% |
| Algebra | Logarithms, Functions, Inequalities, Algebraic Expressions, Equations | 4 | 18% |
| Geometry & Mensuration | Triangles, Circles, Trapezium, Properties of Geometry | 3 | 14% |
| Number System | Digits, Divisibility, Powers, Base Concepts | 2 | 9% |
| Modern Mathematics | Set Theory, AP/Series, P&C/Probability | 2 | 9% |
| Mixed / Advanced (Number + Algebra + Logic) | Exponents, Number Logic, Multi-concept Problems | 4 | 18% |
| Total | — | 22 | 100% |
Source: - CAT 2025 QA Slot 3 Question Paper
Is the CAT 2026 Syllabus the Same as CAT 2025?
Yes, the CAT 2026 syllabus is expected to remain the same as the CAT 2025 syllabus, as the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have not announced any changes.
| Feature | CAT 2025 | CAT 2026 (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Sections | 3 | 3 |
| VARC Topics | Same | Same |
| DILR Topics | Same | Same |
| QA Topics | Same | Same |
| Official Syllabus | Not Released | Not Released |
| Major Changes | None | No major changes expected |
| Preparation Strategy | PYQs + Mock Tests | PYQs + Mock Tests |
Has the CAT Syllabus Changed Over the Years?
| Year | Major Update |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 | No major syllabus changes expected |
| CAT 2025 | Core syllabus remained unchanged |
| CAT 2024 | No syllabus changes; topic distribution varied |
| CAT 2023 | Similar syllabus with slot-wise variation |
| CAT 2022 | No changes in core topics |
CAT Preparation Strategy Based on CAT Syllabus 2026
With approximately four months remaining for CAT 2026, candidates should focus on completing the syllabus quickly while allocating enough time for revision, previous year question papers, and mock tests.
- Complete the syllabus by the end of August to leave sufficient time for revision.
- Solve CAT Previous Year Question Papers to understand question patterns and high-weightage topics.
- Attempt 20-30 full-length mock tests before the exam and analyse every mock to improve performance.
- Revise important formulas, vocabulary, and shortcut techniques every week.
- Focus on accuracy and time management rather than attempting every question
| Timeline | Preparation Focus | Recommended Activities |
|---|---|---|
| July | Complete the core syllabus | Cover Arithmetic, Algebra, Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning. Solve chapter-wise practice questions and strengthen concepts. |
| August | Finish the remaining syllabus | Complete Geometry, Number System, Modern Mathematics, and Verbal Ability topics. Start sectional mock tests and revise completed chapters regularly. |
| September | Previous Year Papers & Mock Tests | Solve CAT previous year question papers, attempt 1–2 full-length mock tests every week, and analyse your performance to identify weak areas. |
| October | Intensive Practice & Revision | Increase mock test frequency to 2–3 per week, revise formulas and concepts, improve speed and accuracy, and focus on time management. |
| November | Final Revision | Revise short notes, solve selected previous year questions, take a few final mock tests, and avoid starting any new topics. Focus on maintaining confidence and exam temperament. |
Check:
Best Books for CAT 2026 Preparation
| Section | Best Book | Author | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| QA | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Arun Sharma | Concepts & Practice |
| QA | Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Verma | Advanced Practice |
| VARC | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | Vocabulary |
| VARC | How to Prepare for VARC | Arun Sharma & Meenakshi | RC & VA |
| DILR | How to Prepare for DILR | Arun Sharma | Concepts & Practice |
| DILR | Logical Reasoning & DI for CAT | Nishit Sinha | CAT-level Sets |
Read More: Best Books for CAT 2026 Preparation: VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude
Best Books for CAT QA
Best Books for CAT VARC
Best Books for CAT DILR
Read More: CAT 2026 Books PDF: Arun Sharma, Oswal and Best Books pdf Free Download
CAT Mock Tests 2026
- Mock tests help you to assess your preparation, improve time management, and identify weak areas.
- Once you've completed the major syllabus topics, start attempting sectional and full-length mock tests regularly.
| Preparation Phase | Recommended Mocks |
|---|---|
| Foundation | 0-2 |
| Practice | 8-10 |
| Final Revision | 20-25 |
| Overall | 30-35 |
Free CAT Mock Test 2026 PDF Download with Detailed Solutions
PDF-format mock tests are useful for offline practice and for detailed review after an online attempt.
- Always attempt the online version first under timed conditions, then use the PDF for review
- When reviewing solutions, categorize every wrong answer into: concept gap, silly mistake, or time pressure
- TITA questions (no negative marking) should be attempted in PDF mocks even when unsure - build that habit early
CAT Syllabus 2026 FAQs
Ques. Can I clear my CAT in 1 month?
Ans. Yes, you can clear the CAT in 1 month, but scoring a very high percentile like 99+ is challenging, unless you already have a strong basics. With a limited time, your focus should be on the smart strategy rather than completing the whole syllabus.
- VARC: In the VARC section solve on atleast 2 RCs as it contributes around 65-70% weightage and 5-8 questions from topics like Para Summary, Para Summary and Odd one Out.
- QA: In quants section focus on solving atleast 20-25 questions from Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work) and Algebra (Equations, Inequalities).
- DILR: Focus DI (Tables, Bar Graphs) and LR (Seating Arrangement, Puzzles) atleast 2 sets daily each and try to solve 8-10 questions.
Ques. What marks is 99.9 percentile in cat?
Ans. To score 99.9 percentile in CAT, you typically need around 95–110 marks out of 204, depending on exam difficulty.
Scoring 99.9 percentile means that you are in top 0.1% candidates, which can get you admission into top IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta.
Ques. Which IIM will prepare CAT 2026?
Ans. The CAT 2026 is expected to conduct and prepare by the IIM Indore, which is likely to be conducted on 29 November 2026.
The CAT exam is conducted on the rotational basis by the older IIMs. As per the previous years trends, IIM Lucknow conducted it in 2023, IIM Calcutta in 2024, and IIM Kozhikode in 2025, setting the stage for IIM Indore in 2026.
Comments